NEW Symmetricom SyncServer S200 UPGRADED GPS NTP Server Network Time Receiver

Introduction

Here's a new old stock late model (Microsemi branded, from 2015) fully working SyncServer S200 NTP server that obtains highly accurate and traceable time from the GPS satellite constellation. The original Furuno GPS receiver module has been replaced with a factory-fresh iLotus replacement to ensure accurate operation for years to come (see comments below). Screenshots taken during my testing of the unit are provided below. The unit is in mint cosmetic condition and the unused VFD display is naturally bright and clear. The photos show the actual item for sale. No antenna is included, but I usually have matching 12V types listed separately, in case one is needed. The 12V antenna voltage means that you cannot use one of the generic 5V antennas commonly offered for sale. And for best results the antenna needs to be mounted outside with a complete view of the sky. The unit has been reset to the factory logon defaults (logon with admin:symmetricom) ready for your install. This unit is the TCXO version; it does not have a Rubidium oscillator. The installed firmware is v1.36 which takes into account the April 2019 GPS week number roll-over and prior leap second adjustments. The listing comprises the items you see in the images (only). No printed manual is included but a copy may be downloaded here (https://www.prostudioconnection.net/0912/SyncServer_S200_S250_S250i_UserGuide.pdf) if required. No other cables, documents or accessories are included.  Item ships in plain packaging.

Why Replace the GPS Receiver Module?

This unit has been upgraded with a new, latest generation GPS receiver module from iLotus. Why is that relevant (and maybe worth paying a little more for)? Pretty much all GPS clocks are by design going to fail at a future date. The problem is that the GPS system does not send out a date, but a week number. And in the GPS system there was only capacity in the original design to have a calendar of 1024 weeks (ie. a bit less than 20 years). At the end of the 1024 week period, the calendar goes back to the beginning again and many clocks start showing dates that are 1024 weeks in the past. The OEM Furuno GPS modules supplied in stock SyncServers are going to experience this "week number roll over" in September 2022 so I suggest that it's a reasonable approach to do a planned hardware upgrade now at very modest cost rather than just leave the problem out in the field and praying that someone else gets the "WTF just happened" call when the old card's firmware decides it's time to travel back in time to 2002.