SNTP server

Hello,

I currently have a HIMax PLC that needs a SNTP server to connect to.  Right now it is connected to a non DeltaV node acting as this SNTP server using the Windows Time service with some registry changes.  I have been unsuccessful in trying to get windows time to connect to any DeltaV NTP server while simultaneously serving a SNTP time to the HIMax.  To summarize I need a non DeltaV node to be a DeltaV NTP client while simultaneously being a SNTP server.

Thank you,

Chip

6 Replies

  • HI,

    could you give us some more information?

    What version of DV, operating systems, Domain or workgroup and so on...

    Niklas Flykt 

    Klinkmann Oy

    Key Account Manager safety products

    nikfly@gmail.com

  • In reply to Niklas Flykt:

    DeltaV 11.3.1 with an App station serving as the DV Master Time Node in a domain setup.  The non DeltaV node that needs to receive NTP time from the App station and also serve as the SNTP server is Windows Server 2008R2SP1.  Since my first post I have been able to solve the problem by installing a SNTP service on the non DeltaV node.  I would still appreciate hearing if anyone else has any viable solutions.

  • In reply to chip.burge:

    Hope you got the whole system up and running.

    Was the non DV server a part of the DV-Active domain or stand alone?

    www.techrepublic.com/.../configure-a-standalone-ntp-server-in-windows-server

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc785223%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

    Windows Time Service Tools and Settings:

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/library/cc773263%28v=ws.10%29.aspx

    Here are something to read:

    http://bchavez.bitarmory.com/archive/2009/12/21/how-to-setup-a-windows-2008-r2-sntp-ntp-server.aspx

    Here was some additional software:

    "To help set-up and monitor use http://www.meinberg.de/english/sw/time-server-monitor.htm

    This is quite useful and allows you to set-up NTP from a Primary Server in your network which may also synchronise control room workstations.

    In a process plant comprising of separate buildings or areas a secondary localised Server can be synchronised to the primary server,

    you may also synchronise the local PLCs such as Telemechanics, Schneider, Modicom, ABB , Siemens directly to their own local GUI server.

    Particularly useful if there are needs to have accurate log records etc. and maintain time sync in a group of PLCs when there is any

    possibility of loss of network connectivity to the primary server, Domain Controller or workstation on a separate building or site.

    Upon IP Network reconnection to the primary then full network synchronisation is re-established Complimentary with the use of Software such as GE-Fanuc Proficy HMI etc"

    Hope you don´t get these:

    When you use the net timecommand, you may receive the following error message:
    Could not locate a time-server.
    More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3912.

    Collapse imageCAUSE

    This error message can occur even if you set a valid Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) time server using the net time /setsntp command and network connectivity to the external time server exists.

    Windows servers that are not domain controllers and Windows-based computers attempt to locate a domain controller to synchronize the network time. Domain controllers attempt to contact the domain controller that holds the primary domain controller (PDC) Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) role. Only the domain controller that holds the PDC FSMO role can query an external time source to set the time.

    Niklas Flykt 

    Klinkmann Oy

    Key Account Manager safety products

    nikfly@gmail.com

  • In reply to Niklas Flykt:

    The non DV Server was not part of the DV domain or any domain.  I may try and see if I can get it working with only the windows time service.  Thanks for the info Niklas.

  • Chip,
     
    If the non-DeltaV node that needs to sync to the DeltaV NTP time is a Windows based machine (I believe you said it was 2008 R2), then you can install the DeltaV NTP client on a non-DeltaV node.
     
    See the SMS article, NA-0200-0147 Operational Tips on Network Time Protocol and Set/Synchronize Network Time Tool, Section 1.4 Legacy System NTP Integration with DeltaV.
     
    I hope this is helpful.
     
    Ben
     
    From: chip.burge [mailto:bounce-chipburge@community.emerson.com]
    Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2014 4:38 PM
    To: DeltaV@community.emerson.com
    Subject: RE: [EE365 DeltaV Track] SNTP server
     

    The non DV Server was not part of the DV domain or any domain.  I may try and see if I can get it working with only the windows time service.  Thanks for the info Niklas.

  • In reply to Ben Bishop:

    Ben,

    I had ntpd.exe installed on the machine but was under the impression that it could not funtion as an SNTP server.  I have since learned that ntpd.exe functions as both a client and a server - how else could it serve time to the DeltaV system from the DeltaV master time node.  I also learned that NTP and SNTP are completely compatible as per RFC-2030, "To a NTP or SNTP server, NTP and SNTP clients are undistinguishable; to a NTP or SNTP client, NTP and SNTP servers are undistinguishable."

    I am guessing you have figured out which project my question regards.  Thanks again for the help.

    Chip