[time-nuts] Re: Query about TSC5120A usage protocols

[John Miles]

The note is correct; the box runs a BSD variant without any power-down
logic.  It's no different from pulling the plug on a Windows machine without
shutting it down.  99% of the time nothing bad will happen, 1% of the time
you're in for a bad time.

Some versions of the OS bring up a warning message during bootup to the
effect of, "To avoid file system corruption, please power the system down
with the power switch rather than by pulling the plug."  It's not clear
what's up with this message because the power switch is simply wired in
series with the AC line, at least on the units I've seen.  It does not
initiate any kind of power-down sequence.  Maybe it does on some of them.
It's safest to power down only after a measurement has been running for a
while or stopped for a while, never right after beginning a measurement or
changing any settings.  

I wouldn't bother with a UPS myself.  If the seller will hook you up with
the CF image, or if you are comfortable opening the box up and making a
backup (recommended) , then CF corruption is not that big a deal.

TimeLab works very well with these boxes, so I'd recommend taking a few
minutes to hook up a network cable and give it a try.

-- john


> -----Original Message-----
> From: AC0XU (Jim) via time-nuts [mailto:time-nuts at lists.febo.com]
> Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2023 4:26 PM
> To: time-nuts at lists.febo.com
> Cc: AC0XU (Jim)
> Subject: [time-nuts] Query about TSC5120A usage protocols
> 
> Time Nuts-
> 
> I am in the process of purchasing a TSC5120A analyzer. The seller sent me
> this note.  Can anyone shed more light on this topic?  Beyond the
precaution
> mentioned (e.g., plug it into a UPS), is there anything else I can/should
do to
> keep the unit working properly?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Jim
> 
> 
> ===========================
> Please note that the Symmetricom 5120As are VERY Sensitive when it comes
> to powering the unit on and off. It is reccomended that they not be
> powered off within at least a minute after storing and settings or else
the
> CR Drive and the operating system may be corrupted. It does NOT LIKE being
> powering off unexpectedly due to power line issues as this may very well
> also corrupt the CF Drive and the operating system. Symmetricom stopped
> supporting these Jan 3rd of this year but they were able to send me a
> replacement CF drive which is the weakest link in this system.
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