Time Sync problem between AC450 Controllers, 800xA 5.1 & Domain
I am facing time sync problem with Domain, 800xA system and different AC450 Controllers. Requesting you to help me to resolve this issue.
Configuration and System Details:-
Non redundant Domain Server
Redundant AS
Redundant CS
ES – 02 No’s
OS - 07 No’s
800xA 5.1 Rev C with AC400 Connect.
Various Actions and Results to sync time:-
see attached file
Regards,
Prabhakaran D
Voted best answer
Please try to make more easily read posts. Use file attachment if you need to inject more information.
1. The user's guides (I hope you have studied them?) give instructions how to setup domain time to follow 800xA time, this require you to run Windows Time Service in client mode on the domain controller and pointed/configured to read time off some time server (where you also need to have Windows Time Service running, but this time in server mode, only). Your text seem to indicate that you are not running Windows Time Service in the domain controller; then the method suggested in the user's guides wont work. Windows Time leave very informative events in Windows Event Log.
2. MB300 clock synchronization require an active clock master sending clock sync pulses. This master need manual intervention to go active each time the system is restarted. A clock master backup can be configured, but a fast (<30 minutes) sequential restart of nodes on MB300 risk preventing the backup to assume master before it is restarted itself leaving the network drifting in time until a manual time set is performed from HMI (not RTA!).
The old MasterView HMI's startup screen contained the text "Welcome to MasterView 800 - please set the date and time!". This is still valid with 800xA unless measures are taken to automatically startup a clock master, one method is having an RTA as clock master (CLS1=1,2,1) in combination with running Reverse Clock synchronization. Another method which I believe is most reliable of all, is to use a CI855 connected to an AC 800M. The CI855 will, if configured correctly assume clock master when AC 800M controller is started.
If reverse sync nor AC 800M/CI855 is not an option (controller must be clock master) you must perform the "MasterView workaround" each time you restart the clock master node; set date & time from a connectivity server where AfwTime is running in Service state and time set is allowed from HMI and RTA.
It is also possible to wake a clock master in any capable node by running this expert command (only available in AC400 CS RTA, not Control Builder A nodes):
# SLLEV SYST
* LOCPSET CMDS:TP02.CT
* RDATIME
(verify time is OK, or else set it with SDATIME)
* RET CXAE000,10
The last command will trick a sleeping clock master task to believe its time to go active. Clock sync element must allow so though, i.e. be set for 1,2,1.
Please revert with your opinion and reflections.
by Govindaraj
Edited by Admin: question text formatted. information attached as an excel file.
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