Changes to PMP Synchronization Parameters in the 16.1 Release

Release 16.1 added new synchronization configuration parameters and implemented changes to existing parameters across the Canopy platforms. These changes are described in detail below. This information is in the process of being added to the PMP 450 Platform User Guide, and an updated version will be published when it is complete.

 
AP/BHM Sync Parameters

One existing parameter is modified and one new parameter is introduced for AP and BHM devices in the 16.1 release. 

The Sync Aux Port Config parameter replaces the Sync Output to Aux Port parameter from earlier software releases. As before, this parameter controls how the Timing Port/UPGS port is used on the AP or BHM, but there are some important differences in its operation.


On the 450m AP, 450i AP/BHM, and 450 AP/BHM, this parameter takes effect when operating in AutoSync or AutoSync + Free Run modes.

The available options are Sync Input or Sync Output, equivalent to Disabled and Enabled respectively for the Sync Output to Aux Port parameter:

  • When configured for Sync Input, the AP will accept GPS sync in via the Timing Port/UGPS connector from a UGPS, cnPulse, co-located AP GPS sync output, or "Remote" Device feed from a registered SM's GPS sync output.
  • When configured for Sync Output, the AP will output the GPS timing pulse on the Timing Port/UGPS connector. In this configuration the AP may serve as a GPS synchronization source for a co-located AP.

The 450b series radios are equipped with a 4-pin TRRS audio Timing Port/UGPS connector in place of the RJ45 or RJ12 connectors used on the 450m/450i/450 series. On the 450b BHM, the Sync Aux Port Config parameter is accessible in all three sync modes - Generate Sync, AutoSync, or AutoSync + Free Run.

Available options are Sync Input, Sync Output, and Alignment Tone:

  • Sync Input and Sync Output behave the same as described above for the 450m, 450i and 450 platforms.
  • The Alignment Tone option is available only on the 450b BHM. When this option is selected, the BHM will output a tone to both the left and right channels of a pair of stereo headphones plugged into the TRRS audio jack whenever a BHS session is active.

Note: when Sync Aux Port Config is set to Sync Output, the 450b BHM will still generate an alignment tone, but it will be audible only on the right stereo channel. When Sync Input is selected the 450b BHM will not generate the alignment tone on either stereo channel.

The Remote Device Type parameter is added on 450i and 450 AP/BHM devices. Choose Other unless you are using the Timing Port/UGPS to provide remote synchronization to a PMP/PTP 100 AP/BHM. Note that the Remote Device Type parameter is visible only when Sync Aux Port Config is set to Sync Output:

SM/BHS Sync Parameters

Two new parameters are introduced for SM and BHS devices in the 16.1 release.


The Sync Aux Port Config parameter is added to the 450b SM only. Available options are Alignment Tone and Sync Output. Select Alignment Tone to output a stereo tone on the Timing Port/UGPS TRRS audio connector for link alignment. Select Sync Output to output the GPS timing pulse on this connector for synchronization of a connected Remote AP.

The Remote Device Type parameter is added on all SM/BHS devices. Choose Other unless you are using the 450b Timing Port/UGPS to provide remote synchronization to a PMP/PTP 100 AP/BHM.

Note that on the 450b SM/BHS the Remote Device Type parameter is visible only when Sync Aux Port Config is set to Sync Output:

SNMP Impacts


To allow for backward compatibility with earlier software releases, the SNMP OID corresponding to the Sync Output to Aux Port parameter, gpsOutoutEn, is retained in the WHISP-APS-MIB module. This OID will read the parameter value on any AP, as before. It can also be used to set the Sync Input and Sync Output options, but setting the new Alignment Tone option on the 450b is not supported.


A new OID with the same name, gpsOutputEn, is added to the WHISP-BOX-MIBV2-MIB module. This OID can be used to read and write any of the three supported options (including the Alignment Tone option) on all compatible AP, BHM, SM or BHS devices.

To support the new Remote Device Type parameter, another OID with the name remoteDeviceType is added to the WHISP-BOX-MIBV2-MIB module. This OID also works in read/write mode on all compatible devices.

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