ExacTime/TymeServe Adventures

Yes, I have a fascination with these boxes. I have several, and have learned much. For tools that were introduced more than 20 years ago, they are surprisingly useful! This page is created to attempt to help you short-cut some of my frustrations in figuring this out.   Some of the things I've learned so far...

1

Much of the stuff on the Internet does not apply to your effort.

These systems came in multiple configurations, and a LOT of posts don't mention which configuration is applicable. For example, I have systems with Trimble GPS boards. These use an 8-pin connector, and speak a Trimble proprietary protocol. I also have units with Motorola receivers. These use a 10-pin connector, requiring different firmware. Think there's any chance they're programmed to speak Trimble? Nope! That introduces at least two variations of firmware, which are not interchangeable. Then you recognize that there are TCXO, OCXO, and two variations of Rubidium oscillators, and finding applicable firmware begins to get interesting.

2

These are OLD!

Quick note here - Old does not imply useless. But you do have to recognize the limitations of your hardware/firmware combination. Most of the GPS receivers I've come across suffer from either the Week Number RollOver problem, the Leap Second problem, or both. Until these are addressed the time will be wrong. However, the 1PPS is still just fine when sync'd to GPS. That means that your frequency reference is still accurate. If you're compulsive about time, Heol makes a replacement board for the Trimble GPS, and Synergy Systems makes a replacement for the Motorola receivers.

                                 

3

The previous owner may or may not have had a clue.

I have pruchased several for good prices because the previous owner could not make it work. Getting 6 outputs of 10 MHz requires simple jumper changes, but the manual is a bit daunting. Also, users may have tried and failed to get updated firmware running. Much worse, IMHO, are the eBay marketers who think these are current production units and try to get corresponding prices for them. Avoid those! I've also bought some and either written them off or used them as "donors", because someone had previously tried too hard....

Firmware

Here are the firmware images I've acccumulated.  Too late, it occurred to me that others might need these, so I did not log the reciever platform until later.  If you correlate one, please let me know, and I'll update the list.  If you figure out how to tell from reading the file in a hex editor, PLEASE let me know!

Firmware FileReceiver
DDT101D.BiN
DT101E.BIN
DT102E.BIN
DT103E,BIN
DT829P,BIN
DT10031B,BINMotorola  (Running in both TCXO & LPro Rubidium)
DT10031E,BIN
DT100054v1.2.BINCame in unit with Motorola Receiver.  Did not work
with that receiver.  DT10031B did work.
DT100054v1.5.BINCame in unit with Motorola Receiver. Did not work
with that receiver. DT10031B did work.

My Contact Info

Address:

244 Windy Lane,
Rockwall, Tx  75087

Phone

214-934-9916

E-mail:

Jim@McClellan.Net

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