[time-nuts] Re: SpectraCom SecureSync1200 Questions

[Bruce Lane]

Hi, Robert,

On 26-Sep-24 19:35, Robert Krenicki via time-nuts wrote:
> 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?
 Â Â Â  It is, yes. It's updating microcode on the processor side, which is 
why the factory needs to do it (the code file was never made public, and 
you need JTAG tools for the Coldfire CPUs to use it in any case).
> 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.
 Â Â Â  No real insight on the rubidium. However, speaking from experience 
on adding the dual power option: The trickiest part is finding the 
correct DC/DC converter. Spectracom used a SynQor IQ36120QTC10NRS-G, 
which is what the PC board is laid out for. In addition, you need to add 
a couple of filter caps that aren't populated if the board didn't get 
the DC option built in at the factory. The rear panel is cut for a 
mil-spec connector, specifically MS3102A12-3P, for the DC input.

 Â Â Â  I hope this helps.

>
> 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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-- 
Bruce Lane, ARS KC7GR,
kyrrin at bluefeathertech.com
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)