[Elecraft] Atomic Clocks and Aluminum Siding

[Ed Parish K1EP]

For some digital modes, you have to know the time to the second or close to it, as some digital sequences are 15 or 30 seconds long.  Even for typical SHF terrestrial work, the common adage is "You call on the odd, I call on the even."  There are 60 and 30 second sequences on that too I believe.  The cheapo atomic clocks are novelties at best.  Here in NE, they don't always lock in WWV reliably.  And, if anyone wants, I will send them a picture I took of two identical model atomic clocks, both showing that they are "locked" and showing different times (nothing doctored in the picture, time zones the same, etc.).

You are better off buying a GPS if you want reliable time.  Of course, just buy a used computer for <$100 and download a free NTP client and then you have a rather accurate clock with a huge display.


At 1/9/2005 03:34 PM, you wrote:
>Charles wrote:
>
>The "cheapest" GPS receiver I ever bought costs $100 compared to the > $25 
>for the WWV clock.  That was a couple of years ago, and the cost of both 
>has come down.  That's the why.
>-------------------------------------
>
>I thought atomic clocks were desired for their "gee whiz" interest, not
>because someone usually needs to know what time it is to the nearest
>millisecond. 
>
>For logging or station activities, I've never kept time closer than the
>current minute. That means my $6 Radio Shack digital clock that I chose
>because it was on sale and provides a 24-hour time format is perfect. It
>stays accurate to within one or two seconds a month. Setting it twice a year
>against WWV at 5 or 10 MHz means the contact times in my in my station log
>are always exactly right. 
>
>And, for $6 if I ever lose it I'll not cry... Too much...
>
>I'm serious about the value of the "gee whiz" factor as in, "Gee whiz! Look
>at that!" 
>
>After all, isn't that why we're all hams and why we build gear? Let's not
>insist on diluting the sheer enjoyment of the "Gee whiz" response with petty
>practicality...
>
>Ron AC7AC
>
>
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