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🕐 Fix 1970 Time Bug

This guide helps you fix the 1970 timestamp issue on your Vendo machines. This problem occurs when Vendo devices fail to synchronize with the correct NTP (Network Time Protocol) server, causing them to revert to the Unix epoch (January 1, 1970). This issue can affect sales records, logs, and system operations.

info

Required Knowledge: Basic MikroTik firewall configuration Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

Prerequisites​

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • ✅ Access to MikroTik RouterOS admin console
  • ✅ All Vendo IP addresses ready
  • ✅ Understanding of your network setup

Step 1: Add Your Vendo to the Address List​

First, you need to create an address list for all your Vendo machines. This allows the firewall to identify and manage Vendo traffic.

📌 Note: Complete this step for all of your Vendo machines

Configuration Details:

  • Name: JuanfiVendo
  • Address: <vendo_ip_address>

For detailed instructions, see Using Address List for Vendos

Step 1: Adding Vendo to Address List

Step 2: Add NTP Server Firewall Rule​

This step redirects all NTP (time sync) requests from your Vendo machines to Google's public NTP server, ensuring accurate time synchronization.

tip

Why 216.239.35.12? This is Google's public NTP server. It provides reliable and accurate time synchronization globally.

Copy and paste this command into the MikroTik terminal:

/ip firewall nat add action=dst-nat chain=dstnat dst-port=123 protocol=udp src-address-list=JuanfiVendo to-addresses=216.239.35.12 to-ports=123

What this command does:

  • Intercepts UDP packets on port 123 (NTP) from Vendo devices
  • Redirects them to Google's NTP server (216.239.35.12)
  • Ensures time synchronization for all Vendo machines

Option B: Manual Configuration​

If you prefer to configure through the GUI, set these parameters:

ParameterValue
Actiondst-nat
Protocol17 (UDP)
Destination Port123
Source Address ListJuanfiVendo
To Addresses216.239.35.12
To Port123

Step 2: NTP Firewall Rule

Step 3: Restart Your Vendo Machines​

After adding the firewall rule, restart all your Vendo machines to apply the new time configuration.

warning

Important: The Vendo must be restarted for the new NTP configuration to take effect. Without restarting, the old time settings will persist.

Steps to restart:

  1. Navigate to each Vendo device's admin panel
  2. Click the Restart or Reboot button
  3. Wait for the device to fully boot up (typically 2-3 minutes)
  4. Verify the system time is now correct

Step 3: Restart Vendo

Verification​

After completing all steps, verify the fix:

✅ Check system time on Vendo devices - should display current date/time ✅ Verify sales records - timestamps should be accurate ✅ Check MikroTik logs - should show NAT rules applied successfully

Troubleshooting​

IssueSolution
Time still shows 1970Confirm Vendo was restarted after adding firewall rule
Vendo can't access NTPCheck firewall rule is in dstnat chain, verify source address list is correct
Multiple Vendo have wrong timeEnsure all Vendo IPs are in the JuanfiVendo address list

✅ Complete!​

Your Vendo machines should now have accurate time synchronization. Monitor them for the next 24 hours to ensure the fix persists.