Arbiter Systems, Inc. News

Models 929A, 930A, 931A Firmware Updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:04:44 GMT

The latest release is 10 Feb 2010.
1. Bug 599: Problems erasing single log file.
2. Update RS232 output to replace Null (0x00) bytes with space (0x20).
3. Contact the factory to receive this update.

Model 928A Firmware Updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:03:00 GMT

The latest Host firmware release is 1.10 - 24 Feb 2010.
1. Limit Flicker values to two decimal digits of resolution (match 933 and 1133).
2. Fix potential log data download data corruption problem.
3. Bug 511: Overflow in certain values of Power Quality Config.
4. Set default date to 1 Jan 2010, was 6 Jan 2005 (only used when powered for the first time).
5. Download the combined Host and DSP zip file from our website.

The latest DSP firmware release is 1.04 - 24 Feb 2010
1. Bug 535: Harmonic phase angles fixed.
2. Download the combined Host and DSP zip file from our website.

Model 933A Firmware Uploader is Updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:58:07 GMT

The latest release is 0.0.5.0 - 17 Feb 2010.
1. Add start-up warning splash screen (warn user about that upload shouldn't be interrupted).
2. Update Linux serial port search to work with Debian.
3. Add capability to run on 64-bit operating systems.
4. This update may be downloaded from our web site.

Model 1133A Firmware Uploader is Updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:46:06 GMT

The latest release is 0.0.5.0 - 17 Feb 2010.1.128.
1. Add start-up warning splash screen (warn user about that upload shouldn't be interrupted).
2. Update Linux serial port search to work with Debian.
3. Add capability to run on 64-bit operating systems.
4. This update may be downloaded from our web site.

PSCSV_1133 updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:36:57 GMT

PSCSV is now version 1.128.
1. Add support for C37.118 CFG-2 messages to be sent via the UDP broadcast port.
2. This update may be downloaded from our web site.

1133A firmware updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:38:11 GMT

The latest release is 4.12 - 09 Feb 2010.
1. Add support for C37.118 CFG-2 messages to be sent via the UDP broadcast port.
2. Updated how the C37.118 auto UDP start-up functions. The broadcast will no longer be enabled all the time (it can be stopped via the C37.118 stop broadcast command).
3. Relays put into fault state when hardware fault detected..
4. Requires PSCSV v1.128 or newer.
5. This update may be downloaded from our web site.

Models 1094, 1095 Firmware Uploader is Updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:10 GMT

The latest release is 0.0.8.0 - 24 Feb 2010.
1. Bug 606: 109x uploader typo.
2. Update Linux serial port search to work with Debian.
3. Download this update from our website.

Model 1095A/C firmware updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:42:04 GMT

The latest release is 24 Feb 2010
1. Bug 600: Visible satellites can show less than satellites tracked.
2. Updated version of the display firmware (change brightness settings).
3. Download this update from our website.

Model 933A firmware updated

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:43:27 GMT

The latest release is 1.12 - 18 Feb 2010.
1. Bug 559: Change tabular results, display 0, function key 4 from "PH ABC" to "PH ABCN".
2. Bug 572: Inconsistencies in user interface - Change references to "Sag Swell" to "Power Quality".
3. Bug 591: Rename "DUR", in Sag-Swell setup, to Dwell.
4. Bug 594: Auto log data loss (max log size seems to be around 1032 records - should be able to store upwards of 16,000 records).
5. Bug 595: View auto log - Fixed problem of paging up (using increment of more than 1) from the bottom of the log. (Depending on the increment size, the only record showing might be the one in the edit box).
6. Bug 601: Custom input screen allowed illegal settings.
7. This update may be downloaded from our web site.

Microsoft Windows Windows 7 guidelines

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:45:01 GMT

Hints on how to install Arbiter software and enable the old style .hlp files in Windows 7.

1088B firmware updated

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:42:03 GMT

The latest release is 21 Dec 2009.
1. Enhancements to Position Hold Mode.
To update your 1088B please contact techsupport@arbiter.com

1094B firmware updated

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:37:33 GMT

The latest release is 05 Jan 2010
1. IRIG-B IEEE 1344 outputs incorrect year (00 instead of 10).

Catalog CD's updated

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:28:23 GMT

The latest release is Sep 2009.
1. Already out-of-date due to the new 928A and 933A data sheets but it is better than the one you have.
2. Contact sales@arbiter.com to order.

Model 928A specifications clarified

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:27:08 GMT

1. The ranges and their accuracies are the biggest area of updating/clarification.

Model 933A specifications clarified

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:26:32 GMT

1. The data sheet still had information from the design/inception stage that did not make it to the final product.
2. The ranges and their accuracies are the biggest area of updating/clarification

Guatemala Representative added to contact us

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:29:06 GMT

1092A/B/C - 1093A/B/C firmware updated

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:41:00 GMT

The latest release is 17 Aug 2009.
1. Fix power-up set defaults: Incorrectly had to wait until "SETUP" key released.
2. Survey calculation improvements.
3. Position Hold improvements.
4. Option 28 broadcast format fixed. Removed the "0x00" that was randomly placed in the Vorne broadcast string. Not visible if using Vorne displays.
To update your 1092A/B/C - 1093A/B/C please contact techsupport@arbiter.com

1095A/C Utility Application updated

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:21:52 GMT

The latest release is 0.7.4 - August 19, 2009.
1. User Interface changes. Replaced abbreviated names with non abbreviated names. Made Programmable Pulse B frequency selection box show/hide in place of the type, polarity, and time selection dropdowns to free up UI space.

Model 1095A/C data sheet updated

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:09:48 GMT

Now reflects newly available options and terminology changes.

1094B Utility Application updated

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:21:04 GMT

Model 1095A/C manual updated

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:09:27 GMT

Lots of updates to accurately reflect the operation of the Model 1095A/C.

Model 933A Firmware Updater

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:39:08 GMT

The latest release is 0.0.4.0 - 20 Aug 2008.
1. Updated to support new 933 main board.

1084A/B/C firmware updated

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:28:03 GMT

The latest release is 25 June 2009.
1. Bug 487: Position hold errors fixed
2. Position display, when in survey mode, updated so all clocks match.
To update your 1084A/B/C please contact techsupport@arbiter.com

NERC PRC-018 Compliance Statement

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:32:29 GMT

In accordance with Requirement R1.1 of NERC Standard PRC-018-1, Disturbance Monitoring Equipment Installation and Data Reporting, utilities are required to maintain time accuracy of less than 2 ms in all Disturbance Monitoring equipment (DME). Furthermore, as required in PRC-018-1, this time shall be in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) format. This requirement is reiterated in Paragraph 1.4.1 of NERC CIPCs Security Guideline for the Electricity Sector: Time Stamping of Operational Data Logs (draft version 0.91, dated November 7, 2008).
GPS Clocks manufactured by Arbiter Systems, Inc. provide UTC time in accordance with this requirement. The accuracy of clock timecode outputs (IRIG-B, 1 PPS, and NTP) varies by model and choice of timecode, but always exceeds NERC requirements.

Romanian representative added to contact us

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:16:22 GMT

PowerCSV updated to version 2.001

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:17:32 GMT

Changes and Updates:
1. Installer/Uninstaller updated
2. File->Open is now used only to open previously saved 93X flash files
3. Device->Configure and Device->Download Flash File are now used to configure the device or download a flash file from the device.
4. View->Select Columns is used to select which data columns to display from the download flash file.
5. View->Data Format is used to switch between various flash file formats for which the software was unable to auto-detect the format.

1094B manual

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:04:02 GMT

The 1094B operation manual now includes information about the application software, updates the DC input levels for Option 07 and Option 10 power supplies, and adds information about the new broadcast message (NGTS).

PSCSV_933 updated

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:01:31 GMT

PSCSV is now version 1.122. This is a bugfix release so that PSCSV933 will start on Windows 2000.

Model 1092A/B/C and Model 1093A/B/C Daylight Saving Time Anomaly

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:21:09 GMT

Background: The Models 1092 and 1093 had a programmable Daylight Saving Time function named AUTO-CUS. This function could compensate for the new DST rules instead of updating the firmware.
Problem: DST will incorrectly take place one week early in any year where March 1st is on a Sunday (2009, 2015, 2020, 2026, etc.). In other words, the 'Spring Forward' will happen on March 1st instead of March 8th for the problem years.
Recommended solution: Update to the latest firmware.
Work around: Manually turn DST on and off or wait out the week during the problem years.

1095A/C Web Site and Software

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:20:43 GMT

The web page is online for the 1095A/C. There is also a web page to grab the software.

GPS Clock Accuracy Updated

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:20:33 GMT

Models 1092 and 1093 now have 500 nanosecond accuracy.
Models 1094 and 1095 now have 250 nanosecond accuracy.

GPS Clock Position Accuracy Updated

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:20:20 GMT

All GPS satellite controlled clocks have a position accuracy of 10 meters, rms, 90% confidence.

Option 32 and Option 33 Network Time Protocol (NTP) Server

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:20:01 GMT

The circuit board used for Option 32 was redesigned so that it can share with the new Option 33. Option 33 provides a second, independent NTP Server. The changes are more than internal. The rear panel has limited space but required another connector so the RS-232 port was switched from a DB-9 to an RJ-11. It now matches the RS-232 port style on the 933A.
Option 32 data sheet
Option 33 data sheet

GPS Clock Power Supply Ratings Updated

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 01:16:49 GMT

1088B included power supply rating = 85-264 Vac or 110-350 Vdc
1088Bopt07 = 85-264 Vac or 110-350 Vdc
1088opt15A = 110-170 Vdc
1088opt15B = 110-300 Vdc

1094opt07 and 1094opt10 = 85-264 Vac or 110-350 Vdc

1093opt07 and 1093opt10 = 85-264 Vac or 110-350 Vdc

1084opt07 and 1084opt10 = 85-264 Vac or 110-350 Vdc

1083B = 85-264 Vac or 110-370 Vdc

Web site additions

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:40:17 GMT

Fiber-optic to logic adapters and logic to fiber-optic adapters have become quite popular. They now have their own page on the Arbiter web site.
http://www.arbiter.com/catalog/clock/fiber_to_logic_to_fiber/index.php

Copper IRIG-B distribution system modules are now on the web site, too.
http://www.arbiter.com/catalog/clock/copper_irig_distribution/index.php
You may want to read the Application Note 101 for information about Distributing Timing Signals in a High-EMI environment for additional information about the copper IRIG-B distribution system modules.
http://www.arbiter.com/ftp/datasheets/appnote101.pdf

Leap second coming soon

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:48:14 GMT

Another leap second will be added to the UTC time scale on 31 December 2008. The Arbiter GPS Satellite Controlled Clocks will not be adversely affected by the addition of a leap second.

Arbiter Time Service updated

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:47:18 GMT

The Arbiter Time Service is now version 1.5. The big news is that ATS can now synchronize to the 1094B serial port.

928A manual and Starter Kit updated

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:45:41 GMT

The 928A has an updated manual and starter kit component change. In the starter kit, the current output CT is replaced by a voltage output CT and a standard 1-100A calibration. The voltage output CT's performance is much better than the current output CT.

Remote GPS Receiver for the 933A and Doble F6150 is available.

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:36:27 GMT

The Arbiter Systems, Inc. Remote GPS Receiver provides GPS synchronization for the Arbiter Systems' Model 933A (order number AS0077600) and the Doble Model F6150 (order number AS0077601) at the standard GPS frequency (L1 band) of 1575.42 MHz. Thus providing the best timing accuracy for the Model 933A and the Doble Model F6150. Although the remote GPS receiver is sealed against the weather, it is designed for temporary outside operation.

Model 1133A Firmware Updater

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:14:12 GMT

The 1133A Firmware Updater is now release 0.0.4.0.

This release allows for use of serial ports greater than 9.

Remote GPS Receiver for Model 933A and Doble F6150

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:11:15 GMT

Verify the mainboard version in the Model 1133A

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:44:38 GMT

The firmware since release v3.95 - 10May07 is not compatible with the original mainboard of the 1133A known affectionately as the 167 board. The newer mainboard is the 168 board and has been around for a very long time but there may still be demo 1133A's out there with the 167 board so be careful when updating the firmware.

Steps to determine Processor Type:
1. Download the Firmware Updater.
2. Run the Firmware Updater.
3. Click Tools.
4. Click Processor Type.
5. A window will pop up indicating the Processor Type.
6. If the Processor Type is 168 then you have the latest mainboard and the firmware and Firmware Updater are compatible.
7. If the Processor Type is 167 then you have an old mainboard and require an upgrade. Contact the factory for information.

TVA PMU Connection Tester for Model 1133A

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:40:30 GMT

The PMU Connection Tester application was developed by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and verifies that the data stream from any known phasor measurement device is being received. It currently supports the following phasor data protocols: IEEE C37.118 Version 1/Draft 7, IEEE C37.118 Draft 6, IEEE 1344, BPA PDCstream and the Virginia Tech FNET streaming data protocol. Please read TVA's disclaimer.

Daylight Saving Time is creeping up on you!

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:11:26 GMT

Do not forget that Daylight Saving Time falls back one hour on November 4th and that is not too far around the corner.

GPS Substation Clock Requirements

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:44:34 GMT

What degree of accuracy is really required? Read this white paper for the answer.

USA Daylight Saving Changes

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:46:11 GMT

More information about the USA DST changes in 2007.