Synchronized Clocks – What System is Best for my Organization

JDSU Network Instruments Observer Platform 17

Virtually every enterprise can benefit from synchronized time displays, clocks that all display the same correct time. But which system is best for your organization?

There are many options to pick from, depending on your industry and the number of displays required, but which system is best for your organization?

Large Environments

In large environmentslike hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and large offices a wireless clock system may be a good option.This type of system includes a Master Clock that can synchronize to any NTP Server or its own GPS time input. The Master Clock will then generate and transmit its own wireless time signal (900 Mhz) to every clock in all directions and between floors.To ensure each clock can receive the time signal each clock should be able to receive the time signal and then repeat this in all directions, creating a strong mesh network

Small Environment/Office

For smaller facilities such as a small office, medical clinics, an investment in a master controller may not be warranted. In that case, Power over Ethernet (PoE) or Wi-Fi Network Clocks may be a better option.These clocks can connect to your master clock, or any other NTP time source, within your environment to ensure they all display the same time.

Upgrading an existing system

Many education facilities have pre-existing Sync-Wire clock systems. Some of the clocks may be failing, or the clock controller is not functioning correctly.For this we have a couple of options.

Sapling clocks are compatible with most name brand controllers, which allows you to directly replace your clocks. One of the disadvantages of a sync-wire system is the frequency of the time sync which is once every 12 hours. This means that in the event of a power outage or when adding or replacing clocks, it could take up to 12 hours for the clocks to display the correct time.

If your clock controller is failing or you would like to upgrade, you can install a hybrid master clock with a wireless transmitter that also supports your existing wired clocks. This is a cost effective option as you can upgrade your wired clocks to the newer wireless clocks as the older clocks fail or budget becomes available.

Clock Selection

Once you’ve selected your clock system, you’ll need to decide between analog and digital displays. Analog clocks may be designed with images or a logo and different sizes which makes them a good fit for waiting areas or other customer facing locations, whereas the brightness of digital clocks is helpful in places with low light areas.

Digital clocks can also come with enhanced functionality, such as an elapsed-timer that allows you to track how much time has gone by during a specific task. This can prove useful for meetings, timing events or time sensitive events like code blue in a hospital environment.

Clocks that Keep Everyone Safe and Informed

Your synchronized digital clocks can now do so much more, by bringing visual notifications to your facility especially in busy noisy environments. The OnAlert system is an advanced, powerful communication platform that during normal operation can present time of day but can be switched to a high priority message which replaces all other messages during times of crisis.

Considering your options contact us to discuss which is best for you

Sapling’s Wi-Fi Clocks

Sapling is proud to introduce our newest synchronized clock system – Sapling Wi-Fi Clocks. The Sapling Wi-Fi Clock System seamlessly interfaces with a facility’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, eliminating the need for a master clock and running wires between clocks. In addition, this new line offers versatile installation solutions and features.

Sapling Wi-Fi Clocks Highlights:

  • ​Preprogrammed with third-party NTP server web addresses, in each clock, as their accurate time source
  • Programmable to receive the time from an in-house NTP server
  • NTP Server Synchronization Redundancy – Taking time data from multiple NTP servers
  • Built-in web interface in each clock for flexible setup and monitoring from any facility computer or mobile device (such as a smart phone or tablet) Wi-Fi Monitoring Software for easy supervision of the system Automatic Daylight Saving Time adjustments
  •  Available in different power options:

o 24 Volts

o 110 Volts

o 230 Volts

  • ​Ability to interface with a facility’s existing Wi-Fi infrastructure
  • Available in different sizes with many design styles and options to choose from!
  • UL Listed FCC Certified
  • If no delays, will be available end of Q3, 2017

Wi-Fi clocks are a perfect fit for projects ranging from just a few clocks to many clocks across the facility. They are also an ideal solution for multi-building campus environments already utilizing existing Wi-Fi infrastructure; the applications are endless!

For more information on Sapling’s Wi-Fi Clocks, please visit our website.​

Thanks to Sapling for this article.