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Installation and Operation Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
The VZ2 PTP Network Time Server is a simple to use GPS sourced time server that will supply accurate time
for all computers and time keeping devices on the network. By placing a time server on the local network,
PTP and NTP time packets are provided without requiring systems to go to the Internet to get a Stratum 1 time
synchronization. The system uses an active GPS antenna to maintain the current time as broadcast by
United States GPS satellites. With this device installed on your local network, there is no longer the worry
that if the Internet connection goes down, time synchronization is lost across the network. In addition, the
VZ2 includes a high precision internal clock based on an OCXO (Oven controller oscillator) that allows the
unit to serve accurate time beyond loss of the GPS antenna signal. The unit is small and can be placed
anywhere within the network layout. The built in high sensitivity GPS receiver is able to lock multiple
satellites from within many buildings or from a window location, removing the requirement that outdoor
antennas be installed. Setup and use of this time server is straightforward. Simply connect both the included
power supply and the GPS antenna to the base unit and then connect the base unit to the local network. Go
to a computer on the network and browse to the device at its default address to enter the software setup
within the control box. Set parameters to match your network and the system will start to send out time
packets to any device on the system that asks for an update from it. Two servers can be setup to provide
redundancy and more capacity. When paired with our digital Power Over Ethernet (PoE) or WiFi clocks,
synchronized time is assured no matter the state of your network, or the state of the internet time server the
clocks are pointed to. Accuracy is also improved because the network delay of the internet is highly
variable, while the local LAN connection is likely sub-millisecond delay. The VZ2 GPS based time servers are
suited to any application where coordination of events at multiple locations is required. Without coordinated
network time, searching for problems across multiple system logs becomes much more difficult. Education,
industrial facilities, military installations, public safety command rooms, government, broadcasting, and
hospitals are all candidates for synchronized time systems.
2. INSTALLATION
2.1 Location.
To receive GPS signals the Time Server's antenna must be located in a location where it can “see” the sky.
The GPS module itself is highly sensitive and able to “see” the GPS satellite signals from within many
structures. Multi-Story or metal structures may block the GPS signals such that the antenna must be located
elsewhere. In these cases, the GPS antenna may be located in a window. The Time Server box can be located
anywhere on the network. All that is required is power and a wired network connection. In the worst case, an
outdoor antenna may be required.
2.2 Connections.
2.2.1 Antenna.
The GPS antenna is connected through the circular female SMA connector on the rear of the Time Server. By
default, the GPS antenna connection provides 5.0V to power the LNA in the GPS antenna. This is correct for
the supplied GPS patch antenna with the magnetic base. This voltage can be changed with a jumper on the
inside of the Time Server. The Time Server has to be opened up and a jumper moved.
