There are two ways of synchronizing the STAN S31 system clock. You can either set up synchronization against a central monitoring system (CMS) that is connected via RS-232, and you can set up synchronization against a network server via TCP/IP.
To set up synchronization against a CMS, the following prerequisites must be fulfilled:
A: Your STAN S31 must have software version R6A or later.
B: You must a Central Monitoring System that support clock synchronization. (Check with your CMS vendor for confirmation.)
To set up synchronization against a network server, the following prerequisites must be fulfilled:
A: Your STAN S31 must have software version R4H or later.
B: Your STAN S31 need to be configured for TCP/IP. (See separate instruction.)
C: Within the network there must be a computer or server supporting the NTP/SNTP protocol. Alternatively, if your STAN S31 has access to the internet, an internet server can be used. (Check with your IT department for recommendations.)
Configuring clock synchronization against a CMS server
First make sure your STAN S31 is connected to your CMS. Then start STAN and enter the System Settings dialog by first tapping the Tap to access service functions field during system start up (finish possible ongoing recordings by selecting Start New if asked), and then selecting the Change Settings button.
In the list of settings, highlight TIMESYNC_METHOD and then select Edit Setting. Change the setting to ‘CMS Server’ and select OK.
Exit the System Settings dialog by selecting Exit and then select Set Time. Change the STAN clock using the arrows so that it differs 15 to 20 minutes from the actual time. Select Exit and start a new recording. Ensure that the CMS communication works (green Central Monitoring indicator in the lower left corner of the screen).
Let the recording run for a minute and then end the recording by selecting the End button and then confirm by selecting End Recording. A confirmation dialog should now appear informing that the clock has been synchronized, showing the actual time.
Note that when STAN is configured with CMS clock synchronization, the CMS will send its local time to the STAN monitor. It is therefore not necessary (or possible) to configure STAN to adapt to daylight savings time changes. Also note that the CMS send date and time information with a precision in minutes, meaning that the STAN and CMS clocks may naturally differ up to one half minute.
Configuring clock synchronization against a network server
First make sure your STAN S31 is connected to the network. Start STAN and enter the System Settings dialog by first tapping the Tap to access service functions field during system start up (finish possible ongoing recordings by selecting Start New if asked), and then selecting the Change Settings button.
In the list of settings, highlight ‘TIMESYNC_METHOD’ and then select Edit Setting. Change the setting to ‘SNTP Server’ and select OK.
Highlight the ‘SNTP_SERVER_IP’ setting and then select Edit Setting. Enter an IP address or DNS name for a server or computer that hosts an SNTP server. This can be either within your local intranet, or if your STAN can access the internet, an internet NTP server.
The SNTP service only provides a universal timestamp (UTC). Therefore, for the STAN unit to be able to calculate your local time given this universal timestamp, you also need to configure your time zone in relation to UTC, and how daylight savings time is to be handled.
Highlight the ‘TIMEZONE’ setting and then select Edit Setting. Select a time zone setting corresponding to your location, e.g. ‘GMT +1:00 hours’ for most western European countries, ‘GMT’ for United Kingdom etc.
If your location uses daylight savings time, highlight the ‘DST_RULE’ setting and then select Edit Setting. Select the rule that apply for your location.
Now test your settings by selecting the System Status menu button. The field Network settings in the upper left corner should have an indicator ‘SNTP server’. This indicator should show the current UTC time. If it does not, you should troubleshoot your network connection. You may also want to double-check that you have entered a correct address to the SNTP server, that the SNTP service is supported on this server, and that your STAN system is located on the same subnet as this server.
If a timestamp is displayed, exit the System Status dialog by pressing Done. Then exit the System Settings dialog by selecting Exit. Then enter the Time and Date dialogue by selecting Set Time. Select the Sync Now button to correct your clock. From now on, your STAN system will automatically synchronize the clock. Before you exit, verify that the displayed time is correct, and that the indication for the next daylight savings time change is correct.
