Masterclock, Inc. Daylight Saving Time 2007 Statement
25 Jan 2007
Daylight Saving Time changes in 2007
In August of 2005 the United States Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which changes the dates of both the start and end of daylight saving time (DST). When this law goes into effect in March 2007, DST will start three weeks earlier (2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March) and will end one week later (2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November) than what had traditionally occurred.
This article summarizes the updates and tools that Masterclock, Inc.
has developed for its customers to address the DST change.
Masterclock, Inc. currently has an active effort underway to offer an upgrade of all network
and most time code products to address the new rules for 2007 Daylight Saving Time (DST)
changeover to help our customers who may be affected by these time changes.
Updating network products is a simple matter of either
updating the DST parameters using the latest WinDiscovery software V2.5.2 to accomodate the changes;
or manually entering the changes with existing software.
Updating time code products will require a firmware upgrade.
Most time code products that are eligible for update will require the replacement of a PROM.
Solutions for the new 2007 DST for eligible products will be available as of February 1st, 2007.
Please continue to check our website or contact support@masterclock.com for details.
Additional information may be obtained in the FAQ regarding DST 2007 near the end of this page.
Disclaimer
Masterclock, Inc. is not responsible for legislative changes to the DST rules,
nor to the systems relying on accurate time which may be affected by the new changes.
Issues related to legislative changes to the DST rules
are not covered under the Masterclock, Inc. warranty.
Masterclock's Network Equipment:
The following network products are already capable of supporting the DST 2007 rules
without any firmware or hardware modifications.
The new DST rules for these network products can be accomodated by either manual entry or a WinDiscovery V2.5.2 upgrade.
| Network Clock Model | Option A: Manual Entry using WinDiscovery V2.4.7 (or prior ), or Telnet | Option B: Single Button Select using WinDiscovery V2.5.2 |
| NTD24 DC,POE |  |
|
| NTD44 DC,POE | |
|
| NTD26 AC,DC ,POE | |
|
| NTD46 AC,DC, POE | |
|
| NTD86 AC | |
|
| CLKNTD12 AC,DC,POE | |
|
| CLKNTD12-24 AC,DC, POE | |
|
| CLKNTA12 AC (obsolete/discontinued) | |
|
| CLKNTA12-24 AC (obsolete/discontinued) | |
|
| WinDiscovery network appliance manager v. 2.5.2 (executable only - contains new DST rules for US/Canada 2007) |
Download |
| NTP Server Model | DST Rules Not Applicable - UTC device |
| NTP100-GPS | |
| NTP100-OSC | |
| NTP100-TC | |
| Time Code Device Model | New DST2007 FW Version | Option A: Factory Upgrade- PROM | Option B: Field Upgrade - PROM |
GPS200A (labelled "GPS200A" on front panel and with SMA antenna connector on rear panel) |
4.1 | |
|
| TCO100 | 2.4 | |
|
| TCI500 | 1.6 | |
|
| TCI-NENA | 1.5 | |
|
| TCD200 | 1.7 | |
|
| TCD24,TCD44 | 1.2.0 | |
Not Available |
| TCD26, TCD46, TCD86 | 1.7 (series I ) 2.0.8 (series II ) |
Return to factory for determination |
Not Available |
Option A: Factory Upgrade PROM - Available for $250.00 + Shipping.
Masterclock, Inc. will factory upgrade your time code unit(s) as a non-warranty return
for $250.00 USD each, plus the additional cost of freight or shipping costs (both ways).
The return of all product(s) for factory upgrade must follow our RMA procedure
which is initiated by completing an RMA request form and submitting it to Masterclock. http://www.masterclock.com/rma.php Please indicate "DST 2007 Upgrade - factory "
as the reason for return on the RMA form. You must indicate the model number on the request form.
Please also indicate the unit (s) serial number (SN labels are available and located
on the bottom or rear of unit, as of Jan 2006), and date of purchase if available.
This additional information will help us make a pre-determination as to whether the unit is upgradeable.
We will process your RMA request and contact you with the assigned RMA number (if applicable). RMA numbers are assigned in the order that completed request forms are received.
1. Please download, read, complete, and sign an RMA (Return Material Authorization) request form
from our website.
Please read all the instructions and information pertaining to the RMA procedure carefully.
Note: The form must be signed before an RMA will be assigned.
Please indicate/write in "DST 2007 Upgrade - factory " as the reason for return on the RMA request form.
Please Indicate each unit(s) model number and if known, the original Masterclock,
Inc Invoice number or date of sale if known, serial number from label.
2. Please fax (636-724-3776) or email ( support@masterclock.com ) the completed RMA request form to us. Note that only page 3 of the form needs to be signed and returned.
3. We will assign an RMA number and contact you by return fax or email with the assigned RMA number (or a reason why the RMA request is refused).
4. Once you have received an assigned RMA number, you may ship the unit(s) to:
ATTN: RMA #[enter assigned number here]
Masterclock, Inc.
2484 W. Clay St.
St. Charles, MO 63301
All units returned to the factory for upgrade must have an assigned RMA number
and the RMA number clearly referenced on the outside of the shipping container.
The unit(s) listed on the RMA request form for return must be received in good working condition,
properly packaged to avoid damage (preferably in the original packaging provided by Masterclock),
and must be on the upgrade list for the fee of $250.00 to apply.
Items returned to Masterclock without an assigned RMA # or improperly packaged will be refused.
Masterclock, Inc. is not responsible for damage to units during shipment.
Upon receipt of the unit(s) for a DST upgrade, the unit(s) will be evaluated on incoming inspection. If the unit(s)cannot be updated or require(s) additional repair, the customer will be notified. If the unit is in working condition and is updateable, then the firmware will be updated by replacing the PROM containing the new2007 DST standard. The unit will be retested; and the unit along with the old PROM will be returned to the customer once payment or an Authorized Purchase Order is received. We suggest that you retain the old PROM and carefully handle and store it in the event that Congress resumes the older 2005 DST schedule, once the Department of Energy Study is complete.
Option B: Field Upgrade PROM - Available for $150.00 + Shipping Masterclock, Inc. will offer a lower cost option to upgrade the firmware in your time code device to the new DST rules for devices that are listed in the above table as upgradeable.* To order a Field Upgrade PROM (FUP) contact our sales department by telephone (636-724-3666) email : sales@masterclock.com; or FAX in an authorized purchase order with the appropriate part number and price listed in the following table.*
| Time Code Device Model | Order Part Number * |
PRICE |
| GPS200A (labelled "GPS200A" on front panel and with SMA antenna connector on rear panel) |
FUP-GPS200A_41 |
$150.00 US + shipping |
| TCO100 | FUP-TCO100_24 |
$150.00 US + shipping |
| TCI500 | FUP-TCI500_16 |
$150.00 US + shipping |
| TCI-NENA | FUP-TCINENA_15 |
$150.00 US + shipping |
| TCD200 | FUP-TCD_17 |
$150.00 US + shipping |
| Time Code Models | Downloadable firmware upgrade for DST 2007 and software utility. |
| CLKTCD12 DC, AC | |
| CLKTCD12-24 DC, AC | |
| CLKTCD12 - manual V2.0.0(stepper motor analog time code clock) (Contains corrections for switch settings for DST rules) |
Download |
| CLKTCD_Set USB Configuration Utility V1.2.0 (Corrects issue with DST disable feature) |
Download |
| Time Code Device Model | Reason DST update not available |
| ALD118 | Not Required |
| ALD216 | Not Required |
| CLKTCA12 AC, CLKTCA12-24 AC | Obsolete/**Not Eligible |
| GPS100 | Obsolete/Not Required |
| GPS200 | Obsolete/**Not Eligible |
| GPS200A with TNC antenna connector on rear panel | Obsolete/***Not Eligible |
| GPSPC-ISA | Obsolete/Not Required |
| GPSPCI | Not Required |
| MCRPC-ISA | Obsolete/Not Required |
| MCRPCI | Not Required |
| RC100 | Obsolete/Not Required |
| RC200 | Not Required |
| TCA100/TCA100M | Not Required |
| TCC100S/TCC100P | **Not Eligible |
| TCC500 | **Not Eligible |
| TCD100/TCD100A | Obsolete/Not Required |
| TCD26-14 | **Not Eligible |
Original versions of TCD26R, TCD46, TCD86 |
Obsolete (early versions) Return to factory for determination |
| TCG100-ISA | Obsolete |
| TCI232 | ** Not Eligible |
| TCO100-HS | Obsolete/**Not Eligible |
| TCR100 | Obsolete/Not Requied |
| TCR200 | Obsolete/Not Required |
| TCR500-ISA | Obsolete/Not Required |
| TCR500-PCI | Not Required |
| TCR1000 | Not Required |
| TCS100 | Not Required |
| TM100 | Not Required |
Disclaimer
Masterclock, Inc. is not responsible for damage to or performance of units, devices, systems, or ordering of incorrect part(s), or lost revenue caused by field upgrades.
Damages caused from field upgrades are not covered under warranty.
If a field upgrade PROM option is selected the customer/end-user assumes the full risk.
* Notice: The TCR (time code reader cards), MCRPC, and GPSPC cards require updates to the Windows OS to implement the new DST changeover dates. These Masterclock, Inc. products do not require a hardware/firmware/software change for the new DST rules.
** Notice: The TCI232 and several other time code producst have pre-2007 DST changeover rules built in, but these products are not eligible for upgrade. Please update your time code generator/source, or use a TCI500 with the new 2007 DST rules to inject the time zone and DST offsets. Please see other options for additional ideas.
*** Notice: GPS100/GPS200 and GPS200A (revisions A1 and A2) units with older TNC style antenna connectors are no longer supported/obsolete. These items are not elible for a PROM update.
For more information on our DST2007 changes, please contact us at support@masterclock.com.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the 2007 DST Changeover.
What is the new DST standard for the US?
Does the new 2007 DST schedule apply only to the US?
What about Canada? What about Mexico?
What if Congress decides to resume the 2005 DST rules/schedule?
Why is a PROM update necessary for upgrading the listed time code products?
How do I determine if I require a 2007 PROM upgrade?
How do I update my Windows OS for the new DST rules for use
with your (TCR,MCR, GPS) PC cards ?
Why haven't the DST upgrades been available prior to Feb 1, 2007?
How can I tell which version of WinDiscovery I am running?
Are there any other options available to avoid performing a 2007 DST PROM update?
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the new DST standard for the US?
On August 8, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
This Act changed the time change dates for Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.
Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March, at 2:00 a.m.
and end the first Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m.
The Secretary of Energy will report the impact of this change to Congress.
Congress retains the right to resume the 2005 Daylight Saving Time schedule
once the Department of Energy study is complete.
Does the new 2007 DST schedule apply only to the US?
What about Canada? What about Mexico?
The new 2007 DST schedule for time changeover has currently been adopted for most of North America.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 applies to most of the United States (except Hawaii,Arizona).
Parts of Canada (except Saskatchewan) and parts of Mexico have also adopted or are considering
the new schedule. Please see the following suggested links if you would like additional information.
http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/g.html
http://www.worldtimezone.com/daylight.html
http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.co.uk/daylight-saving-time/canada/index.htm
What if Congress decides to resume the 2005 DST rules/schedule?
In the event that Congress resumes the prior DST rules, the upgrade procedure will have to be repeated,
along with the associated cost.
For time code products, if you have already ordered a factory installed PROM upgrade,
the older version is already available to you. Masterclock, Inc. suggests that you retain your
original PROM, in the event that the older DST schedule is resumed.
For network products, Masterclock, Inc. will issue an update to WinDiscovery with the changes rules
to be used with a single click US DST button select;
and as always, the information can be entered into the network clocks manually.
Is it necessary to update any, or all, of the Masterclock
time code devices in my system with a PROM for the new 2007 DST rules?
No. [Not necessarilly.]
The automatic DST adjustment feature is an option.
You must determine how you are currently using that option,
and if/how you would like to use the option in the future.
The determination to update is entirely dependent upon your system configuration and implementation
and how you would like to use Masterclock products in the future.
Why is a PROM update necessary for upgrading the listed time code products?
The information regarding the DST changeover schedule located in the current PROM device
of your time code unit is hard-encoded. This PROM device is socketed, so the device may be removed.
The unit cannot be updated in the field or the factory without a hardware change of the PROM device
that has been hard- encoded with the new DST rules.
How do I determine if I require a 2007 PROM upgrade?
First, determine if you are currently using the automatic DST adjustment option
for your time code device.[or, if you would like to in the future].
Take an inventory of each Masterclock time code device in your system
and the current configuration switch settings for each of the device(s).
You can determine the current configuration of the unit by comparing the switch settings
with the configuration information for the switches in each product's user manual.
The user manual(s) for your device(s) can be downloaded from the support area of our website.
Note: it is not necessary to inventory the TCR time code reader cards, these do not require a DST update.
If you are currently utilizing the automatic DST adjustment feature of our time code products,
you will likely require a firmware upgrade with a new 2007 DST PROM.
If you are not currently utilizing the automatic DST adjust feature of our time code products,
then you will not likely require a firmware upgrade with the new 2007 DST PROM.
However, you may opt to perform the upgrade in the event you would like to utilize this feature
in the future.
Second, check for eligibility for the PROM update for each device.
Check the eligibility tables for each time code device
that is currently using, or you would like use the automatic DST option with the new 2007 DST rules.
Time code products listed in the eligibility tables above and purchased after Feb 1, 2007
will not require a firmware upgrade for the DST 2007 rules.
If you purchased a time code device prior to Feb 1, 2007, your device is listed as upgradeable,
and you are currently using, or would like to use the automatic DST features of your device;
then you will require a PROM upgrade.
Third, determine if other options are available. Check the list of suggested available options.
It may not be necessary to update any or all of your existing time code units with a DST PROM.
It is certainly not necessary to update all units with a new DST PROM.
The automatic DST function/feature should only be enabled in either the source
(time code generator) or the slave (time code reader), but never in both simultaneously.
I purchased a GPS200, but according to your table of eligible products,
the GPS200 is not eligible for update. How can I tell if my GPS200 unit is eligible for the DST upgrade?
How can I tell if my unit is a GPS200A?
Masterclock, Inc. originally delivered the GPS200 time code generator with the model number
"GPS200" printed on the front panel. The original GPS200 is now an "obsolete"
model due to obsolescence of component parts.
The model "GPS200A" replaced the GPS200. While the base name of "GPS200"
has been retained in literature or on invoices, newer revisions of the GPS200 design are now
labelled with "GPS200A" on the front panel.
There have been several minor revisions of the GPS200A product over the last several years.
The most current version [Rev B2/C] retains the "GPS200A" on the front panel, and an SMA style threaded connector for the antenna cable connection
on the rear panel.
Current Version - GPS200A RevB2/C is PROM updateable
All models bearing the label "GPS200A" on the front panel and with SMA antenna connector on rear panel are updateable.
What about your additional time code devices? Do you offer a PROM
for the new DST rules for these items?
Masterclock will offer updates to its products with a 2007 DST PROM provided the time code product
is currently being produced, or supported, and so long as they can be accomodated with a PROM update.
Several older time code products cannot be updated due to the unavailability of parts
or obsolescence of the product. Obsolete products will not receive an upgrade,
as these items are no longer supported, however other options might be available to deal with the new DST rules.
Please see the tables listed above for ineligible time code products,
and refer to the additional FAQs for alternate configuration ideas.
The TCR500-PCI and TCR1000 are listed in the ineligible list.
Is a PROM upgrade not available? Is a software upgrade necessary?
Have you stopped supporting these time code reader cards?
The TCR500-PCI and TCR1000 PCI cards are listed in the ineligible list
because they do not require an upgrade. The TCR cards use the Windows OS settings
for date/time/DST rules, therefore the Windows OS DST settings must be correct
in order for the card to set the time correctly (If DST is utilized).
A PROM update is not required and is therefore not available.
An upgrade to the TCR software is also not required.
What is required is to update your Windows OS with the new DST rules.
Please see the next question regarding updating the Windows OS for the new DST rules.
How do I update my Windows OS
for the new DST rules for use with your (TCR,MCR, GPS) PC cards?
Please see the Microsoft website for details on updating your OS for the new DST rules. http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_dst
Important Notice: The updates for the new DST may not be automaticly installed for your operating system,
even if you have automatic updates enabled. Please refer to the Microsoft site for details.
Important Notice: Please note that Microsoft Corp. has recently stopped supporting the Windows 2000 OS,
unless under "Extended Hotfix Support". Also note that all version of Windows,
even those outside of Mainstream support, can be manually updated using the tzedit.exe utility
or other methods as referenced in the links above.
Please refer to the Microsoft site and the above links for details.
Support for the Microsoft Window's OS's is beyond the scope of Masterclock, Inc. support.
Please refer to the Microsoft website for these Windows OS update issues.
I just purchased my [time code device]. Do I require an upgrade?
If so, why must I pay to have an update, shouldn't the unit be covered under warranty?
Time code devices purchased after Feb 1, 2007 will not require a firmware upgrade
for the new 2007 DST rules.
If you purchased a time code device that requires a DST upgrade after October 29th, 2006
and prior to Feb 1, 2007 your unit will be factory upgraded,
or a field upgradeable PROM will be sent to you, if eligible, without an upgrade fee.
To be eligible, proof of purchase depicting the date of sale, (shipment date) such as
the Masterclock invoice number and the serial number of the unit must be provided on the RMA form.
In addition, the unit must be listed as upgradeable.
Masterclock is not responsible for legislative changes to the DST schedule,
and thus this upgrade for DST changes is not covered under warranty.
The update fee is selected to cover the cost of a new PROM along with an
evaluation/installation/test fee associated with a factory upgrade.
The cost of freight/shipping must be paid by the customer as this is not covered under warranty.
Why haven't the DST upgrades been available prior to Feb 1, 2007?
Masterclock has adopted a wait and watch policy regarding the new DST rules in the event
that Congress might resume the old DST standard. In addition, the hard encoding and implementation
of the new DST rules could not be accomodated until after the last changeover of the old rules
on the last Sunday in October, 2006.
How can I tell which version of WinDiscovery I am running?
To determine the version of WinDiscovery you are currently running,
use your mouse and right click on the icon in the upper left hand corner of the title bar,
then select "About WinDiscovery.." from the drop down menu of items.
You should see an about box that lists the version number.
How do I use the manual entry method to input new 2007 DST changeover dates
using prior versions of WinDiscovery?
Note: You must set the DST changeover dates manually for each network clock
that you wish to use the automatic DST features for.
Right click on any clock listed in the main WinDiscovery window to adjust its settings.
Select the "Device Settings" option from the drop down menu.
Under the device settings configuration window, select the "Daylight Savings Time" button.
On the Daylight Savings Time Configuration screen.
Adjust the selections for the new DST settings as shown in the following table and screenshot.
| DST rules for 2007 | Week | Day | Month | Day of Month | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight Saving Time Start | Second |
Sunday |
March |
No Entry |
02:00:00 |
| Daylight Saving Time End | First |
Sunday |
November |
No Entry |
02:00:00 |
Note: The time input uses a 24 hour scale, therefore 02:00:00 is 2:00 o'clock A.M.
Next, select the "OK" button to enter the values.
Then, select the "Apply" button on the main screen to apply the changes.
Are there any other options available to avoid performing a 2007 DST PROM update?
Yes. See the following suggestions for alternatives to performing a DST PROM update.
OPTIONS TO AVOID PERFORMING A 2007 DST PROM UPDATE
The following options are available for handling the new DST 2007 changeover dates.
You may use one or more of the following methods as opposed to ordering a field
or factory PROM update for your existing Masterclock time code system components.
Option 1: Perform the DST changeover manually.
It is possible to perform the DST changeover manually.
In fact, this might be a very good solution to reduce the associated update costs
during the initial evaluation period of the new DST law by the Department of Energy and Congress.
This is also a recommended fallback option if for any reason, you cannot implement the PROM updates
or another option before the DST changeover occurs.
To perform the DST changeover manually, you must disable the automatic DST changeover feature
and set the time zone offset with a one hour adjustment using the appropriate switch settings
at/near 2:00 a.m. on the day of the changeover.
Please consult the user manual of each device you will be configuring for the specific time
zone offset and automatic DST enable switch settings.
Example: Configuring the switches to manually compensate for DST for a GPS200A located in the
Central Time zone.
The following table summarizes the configuration switch settings for time zone & DST offset
for the GPS200A based upon information from the user manual.
| TIME ZONE & DST CONFIGURATION SWITCH POSITIONS | RESULTANT TIME/TIMEZONE CONFIGURATION |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hour Offset | Offset Direction ON=negative offset |
Additional 1/2 Hour | Automatic DST Enable |
|||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Hour Offset from UTC | Standard Time ("Fall" Backward One Hour) |
Daylight Saving Time ("Spring" Forward One Hour) |
|
| OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | 0 | |||
| ON | OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 1 | |||
| OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 2 | |||
| ON | ON | OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 3 | Atlantic (Canada) | ||
| OFF | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 4 | Atlantic (Canada) | Eastern (US/Canada) | |
| ON | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 5 | Eastern (US/Canada) | Central (US/Canada) | |
| OFF | ON | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 6 | Central (US/Canada) | Mountain(US/Canada) |
|
| ON | ON | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 7 | Mountain (US/Canada) | Pacific (US/Canada) | |
| OFF | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | OFF | OFF | - 8 | Pacific (US/Canada) | Alaska | |
| ON | OFF | OFF | ON | ON | OFF | OFF | - 9 | Alaska | ||
| OFF | ON | OFF | ON | ON | OFF | OFF | - 10 | Hawaii | ||
| ON | ON | OFF | ON | ON | OFF | OFF | - 11 | |||
| OFF | OFF | ON | ON | ON | OFF | OFF | - 12 | |||
Central (Standard) Time is defined to be UTC/GMT - 6:00 (US & Canada).
During Daylight Saving Time [changeover] a one hour advance toward UTC/GMT time
("Spring" forward) is applied at 2:00 am.
Central (Daylight) Time is defined to be UTC/GMT -5:00 (US & Canada).
Settings for manual adjustment for the central time zone are shown in the following table
highlighted in green. Apply these settings manually on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m.
During Standard Time [changeover] a one hour shift from UTC/GMT time ("Fall" backward)
is applied at 2:00 am. Settings for manual adjustment for the central timze zone are shown
in the following table highlighted in orange. Apply these settings manually on the first
Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m.
| TIME ZONE & DST CONFIGURATION SWITCH POSITIONS | RESULTANT TIME/TIMEZONE CONFIGURATION |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hour Offset | Offset Direction ON=negative offset |
Additional 1/2 Hour | Automatic DST Enable |
|||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Hour Offset from UTC | Standard Time ("Fall" Backward One Hour) |
Daylight Saving Time ("Spring" Forward One Hour) |
|
| ON | OFF | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 5 | Eastern (US &Canada) | Central (US & Canada) | |
| OFF | ON | ON | OFF | ON | OFF | OFF | - 6 | Central (US & Canada) | Mountain(US & Canada) |
|
Option 2: Order a new GPS200A [Rev B2/C] latest revision with SMA antenna input
as a replacement
If you are currently utilizing a GPS100/GPS200 or a GPS200A revA1/A2 time code generator,
you may be able to simply install a new unit which now contains the new DST 2007 rules.
In addition, you will need to order a CATNC-SMA (TNC-Female to SMA-Male) cable adapter kit
to adapt your existing antenna cable to the SMA connector on the new GPS200A.
Option 3: Install a TCI500 time code interface to inject the new DST rules
and time zone offset.
You may opt to adapt your existing system to utilize a TCI500 to inject the time zone offsets.
Order a new TCI500 with the DST2007 rules PROM. When it arrives, set the time zone offset
and enable the automatic DST feature in this new TCI500. Place this unit in series with the
time code output of your existing time code generator.
Retain your existing TCO100 or GPS100/GPS200/GPS200A unit.
If the the time code generator unit is a GPS200 or GPS200A rev A1/A2 or a TCO100,
set your existing time code generator to output UTC referenced time (no time zone offsets,
automatic DST disabled). Note: the GPS100 can only output UTC time, so no modifications are necessary.
Note: The use of the TCI500 to inject the automatic DST feature requires that the time code source
have the date/year information encoded in the CF for IRIG-B (to the IEE1344 specification)
or the User Bits for SMPTE (to the Leitch/Masterclock specification).
The TCI500 will not be able to inject the DST information for non-date/year encoded time code generators.
As an added bonus, you now have both a source for UTC and Local time code.
My application uses multiple timecode display clocks with local time displayed.
I don't wish to update all of these units due to cost/time constraints.
Are there any alternatives/options to the DST update for each unit?
Yes, alternatives are available.
If you are currently feeding time code that is UTC referenced, and you are offseting for time zone
and DST in many/multiple TCD clocks it may be more cost effective to do the following.
First, turn off the time zone and automatic DST feature in each TCD clock.
Next, adjust or modify your time code source to output the local time
(configure the time code generator for time zone and enable the automatic DST feature/option).
Option 1: Update the master clock generator only. You may be able to adjust your time code generator
or time code source to output the offsets for time zone and DST.
The Masterclock Inc. models GPS200A revB2/C and TCO100 are capable of this
(you will have to have the source(s) updated however.
Option 2: Add a time code convertor that can inject the offset.
You may be able to insert a TCI500 time code converter in series with the time code
coming from your time code generator. The TCI500 can accept the UTC time code input
and inject the time zone and/or DST offsets (updated version of TCI500 is required).
My application is critical and cannot be out of service.
Can Masterclock supply a replacement or loaner unit while my [time code unit] is being upgraded?
Masterclock, Inc. does not offer replacement, loaner, or cross-shipped equipment.
Masterclock cannot accomodate the special needs of our various customers by keeping
loaner equipment on hand. Most items are made to order and only a small stock is kept on hand.
In critical operations we recommend the purchase of a spare system to ensure a source of time
in the unlikely event that your unit fails or needs service.
Note: Due to the leadtimes associated with parts procurement and additional shipment delays,
your DST upgrade or your new system, if purchased, may be delayed.
Please allow sufficient time for your order to be processed;
and prepare an alternate plan/method in the event the DST update or new system device is not available.
See other options.
