[time-nuts] Re: Schweitzer Engineering Labs SEL-2407 Satellite Synchronized Clock

[Lynn Grant]

It looks like the SEL-2407, like the SEL-2401, requires a terminal emulator
that can do XMODEM transfers. My go to emulator, Putty, could not handle
that, so I got ZOC, by Emtec (https://www.emtec.com/zoc/), and it worked
like a champ. If anyone else needs to acquire a new terminal emulator to do
the firmware uploads, I highly recommend ZOC.

Lynn, N8AF/V31LK

On Wed, Mar 15, 2023 at 4:22 PM Gregory Beat via time-nuts <
time-nuts at lists.febo.com> wrote:

> Schweitzer Engineering Labs SEL-2407 Satellite Synchronized Clock
> https://selinc.com/api/download/2909/?lang=en
> There is NO GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO) with this Clock.  It
> distributes IRIG-B time codes.
> 1 PPS is an optional output from the clock. Newest version (300-series)
> costs $1,600 USD.
>
> Their earlier 100-series SEL-2407 clock uses the Trimble 12-channel Larsen
> iQ GPS receiver (46240-20, Pb part), or the RoHs compliant part (46240-25).
> These 100-series Clocks will experience WNRO during 2024.
> ==
> I obtained a Schweitzer Engineering Labs SEL-2407 Clock (100 series, 2005
> mfg. date) in early February 2023, from a Rocky Mountain salvage company
> (paid far less than their asking price). They were unaware of a potential
> WNRO issue with this clock.
> My purchase was a “Leap of Faith”.
>
> Fortunately, SEL has update path for their older (100-series) SEL-2407
> clock to address WNRO.
>
> I successfully performed these update steps, earlier this month, to
> address the WNRO issue.
> Schweitzer Engineering provided the support (manual and firmware files)
> that I needed.
> Since SEL serves the electrical power utility industry (post 9/11), their
> support take security pre-cautions (they are NOT structured for hobbyist
> support).
> I performed my own research to find the correct Euro Terminal Plug
> (power), which was missing.
>
> The SEL upgrade path requires a firmware upgrade (Trimble iQ to version
> 1.16) and a micro-code upgrade (internal FPGA to version 1.05) before 2024
> (unit’s WNRO date).
> IF the SEL-2407 clock is running the original v1.04 Trimble firmware,
> THEN an intermediate firmware upgrade to v1.05 is required before
> upgrading to v1.16.
> ==
> IF you acquire one of these older SEL-2407 clocks and desire to perform
> this upgrade,
> here are the REQUIRED Documents, Cables, Hardware, and HEX firmware files.
>
> 1.)   SEL-2407 Satellite-Synchronized Clock Instruction Manual (October
> 22, 2022 version, PDF, 41 pages). SEL-2407 Manual lists Specific Steps
> (page 35) to upgrade both GPS receiver and FPGA firmware.
>
> 2.)   SEL C234A Specific Serial (RS-232) Cable required to connect
> SEL-2407 (DTE) to Personal Computer (DTE). You will likely have to DIY
> Build this Null modem cable with proper CTS/RTS wiring.  Your personal
> computer needs a serial terminal program with XMODEM capabilities, to
> access the SEL-2407 Clock.  The PC serial port needs to support 115.2K
> (FPGA file is Large, 7.6MB).
>
> 3.)   The SEL-2407 uses a 6-position Euro terminal for Power and Alarm.
> My unit was missing this Euro plug (Euro Terminal Block Plug, Green,
> 6-position, Straight, 7.62mm Pitch) as well as adjacent Green Ground Screw
> (Green, Hex Washer Slot machine screw, 6-32, 3/8” length).
>
> PHOENIX CONTACT (Germany), Part Number: 1875140. Mouser and Digi-Key stock
> this Euro terminal block plug. ~ $20 each. My hardware drawer had 6-32 Hex
> Washer Slot Screw, and Testors GREEN Paint.
>
> 4.)   Acquire Three (3) HEX firmware files (Receiver, FPGA) to perform
> this upgrade.
>
> 5.)  Now you can begin the update process.
> —
> Connect C234A serial cable and GPS Antenna (TNC connector) to the SEL-2407.
>
> Assure SEL-2407 is DISCONNECTED from Power.
> SEL-2407 has an internal SMPS and DC-DC converter. Some steps during
> Upgrade Steps require Opening the Unit (Protection jumper for FPGA
> programming). DE-Energize SEL-2407 for serring the DIP switches !!
>
> Go to Pages 8-11, Set the DIP Switches (front panel removal) for your
> Location and DST rules.
>
> Attach SEL-2407 Clock to Power Source and Power ON.
>
> Once the SEL-2407 has a Satellite Lock, use your computer to talk to the
> SEL-2407.
> Commands are found on Pages 12-23 of the manual.
>
> “STA” is the Status command, Page 21-22, displays Firmware and Status of
> your Clock.
>
> Pages 32-39 cover the Steps for Upgrading the SEL-2407.
> Have the HEX files in an accessible directory on your computer.
>
> NOT Recommended for NOVICES or APPLIANCE OPERATORS.
> Previous experience with upgrading embedded hardware & router firmware
> useful.
> —
> I can provide current SEL-2407 clock manual to an appropriate time-nuts
> repository.
> ==
>
> Greg, w9gb
> chicago
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