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How Do I Set the Time on My Tank Monitor Using PuTTY or Tera Term?

adjusting the time on your tank monitor

Fleetwatch FMS · Tank Monitoring
How Do I Set the Time on My Tank Monitor Using PuTTY or Tera Term?
On a Veeder-Root TLS-350 or another tank monitor that uses the Veeder-Root protocol, you can set the clock from a free terminal program with one command. Fleetwatch uses the tank monitor’s clock for delivery and inventory times, so a wrong clock can make deliveries look out of order.
Before You Start
  • Send only the clock command. Setup commands change tank monitor settings, and a typo could change the wrong one. Leave all other changes to your tank monitor vendor.
  • Don’t share Fleetwatch’s port. If Fleetwatch already reads the tank monitor on a port (through a DeviceMaster, Moxa, or IP), connect to a different port. Or contact Fleetwatch Support first. Two programs on one port can interrupt Fleetwatch’s tank data.
  • Security code. If your tank monitor has a security code turned on, it may refuse the command. Your tank monitor vendor can help.

What You Need

Terminal program PuTTY or Tera Term (both free). HyperTerminal is no longer included in Windows.
Network connection The tank monitor’s IP address and port (often 10001 on a TLS-350), from a PC on the same network.
or Serial connection An RS-232 cable (or USB-to-serial adapter) to an open serial port on the tank monitor. You also need that port’s settings: the baud rate plus data bits, parity and stop bits. You can see them in the tank monitor’s communications setup. Many are set to 7 data bits, Odd parity, 1 stop bit.

Step 1: Write Out Your Command

The set-time command is S50100, followed by the date and time with no spaces. Use 24-hour time.

S50100YYMMDDHHmm
Part Meaning Example
YYYear (last 2 digits)26
MMMonth11
DDDay03
HHHour (00–23)14
mmMinute30

Example: November 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM is:

S501002611031430
Tip: Type the command in Notepad and copy it. Pasting is faster and avoids typos. Set the time a minute or two ahead, then send it right when the clock reaches that minute. Use an uppercase S.

Step 2, Option A: Connect with PuTTY

1 Open PuTTY. On the Session screen, choose one:
  • Network: Enter the IP address (example: 192.168.1.50) and the port (example: 10001). Set the connection type to Raw.
  • Serial: Set the connection type to Serial. Enter the COM port (example: COM3) and the speed (baud rate).
2 Serial only: Go to Connection > Serial. Set Data bits, Parity and Stop bits to match the tank monitor port (for example 7, Odd, 1). Set Flow control to None.
3 Optional: Go to Terminal and set Local echo to Force on so you can see what you send.
4 Click Open. A blank black window opens. That’s normal. Go to Step 3.
In PuTTY, right-click inside the window to paste.

Step 2, Option B: Connect with Tera Term

1 Open Tera Term. In the New connection window, choose one:
  • Network: Select TCP/IP. Enter the IP address as the Host and the port as the TCP port#. Set the Service to Other.
  • Serial: Select Serial and pick the COM port.
2 Serial only: Go to Setup > Serial port. Set the speed (baud rate), Data, Parity and Stop bits to match the tank monitor port (for example 7 bit, odd, 1 bit). Set Flow control to none.
3 Optional: Go to Setup > Terminal and check Local echo so you can see what you send.
4 Go to Step 3.
In Tera Term, press Alt+V or right-click to paste.

Step 3: Send the Command

1 Click inside the terminal window. Press Ctrl+A. Nothing shows on screen, but this tells the tank monitor a command is coming.
2 Right away, paste or type your command (example: S501002611031430). You don’t need to press Enter.
3 The tank monitor should reply with a short message that shows the new date and time.
[Ctrl+A] S501002611031430

Step 4: Check the Time

To confirm the change, press Ctrl+A and send I50100 (that’s a capital letter I). The tank monitor replies with its current date and time. You can also check the time on the tank monitor’s front display.

[Ctrl+A] I50100

Close the terminal program when you’re done so it doesn’t keep the port open.

Troubleshooting

What you see What to try
No reply at all Make sure you pressed Ctrl+A first. Check the IP address and port, or the COM port. For serial, check the baud rate, data bits, parity and stop bits, and the cable. Also make sure the port isn’t already in use by Fleetwatch or another program.
Garbled characters The serial settings don’t match. Check the port settings on the tank monitor and match them exactly. On a network connection, make sure PuTTY is set to Raw, or Tera Term’s Service is set to Other, not Telnet.
Connection refused (network) The port number may be wrong, or the tank monitor only allows one network connection and something else is already connected.
Reply but the time didn’t change A security code may be turned on, or the command has a typo. Check that it’s exactly 16 characters, starts with a capital S and has no spaces. If it still won’t change, contact your tank monitor vendor.
Tank monitor hardware or settings questions go to your tank monitor vendor. If tank data in Fleetwatch still looks wrong after fixing the clock, contact Fleetwatch Support.