NTP Server GPS Source

elvisimprsntr

BACKGROUND
I haven't come across any recent posts discussing successfully adding GPS hardware for a NTP Server source, so I though I would ping the community.

EXISING CONFIG
I already have pfSense serving time to my sub-net. My hardware (Protectli.com) has a COM port, USB ports, and an internal full length Mini-PCIe interface with external antenna punch outs.

GOALS
Cost effective (sub ~$100), reasonably accurate (sub ~100 msec) GPS time source. I am not serving time for financial transactions, just time for 30+ systems (clients, servers, security system, cameras, etc.) in my home in the event of WAN loss (~1 week) and to reduce external NTP queries. Perhaps learn something in the process.

OPTIONS (with or w/o PPS)

External Serial GPS
External USB
Internal Mini-PCIe card with external antenna

QUESTIONS

Is it even necessary to add GPS time source?
What methods and devices have proven to work?
Pros/cons of each?
Has anyone got a VersaLogic Mini-PCIe card (u-blox) to work with pfSense?
https://www.versalogic.com/Products/PDF/DS-MPEu-G2.pdf
Or just buy something like a separate TimeMachine and be done with it?
https://timemachinescorp.com/product/gps-time-server-tm1000a/

Thanks in advance,

Elvis

Grimson

https://www.netgate.com/docs/pfsense/book/services/ntpd-gps.html

mhab12

This blows your budget but has worked well for us for many years. It's a standalone device, but we set our pf box up to use it as it's primary time source. Have not tried connecting via serial, only using NTP over the network.
https://timemachinescorp.com/product/gps-time-server-tm1000a/

elvisimprsntr

This post is deleted!

elvisimprsntr

@mhab12 said in NTP Server GPS Source:

https://timemachinescorp.com/product/gps-time-server-tm1000a/

Thanks. I decided to forego the serial GPS and get the TM TM1000A

Simpler and less hassle.