Brandywine NFS-221 Rubidium GPS NTP Time Server 1PPS Frequency Standard *PARTS* [For Parts]

*** FOR PARTS OR REPAIR *** • Good Cosmetic Condition • NTP Server • Rubidium Oscillator • Network Frequency Standard • GPS Disciplined 1PPS Generator

This unit is partially working. It is being sold as-is with no seller warranty.  Final sale.  In my testing the unit was assigned an IP address via DHCP and showed the responses copied below. I suspect that the issue is either that the Furuno GT8031 no longer locks to GPS as these modules were affected by a WNRO event in 2022. Or perhaps that the Rb oscillator needs the bulb to be serviced by a hot air gun to evaporate the build-up of deposited Rubidium that may be blocking the light beam. The unit works with a standard 5V GPS antenna - a gain of 26dB or more is recommended. For the unit to operate to its full specification you will need to use a professional grade 5V outdoor antenna with a full view of the sky - please assume that this unit will not sync with an antenna placed behind a window, under a porch, in the shadow of a building etc. I was not able to send or receive data via the RS-232 console port so this maybe a fault or a configuration issue. The unit ships with the IP address set via DHCP so this can be viewed via your router's config screens. Further product information may be obtained from the User Manual at https://www.prostudioconnection.net/1606/NFS-221_Manual.pdf .

I'm sharing the results of my testing to help you in your purchase decision, but I do not guarantee that you will get the same results or reach the same conclusions. Nor that I haven't missed some important point.

Description (Conformance NOT Guaranteed)

• The NFS-221 is a precision time and frequency standard that uses the Global Positioning System (GPS). It is designed for use in WI-FI, Wi-Max, satellite communications, telecommunications and military communication applications.

• The NFS-221 utilizes a high performance 16 channel GPS receiver. An automatic position-averaging feature enables the best use of GPS when operating in a fixed location.

• The NFS-221 is fitted with an internal back up oscillator that is continuously calibrated to GPS using an advanced algorithm, providing optimal frequency control of the oscillator. This ensures that the highest time and frequency accuracy is maintained if no satellites can be tracked, and ensures an ultra stable, low noise frequency reference. The NFS-221 includes a precision Rubidium internal frequency standard.

• The NFS-221 provides at a glance status indication via front panel LEDs and can be integrated with other management systems using Ethernet and serial ports.

• The NFS-221 generates 1PPS signals compatible with ICD-GPS-060.
  
  
• The integrated Ethernet interface provides Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization to other connected computers. In addition to NTP, the NFS-221 Ethernet interface contains a built-in web server that allows the NFS-221 to be controlled using a standard web browser such as Internet Explorer. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows easy integration of the NFS-221 with industry standard network management systems.

• The NFS-221 provides eleven 1PPS time mark outputs. A unique feature allows precise controlled delays to be inserted into these outputs to compensate for cable- and other propagation delays.
  
  
• Compensation delay is independent for each output and has <1ns resolution.
  
  
• Serial time code outputs are provided to allow time synchronization to be distributed to computers, displays, and other equipment requiring precision time.
  
  
• All outputs are provided with activity detectors. Loss of any output is indicated by means of an individual front panel alarm LED as well as through the network interface or a discrete alarm output.