INCLUDES ADDENDUM

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING A

SCHNEIDER ION METER
WITH A GPS500

DISCLAIMER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Information contained in this document is subject to

change without notice. Masterclock, Inc. (hereinafter
MC) makes no warranty of any kind with regard to
this material, including, but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose. MC shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material. MC is not
responsible for legislative changes to the Daylight
Saving Time (DST) rules, nor to the systems relying
on accurate time, which may be affected by such
changes. Issues related to legislative changes to the
DST rules are not covered under the Masterclock,
Inc. limited warranty. See important limited
warranty information on page 11.

Introduction.................................................. 3
Installation ................................................... 4
Antenna Location ........................................ 5
Global Positioning System............................ 6
Antenna Placement...................................... 7
Antenna Options.......................................... 8
Lightening & Cable....................................... 9
Inputs/Outputs & Switches Diagram .......... 10
DIP Switches 1 & 2...................................... 11
DIP Switches 3 & 4...................................... 12
Operation.................................................... 13

FACTORY TESTED

Almanac & Power Outage........................... 14

To ensure a successful installation to your local

grounding and electrical specifications, your GPS 500
was thoroughly tested with its antenna prior to
shipment.

Interval Blanking & Specifications............... 15

Troubleshooting .......................................... 16
Addendum - ION Meter Time Sync............. 18
Warranty Limitations & Repair................... 20

ADVISORY NOTICE
CONCERNING THE
GPS SATELLITE SYSTEM
AND THE GPS 500
GPS REFERENCE DEVICE

Declaration of Conformity ........................... 21

Contact ...................................................... 22

Depending on many factors beyond the control of

MC, the signals that are received from the GPS
satellites are subject to interference, fading, satellite
failure and other influences that could cause the GPS
500 to generate erroneous time and/or date
information and, under some conditions, could
prevent it from generating a Time Code signal and/or
cause it to generate an erroneous Time Code signal.
It is the responsibility of the user to determine the
adequacy and suitability of this device for the
intended use.

GPS 500 FEATURES:

Generates SMPTE / EBU or IRIG-B Time Codes

Synchronized to atomic clocks in GPS satellites

-11.5 to +12 hour Time Zone offsets in 30-minute

increments

Automatic Daylight Savings

(US and Canada time standard)

Multiple outputs

NMEA/Kinemetrics / Truetime serial protocol

output

Wide power supply input range: 12 to 48 VDC

Switch compatible interval blanking in the

Schneider Ion Meter

Switch compatible format and baud rate

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Introduction
The GPS 500 is a precision IRIG-B or SMPTE Time Code generator. It
provides a source of very stable Time Code and accurate time and
date information. The GPS 500 receives reference time information
from atomic clocks in GPS satellites.
The GPS 500 extracts timing reference from these signals and
generates Time Code that is synchronized to within less than 10
microseconds of UTC (Universal Coordinated Time).
The GPS 500 can provide local time. Hour offsets of -11 to +12 hours
(including half-hour offset and Daylight Savings) can be configured via
DIP switches (p. X).

SMPTE
The GPS 500 supports SMPTE Time Code. Defined by the Society of
Motion Picture and Television Engineers, SMPTE is available in 30, 25,
and 24- frames per second.

IRIG-B
The GPS 500 supports IRIG-B. Defined by the Range Commanders
Council, U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range. The format is used by
military, government, power industry, and many other commercial
and industrial applications. The GPS 500 generates IRIG-B in 1kHz
modulated and un-modulated (pulse-width coded) format.
All formats of IRIG-B Time Code carry time-of-year information and
BCD (Binary Coded Decimal). All formats also carry extended year/date
and time zone information in the control functions (CF) as defined by
the IEEE 1344 specification.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
The GPS 500 is not water- or moisture-proof. treat it as you would any
other delicate electronic device and do not expose it to high humidity,
excessive heat or physical abuse.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Installation
UNPLUG YOUR GPS 500 (IF POWERED UP)
THEN FOLLOW THESE 4 STEPS TO INSTALL AND
CONFIGURE THE UNIT
Although the highest voltage
inside the GPS 500 is 12 to 28
VDC (which is generally not
dangerous to touch),
accidentally shorting a trace
or wire inside the unit with
power-on could destroy or
damage any one of the
extremely sensitive electronic
modules.
Accidentally shorting a wire
or trace or subjecting the
unit to a static discharge,
even for a very small fraction
of a second, can destroy
these modules.
Such damage is not covered
by the warranty.

STEP 1:
CONFIGURE THE GROUND JUMPER [J5]
AND SWITCHES
Prior to plugging in the GPS 500,
unscrew the two screws at the back of the GPS 500 and gently pull out
the circuit board.
Set the four banks of eight DIP switches and other items using the DIP
Switch Charts (pages 5-6) as your guide.
By default the J5 ground jumper is off. In this state the GPS 500s
system ground is floating or a virtual ground. Connecting the J5
ground jumper connects the system ground to the Earth ground (J4).

STEP 2:
SECURE THE BOARD

Replace the circuit board within the case, and replace the two
screws to secure the back.

STEP 3:
CONNECT THE SMA ANTENNA CABLE AND
9-PIN OUTPUT CONNECTOR
Connect the GPS pre-amplified antenna (page 6) to the GPS 500s
SMA input with the coaxial cable (if that option was ordered).
Make connections to the 9-pin terminal block (J2) according to your
applications specifications and the inputs/outputs and switches
diagram (p. 9).

STEP 4:
CONNECT THE POWER CORD
Important: First ensure that the J5 ground jumper is configured to
your specifications before connecting power. Connect power to the 3pin terminal block according to the inputs/outputs and switches
diagram (p. 9).

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Antenna Location
INDOORS CAN BE A PROBLEM
Obstructions may block signal reception if your antenna is
not properly located. Try to find an unobstructed view
of the sky.
In some cases this can be accomplished by placing a basic
antenna adjacent to a window, magnetized to the included
iron angle bracket that can be attached to the window frame.
However, in most cases good reception will require mounting
a standard antenna outside of the building, perhaps on a
roof. It is possible that the system will operate indoors and
under certain obstructions, but this can only be determined
by trial and error, ultimately leading to a successful
installation.

Above: The basic antenna option includes

15 feet of attached cable and a right
angle iron bracket than can be attached
to a window frame by screws or adhesive.
The magnetic head of the antenna is
magnetized to the iron bracket.
Below: The standard antenna option
mounts on a PVC pipe, typically outdoors.
Cable extensions, up to 500 feet, apply
only to this model.

Your GPS 500 package comes either alone or with the

antenna of your choice.

BASIC ANTENNA OPTION

The basic antenna comes complete with a right angle bracket
for mounting and 15 feet (5m) of cable. Extensions are not
available for this type.

STANDARD ANTENNA OPTION

The Standard Antenna is generally mounted to PVC pipe and
anchored to an outdoor wall. The cable must be attached
during assembly. The standard antenna has the following
specs:
Gain: 32dB preamplified
Voltage: 3.55 VDC 27 mA (max)
Connector: SMA Female
Dimensions: 3.7dia x 5.5h in [9.3dia x 14h cm]
Weight: 6.7 oz (190 g)
Environment: 40 to +85C with high humidity
Included cable: 50 feet (15 m)
Cable extensions: up to 500 feet

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM AND PRECISE TIME

AND FREQUENCY

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radionavigation system formed from a constellation of 24 satellites
that continuously orbit the earth. Each GPS satellite has on
board several atomic clocks that are precisely synchronized to
Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) provided by the U.S. Naval
Observatory (USNO). Coded signals are broadcast by each of
the satellites with the exact time and position of the satellite.
All GPS receivers use an antenna to receive these signals. By
using a GPS receiver optimized for time and not position it is
possible to get extremely precise time synchronization with the
satellites atomic clocks.

GPS Antennas and Cables

Typical roof antenna mounting

The signals from the GPS satellites operate in the semi-visible

spectrum of the L1 band (1575.42 MHz) with a minimum signal
level of -162.0 dBW. With this very low signal strength the GPS
antenna must be able to see the sky to acquire the signals.
Practically speaking the antenna must have a clear view of the
sky and thus be mounted on a roof, or in some cases in a
window. The antennas are relatively small, coffee cup size or
smaller, and are connected to the GPS receiver typically via
coaxial cable.
Since the GPS signal is very weak the antenna usually
amplifies the signal to drive it through the cable to the
receiver. Antenna cable however offers some resistance and
the GPS signal strength will attenuate as it travels down the
cable. GPS receiver sensitivity is finite so if the cable length is
too long the signal will be too weak for the receiver to detect
it. Consequently it is very important to know the distance in
advance between the antenna and the receiver so that the
proper cable solution can be installed.

Antenna Types
There are two basic antenna types used with GPS timing
receivers; roof mounted and window mounted. The roof
mounted antenna is required for the more accurate GPS clocks
since at least three satellites are required to be in view at all
times to maintain timing accuracy, typically nanoseconds to
UTC. The window mounted antenna is applicable for the
network time servers which operate with a lesser degree of
accuracy, typically microseconds or in some cases low
milliseconds to UTC, and can function with as few as one
intermittent satellite in view. The roof mounted antenna is
always preferable since by nature of its location has the best
view of the sky. A variation on the roof antenna is the GPS
Down/Up converter used for very long cable runs. This is a
special GPS antenna that receives the GPS signal and down

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

converts it to a lower frequency that is then sent down the

cable. Next to the GPS receiver is an up converter that converts
the signal back to the original frequency and delivers it to the
GPS receiver. This process is transparent to the GPS receiver.

Antenna Placement and Mounting

Roof Antenna Placement: When selecting a site for the roof
antenna, find an outdoor location that provides full 360-degree
visibility of the horizon. In most cases, this means locating the
antenna as high as possible, such as on the roof. Any
obstructions may degrade unit performance by blocking the
satellite signals. Blocked signals can increase the time for
satellite acquisition, or prevent acquisition altogether.
A short mounting mast and hose clamps are provided
with the roof antenna to mount the antenna to a pole
or the peak of a building. The antenna mounting mast
and clamps are well suited to attach the antenna to a
vent pipe or mast affixed to the roof. The pipe must
be rigid and able to withstand high winds without
flexing..

Placement is preferred in Window with clear view of sky

Typical roof antenna mounting

This window is not a preferred location due to line of sight obstructions

GPS Receivers can be susceptible to reflected GPS

signals called multipath. Multi-path interference is
caused by reflected signals that arrive at the antenna
out of phase with the direct signal. This interference is
most pronounced at low elevation angles from 10 to
20 degrees above the horizon. The height of the
mast/antenna may be extended upward to prevent
multipath interference. The antenna should also be at
least three to six feet (1-2 m) from a reflecting
surface.

Window Antenna Placement

The window mount antenna is suitable for use only with the
network time server products with appropriate versions of
firmware. For window mounted antenna installations it is best
to use a window with the best view of the sky. For windows
with equivalent views, orientations that face the equator are
preferred. Generally more satellites will be in view toward the
equator than away from it, east or west facing windows will
also work. Polar facing windows will also work but in general
are not preferred. Windows that have the best view of the sky
are always preferred regardless of orientation.
Attach the antenna above the window sill versus at the top of
the window. This will improve the upward visibility from the
antenna to the sky. Note that some window glazing
treatments may reduce or block the GPS signals, preventing
the time server from acquiring the time.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Antenna Cable Configurations/Options

Antenna cabling solutions typically vary depending on how far
the antenna is installed from the GPS receiver. 150 feet (45 m)
is the unaided cable length limit for many GPS timing receivers.
Adding a GPS inline amplifier extends the cable length an
additional 150 feet (45 m). Beyond 300 feet (90 m) alternative
methods may be used. Figure 3 highlights the cable lengths and
the antenna solutions that enable them.

In-line Amplifier
In-line amplifiers overcome signal attenuation in by amplifying
the GPS signal, adding an additional 150 feet (45 m) in
cablelength. The inline amplifier attaches directly in line with
the antenna cable and uses the same power as the antenna; no
extra wiring is required. Mounting the amplifier inside the
mounting mast helps protect it from moisture and exposure to
the elements. See Figure 4 for a typical mast mount
application.

GPS Down/Up converter

The GPS Down/Up converter makes cable runs of 250 to 1500
feet (75 m to 457 m) possible. GPS signal down conversion
requires a special GPS antenna and corresponding signal upconverter. The antenna module converts the signal down to
a lower frequency that is less susceptible to attenuation, and
transmits it the length of the cable to the up-converter. The up
converter restores the signal to the normal GPS signal
frequency for the receiver. The down/up conversion process
is transparent to the GPS receiver. As with any precision GPS
timing receiver, only cable delay and down conversion delays
need to be entered into the receiver. Power is supplied
by the GPS receiver. In the case of Bus level GPS receivers an
external power supply is used. It is important to note that the
cable used in GPS down/up conversion is different than the
standard cable.

Fiber Optic Links

Fiber-optic connections function as a transparent link between
the antenna and GPS receiver equipment. These links eliminate
the limitations of copper systems by enabling longer
transmission distances while retaining the highest level of
signal quality. In addition, fiber optics provide several other
significant network advantages, including simplified network
design, ease of installation, and immunity from EMI/RFI and
lightning.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Lightning Arrestor
In-line lightning arrestors are mounted on a low impedance
ground between the antenna and the point where the cable
enters the building. They require no additional power or wiring
except the ground lead.

Cable Delay
GPS position as well as precise UTC time is determined at the
point the GPS signals are received at the antenna. Since the
antenna is typically attached to the GPS timing receiver via a
cable, signal propagation delays through the cable cause the
time calculated by the receiver to be slightly behind UTC. In
GPS clocks with nanosecond and microsecond accuracies this is
a critical factor. In products such as network time servers cable
delay is not important because time transfer over IP networks
degrades the time to the millisecond level.
Cable delay is a function of the cable type. RG-59 cable for
example typically delays the signal 1.24 ns/ft. For 50 feet of
cable (15 m) the delay would be 62 nanoseconds. Cable delay is
removed by advancing the antenna signal inside the GPS
receiver. In this example, advancing the signal +62
nanoseconds removes all cable latency. Solutions such as the
GPS Down/up converter also introduce signal latency but this
latency can also be removed by adjusting the signal. All
precision GPS timing receivers with nanosecond or
microsecond timing accuracy have the ability to compensate
for cable delay.

Advanced Planning
It is time well spent to estimate in advance the cable length
from the GPS antenna to the receiver for any planned
installation. Cable lengths that are too short or too long
can each introduce problems. In some cases adding an inline
amplifier and some extra cable may be a quick and economical
solution. In other instances retrofitting for a GPS down/up
converter may be necessary which will require installing a
different cable type. Keep in mind that some extra cable coiled
in a ceiling leftover from over estimating the cable length is not
necessarily negative. Provided you know the length of the total
cable, the cable delay can be accounted for and the timing
accuracy maintained.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Inputs/Outputs and Switches Diagram

10

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

DIP Switches

SW1 controls
Truetime/Kinemetrics, NMEA,
Interval Blanking, Output Disable no
GPS lock.
-----------------------------------------------1 Truetime/Kinemetrics
Lock Indicator
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
2 ION meter Interval Blanking
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
3 Time Code (IRIG, SMPTE),
Truetime/Kinemetrics, and NMEA
output if GPS is not locked
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
4 Truetime/Kinemetrics output on
RS232 and RS485 port
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
5 NMEA output on RS232
and RS485 port
0 = disabled
1 = enabled
Select the NMEA output messages.
Only output when NMEA is enabled.
678
000 = ZDA
001 = ZDA_GGA_GSA_RMC
010 = ZDA_GGA_VTG_GLL_GSA_RMC
011 = reserved
100 = ZDA_GGA_VTG
101 = reserved
110 = ZDA_GGA_VTG_GSV
111 = reserved

SW2 controls
Daylight Savings and Time Zone. Used when
generating Time Code (IRIG, SMPTE) or
Truetime/Kinemetrics output
-----------------------------------------------------------select the DST standard:
12
00 = no offset
01 = US/Canada standard
10 = European standard
11 = reserved
3 Makes the time zone offset negative
0 = positive offset
1 = negative offset
4 Adds 1/2 hour to the time zone offset
0 = no half hour offset
1 = add half hour offset
Set the time zone offset in hours:
5678
0000 = no offset
0001 = 1 + hours
0010 = 2 + hours
0011 = 3 + hours
0100 = 4 + hours
0101 = 5 + hours
0110 = 6 + hours
0111 = 7 + hours
1000 = 8 + hours
1001 = 9 + hours
1010 = 10 + hours
1011 = 11 + hours
1100 = 12 + hours

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

11

SW3 controls
Type of Time Code generated,
Baud rate of RS232 and RS485
-----------------------------------------------------Select the type of Time Code to generate
1 = reserved
2 = reserved
3 = reserved
4 = reserved
5
0 = Turn off the PPS output when GPS is
not locked. PPS source is always the
GPS receiver.
1 = Always output PPS. When GPS is
locked, the PPS source is the GPS
receiver. When GPS is not locked the
PPS source is referenced to the
internal Real Time Clock (TCXO RTC).
Set the baud rate for NMEA and
Truetime/Kinemetrics output
678
000 = 9600
001 = 19200
010 = 38400
011 = 57600
100 = 4800
101 = reserved
110 = reserved
111 = reserved

SW4 controls
Time Code output type (SMPTE or
IRIG), format and IRIG-B "Coded
Expressions".
AM = Amplitude Modulation
BCD = Binary Coded Decimal
DCLS = Direct Current Level Shift
PWM = Pulse Width Modulation
SBS = Straight Binary Seconds
TOY = Time Of Year.
1
0 = SMPTE Time Code
1 = IRIG Time Code
23 when SMPTE selected by switch 1
00 = SMPTE 30 frames per second
01 = SMPTE 25 frames per second
10 = SMPTE 24 frames per second
11 = Time Code output disabled
23 when IRIG selected by switch 1
00 = IRIG B00 DCLS (PWM)
01 = IRIG B12 AM
10 = reserved
11 = Time Code output disabled
45 when SMPTE selected by switch 1
00 = SMPTE - Leitch date encoding
01 = SMPTE - 309M date encoding
MM/DD/YY, time zone included
10 = SMPTE - 309M date encoding
Modified Julian Date (MJD), time zone
included
11 = reserved
45 when IRIG selected by switch 1
00 = Coded expression 2, BCDTOY
01 = Coded expression 3, BCTOY, SBS
10 = Coded expression 7, BCDTOY,
BCDyear, SBS
11 = reserved
Note: there are seven
6 = reserved
IRIG-B coded
7 = reserved
expressions output by a
8 = reserved
Masterclock MCR1000/
MCR5000 Time Code
generator. The GPS 500
will output only the 3
listed above (switch
4,5).

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

12

Operation
PRIOR TO POWER UP
1.

Configure the Ground Jumper (p. 3) and set the DIP

switches to your desired settings (p. 4-5).

2.

Secure the board (p. 3).

3.

Install the antenna (p. 3, 6).

4.

Attach all output wires to the terminal blocks (p. 3, 9).

5.

Apply power (p. 3).

NORMAL OPERATION
LED POWER INDICATOR AND GPS LOCK STATUS
The small green light on the faceplate of the GPS 500 is the LED power
indicator. After applying power the following indications will be visible.

13
INDICATION: One blink per second
GPS is locked. Power is on.
INDICATION: Two blinks per second
GPS is not locked (it is freewheeling). Power is on.
The time reference is the internal clock.
INDICATION: Off No blinking
No power.

FIRST FIX
When the GPS 500 is initially powered up (after having been
shipped to a new location) the typical time to first fix (time
to acquire satellites and reference GPS time) is 2 to 5
minutes, but could be up to 25 minutes. A variety of factors,
including atmospheric conditions, type of antenna, antenna
location and antenna cable length, may extend the time to
first fix.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

IMPORTANCE OF THE ALMANAC

Almanac data is used to remember the previous satellites in
use by the GPS 500.
More importantly, the almanac remembers the number of
leap seconds added to UTC time. If these were lost, it could
take up to ten minutes after GPS lock before the almanac
could be updated to include current leap second data. Thus,
displayed time would be inaccurate by that number of lost
leap seconds until the update arrived.
Almanac data could be lost after an extended power outage
of two weeks or more. Thats because the almanac is in
battery-backed RAM. This magnesium-lithium battery has a 9year life and it is automatically recharged whenever power is
present. Recharging from a completely drained condition
could take up to 45 minutes.

LOST POWER
Whenever the GPS 500 unit is powered down, the startup
data is saved in the almanac with an internal backup battery.
Current time is saved in an internal real time clock (RTC) that
is temperature compensated (TCXO) for an accuracy of one
minute per year. During a power outage, the RTC will
maintain time for 2-4 weeks. When power is reapplied, the
GPS 500 will restart much faster if the location, time and
number of overhead satellites has not changed since the last
power down.

POWER OUTAGE AND FREEWHEELING

During continuous operation it is likely that your PCIe will experience
unavoidable power outages that can last from a few seconds to
several hours. When the power reappears the unit will automatically
recover.
Freewheeling is an operational state in which there is no syncing
source (i.e. GPS or Time Code). Any time a GPS or Time Code reference
is dropped or lost timing is maintained by a TCXO oscillator accurate to
1 minute per year.
The transition to and from freewheeling mode is seamless-it does not interrupt the synchronizing of the PC time.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

14

INTERVAL BLANKING
During the following noted periods the GPS 500 does
not output a timestamp, per the request of our
customers needing these quiet intervals.

MID-INTERVAL

INTERVAL
mm:ss - mm:ss
58:45 - 01:15
03:45 - 06:15
08:45 - 11:15
13:45 - 16:15
18:45 - 21:15
23:45 - 26:15
28:45 - 31:15
33:45 - 36:15
38:45 - 41:15
43:45 - 46:15
48:45 - 51:15
53:45 - 56:15

xx: 00:00
xx: 05:00
xx: 10:00
xx: 15:00
xx: 20:00
xx: 25:00
xx: 30:00
xx: 35:00
xx: 40:00
xx: 45:00
xx: 50:00
xx: 55:00

Specifications
Time Reference

Physical

When synchronized, the Time Code (SMPTE, IRIG) accuracy is

40 usec relative to the GPS satellite atomic clock. When the GPS
is locked, the PPS output is connected to the GPS receiver for an
accuracy of 60 nsec.
Should the GPS 500 lose GPS signal it will revert to an internal
TCXO oscillator and maintain an accuracy of 1 minute per year.
The PPS output is synchronized to the internal TCXO oscillator.

SMPTE, EBU, 24, 25 or 30 FPS

IRIG-B - 1 kHz modulated, level - 5 Vpp

IRIG-B unmodulated, single ended 5 V

PPS (Pulse Per second)

5 V-TTL, Accuracy 60 nsec (when GPS synchronized)
Serial Output via RS232/RS485
NMEA
Kinemetrics/Truetime protocol

Date encoded references

(IRIG 1344 and SMPTE Leitch date format or 309M)

Connectors
Output : 9-pin terminal block
Power plug: 3-pin terminal block
Antenna: SMA female

Size:

Weight:

17.3 oz
490.5 g

Case
Cover - off-white aluminum
Front/rear panel - clear anodized aluminum

Compliance
CE marked Available for sale in EU
FCC, Part 15, Class B, emissions

Outputs

15
5.5 x 4.13 x 1.5 in
14 x 10.48 x 3.81 cm

Power Supply
12 VDC external wall mount supplied, UL & CE listed
115/220, 50/60 Hz
Supplied with US, Euro-plug, British or AUS/NZ

- others optionally available

Antenna Options
Basic antenna package includes magnetic GPS

antenna and 15 (5m) of cable

Standard antenna package includes marine GPS

antenna, mounting kit, and 50 (15m) of cable.

Operating Parameters
Temperature: 0 to +70C
Humidity: Up to 90% (non-condensing at +25C)

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Troubleshooting
PROBLEMS:
All Masterclock GPS 500 units are fully
checked and system tested for proper
operation before shipment. Unless
physical damage is found, the unit is
probably functional.
Please remember, for an initial startup
at a new location the unit could take up
to 30 minutes.
After the unit has acquired satellites at
the new location the startup time is
greatly reduced to less than a few
minutes.

1.
2.
3.

Time Code generator is not locking to GPS.

The LED on the front panel is always steady ON.
Time Code generator is not outputting Time Code.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS:
The LOCK LED will stay steady ON when the GPS 500 has never locked
to GPS and is not outputting Time Code. The LOCK LED on the front of
the GPS 500 will flash once per second when locked and twice per
second when freewheeling.
Once locked, the unit can continue to output Time Code as long as the
DC input power is not interrupted.
Wait at least 20-30 minutes if installing in a new location.

Check the GPS antenna, antenna cable, and connectors. Make

sure the cables and connectors are not damaged and the LOCK
LED threaded connectors are tightly coupled.

If you have not already done so, install or locate the GPS antenna
outdoors with a clear/unobstructed view of the sky. Preferably on
a rooftop or similar location such as a large open field or parking
lot with an unobstructed view. While the GPS 500 may lock to GPS
on some occasions with the antenna located indoors in a window,
such use is not recommended.

Locate your GPS antenna away from satellite dishes or sources of

RF interference such as transmitters or other antennas. Try
relocating your GPS antenna if you are experiencing problems.

Your antenna/antenna cable installation may be faulty.

Your antenna cable or connectors may be shorted or open.

You may be using too long of an antenna cable or improper

impedance cable.

You may have damaged the cable(s) or connector(s) during

installation.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

16

PROBLEM:
Time Code generator is not outputting the correct time or date.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS:
1. The GPS 500 Time Code generator has been freewheeling for some
time. The LOCK LED will flash twice per second when freewheeling.
Check the GPS antenna, antenna cable, and connections.

Important Note: To reduce risk

of damage to your GPS 500 unit,
configure and connect the unit
to the antenna only with the DC
input power removed. Observe
standard ESD protection
practices when handling,
configuring, or installing the GPS
500.

2. The Time Code generator is not referenced properly to UTC or to

your local time zone. Set the configuration DIP switches appropriately.
Note: the default configuration of the DIP switches is to generate UTC
(GMT). Note: countries in the Western Hemisphere require the local
time zone set to negative.
3. Your Time Code reader/display, which you are using to read the
time, is not providing the time/date that you expect. Check the time
zone and DST offset settings of the Time Code reader/display. Verify
that you are not offsetting for time zone or DST at both the generator
and the receiver.
4. Your Time Code reader/display device is not compatible with the
Leitch date encoding for SMPTE or the IEEE-1344 date/year encoding
for IRIG. Check the GPS 500 with a Masterclock Time Code display
(such as the TCD200 or TCD series II) or other compatible device that
uses Leitch date encoding or the IEEE-1344 encoding.
5. You may have set your switches/jumper with the unit powered on.
The unit will read the switch configuration settings only during power
up. Restart the unit by removing then reapplying the DC input power.

PROBLEM:
If these troubleshooting tips
do not resolve your problem
please view the
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) section
of the support area at
www.masterclock.com
for additional information

Clock did not properly negotiate the daylight time to standard time (or
vice-versa) transition.

POSSIBLE REASONS/SOLUTIONS:
1. The DST enable switch is in the incorrect position.
2. You Time Code generator or the TCD clock that you are using to
read the time from the generator does not have the correct DST
firmware installed.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

17

Addendum: Instructions for Adding Time Sync to the Ion Meter

SETUP THE SCHNEIDER ION METER TO RECEIVE
TIME SYNC FROM THE MASTERCLOCK GPS500
Install the ION Setup software. The user manual and the
setup application can be found on the following web page:
http://www.memt.com.br/support.html

UNDER COMMUNICATIONS
1.

Set the COM port to: RS-485 or RS-232 (depending on

your choice of ports for the meter and GPS 500)

2.

Set the protocol to: GPS - Truetime/Datum

3.

Set the Baud Rate to: 9600

4.

No handshake, or, RTS + Delay

UNDER CLOCK
1.

Set your Time Zone to the correct offset

2.

Set the Time Sync Type to: UTC.

3.

Set the Truetime time stamp to: UTC referenced

UNDER COMMUNICATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.

Set Time Sync Source to: either COM1 or COM2

The ION 8xxx meters: most commonly use COM 1
The ION 7xxx meters: most commonly use COM2
Since the DST offset is zero do not enter a DST setting.

GPS500 SWITCH SETTINGS

The switch settings should be configured as below:
1.

Install J5: Connects system ground to earth ground

2.

Set interval blanking to: Enabled

3.

Output Truetime/Kinemetrics time stamps: only when

GPS is locked

4.

Set serial port settings to: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no

parity, 1 stop bit

5.

PPS output pulse comes from internal RTC when there is

no GPS lock

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

18

GPS 500 DIP Switch Settings

DIP switches on the GPS 500 should be set the following
configurations:

SW1
-----------------------------------------------1 On

SW2
-----------------------------------------------1 Off

2 On

2 Off

3 Off

3 Off

4 On

4 Off

5 Off

5 Off

6 Off

6 Off

7 Off

7 Off

8 Off

8 Off

19
SW3
-----------------------------------------------1 Off

SW4
-----------------------------------------------1 On

2 Off

2 Off

3 Off

3 Off

4 Off

4 On

5 On

5 On

6 Off

6 Off

7 Off

7 Off

8 Off

8 Off

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY
The following Masterclock, Inc. Product Warranty extends only to the original
purchaser.
Masterclock (MC) warrants every GPS 500 against defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one year from date of sale. If MC receives notice of such defects during
the warranty period, MC will, at its option, either repair or replace defective products.
Should MC be unable to repair or replace the product within a reasonable amount of
time, an alternate remedy shall be a refund of the purchase price upon return of the
product to MC. This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights. Other rights,
which vary from state to state or province to province, may be available.

EXCLUSIONS
The above warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate
maintenance by the customer, customer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized
modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the
product, or improper site preparation and maintenance (if applicable).

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
MASTERCLOCK MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH
RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT. MC SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
In any state or province which does not allow the foregoing disclaimer, any implied
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose imposed by law in those
states or provinces is limited to the one-year duration of the written warranty.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE THE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL MASTERCLOCK BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT,
TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY.
In any state or province which does not allow the foregoing exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, the customer may have other remedies.

HARDWARE REPAIR SERVICE

You may return your GPS 500 to MC for repair service at any time. First, however, please
contact the factory at 1-636-724-3666 for a RMA (Returned Merchandise Authorization)
form.

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

20

21

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

Contact Us
Masterclock, Inc.
2484 West Clay Street
St. Charles, MO 63301 USA
website
www.masterclock.com
USA and Canada
1-800-940-2248
1-636-724-3666
1-636-724-3776 (fax)
International
1-636-724-3666
1-636-724-3776 (fax)
Sales
sales@masterclock.com
Technical Support
support@masterclock.com

GPS 500 User Manual 1.0.2 August 2013

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