Multi-Tech Systems 7600 User Manual

Page of 372
GPS Time Synchronization
 ION 7500 / ION 7600 User’s Guide
Page 352
Time Synchronization & Timekeeping Technical Note
The Property Description area explains the purpose for each field.
The default time synchronization interval of 3,600 seconds (displayed in 
milliseconds) is acceptable for most ION installations.
N
OTE
You need appropriate permissions to configure the meters on your network. Refer to the technical note
ION Security 
for details on software and meter security.
GPS Time Synchronization
To implement a GPS scheme, you need a dedicated serial network. If you are 
already using a serial link for communications with ION software, you need a 
second serial network to transport GPS signals.
Either RS-232 or RS-485 networks can be used for GPS time synchronization, 
though RS-485 is recommended if more than two meters are being synchronized. 
If your GPS receiver output is RS-232 use the COM32 or equivalent RS-232/RS-485 
converter that does not buffer communications. The COM128 is not recommended 
if used in Repeater Mode.
N
OTE
The ION 7700 has the highest possible synchronization accuracy using communications port 1 (COM1)
on the meter; however, COM2 and COM3 (via the Xpress Card) are still acceptable for time 
synchronization.
Configuring for GPS Time Synchronization
To implement GPS time synchronization, use Designer software to configure the 
Clock module and the Communications module:
1.
Launch Designer and choose Show Toolbox from the Options menu if it is not 
already displayed. Double-click the Clock module.
2.
Set the Clock module’s Clock Source setup register to 
COMM
.
GPS Receiver
RS-232 / RS-485
Converter
ION Network
GPS Serial Network
ION Devices