Well, there are times when you need fairly accurate time. When tracking satellites across the sky for the digital modes, or the weather sats. Your tracking software has to be pretty close to the correct time to keep up with the position of the satellites. I have a controller that moves the rotators automatically and it's really neat to sit back and watch it work. Seeing the sat signal near a constant S-meter reading at all times while the satellite is in view is nice when you are busy on the keyboard transferring files or mail.
Stan Rife W5EWA Houston, TX K2 S/N 4216 -----Original Message----- From: Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 2:34 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Atomic Clocks and Aluminum Siding 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 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
