MSF Radio Signal

The MSF radio signal is a broadcasted Longwave signal which provides accurate and reliable UK civil time, based on the NPL time scale UTC(NPL). It is transmitted 24 hours a day and 7 days a week across the UK and beyond. The signal is transmitted with a frequency of 60 kHz and and a time and date code that can be received by radio clocks is modulated onto the carrier. The MSF signal is transmitted from Anthorn Radio Station in Cumbria. The antennas position at Anthorn is 54° 55′ N and 3° 15′ W. The transmission strength is about 17 kW. It can be received in the whole UK and under good conditions also in northern and western Europe.

MSF Time and Date Code

The MSF signal transmits time and date information in a  binary-coded decimal format by on-off modulation of the carrier. The whole code is transmitted each minute, with 2 data bits every second of the minute except the first.

Here a few links to MSF radio clocks and MSF Time Servers:

MSF Antenna

MSF USB Clock

MSF Network Time Server

IRIG Time Server

The Inter-Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) time server is an important technology providing accurate network time synchronization. Time-critical operations – militaries, hospitals and financial services – depend on the highly precise data time stamps.

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a technological agreement establishing a common standard for synchronizing clocks, time and data based on the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC), which is calculated by the Greenwich, England Observatory Clock. These universal time stamp standards ensure that computer data transmission is organized in proper sequences.

Most computer clocks are inaccurate. They are set, by estimation, to within a couple of minutes of local time. The backup electrical currents are not always reliable. If the computer malfunctions, the clock could lose time. Some computer clocks only “run” when the computer is “on”. The IRIG time server overcomes individual computer inaccuracy.

An IRIG time server establishes time synchronization and network accuracy using the more precise format of year, day, hour, minute, second, microsecond and millisecond coordinating with the UTC. Time synchronization gains importance for file organization as data flows in from many different sources.

While some firms may go onto the Internet for network time synchronization, this can cause a security risk by going outside the company “firewall”. This procedure is also less accurate due to data transmission time delays.

Installing an IRIG time server within your firewall, can protect your network’s security and ensure more accurate time stamps. The “most accurate time gives a company an advantage over its competition.”

MSF NTP Server

Meinberg announces a new product for the UK market. It is a time server that is synchronized by MSF, the british reference time, transmitted via longwave radio signals.

MSF Time Server

Here is a link to the MSF Website.

It is delivered with a MSF outdoor antenna that can be connected with standard coaxial cable with up to 300m length.

GPS Time Server

GPS time servers are hardware appliances that consist of an embedded computer and a GPS receiver with GPS antenna. Most GPS time servers have the drawback of only allowing a few (~20) meters of antenna cable or need special expensive amplifiers. But a GPS Time Server build by Meinberg allows up to 300m of antenna cabling with standard coaxial cable (RG58) due to their special Antenna up/down converter.
You can simply connect the GPS Time Server to the antenna and to the network and mains, adjust some settings and are ready to run your network with high precision time synchronization:

Here is a picture of a GPS Time server with antenna and all needed parts:

Low cost NTP Server

I just found another new time server on the meinberg website. It is a low cost NTP Server for DIN Rail mounting.

The name of this model is Lantime M100 and it comes with a GPS timing receiver, antenna, and 20 m of cable but without display and for DIN rail mount, because of that i think it is mainly for industrial environments, like substations or similar. Here is a picture from the Meinberg website:

Inexpensive NTP Time Server

I just saw that Meinberg has a new inexpensive NTP Server variant. It is called Lantime M200, a really cheap NTP server with GPS receiver. Here is a picture:

Rail Mount NTP Time Server

Rail mount NTP servers are smaller devices for mounting on DIN mounting rail, often used in electrical substations.
Picture of DIN mounting Rail:

The Time Server module is then mounted onto the rail with a clamp.

Here is an example for a Rail Mount NTP Server

Rackmount NTP Server

The most common format for rackmounted NTP time servers is 19″ for installation in typical 19″ cabinets.

Usually the time server is mounted into the Rack with two screws on each site’s holder clamp.

You can see my minor Photoshop skills here:

The above photo is Meinberg’s PTP and NTP capable Rackmount NTP Server with GPS synchronization.

Time Server and NTP related stuff

This blog will try to give an overview about time synchronization in computer networks via NTP or PTP.