FAQ

SNS Time Synchronization

How often will SNS clocks connect to the network?

Each clock is configurable to connect to the network up to 6 times a day. However we recommend connecting just once per day to conserve clock battery life.

How long are SNS clocks connected to the network?

Less than 30 seconds, depending on the security protocols in use and whether an IP address is assigned dynamically.

How much bandwidth is used by an SNS clock each time it connects to the network?

Less than 2kb at each connection.

If an area is not covered by an Access Point, how can an SNS clock connect to the network?

SNS clocks are equipped with a 10/100 Ethernet port, as well as the 802.11 b/g radio. We also offer the option to have your clocks configured for Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Can I use my existing NTP server to synchronize the SNS clocks?

Yes. Actually, up to three NTP servers can be configured.

Can I remotely configure the SNS clocks?

Yes. Once the Applications Management Platform recognizes an SNS clock, it becomes the primary configuration record for the SNS clock, and configuration changes should be made only from the AMP web portal. Changes made via the AMP web portal will be pushed to the SNS clock the next time it connects to the network.

What would happen if my Internet access goes down. Will the clocks still function?

The SNS clocks would continue to function if Internet signal is lost, and will synchronize once the connection is restored. Additionally, the SNS clocks would continue to receive NTP updates if the SNS clocks are configured to receive updates from a secondary NTP server residing on your network.

SNS Sensors

How often do SNS sensors connect to the network?

Each sensor is configurable to transmit at a range of scheduled intervals that can be set between every 4 minutes to every 12 hours. It is recommended that the sensors transmit every 30 minutes to achieve the best results of monitoring critical product and to achieve a battery life of one and a half years for a dual battery sensor.

How long are SNS sensors connected to the network?

Typically sensors connect for less than 8 seconds, depending on the security protocols in use and whether an IP address is assigned dynamically.

How much bandwidth is used by an SNS sensor each time it connects to the network?

SNS sensors consume less than 1kb of bandwidth during connection.

Which wireless standard do the SNS devices support?

All SNS sensors support the 802.11 b/g standard.

What does the Applications Management Platform (AMP) do?

The AMP receives data from the sensor and analyzes the data based on the parameters set by the end user to determine if any action should take place, such as sending an email alert for a high temperature reading.

Will the SNS devices work with my 802.11n network?

SNS devices are expected to work with 802.11n networks.

Does the information transmitted from an SNS device to the AMP represent a HIPAA concern?

No. The data transmitted by an SNS device is not linkable to any patient.

What is the AMP?

The heart of our Synchronous Network System (SNS™) is the Application Management Platform (AMP) hardware and software. The AMP is a server deployed either as a 2U rackmounted appliance or as a Virtual AMP in a VMware image.

What are the AMP server technology components?

The AMP operating system and middleware technology components include: OpenSUSE, JBoss, Apache, MySQL, PHP, NTP Time Server

How does a sensor communicate with the AMP server?

A sensor communicates with the AMP server over a 802.11 b/g wireless network or hard-wired Ethernet connection (AC powered sensor only).

How strong of a wireless network signal is required for a sensor to connect wirelessly?

The minimum allowable signal strength is -70 dBm with a 20 dB S/N ratio. Prior to installation, confirmation of signal strength at all proposed locations is strongly recommended.

Can a guest network be used for Primex Wireless sensors?

If your wireless network authentication requires devices to authenticate via a web page, a guest network is not feasible.

What happens when there is a network outage? Will a sensor still work?

During a network outage, a sensor continues log its readings. Once the network is restored, the sensor transmits its historical and current readings to the AMP software.

Can the subnet of the AMP and sensor be changed?

Yes, the subnet can be changed. A change to the AMP server’s IP address or subnet does not automatically pull all sensor over to a new subnet. Prior to making any changes, contact Primex Wireless Technical Support for assistance.

What are the requirements to access the AMP software?

While many Internet browsers may be compatible with the AMP software, Primex recommends Internet Explorer 7 or later for optimal performance. If using Internet Explorer 8 or later, Automatic Prompting for File Downloads in Internet Security settings must be enabled. Cookies must be enabled. Adobe Flash player must be installed. Screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher.

What is usage and growth of the AMP server data?

The quantity of sensors and their check-in frequency impacts the AMP server data usage and growth. The following is an example of a conservative growth calculation for sensor data over time: Gigabytes per year = (Total number of sensors / number of hours between check-ins) * 0.15 Examples: l (100 sensors/1 hour) * 0.15 = 15 gigabytes per year. l (200 sensors/0.5 hour) * 0.15 = 60 gigabytes per year. l (200 sensors/2 hours) * 0.15 = 15 gigabytes per year

What network ports are required to be open for sensor communications?

Download File

What other network settings or information are required during configuration?

Download File

XR Time Synchronization

Why should I purchase from Primex Wireless?

Primex Wireless is the trusted leader in the manufacture and distribution of wireless clock systems. With the proven success of the GPS Wireless Clock System, the company has set the standard for technological innovation. Primex Wireless time synchronization solutions helps schools, businesses and institutions improve productivity through accurate timekeeping.

How is the XR Time Synchronization system unique?

This FCC-approved 72MHz system is designed and field-tested by Primex Wireless and is guaranteed to be secure and reliable.

Why is the XR Time Synchronization system so accurate?

Passing GPS satellites send time signals, accurate to the second, to the GPS receiver, which in turn sends signals to the transmitter. The signal is rebroadcast to all clocks in the system using an FCC or Industry Canada licensed FM radio signal. As a result, all system clocks are always synchronized to the second.

What is the quality of the various components?

All components of the Primex Wireless System meet high-quality industry standards and have undergone rigorous field-testing.

Is the XR system easy to install?

Yes. There is no expensive time- and labor-consuming hardware required. The GPS receiver is easily mounted on a roof or window, and is connected with a cable to the transmitter. Time signals are then sent wirelessly from the transmitter to the system clocks. And since the entire system is wireless, it can easily be moved to another location or a new facility in the future.

How do the cost savings compare to hard-wired clock systems?

To install a hard-wired synchronized clock system in an average size (80,000- to 150,000-square-foot) building your total cost will be $20,000 to $25,000. It will cost approximately $10,000 to wire the building, plus $10,000 to $15,000 for the system itself (assuming there are 50 clocks). With the Primex Wireless System you eliminate this costly wiring and all future wire-related problems.

Why is the XR system so reliable?

The system operates continuously, around the clock, every day of the year. The GPS receiver is always collecting and sending information to the transmitter. The transmitter continuously sends the correct time to the system clocks. The system clocks compare the received signals to the time displayed and make changes as needed. Maintenance-free for five years, the system clocks also change automatically for Daylight Saving Time (there's an optional switch to disable this feature).

What happens when the power goes out?

If a power outage occurs, the system clocks continue to display highly accurate time. The transmitter data is stored in non-volatile memory at the onset of a power outage. Upon resumption of power, the transmitter receives the correct time from the GPS receiver, corrects any internal data and sends the updated exact time to the system clocks. In this way, power outages of normal duration have no significant impact on the operational accuracy of the Primex Wireless System.

How does the system know to change time for Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

The non-volatile memory in the transmitter stores the date and time for the DST changes. On that day, the transmitter sends a signal to the satellite clock that adjusts the clock for DST. This feature can be disabled in areas where DST is not observed.

Does the XR system come complete?

The system includes a GPS receiver, transmitter, antenna, and power cord. system clocks are available in many colors, styles and sizes, including custom logo designs. An unlimited number of system clocks can be purchased to run off the system.

What is the Clock Lock?

Many of our customers are concerned about theft or damage to their system clocks. The Clock Lock feature locks the clock in place, making it difficult to move. If the customer chooses not to use the Clock Lock, directions are provided in the operation manual on how to disable this feature. Available on all single-sided Traditional Series Clocks.

How often do you need to change the batteries in the system clocks?

The only batteries in the system are in the system clocks. The batteries will last slightly longer than five years; however, it is strongly recommended that batteries be changed every five years on a predictable maintenance schedule.

What makes a clock a "GPS Wireless Clock"?

The major difference between a GPS Wireless Clock and a regular quartz clock is the source of time. Our Wireless Clock System receives the time directly from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites which transmit accurate and reliable time. There are 24 operational GPS satellites orbiting the earth, all of which are transmitting time signals. Satellites rely on the Cesium atom, which has only one naturally occurring stable isotope namely 133 Cs. The transition between two energy levels of the ground state of this specific isotope corresponds to 9,192,631,770 cycles of the radiation which is exactly 1 second according to International System of Units (SI). Our Wireless Clock System's Receiver Unit receives the Cesium-based oscillator time from the GPS satellites. It transfers the signal to the Primex Wireless Transmitter which acts as a master clock. Our Transmitter then broadcasts the time signal to all of the system clocks, transmitting real time accurate to the clocks onboard GPS satellites. Clock synchronization is achieved throughout the building. With the addition of a Wireless Computer Sync, network servers and standalone workstations can also be synchronized to the exact time displayed on the system clocks. Also available is the Wireless Tone Generator. This component works with your GPS Wireless Clock System to produce bells and tones in your facility.

What is the difference between the Primex Wireless GPS Wireless Clock System and WWVB radio controlled/atomic clocks?

There are two basic differences: reliability and frequency of transmission. Radio controlled clocks are only synchronized as long as they receive the radio signal from the NIST Radio Station WWVB. The Primex Wireless Receiver obtains the time signal directly from the GPS satellites. The Transmitter and Satellite Transmitter units make sure that the whole facility is receiving the GPS-time regardless of the building structure. Unlike radio-controlled/atomic clocks, Primex Wireless clocks receive the signal regardless of the building structure.