NTP Client
The ACS CFSound-IV has the ability to synchronize its Real Time Clock (RTC) from a remote time
server using the Network Time Protocol (NTP). NTP is a networking protocol for clock synchronization
between computer systems over packet-switched, variable latency data networks.
There are published lists of NTP time servers, and the selected server should be geographically close. If
at all possible the use of a local NTP server on the private network is strongly recommended to avoid
overloading the public time servers. Windows XP for example can be configured to act as a NTP server.
Some NAT routers can also be configured to provide NTP support.
The use of a remote time server external to the private network requires a correctly configured Router IP
Address in order to perform the ARP for the requisite outgoing UDP packets.
NTP Client Port
If the configured NTP Client Port is non-zero and the NTP Server address is correctly addressing an IP
Address hosting a NTP Server the CFSound-IV will attempt to sync its Real Time Clock to the time server
after reset or power-up. No direct indication of successful synchronization is provided, however the RTC
defaults to Tuesday, January 1, 2013, 12:00AM after reset or power-up.
Local Timezone
By definition, NTP servers provide Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). In order to compute the correct
time the local time zone (offset hours from UTC) must be configured. For example; Eastern Standard Time is
-5 hours from UTC.
Daylight Savings
In addition to the time zone offset from UTC correct local time requires knowledge of whether the
location of the CFSound-IV is currently operating under Daylight Savings time. Setting this configuration
item to Yes adds one hour to the computed local time.
Art-Net
“Art-Net™ Designed by and Copyright Artistic Licence Holdings Ltd”
The CFSound-IV can operate as an Art-Net peer device to send and receive DMX512 data using an
external Ethernet to DMX adaptor – such as the ENTTEC ODE:
http://www.enttec.com/?main_menu=Products&pn=70305
Art-Net IP Port
If the configured Art-Net IP Port is non-zero the CFSound-IV will send an ArtPollReply packet upon
power-up or reset or upon receipt of an ArtPoll packet and then send ArtDmx packets every 4 seconds or
whenever the DMX data generated by the CFSound mode or Basic mode changes at up to a 50mSEC rate.
The Art-Net Universe, Sub-Net and Net are configurable via the configuration settings. The target IP
address defaults to 255.255.255.255 and is also configurable to support a directed broadcast or full IP
address. Note that some Ethernet switches block directed broadcast packets.
