Ron:
Probably, unless one is using some very exotic mode such as Coherent CW,
millisecond synchronization is not actually required for ham operations.
However, there are some fairly routine operations in which sub-second
resolution is a necessity and not a luxury. These include the
synchronization of beacons, or identifying which of several synchronized
beacons you're receiving if you can detect that the signal is present but
cannot make out the callsign. I would also think that coordinated
operations such as hidden transmitter hunting would be greatly enhanced if
all the participants have the same time within less that a tenth of a second.
However, for routine (or even contest) logging, I agree with you that a six
dollar clock is as good as you need. Nevertheless, I did get an atomic
clock, partly to facilitate DX beacon monitoring, but primarily for the gee
whiz factor.
73,
Steve
AA4AK
At 12:34 PM 1/9/2005 -0800, 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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