The NeoClock4X is the Linux/UNIX version of the NeoClock. This page lists only the differences to the NeoClock for Windows and Novell.
Differences to the NeoClock
- NeoClock4X supports the NTP protocol.
- The hardware has the same technical specifications as the NeoClock. Only the clock firmware has been adapted to the specific requirements of NTP. The hardware of the NeoClock4X is not, therefore, compatible with other NeoClock versions.
- NeoClock4X is available for both the DCF77 and the TDF systems.
- The supplied software differs from that of the NeoClock. It was developed by radio clock and UNIX experts Linum, who also provide the support for the NeoClock4X.
- The short-term accuracy under NTP has been significantly increased compared to Windows.
- To make full use of this added accuracy, the signal travel time from time transmitter to receiver can now also be compensated.
- Through NTP, any number of NeoClock units can now be connected - for example a combination of DCF77 and TDF to protect against transmitter failure and to further boost short-term accuracy.
- NTP also allows the inclusion of additional time sources to further enhance reliability.
- Available as indoor version and with a weather-resistant outdoor enclosure
Key features
- The proven reliability and accuracy of the NeoClock
- Full NTP support.
- Runs under Linux, UNIX, AIX and Solaris with increased short-term accuracy.
- The possibility NTP provides of using several NeoClocks and/or combining them with other time sources offer unparalleled levels of accuracy and fail safety.
- Direct support from NTP http://www.ntp.org with increasingly simple integration in UNIX, Linux , AIX and Solaris.
- For SuSE Linux from version 7.1, compiled and easy to install RPM packages for NeoClock are available.
- SuSE 9.0 and higher offers Plug & Play support for the NeoClock4X, which has to only be connected to the serial port and is ready for use.
Operating reliability through combination
Combining two NeoClock4X units further boosts the already outstanding reliability of the NeoClock. A particularly high level of reliability can be achieved by connecting the two NeoClocks to different servers with independent power supplies, making a failure of both NeoClocks and both servers at the same time extremely unlikely.
DCF77 and TDF
Reception reliability can also be enhanced by combining a NeoClock DCF77 with a NeoClock TDF, since a failure of both transmission systems is highly unlikely. Equally unlikely (due to the different transmission frequencies) is that both systems are adversely affected by atmospheric conditions. Combining the two systems also offers the best of each: The guaranteed high availability of the DCF77 transmitter with the slightly higher accuracy of the TDF transmitter.
All this is made possible by the NTP (not to be confused with NTPS!)
For information about DCF77 and TDF, see
DCF77 and TDF: a Comparison
