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Manually Setting the Time

For some applications, it may not be necessary to synchronize VersaPNT to a UTC-based reference. Or, a GPS reference is not available yet (e.g., because the antenna is not yet installed), but the system has to be setup and tested.

In such cases, the System Time can be hand-set, and then used as a User [x]-set System Time. For more information on when to use this functionality, see The "User/User" Reference.

Note: If synchronization to UTC is NOT required, it is advisable to set a time in the past or future, so as to avoid users inadvertently considering the distributed time to be genuine.

Caution: Note that this mode of operation is intended for special use cases e.g., autonomous systems, where legally traceable time is not required: This time will be inaccurate/not traceable, since it is not tied to any reference.

To hand-set the System Time, and configure this time to be a valid reference:

  1. Navigate to MANAGEMENT > OTHER: Time Management.
  2. In the System Time panel on the left, click the GEAR icon.
  3. Select Manual Time Set. Set your time & date, as needed:
    • System Time [DATE; TIME]: If you do not select Set Year Only, this box will show the current time in the format: Year-Month-Day Hour:Minute:Second. To set the time manually, click anywhere in the System Time field. A drop-down calendar with time-setting sliders will appear:

      The time in the System Time field will default to the current date and time. To set the time, use the sliders. The time will display between the calendar and the sliders, and also next to the chosen date in the field directly above the calendar. To close the calendar, click anywhere in the Edit System Time window.

      NOTE: Except for testing purposes, you should not choose a date other than the current day.

    • Set Year Only: Some legacy time formats (e.g., IRIG) do not support years. Checking this box will open a data entry field to manually set the year. Orolia recommends not to utilize this feature, unless the IRIG format you are using does not provide a YEAR field.
    • Synchronize to Battery Backed Time on Startup: See Using Battery Backed Time on Startup.
  4. Click Submit at the precise moment desired.
  5. Navigate to MANAGEMENT > OTHER: Reference Priority.
  6. In order for the User time to be a considered a valid reference, verify that the Reference Priority table includes an "Enabled" User [x] Time, and 1PPS reference ("User/User"). For more information, see Input Reference Priorities and The "User/User" Reference.
  7. Move (drag & drop) the User time to the top of table, and disable all other references.
  8. Let Holdover expire. (Set it to a very short duration, if desired:

    1. Navigate to MANGAGEMENT > OTHER: Disciplining.
    2. In the Status panel, click the GEAR icon.
    3. In the Oscillator Settings window, set the Holdover Timeout.)

  9. Check on the HOME screen that User 0 is displayed, with a green STATUS. Note that the Disciplining State will remain yellow, once Holdover has expired, since the system time is not synchronized to a reference.

Note: Contrary to the User reference discussed above, the Local System reference can be used for Time, or 1PPS (but not both). For more information, see The "Local System" Reference.