Remote inputs
Spectracom offers many devices that accept the RS-485 data stream as the input time reference. These products include display clocks, RS-485 to RS-232 converters, NTP time provider, ethernet time servers, and radio link products to meet various time synchronization applications and requirements.
Connection to TimeView display clocks
TimeView display clocks use a 6-position terminal block to connect to the RS-485 data bus. Connect the TimeView to the master clock output as shown in Figure 1. The TimeView display clocks accept only Data Formats 0 or 1. They have a built-in RS-485 repeater that can drive 32 more devices when the output connector is used. Either daisy chain the display clock inputs together or run the bus wire from the output of one clock to the input of the next device. Because this ends the first bus, and starts another bus, terminate this display clock as well as the last clock on the new line.
FIGURE 1: TimeView RS-485 Interface
Note: If pins 4 through 6 are used, terminate the wall clock.
Connection to TimeTap converters
The Model 8179T, TimeTap, is an RS-485 to RS-232 converter. The Model 8179T has a DB9 RS-232 interface that receives operational power from the RS-232 flow control pins RTS or DTR. Connect the TimeTap to the RS-485 data bus as shown in Figure 2.
FIGURE 2: Model 8179T TimeTap RS-485 Interface
Connection to an Ethernet Time Server
Spectracom Models 8188 and 9188 ethernet time servers (also called NetClock/ETS and Netclock/NTP) distribute a traceable time reference via NTP and SNTP time protocols for a secure network. The Models 8188 and 9188 accept either Data Format 0 or 2 and connect to the RS-485 data bus through a three-position terminal block. Connect the Models 8188 and 9188 to the Master Clock as shown in Figure 3.
FIGURE 3: Model 8188 or 9188 RS-485 Interface
Connection to a Model 8185 TimeBurst
The Model 8185, TimeBurst, provides a digital time-of-day data burst to a radio transmitter for wireless time distribution throughout a wide area ("campus-plus"). The TimeBurst accepts Data Format 0. Connect the TimeBurst to the RS-485 data bus using a 3-position terminal block as shown in Figure 4.
FIGURE 4: TimeBurst RS-485 Interface