Setting the NDACS Real-time Clock - TImeSetter.jar

Function: Set the 24 Hr clock within the NDACS to the clock within the

In applications when multiple instruments are deployed on a network or local area networks containing the NDACS are linked together using the Internet then a PC may well be used to download and store all the recorded data or observe and process information in real-time. As part of any data analysis it is important to ensure that the clocks within the instruments are accurately set.

The NDACS 6000 instruments are fully configurable using their in built web pages but this can be a time consuming operation and not practical when there are many instruments to be configured. In order to speed up and automate the setting of the NDACS clocks the TImeSetter.jar utility has been provided.

The TImeSetter.jar software operates no matter what type of data link exists between the PC running the software and the NDACS being configured. The software works across networks, dial-modem links and GSM mobile phones.

Optimised Timing for Improved Accuracy

To optimise timing accuracy the Data Processing PC may be fitted with a radio clock interface card such as used to read the UK Rugby Time Signals. The TImeSetter.jar utility will set the NDACS time to the time obtained from the interface card.

Function Call

java - jar TImeSetter.jar IP-Address Offset

Example. Set the real-time clock on an NDACS 6000 unit in a time zone 1 hour ahead of the PC recording data e.g. an NDACS operating France when the data recording and analysis is undertaken in the UK.

java -jar TImeSetter.jar 23.0.0.85 +1

Example. Set the time for a group of instruments operating on a local area network to the to the current time of a PC.

java -jar TImeSetter.jar 192.81.0.12 Note. No offset is required when ndacs and PC running TImeSetter.jar are in same
java -jar TImeSetter.jar 192.81.0.15 zone i.e offset = 0.
java -jar TImeSetter.jar 192.81.0.17

Running the TImeSetter.jar Utility

The TImeSetter.jar utility operates from a DOS command shell or DOS Batch file when automation is required.

Ensure that the TImeSetter.jar has been downloaded and stored to a directory.

1) Open a Windows Dos Command shell. On a standard Windows XP operating system
Start ® Programs ® Accessories ® Dos

and go to the directory storing the NDACSnetinfo.jar.

2) Run at the Dos command prompt java -jar TImeSetter.jar IP-Address where IP-Address is the address for system being used.

3) Create and run a DOS batch program listing all of the instruments to be configured.