[ntp:questions] Stratum 1 servers in pools?!?

Dave Hart davehart at gmail.com
Tue Jun 16 01:18:57 UTC 2009


On Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 11:26 PM, Richard B.
Gilbert<rgilbert88 at comcast.net> wrote:
> I wouldn't worry excessively about it!  If there is a stratum one server
> in the pool, it's there because the owner wanted it there.
>
> What you should NOT do, is configure several of your machines to use it!
> If you have ONE server querying that stratum 1 box, that server is a
> stratum two server and can serve time to your local network.

Using the pool on several machines is fine.  What the pool folks do
ask is that you don't find servers using the pool, then hardcode their
name or IP address in your configuration.  That is so people can leave
the pool and not have the IP/name continue to get (at that point)
unwanted NTP queries.

> For that matter, you could set up your own stratum one server!  All it
> takes is a GPS Timing Receiver and a PC running Solaris or Linux and
> NTPD.  Net investment is $100-$300 for the timing receiver, cable,
[...]

I don't think you can find a timing-specialized GPS receiver for that
price.  You can get a location-oriented GPS receiver with PPS, namely
the Garmin GPS 18x LVC, in that price range.  I spent $100 for mine
modified by someone more competent with a soldering iron to have a
PC-compatible DB-9 serial connector and a USB cable for power.  The
receiver itself can be had for under $60 in the US, but then you have
to supply the DB-9 hood, USB cable (or other 5V supply), and time to
wire it up.

Cheers,
Dave Hart



More information about the questions mailing list