Techdocs Library > Flashes > IBM 9037 Sysplex Timer - External Time Source Problems

Document Author:	Gregory Hutchison		Document ID:	FLASH10561
Doc. Organization:	Washington Systems Center		Document Revised:	03/19/2007
Product(s) covered:	Sysplex Timer

Abstract: Problems getting an ETS External Time Source (not modem) to go operational may be due to the format of the time data being transmitted to the 9037 by the time code receiver/generator. The 9037 accepts three specific formats from External Time Sources (time code receiver/generator). These formats are described in the Maintenance Information for the 9037 Model 2 Sysplex Timer, SY27-2641-02. When an ETS problem is discovered, ensure that the ETS device being used adheres to the correct structure that you have configured on your 9037.

Datum (now Symmetricom, Inc.) offered the SyncServer S-100 that can be attached to the 9037 as an External Time Source (ETS). The device can also serve time to workstations on a Local Area Network (LAN). The S-100 was withdrawn from marketing in November 2005. It has been replaced by other products. A problem has been discovered where this particular time server model may be providing the wrong data structure. The character structure should be as follows per the Maintenance Information for the 9037 Model 2 Sysplex Timer, SY27-2641-02. One start Eight data One odd parity One stop bit It has been determined that some vintages of the SyncServer model S-100 firmware may not be adhering to this mandatory data structure. More specifically the S-100's send data has been found to be using 'no parity' verses the expected 'odd parity'. If you find that the 9037 ETS port will not go operational when using an time code receiver/generator (not Modem) and there is no indication of a hardware problem on the 9037 ETS port, you should investigate and verify with the ETS device manufacturer that the correct data structure is being delivered to the 9037 per the Maintenance Information for the 9037 Model 2 Sysplex Timer, SY27-2641-02. With an S-100, contact Symmetricom to determine the actual data structure characteristics for your particular device vintage. Symmetricom should be able to determine this based on the devices firmware levels.

Classification:	Hardware	Category:	Hardware/Software Maintenance
Platform(s):	IBM System z Family
:		Keywords:	ETS, ETR, Sysplex Timer, SyncServ, S100, S-100