[time-nuts] Re: SpectraCom SecureSync1200 Questions

[Robert Krenicki]

That is very helpful, thank you!  I take it that this firmware upgrade is
different from the timing processor FPGA upgrade that happens during system
updates?

I may just purchase a Trimble RES-SMT GG instead, as those cost about $10
which is far less than the cost to cycle it back through Safran.  It would
be nice to have Galileo and BeiDou as additional reference sources, but I
really just want it to work at this point.  I know that both systems work
correctly with the one good RES-SMT GG module that I have.

Do you have any insights on the other two questions?  I am unsure if the
9400 series has the dual power option, but I know it can be equipped with
the Rubidium oscillator.

On Thu, Sep 26, 2024 at 9:49 PM Bruce Lane via time-nuts <
time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:

>      These are very similar to the NetClock 9483 series, though the
> 1200's have minor differences in hardware.
>
>      I can offer input on #2: The CPU's core firmware has to be updated
> at the factory end (via the JTAG interface) to handle the M8T module.
> Once that's done, you can only use an M8T. Trimble modules will no
> longer work, period.
>
>      The good news is the manufacturer (now Safran Timing) is very good
> about being reasonable when doing such things. Simply enter a support
> ticket from this page:
> https://safran-navigation-timing.com/support-hub/securesync-1200/
>
>      In said ticket, let them know you have a 1200 you'd like to send in
> for a firmware update to handle the Ublox receiver module. Ask for
> Russell Daykin (mention I sent you). ;-) Be sure to install said Ublox
> module before you send it down. That way, they can test it in their lab.
>
>      As I recall, the basic charge for doing this is around $240 plus
> shipping. Small price to pay for factory service on such well-built units.
>
>      Happy tweaking.
>
>
> On 26-Sep-24 09:04, Robert Krenicki via time-nuts wrote:
> > I have recently stumbled across a pair of SpectraCom SecureSync 1200
> units
> > that I have been restoring.  One is a 1200-003 (AC powered, TCXO, GNSS),
> > and one is a 1200-233 (AC/DC powered, standard Rubidium, GNSS).
> >
> > A touch of backgound: One had a dead CF card, but I was able to clone the
> > card from the other unit and updated both to the latest software.  The
> > 1200-003 came equipped with a Trimble RES-SMT GG, which works correctly,
> > however the 1200-233 came with a Trimble Revolution-T which does detect
> the
> > antenna, but never sees any satellites.  I am obviously more interested
> in
> > using the unit with the Rubidium Oscillator, so I swapped the GNSS
> modules
> > around and the -223 unit is now working.
> >
> > On to the questions:
> > 1) I am seeing more instability on the Rubidium Oscillator than I
> > expected.  I am regularly seeing phase errors of ±100ns.  I have never
> > worked with a Rb clock before, but I would expect smaller errors than
> > that.  Is this normal?
> >
> > 2) I purchased a uBlox M8T GPS module off of eBay, as I know that the
> more
> > recently manufactured units use these and should be supported.  It showed
> > up this morning and I replaced the bad Revolution-T, but the system does
> > not seem to recognize it at all.  The uBlox module is in the exact same
> > form factor and dropped right in, but I do not know if it is incompatible
> > or if it is defective.  I am unsure on how to test the unit externally.
> > The carrier board says WD22UGRC, and according to a random thread on
> > u-blox's forum, it shares the same pinout as the Trimble units.
> >
> > 3) I intend to use the -233 unit as my primary timesource in my
> > homelab/shack.  I only have AC power connected to it, so it is constantly
> > complaining about a lack of DC input.  I have been trying to find a way
> to
> > disable this alarm which also translates to a red light on the front of
> the
> > unit.   Short of hooking up a 48v power supply, is there any way to get
> > around this?
> >
> > I was hoping that someone amongst this group had some experience with
> these
> > units, or their NetClock 9400 series sister that might be able to shed
> some
> > light on this.  I appreciate any help!
> >
> > Rob KB1IPB
> > _______________________________________________
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>
> --
> Bruce Lane, ARS KC7GR,
> kyrrin at bluefeathertech.com
> "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)
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