Time synchronization for s

You can synchronize the internal clocks of all networked PowerLogic™ ™ meters and devices through the component of . When they are synchronized, all data logs have time stamps that are relative to a uniform time base.

Note

This information is specific to devices. It is not applicable to devices that are not based on ION architecture.

Time synchronization signals are broadcast periodically over the network; each meter continually assesses its ability to remain synchronized with the incoming broadcasts. Over a brief period, each meter learns how its internal timing differs from that of the broadcast source and adjusts its timekeeping to compensate. Very accurate time synchronization is achieved with this method.

Meters at modem sites are synchronized each time they are connected. The longer the duration between connections, the larger the error in time synchronization. In the extreme case, this can result in missing or duplicated logs. If this occurs, you can increase the frequency of connections through the software connection.

Note

This information assumes that you are using the time synchronization function in . Although other methods of time synchronization are available, such as with , a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or 3rd party protocols, it is important that you use only one method of time synchronization on each network. If you use multiple methods, the timestamps will differ for the sites and devices that are using separate time synchronizing methods.

Before you configure time synchronization on your network, you should familiarize yourself with the Clock module settings. Once you have done this, you can decide which synchronization method you want to use.

Enabling and configuring time synchronization

Time synchronization in is initially disabled and needs to be enabled and configured through . The communications port and protocol used for communications between the software and the networked devices is automatically used to send time synchronization signals to all connected devices. The software sends a time sync packet and the time is set when the packet is received.

When reviewing time synchronization messages in the system log, remember that the time in the message is not the time to which the meter was time synced, but rather it is the time the message was posted to the system log. The message is posted after the meter is time synced.

Note that ION time synchronization only uses the UTC setting; the LOCAL setting cannot be used.

Time synchronization values are set when sites or Ethernet devices are defined in a network. Enable time synchronization or set custom intervals for supported devices in any site through as follows:

Start .

Select Sites or Devices on the System Setup pane:

Select Sites if you want to customize a particular serial, modem, or Ethernet Gateway site.

Select Devices if you want to customize an individual Ethernet device.

Right-click the device or site and select Configure Device or Configure Site to open the related configuration dialog.

Right-click inside the dialog and select Advanced Properties.

Configure the Time Synch ION Enabled or Time Synch Ethernet Enabled, and Time Synch Interval Ethernet fields as required for your system.

Click OK to save you changes.

The default time synchronization interval of 3600 seconds (displayed in milliseconds) is acceptable in most software installations.

Note

You need appropriate permissions to configure meters on your network. Refer to the System Security technical note for details on software and meter security.