Troubleshooting WWVB Interference
UPS Concerns
A possible source of power line noise is from an Uninterruptible Power Supply, or UPS. The switching frequency of the DC to AC converters found in the UPS may disrupt the NetClock/2 receiver. If the NetClock/2 is connected to a UPS, temporarily power the clock from an unprotected outlet. Note the rate of bit errors displayed prior to changing the power source. If the Netclock/2 is installed near a UPS try locating the clock away from the UPS.
Grounding
Try connecting the rear panel Chassis Ground stud to a known good earth ground. If no improvement in signal quality is detected, the problem is due to radiated interference.
Radiated Interference
This type of reception problem is often solved by either relocating the antenna or trying a different type of antenna. Try to locate the current antenna outdoors and as far away as possible from any RF generating sources (i.e other transmitting antennas, RADAR from a nearby airport, Air Conditioning equipment, UPS's, High Voltage power lines, etc). Keep the antenna at least three feet from metal and other WWVB antennas.
If the antenna is installed on an antenna tower, try a rooftop location. If no improvement in signal quality is shown, the problem could be due to antenna saturation caused by local interference. To verify the problem is site-related and not equipment-related, try temporarily moving the clock off site.
If the clock time syncs offsite, and you are using a Model 8208 whip antenna or a Model 8206(a) active antenna, consider trying a Model 8219 passive antenna along with a Model 8207 preamplifer to minimize saturation. Spectracom has a loaner program that allows you to try this system before purchasing. Contact Spectracom tech support.
If the clock time synchronizes offsite and you already have the Model 8219 antenna, consider changing out the WWVB time server / master clock for a GPS-based time server / master clock system. Contact the sales department.