How to Guide

Synchronise computer
time to GTU NTP server

User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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Version History
Date
23 July 2013

Revision

TF Version

Author(s)

Draft A

All

T. Sanerkin

User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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Contents
Version History........................................................................................................................................ 2
Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 3
How to synchronise computer time with GTU NTP server ..................................................................... 4
1.

Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.

Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1

NTP server ............................................................................................................................... 4

2.2

Configure windows time ......................................................................................................... 4

2.3

Set NTP client update rate ...................................................................................................... 5

User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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How to synchronise computer time with GTU NTP server

1.

Overview

The TriggerFish system time and the computer clock time can drift apart over time. TriggerFish time
is controlled by the GTU (Gravel Trigger Unit) GPS clock and this is the time used for time-stamping
data and synchronising events. The computer time is set by the PC internal clock and is used to timestamp files etc. In general, it does not matter if the two clocks are not in sync but some minor
problems can occur if the clocks are more than a few seconds apart.

2.

Configuration

2.1

NTP server

The GTU software includes a NTP (Network Time Protocol) server that can be enabled via the GTU
properties dialogue box.

2.2

Configure windows time

In the windows date and time dialogue, go to the Internet Time tab and click on Change settings;

NB:- the PC time should be set to UTC with daylight

saving time disabled.

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User Manual - TF1.7 How to Guide NTP server synchronisation

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Tick Synchronise with and Internet time server and enter the IP address of the GTU in the server
field.

Test by clicking on update now. NB:- the update will fail if the clocks are too far apart because the
protocol will not allow a large jump in time to occur. To avoid this, either manually adjust the PC
clock so that it is close (with a few seconds) of the TriggerFish time or use the TriggerFish Time
Management function in the Survey Manager Commands toolbar.

2.3

Set NTP client update rate

By default, the windows system will poll the NTP server once per week. To increase the poll rate
(once per hour, say) run regedit.exe and navigation to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\ NtpClient\

Edit the SpecialPollInterval key.

A value of 3600 will set the polling to once per hour.

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