Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
David Woolley wrote: [] > Normally people reckon in terms of low 10s of mss for Windows, > although there are claims of better performance, possibly on lightly > loaded systems. When configured as a stratum-1 ref-clock, I regularly see much better than 10ms with Windows: ~100-150us on an XP server system: http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/feenix_ntp_2.html ~500us on an XP interactive system: http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/stamsund_ntp_2.html ~100us on a Windows 2000 server system: http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/bacchus_ntp-p.html For a Windows XP client system synced over the LAN to these stratum-1 servers I typically see an accuracy of about 1.5ms. http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/narvik_ntp-b.html Loopstats available: http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/daily_ntp.html#Loopstats Temperature stability appears to be one limiting factor. Cheers, David ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
David J Taylor wrote: > Dave Baxter wrote: > >> Hi David.. >> >> Yes, I've been following your progress with your various servers, >> impressive, but I struggle to get the time to "keep up" these days. >> >> OK on the sort of hardware your FreeBSD system ran on, so by the sound >> of it that BifferBoard thing might work OK. I just need to find >> someone relatively local to me who's a bit of an Embedded >> FreeBSD/Linux guru. Few and far between, or they keep themselves well >> hidden ;-) >> > > There a few folk lurking here I hear that Linux is not as good as > FreeBSD for timekeeping, by the way. > Hmmm - Depending on the kernel and what's loaded into it... My feeling is that FreeBSD on a ELAN based system may be the best system for time-tracking running NTP but I do have a version of Chrony running in my lab with really impressive results on a mach64 kernel. Todd Glassey > >> I presume you mean QRM (Man made) as oposed to QRN (Natural) >> interference from all the digital kit. Slip of finger on keys no >> doubt. >> >> All good fun, until neighborhood PLT comes by. >> >> Cheers. >> >> Dave B. >> > > Indeed - QRM, but not from intentional radio transmissions. > > 73, > David > > ___ > questions mailing list > questions@lists.ntp.org > https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.23/2254 - Release Date: 07/22/09 > 05:59:00 > > ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
G8KBV wrote: > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > Hi... > > Been lurking for a while. > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > with FreeBSD, Yes this is a good place to start. > I think I have one of those configured OK, but > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > files? > There is a process called virecover which starts from boot - you can disable it. Look in /etc/rc.d/virecover. In fact /etc/rc.d is the directory with many of the start/stop rc (*scripts) files. But you could have found this by simply typing a google search for "stopping virecover" for what its worth. > So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" > (opportunities) One the "Tardis" program, that would appear > to be able to take PPS based GPS signals, and act as a server. > Its not NTP - but rather SNTP as I recall. What are you trying to accomplish? using a non-evidentiary grade of time services or putting together provable time services for your system? > Have to say, if it works, that would be a good solution for > some other interested parties (near zero config!) Except the reason for setting the time data on the system is so that the log files can be properly compared to the real world and that the time-sensitve crypto features of Kerberos and other tools work > The author > of that app seems to think it should work (they would I > guess?) Plus, I know my way around most of Windoze, unlike > my knowledge of Linuz/BSD or whatever, that just slows me down > to the point of frustration. No one in the (local to me) LUG > is interested in any of this sort of thing sadly. > > (& just why is it that about all 'nix documentation and help > files, are written almost exclusively to obfuscate the needed > information?) > > Also the Meinberg NTP software (not looked at in detail yet) > Both of them (independently while I play with them) will each > live on a dedicated PC for now, but ultimately one or the > other would need to co-exist on the same PC with the > monitoring program (Faros) that needs the time stamps. > Pointing it's NTP client routines at LocalHost? Low single > figure mS jitter is OK, sub uS accuracy is just not needed. > > However, while involved in something else, this came to my > attention > > http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ > > Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern > standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a > GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. > > OK, I've managed (I think, as earlier) to get an older version > of FreeBSD to run for this sort of thing (on a 500MHz P3 > machine) But, just how cut down can it go, with just enough > left to boot and do the NTP task, or is the Kernel BifferOS > uses capable of half decent NPT serving tasks as it is? It > appears to use a version of the same code others are using in > the WRTG routers for other purposes. > > Or, has anyone done similar with "re-purposed" Router hardware > for example (Linksys, Sweex, etc) I am aware of someone > selling (too rich for me!) a GPSDNTP server based on a "Slug" > (eBay 180384450442) using a USB connected GPS. > > My ultimate goal? > > To get Faros (HF Beacon monitoring program, runs on Windows, > only.) A GPSDNTP source, HF Receiver control app (my own > code) and the resulting web based status page (or website > updater) all living on the same PC. I may have a 1GHz P3 > available, if I can get replacement RAM for it. With Win2k > already resident. And a couple of Garmin GPS16LVS devices, > verified working with 1PPS output. > > Now, if Alex would integrate GPS timekeeping within Faros, all > this would not be needed, but he has his own reasons it seems > for not doing so. As a result, it needs a 24/7 'net > connection, or access to some other NTP time source. My > ISP's servers are somewhat less than reliable at times, > likewise access to others due to unpredictable and huge WAN > network latencies from time to time. > > I also can't help wondering if any of the modern single chip > microcontrollers, some of which have available IP stacks, > could do the GPSDNTP thing in raw machine (or compiled) code. > But try as I might, I can find no reference to anyone trying > such a thing. > > I am of course trying to keep the electric bill down, running > 3 PC's and a radio or two 24/7 is somewhat noticeable to the > wallet these days, and it is not getting any easier!... > > Then there is the chore of just finding the time to research > and mess with all this stuff... > > Enough waffle from me... > > Regards to All.. > > Dave Baxter. > G0WBX. > > ___ > questions mailing list > questions@lists.ntp.org > ht
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
tglassey wrote: > G8KBV wrote: >> Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. >> >> Hi... >> >> Been lurking for a while. >> >> Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS >> Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work >> with FreeBSD, > Yes this is a good place to start. >> I think I have one of those configured OK, but >> I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort >> of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It >> keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't >> find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor >> files? >> > There is a process called virecover which starts from boot - you can > disable it. Look in /etc/rc.d/virecover. In fact /etc/rc.d is the > directory with many of the start/stop rc (*scripts) files. But you > could have found this by simply typing a google search for "stopping > virecover" for what its worth. >> So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" >> (opportunities) One the "Tardis" program, that would appear >> to be able to take PPS based GPS signals, and act as a server. >> > Its not NTP - but rather SNTP as I recall. What are you trying to > accomplish? using a non-evidentiary grade of time services or putting > together provable time services for your system? >> Have to say, if it works, that would be a good solution for >> some other interested parties (near zero config!) > Except the reason for setting the time data on the system is so that > the log files can be properly compared to the real world and that the > time-sensitve crypto features of Kerberos and other tools work >> The author >> of that app seems to think it should work (they would I >> guess?) Plus, I know my way around most of Windoze, unlike >> my knowledge of Linuz/BSD or whatever, that just slows me down >> to the point of frustration. No one in the (local to me) LUG >> is interested in any of this sort of thing sadly. >> >> (& just why is it that about all 'nix documentation and help >> files, are written almost exclusively to obfuscate the needed >> information?) >> >> Also the Meinberg NTP software (not looked at in detail yet) >> Both of them (independently while I play with them) will each >> live on a dedicated PC for now, but ultimately one or the >> other would need to co-exist on the same PC with the >> monitoring program (Faros) that needs the time stamps. >> Pointing it's NTP client routines at LocalHost? Low single >> figure mS jitter is OK, sub uS accuracy is just not needed. >> >> However, while involved in something else, this came to my >> attention >> >> http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ >> >> Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern >> standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a >> GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. >> >> OK, I've managed (I think, as earlier) to get an older version >> of FreeBSD to run for this sort of thing (on a 500MHz P3 >> machine) But, just how cut down can it go, with just enough >> left to boot and do the NTP task, or is the Kernel BifferOS >> uses capable of half decent NPT serving tasks as it is? It >> appears to use a version of the same code others are using in >> the WRTG routers for other purposes. >> >> Or, has anyone done similar with "re-purposed" Router hardware >> for example (Linksys, Sweex, etc) I am aware of someone >> selling (too rich for me!) a GPSDNTP server based on a "Slug" >> (eBay 180384450442) using a USB connected GPS. >> >> My ultimate goal? >> >> To get Faros (HF Beacon monitoring program, runs on Windows, >> only.) A GPSDNTP source, HF Receiver control app (my own >> code) and the resulting web based status page (or website >> updater) all living on the same PC. I may have a 1GHz P3 >> available, if I can get replacement RAM for it. With Win2k >> already resident. And a couple of Garmin GPS16LVS devices, >> verified working with 1PPS output. >> >> Now, if Alex would integrate GPS timekeeping within Faros, all >> this would not be needed, but he has his own reasons it seems >> for not doing so. As a result, it needs a 24/7 'net >> connection, or access to some other NTP time source. My >> ISP's servers are somewhat less than reliable at times, >> likewise access to others due to unpredictable and huge WAN >> network latencies from time to time. >> >> I also can't help wondering if any of the modern single chip >> microcontrollers, some of which have available IP stacks, >> could do the GPSDNTP thing in raw machine (or compiled) code. >> But try as I might, I can find no reference to anyone trying >> such a thing. >> >> I am of course trying to keep the electric bill down, running >> 3 PC's and a radio or two 24/7 is somewhat noticeable to the >> wallet these days, and it is not getting any easier!... >> >> Then there is the chore of just finding the time to research >> and mess with all this stuff... >> >> Enough waffle from me... >> >> Regards to
[ntp:questions] Building a private NTP architecture
Hello everyone, glad to be here. New to the list. I've got a number of lab environments without external connectivity, i.e. no access to an internal network, or even the internet. With the hardware available to me, my desire is to specify one Red Hat Linux system in each lab as 'the' ntp server and all the other clients would connect to it. On that ntp server, I believe I'd have to set the date/time manually, and expect all the ntp clients to be sync'd with it. Is there a better way to structure this-I'm open to suggestions. I've looked through the man pages for ntp, and the documentation on the ntp.org site. What I'm searching for is the procedure and individual steps for correctly establishing that ntp server, and then having all the clients point to it in an isolated, private environment. Thank you for any help you can give. R, -Joe Wulf ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
[ntp:questions] ntp client chooses LOCAL as prefered peer
I am running RHEL4u5 with ntp-4.2.0. I have seen some instances where my clients can access our NTP server, but they will not sync to it. Instead the client chooses LOCAL as the preferred peer. I have found several posts on this, but no resolution. Any ideas? # uname -r 2.6.9-55.0.2.8.3.smp # cat /etc/ntp.conf restrict default ignore restrict 127.0.0.1 broadcastdelay 0.008 authenticate no fudge 127.127.1.0 stratum 10 server 127.127.1.0 driftfile /etc/ntp/ntp.drift restrict ntp1 nomodify notrap server ntp1 restrict ntp2 nomodify notrap server ntp2 ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
G8KBV wrote: > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. As far as I know, Google groups rejects synchronously. A direct NNTP client certainly would. > > So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" > (opportunities) One the "Tardis" program, that would appear Unless you are using an MS-DOS based Windows (ME was the last) I can see no point whatsoever in using a shareware program with unknown internals when the official version of NTP is available as open source! There is no certainty about the internals of Tardis, but it is quite likely no better than recent versions of w32time (when configured properly, rather than out of the box) which has been supplied, bundled with NT based versions of Windows, for many years. w32time doesn't support local reference clocks, or PPS. The prime designer of ntpd is a radio amateur. > > (& just why is it that about all 'nix documentation and help > files, are written almost exclusively to obfuscate the needed > information?) At least the information is there. Have you ever tried to navigate MSDN: a maze of windy passages leading nowhere. In order to make Windows appear easy, Microsoft make the scary stuff difficult or impossible to find, even though it exists in copious amounts. > > Also the Meinberg NTP software (not looked at in detail yet) > Both of them (independently while I play with them) will each This is the same software as on FreeBSD, except that it doesn't work as well, because of the limitations of Windows. All Meinberg did was configure a Windows installer for it. > live on a dedicated PC for now, but ultimately one or the > other would need to co-exist on the same PC with the > monitoring program (Faros) that needs the time stamps. > Pointing it's NTP client routines at LocalHost? Low single > figure mS jitter is OK, sub uS accuracy is just not needed. Seriously stretches Windows. Actually using NTP to access the time on the same machine removes the problem that the Windows clock cannot be read that accurately, but you still have the problem that Windows scheduling delays will introduce jitter of more than this in the measurement of the external events that you are monitoring, and possibly in the scheduling of the return to the application from the time server. Normally people reckon in terms of low 10s of mss for Windows, although there are claims of better performance, possibly on lightly loaded systems. If you want really high precision timing of sound card input, you should probably construct special hardware to inject the PPS signal into the analogue input of the sound card. > > However, while involved in something else, this came to my > attention > > http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ > > Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern > standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a > GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. > > OK, I've managed (I think, as earlier) to get an older version > of FreeBSD to run for this sort of thing (on a 500MHz P3 Seriously over-powered! You should be thinking something more like 50MHz i486. > machine) But, just how cut down can it go, with just enough > left to boot and do the NTP task, or is the Kernel BifferOS The size of ntpd will be the main limit. With older versions of Linux, and presumably FreeBSD, you can fit everything else onto one floppy. Again, without ntpd, you would probably get away with 6MB of RAM. I'd budget on more like 16MHz, unless you start building custom versions against custom libc's. > > To get Faros (HF Beacon monitoring program, runs on Windows, > only.) A GPSDNTP source, HF Receiver control app (my own > code) and the resulting web based status page (or website Be careful about the licencing for Windows; there are severe limits on how many people can legally access a web server on a non-server edition of Windows. > > Now, if Alex would integrate GPS timekeeping within Faros, all > this would not be needed, but he has his own reasons it seems > for not doing so. As a result, it needs a 24/7 'net > connection, or access to some other NTP time source. My > ISP's servers are somewhat less than reliable at times, > likewise access to others due to unpredictable and huge WAN > network latencies from time to time. You are locked into the wrong platform, and you can't go the VM route, as VM systems give very poor timing to the virtual machines. > > http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ Modern versions of ntpd require floating point, whereas 486SX doesn't have it, so you will need software floating point. On the other hand, it may well have plenty of excess processing speed to support that. ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
G8KBV wrote: > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > Hi... > > Been lurking for a while. > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > files? > A "Free BSD" group might be a better place to ask. When you ask, you should probably include the text of one of these e-mails. > So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" > (opportunities) One the "Tardis" program, that would appear > to be able to take PPS based GPS signals, and act as a server. > Have to say, if it works, that would be a good solution for > some other interested parties (near zero config!) The author > of that app seems to think it should work (they would I > guess?) Plus, I know my way around most of Windoze, unlike > my knowledge of Linuz/BSD or whatever, that just slows me down > to the point of frustration. No one in the (local to me) LUG > is interested in any of this sort of thing sadly. > > (& just why is it that about all 'nix documentation and help > files, are written almost exclusively to obfuscate the needed > information?) > > Also the Meinberg NTP software (not looked at in detail yet) > Both of them (independently while I play with them) will each > live on a dedicated PC for now, but ultimately one or the > other would need to co-exist on the same PC with the > monitoring program (Faros) that needs the time stamps. > Pointing it's NTP client routines at LocalHost? Low single > figure mS jitter is OK, sub uS accuracy is just not needed. > The "Meinberg NTP software" is standard NTPD with a "Windows installer"! If you are really good with Windows you might be able to install an X86 version of NTPD on a Windows system without Meinberg. Most people take the easy way out: Meinberg! > However, while involved in something else, this came to my > attention > > http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ > > Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern > standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a > GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. > > OK, I've managed (I think, as earlier) to get an older version > of FreeBSD to run for this sort of thing (on a 500MHz P3 > machine) But, just how cut down can it go, with just enough > left to boot and do the NTP task, or is the Kernel BifferOS > uses capable of half decent NPT serving tasks as it is? It > appears to use a version of the same code others are using in > the WRTG routers for other purposes. > > Or, has anyone done similar with "re-purposed" Router hardware > for example (Linksys, Sweex, etc) I am aware of someone > selling (too rich for me!) a GPSDNTP server based on a "Slug" > (eBay 180384450442) using a USB connected GPS. > > My ultimate goal? > > To get Faros (HF Beacon monitoring program, runs on Windows, > only.) A GPSDNTP source, HF Receiver control app (my own > code) and the resulting web based status page (or website > updater) all living on the same PC. I may have a 1GHz P3 > available, if I can get replacement RAM for it. With Win2k > already resident. And a couple of Garmin GPS16LVS devices, > verified working with 1PPS output. > > Now, if Alex would integrate GPS timekeeping within Faros, all > this would not be needed, but he has his own reasons it seems > for not doing so. As a result, it needs a 24/7 'net > connection, or access to some other NTP time source. My > ISP's servers are somewhat less than reliable at times, > likewise access to others due to unpredictable and huge WAN > network latencies from time to time. > > I also can't help wondering if any of the modern single chip > microcontrollers, some of which have available IP stacks, > could do the GPSDNTP thing in raw machine (or compiled) code. > But try as I might, I can find no reference to anyone trying > such a thing. > > I am of course trying to keep the electric bill down, running > 3 PC's and a radio or two 24/7 is somewhat noticeable to the > wallet these days, and it is not getting any easier!... > > Then there is the chore of just finding the time to research > and mess with all this stuff... > > Enough waffle from me... > > Regards to All.. > > Dave Baxter. > G0WBX. > ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
Dave Baxter wrote: [] > Hi Tom. [] > From what David Taylor hints at, maybe I bite the bullet, and get one > of those BifferBoards, after asking somewhere about minimising > FreeBSD's footprint, and making a bootable system for embedded > "things" etc. > > Steep (near vertical!) learning curve at the moment. > > Regards. > > Dave B. I think my view is that, unless you have microsecond requirements, for most people there may be no need to add another PC even in a Windows-only environment. Different if you need a stand-alone board like your system, of course. Cheers, David ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
In article , lau...@acm.org says... > On 2009-07-23, G8KBV wrote: > > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > > > Hi... > > > > Been lurking for a while. > > > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > > with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but > > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > > files? > > > Dave: > > You will probably not find a better timekeeper than using the FreeBSD > machine. The resources required are very minimal compared to running Hi Tom. Thanks for the tips, and yes I'll go to a more relevant list for FreeBSD details like this, I just threw it in to illustrate some slight frustration with it. Otherwise, I do sort of like the OS. As to it's timekeeping reputation, from what I can see on t'interweb, that seems justified. >From what David Taylor hints at, maybe I bite the bullet, and get one of those BifferBoards, after asking somewhere about minimising FreeBSD's footprint, and making a bootable system for embedded "things" etc. Steep (near vertical!) learning curve at the moment. Regards. Dave B. ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
> From: Thomas Laus > Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:26:02 -0500 > Sender: questions-bounces+oberman=es@lists.ntp.org > > On 2009-07-23, G8KBV wrote: > > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > > > Hi... > > > > Been lurking for a while. > > > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > > with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but > > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > > files? > > > Dave: > > You will probably not find a better timekeeper than using the FreeBSD > machine. The resources required are very minimal compared to running > any Windows version. > > You might try logging into the FreeBSD computer as > root and reading the mail using the 'mail' command. Select the message > number, after the message has been read, press the 'd' key. When all of > the messages for root have been read, press the 'q' key to quit. That > will clear all of root's unread messages. > > To redirect your syslog messages to the console instead of a file, edit > the '/etc/syslog' file and point all of the entries to 'dev/console'. > It is not a good idea to stop the log outputs by directing things to > '/dec/null'. You might want to read some of them. > > The unrecovered editor sessions can be read by starting vi with the '-r' > flag. This is really about using FreeBSD for a timekeeper, you really can't > go > wrong. Your OS related setup questions should really be directed to a > FreeBSD newsgroup, they are much better at handling questions and can > always point you to a website for more in depth answers. The mail is a result of the daily system cleanup-checking jobs. You can stop the jobs from running by editing /etc/crontab and commenting out the "periodic" lines. I would not recommend this, though. I'd suggest creating a .forward file in /root containing an e-mail address where the messages should be sent. There are usually one or two messages Sunday through Friday with an extra one every Saturday and on the first of every month. They will give you information on any system problems as well as a very useful security report. (They are pretty boring, but when they are not, it's a big deal.) -- R. Kevin Oberman, Network Engineer Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Ernest O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) E-mail: ober...@es.net Phone: +1 510 486-8634 Key fingerprint:059B 2DDF 031C 9BA3 14A4 EADA 927D EBB3 987B 3751 ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
> You might try logging into the FreeBSD computer as root and > reading the mail using the 'mail' command. And if you really, REALLY don't want to ever see ANY e-mail from this box -- no matter what it is -- you could edit the mail alias file (/etc/aliases or /etc/mail/aliases, not sure which file name FreeBSD uses nowadays), delete any existing line starting with "root:", and add a line saying "root: /dev/null", and then do "newaliases" to create a new hashed version of the alias file. This will cause all e-mail for "root" to be silently thrown away. It would be a lot better, of course, to redirect that "root" mail to some other account on a different box, but . . . . > To redirect your syslog messages to the console instead of a > file, edit the '/etc/syslog' file and point all of the entries > to 'dev/console'. It is not a good idea to stop the log > outputs by directing things to '/dec/null'. You might want > to read some of them. And just for the benefit of those who might not know enough about Unixoid systems to catch the typos, those path names should be /dev/console (with an initial slash) and /dev/null, respectively. -- Rich Wales / ri...@richw.org / ri...@stanford.edu Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Richwales Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/richwales ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
Dave Baxter wrote: > Hi David.. > > Yes, I've been following your progress with your various servers, > impressive, but I struggle to get the time to "keep up" these days. > > OK on the sort of hardware your FreeBSD system ran on, so by the sound > of it that BifferBoard thing might work OK. I just need to find > someone relatively local to me who's a bit of an Embedded > FreeBSD/Linux guru. Few and far between, or they keep themselves well > hidden ;-) There a few folk lurking here I hear that Linux is not as good as FreeBSD for timekeeping, by the way. > I presume you mean QRM (Man made) as oposed to QRN (Natural) > interference from all the digital kit. Slip of finger on keys no > doubt. > > All good fun, until neighborhood PLT comes by. > > Cheers. > > Dave B. Indeed - QRM, but not from intentional radio transmissions. 73, David ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
On 2009-07-23, G8KBV wrote: > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > Hi... > > Been lurking for a while. > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > files? > Dave: You will probably not find a better timekeeper than using the FreeBSD machine. The resources required are very minimal compared to running any Windows version. You might try logging into the FreeBSD computer as root and reading the mail using the 'mail' command. Select the message number, after the message has been read, press the 'd' key. When all of the messages for root have been read, press the 'q' key to quit. That will clear all of root's unread messages. To redirect your syslog messages to the console instead of a file, edit the '/etc/syslog' file and point all of the entries to 'dev/console'. It is not a good idea to stop the log outputs by directing things to '/dec/null'. You might want to read some of them. The unrecovered editor sessions can be read by starting vi with the '-r' flag. This is really about using FreeBSD for a timekeeper, you really can't go wrong. Your OS related setup questions should really be directed to a FreeBSD newsgroup, they are much better at handling questions and can always point you to a website for more in depth answers. Tom -- Public Keys: PGP KeyID = 0x5F22FDC1GnuPG KeyID = 0x620836CF ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
Hi David.. Yes, I've been following your progress with your various servers, impressive, but I struggle to get the time to "keep up" these days. OK on the sort of hardware your FreeBSD system ran on, so by the sound of it that BifferBoard thing might work OK. I just need to find someone relatively local to me who's a bit of an Embedded FreeBSD/Linux guru. Few and far between, or they keep themselves well hidden ;-) I presume you mean QRM (Man made) as oposed to QRN (Natural) interference from all the digital kit. Slip of finger on keys no doubt. All good fun, until neighborhood PLT comes by. Cheers. Dave B. ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
Re: [ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
G8KBV wrote: > Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. > > Hi... > > Been lurking for a while. > > Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS > Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work > with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but > I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort > of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It > keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't > find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor > files? > > So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" > (opportunities) Dave, I have since retired the FreeBSD server in favour of Windows 2000 and XP systems which can provide a good enough offset for me (within a millisecond or so). Look at the three systems here: http://www.satsignal.eu/mrtg/daily_ntp.html Feenix - lightly loaded XP system Stamsund - heavily used interactive XP system Bacchus - lightly loaded windows 2000 system, with occasional 100% CPU load from a weekly defrag (today's defrag would not do this). [] > However, while involved in something else, this came to my > attention > > http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ My FreeBSD system ran on a 48MB 133MHz pentium system, so not dissimilar in power. But having a router box you could simply convert might be easier. You can use serial-to-USB convertors and not loose too much accuracy: http://www.satsignal.eu/ntp/NTP-on-Windows-serial-port.html#usb > Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern > standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a > GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. [] > Enough waffle from me... > > Regards to All.. > > Dave Baxter. > G0WBX. Sounds a fascinating project, Dave. Too much QRN from all the computers here to do too much radio! 73, David ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
[ntp:questions] Local (own site) NTP servers.
Wonder if this will get posed, or returned to me.. Hi... Been lurking for a while. Also, been messing about trying to get a local (to me) GPS Disciplined NTP server working, based on David Taylor's work with FreeBSD, I think I have one of those configured OK, but I've got other issues with FreeBSD on that machine that sort of prevent me using it for unattended "appliance" use. It keeps generating system emails for the Root user, and I can't find out why! Other than its something about recovered editor files? So... I'm about to try a couple of Windows "solutions" (opportunities) One the "Tardis" program, that would appear to be able to take PPS based GPS signals, and act as a server. Have to say, if it works, that would be a good solution for some other interested parties (near zero config!) The author of that app seems to think it should work (they would I guess?) Plus, I know my way around most of Windoze, unlike my knowledge of Linuz/BSD or whatever, that just slows me down to the point of frustration. No one in the (local to me) LUG is interested in any of this sort of thing sadly. (& just why is it that about all 'nix documentation and help files, are written almost exclusively to obfuscate the needed information?) Also the Meinberg NTP software (not looked at in detail yet) Both of them (independently while I play with them) will each live on a dedicated PC for now, but ultimately one or the other would need to co-exist on the same PC with the monitoring program (Faros) that needs the time stamps. Pointing it's NTP client routines at LocalHost? Low single figure mS jitter is OK, sub uS accuracy is just not needed. However, while involved in something else, this came to my attention http://bifferos.bizhat.com/ Now, I realise the clock speed is not that quick by modern standards, but could that have enough "grunt" to work as a GPSDNTP server for a small low traffic LAN?.. OK, I've managed (I think, as earlier) to get an older version of FreeBSD to run for this sort of thing (on a 500MHz P3 machine) But, just how cut down can it go, with just enough left to boot and do the NTP task, or is the Kernel BifferOS uses capable of half decent NPT serving tasks as it is? It appears to use a version of the same code others are using in the WRTG routers for other purposes. Or, has anyone done similar with "re-purposed" Router hardware for example (Linksys, Sweex, etc) I am aware of someone selling (too rich for me!) a GPSDNTP server based on a "Slug" (eBay 180384450442) using a USB connected GPS. My ultimate goal? To get Faros (HF Beacon monitoring program, runs on Windows, only.) A GPSDNTP source, HF Receiver control app (my own code) and the resulting web based status page (or website updater) all living on the same PC. I may have a 1GHz P3 available, if I can get replacement RAM for it. With Win2k already resident. And a couple of Garmin GPS16LVS devices, verified working with 1PPS output. Now, if Alex would integrate GPS timekeeping within Faros, all this would not be needed, but he has his own reasons it seems for not doing so. As a result, it needs a 24/7 'net connection, or access to some other NTP time source. My ISP's servers are somewhat less than reliable at times, likewise access to others due to unpredictable and huge WAN network latencies from time to time. I also can't help wondering if any of the modern single chip microcontrollers, some of which have available IP stacks, could do the GPSDNTP thing in raw machine (or compiled) code. But try as I might, I can find no reference to anyone trying such a thing. I am of course trying to keep the electric bill down, running 3 PC's and a radio or two 24/7 is somewhat noticeable to the wallet these days, and it is not getting any easier!... Then there is the chore of just finding the time to research and mess with all this stuff... Enough waffle from me... Regards to All.. Dave Baxter. G0WBX. ___ questions mailing list questions@lists.ntp.org https://lists.ntp.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
