PC time accuracy with no internet access.

[VK4WDM]

I am going to be operating from a shack without any internet access. Is it still possible to get accurate enough PC time to still use JT65 etc. Maybe using WWV? Any suggests welcome.

73

Wayne VK4WDM

[VK3LU]

Hi Wayne,
If you are using a laptop, perhaps you could set the time where you have internet access then take it out to the shack. You should check the time accuracy every 10 minutes or so using WWV as you suggested.
I know for WSPR you need to be within 1 second. I use Dimension4 to keep the laptop on time.
Is there any way you could get the internet to the shack? Wireless router, prepaid dongle?
No doubt others will have better suggestions for you.

Nev

[VK3ZYC]

Hi,
I use a GPS Module ( Motorola Encore) which gives Serial data in Nema format combined with Tardis software to lock the PC time.

This frees me up from the internet time servers and their associated issues.

Even works with an elcheapo USB gps module.

Jim VK3ZYC

[VK4WDM]

Hi Wayne,
If you are using a laptop, perhaps you could set the time where you have internet access then take it out to the shack. You should check the time accuracy every 10 minutes or so using WWV as you suggested.
I know for WSPR you need to be within 1 second. I use Dimension4 to keep the laptop on time.
Is there any way you could get the internet to the shack? Wireless router, prepaid dongle?
No doubt others will have better suggestions for you.

Nev

Hi Nev

Up till now I have used Dimension 4 and a prepaid dongle but current policy does not allow internet access of any sort. I had thought about the laptop but I would have to check whether "private" laptops are allowed in. This is a very difficult environment to run a ham station.  

73

Wayne VK4WDM

---

Hi,
I use a GPS Module ( Motorola Encore) which gives Serial data in Nema format combined with Tardis software to lock the PC time.

This frees me up from the internet time servers and their associated issues.

Even works with an elcheapo USB gps module.

Jim VK3ZYC

Hi Jim

This sound's interesting but easy on the jargon, I am a computer-challenged geriatric Does this mean that I could set the clock using a hand-held GPS provided the shack computer has the Tardis software installed?

73

Wayne VK4WDM

[VK2CSW]

Hi Wayne,

To allow the various navigational equipment on a vessel to talk to each other, there is a comms protocol called NMEA 0183 or NMEA 2000 (National Marine Electronics Association).

This is a serial protocol from which it is possible to extract the GPS timecodes.

In a previous life I had to use this for remotely controlled road safety equipment.

I don't know about the software mentioned but I would assume by it's name and the blurb on the website (http://www.mingham-smith.com/tardis.htm) that this is one of its functions.

I hope this helps.

[VK5PJ]

Hello Wayne,
  I will second the external GPS theme, while I have not used it personally for that purpose, a small GPS like suggested, some come with a long USB lead you can put on a window sill ('GPS Mouse' some call them)..  once that is working you can use some sync software.   I have been using a small package from here:  time sync software that works really well on all my PC's and keeps me locked on time, other packages gave me problems on Win 10.

The software from that link has an inbuilt option for using a GPS module and it does not need administrator priv to install it on a laptop you do not own :-)

Hope one of the suggestions works as a PC clock is very poor at keeping 'real time' over more than a few hours or after a reboot.

Regards,
Peter, vk5pj

[VK4WDM]

Thank you for the help. It looks like the GPS option is the way to go. I also found this very nice article by K5PA http://www.k5pa.com/Ham%20Radio/Download...20Time.pdf

73

Wayne VK4WDM

[VK5PJ]

Thank you for the help. It looks like the GPS option is the way to go. I also found this very nice article by K5PA  http://www.k5pa.com/Ham%20Radio/Download...20Time.pdf

73

Wayne VK4WDM

Hey Wayne, looks like a step by step way to get it going, nice find. - Peter