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Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement

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Nutty time-nuttery with WWVB

PR
Peter Reilley
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 12:18 PM

I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time.
However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal
once or twice per year.

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

Has anyone tried this?

Pete.

I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time. However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal once or twice per year. Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. Has anyone tried this? Pete.
AP
Alex Pummer
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 12:32 PM

see here:
http://ka7oei.blogspot.com/2013/03/getting-atomic-wwvb-clocks-to-work.html

73
KJ6UHN
Alex

On 11/10/2016 4:18 AM, Peter Reilley wrote:

I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time.
However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal
once or twice per year.

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

Has anyone tried this?

Pete.


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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2016.0.7859 / Virus Database: 4664/13379 - Release Date:
11/09/16

see here: http://ka7oei.blogspot.com/2013/03/getting-atomic-wwvb-clocks-to-work.html 73 KJ6UHN Alex On 11/10/2016 4:18 AM, Peter Reilley wrote: > I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time. > However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal > once or twice per year. > > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. > > Has anyone tried this? > > Pete. > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2016.0.7859 / Virus Database: 4664/13379 - Release Date: > 11/09/16
CJ
Clint Jay
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 12:55 PM

Yes,  there are projects that will generate the relevant signals but you
have to be absolutely certain  that the signal will not 'leak'  and affect
clocks you don't own.

Which may not be as easy as it sounds,  it's amazing just how far a couple
of milli watts of RF can travel.

On 10 Nov 2016 12:21, "Peter Reilley" preilley_454@comcast.net wrote:

I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time.
However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal
once or twice per year.

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

Has anyone tried this?

Pete.


time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
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ailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.

Yes, there are projects that will generate the relevant signals but you have to be absolutely certain that the signal will not 'leak' and affect clocks you don't own. Which may not be as easy as it sounds, it's amazing just how far a couple of milli watts of RF can travel. On 10 Nov 2016 12:21, "Peter Reilley" <preilley_454@comcast.net> wrote: > I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time. > However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal > once or twice per year. > > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. > > Has anyone tried this? > > Pete. > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m > ailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. >
CJ
Clint Jay
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 12:57 PM

I should also have added,  it may be better to work out a repeater scheme
where an externally mounted antenna re-radiates the received signal inside
your home.

On 10 Nov 2016 12:21, "Peter Reilley" preilley_454@comcast.net wrote:

I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time.
However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal
once or twice per year.

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

Has anyone tried this?

Pete.


time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m
ailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.

I should also have added, it may be better to work out a repeater scheme where an externally mounted antenna re-radiates the received signal inside your home. On 10 Nov 2016 12:21, "Peter Reilley" <preilley_454@comcast.net> wrote: > I have a few of those "atomic" clocks that receive WWVB to set the time. > However since I live on the east coast they may only pick up the signal > once or twice per year. > > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. > > Has anyone tried this? > > Pete. > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m > ailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. >
AK
Attila Kinali
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 1:15 PM

On Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:18:42 -0500
Peter Reilley preilley_454@comcast.net wrote:

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

There are many of those. Just google for WWVB simulator.
Interestingly, there seem more DCF77 simulators out there than
WWVB ones.

As Clint wrote, be carefull not to emit too much. Transmit only
as much power that your clocks can just barely receive it.
Which probably means not to connect any wire at all.

60kHz is low enough that it will pass through all but steel reinforced
concrete like through air and thus you will probably jam all sourounding
houses/clocks as well.

The same is also true for repeaters, btw.

			Attila Kinali

--
It is upon moral qualities that a society is ultimately founded. All
the prosperity and technological sophistication in the world is of no
use without that foundation.
-- Miss Matheson, The Diamond Age, Neil Stephenson

On Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:18:42 -0500 Peter Reilley <preilley_454@comcast.net> wrote: > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. There are many of those. Just google for WWVB simulator. Interestingly, there seem more DCF77 simulators out there than WWVB ones. As Clint wrote, be carefull not to emit too much. Transmit only as much power that your clocks can just barely receive it. Which probably means not to connect any wire at all. 60kHz is low enough that it will pass through all but steel reinforced concrete like through air and thus you will probably jam all sourounding houses/clocks as well. The same is also true for repeaters, btw. Attila Kinali -- It is upon moral qualities that a society is ultimately founded. All the prosperity and technological sophistication in the world is of no use without that foundation. -- Miss Matheson, The Diamond Age, Neil Stephenson
CJ
Clint Jay
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 1:27 PM

Found it.

There was an article by Andy Flind in a UK electronics magazine,  EPE
December 2001 which detailed an MSF repeater to overcome a problem with
60KHz time signal reception.

Shouldnt be bothered by the signal format as I remember it being a very
simple design.

As others have pointed out,  even re radiating the original signal may
cause problems so take care.

On 10 Nov 2016 13:15, "Attila Kinali" attila@kinali.ch wrote:

On Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:18:42 -0500
Peter Reilley preilley_454@comcast.net wrote:

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

There are many of those. Just google for WWVB simulator.
Interestingly, there seem more DCF77 simulators out there than
WWVB ones.

As Clint wrote, be carefull not to emit too much. Transmit only
as much power that your clocks can just barely receive it.
Which probably means not to connect any wire at all.

60kHz is low enough that it will pass through all but steel reinforced
concrete like through air and thus you will probably jam all sourounding
houses/clocks as well.

The same is also true for repeaters, btw.

                             Attila Kinali

--
It is upon moral qualities that a society is ultimately founded. All
the prosperity and technological sophistication in the world is of no
use without that foundation.
-- Miss Matheson, The Diamond Age, Neil Stephenson


time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/
mailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.

Found it. There was an article by Andy Flind in a UK electronics magazine, EPE December 2001 which detailed an MSF repeater to overcome a problem with 60KHz time signal reception. Shouldnt be bothered by the signal format as I remember it being a very simple design. As others have pointed out, even re radiating the original signal may cause problems so take care. On 10 Nov 2016 13:15, "Attila Kinali" <attila@kinali.ch> wrote: > On Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:18:42 -0500 > Peter Reilley <preilley_454@comcast.net> wrote: > > > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. > > There are many of those. Just google for WWVB simulator. > Interestingly, there seem more DCF77 simulators out there than > WWVB ones. > > As Clint wrote, be carefull not to emit too much. Transmit only > as much power that your clocks can just barely receive it. > Which probably means not to connect any wire at all. > > 60kHz is low enough that it will pass through all but steel reinforced > concrete like through air and thus you will probably jam all sourounding > houses/clocks as well. > > The same is also true for repeaters, btw. > > Attila Kinali > > -- > It is upon moral qualities that a society is ultimately founded. All > the prosperity and technological sophistication in the world is of no > use without that foundation. > -- Miss Matheson, The Diamond Age, Neil Stephenson > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/ > mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. >
TV
Tom Van Baak
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 4:00 PM

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some
sound cards.  With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get
reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab.

Has anyone tried this?

Pete.

Pete,

There's lots of examples of this in the archives. It's quite easy to do.

You can sometimes find someone who has done all the work for you. For example:

http://unusualelectronics.co.uk/product/chronvertor-module

http://unusualelectronics.co.uk/ebay/manuals/Chronvertor_User_Manual_v2.1.pdf

/tvb

> Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > The signal at 60 KHz might be able to be produced directly by some > sound cards. With that and a ferrite rod antenna I might get > reliable time elsewhere in my house outside of my lab. > > Has anyone tried this? > > Pete. Pete, There's lots of examples of this in the archives. It's quite easy to do. You can sometimes find someone who has done all the work for you. For example: http://unusualelectronics.co.uk/product/chronvertor-module http://unusualelectronics.co.uk/ebay/manuals/Chronvertor_User_Manual_v2.1.pdf /tvb
CS
Charles Steinmetz
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 4:03 PM

Peter wrote:

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
*  *  *
Has anyone tried this?

Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details.

Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other
WWVB users.  For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of
the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty
enforcement action.  (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still
screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they
complain.  I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you
live in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything
you deploy.)

Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is
actually not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when
they try to synch).  It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock
so its antenna has a null toward Fort Collins.  Make sure the antenna
has a major lobe toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the
entire clock or bringing the antenna out so you can orient it
independently), and that it is well clear of the AC mains distribution
wiring in your house and any other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL
lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also require relocating the clock).

The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and
rear, and nulls to the sides.  Thus, mounting the clock on the western
exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best.  Putting it
directly in front of a west-facing window may help.

Best regards,

Charles

Peter wrote: > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would > be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? > * * * > Has anyone tried this? Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details. Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other WWVB users. For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty enforcement action. (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they complain. I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you deploy.) Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to synch). It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna has a null toward Fort Collins. Make sure the antenna has a major lobe toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also require relocating the clock). The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and rear, and nulls to the sides. Thus, mounting the clock on the western exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best. Putting it directly in front of a west-facing window may help. Best regards, Charles
WH
William H. Fite
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 5:22 PM

I heartily second Charles' admonition regarding FCC PART 15 unlicensed
transmissions. Part 15 explicitly states that an unlicensed operator may
not cause interference with any licensed transmission. Because of the
specific purpose of WWV/WWVB transmissions, any discernible leakage
detectable by any other user is prima facie evidence of unlawful
transmission and subject to a heavy fine. I assure you that any licensed
Part 97 user who detects your emissions over the top of WWVB is quite
likely to rat you out to Uncle Charlie. And should, may I say, because you
will be interfering with a public service. "I am just syncing my clocks" is
not going to impress the guys who appear in your driveway in a white van
with RDF antennas on the roof.

So....be very damned sure that you are not radiating a discernible signal
outside of the immediate vicinity of your clocks.

Bill
KJ4SLP

On Thursday, November 10, 2016, Charles Steinmetz csteinmetz@yandex.com
wrote:

Peter wrote:

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would

be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
*  *  *
Has anyone tried this?

Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details.

Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other
WWVB users.  For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of
the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty
enforcement action.  (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still
screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they
complain.  I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live
in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you
deploy.)

Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually
not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to
synch).  It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna
has a null toward Fort Collins.  Make sure the antenna has a major lobe
toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or
bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it
is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any
other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also
require relocating the clock).

The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and
rear, and nulls to the sides.  Thus, mounting the clock on the western
exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best.  Putting it
directly in front of a west-facing window may help.

Best regards,

Charles


time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m
ailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.

--
If you gaze long into an abyss, your coffee will get cold.

I heartily second Charles' admonition regarding FCC PART 15 unlicensed transmissions. Part 15 explicitly states that an unlicensed operator may not cause interference with any licensed transmission. Because of the specific purpose of WWV/WWVB transmissions, any discernible leakage detectable by any other user is prima facie evidence of unlawful transmission and subject to a heavy fine. I assure you that any licensed Part 97 user who detects your emissions over the top of WWVB is quite likely to rat you out to Uncle Charlie. And should, may I say, because you will be interfering with a public service. "I am just syncing my clocks" is not going to impress the guys who appear in your driveway in a white van with RDF antennas on the roof. So....be very damned sure that you are not radiating a discernible signal outside of the immediate vicinity of your clocks. Bill KJ4SLP On Thursday, November 10, 2016, Charles Steinmetz <csteinmetz@yandex.com> wrote: > Peter wrote: > > Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would >> be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? >> * * * >> Has anyone tried this? >> > > Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details. > > Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other > WWVB users. For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of > the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty > enforcement action. (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still > screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they > complain. I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live > in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you > deploy.) > > Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually > not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to > synch). It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna > has a null toward Fort Collins. Make sure the antenna has a major lobe > toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or > bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it > is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any > other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also > require relocating the clock). > > The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and > rear, and nulls to the sides. Thus, mounting the clock on the western > exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best. Putting it > directly in front of a west-facing window may help. > > Best regards, > > Charles > > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m > ailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > -- If you gaze long into an abyss, your coffee will get cold.
AP
Alex Pummer
Thu, Nov 10, 2016 5:39 PM

And how about that many, many "radiator" which are moving up and down
with their carriers and don't give a damn about FCC Part 15 and
radiating radiating day and night with substantial power, I meant that
FFC approved and not approved switching mode power supplies, of which
every household has a hand full of it?

73
KJ6UHN
Alex

On 11/10/2016 9:22 AM, William H. Fite wrote:

I heartily second Charles' admonition regarding FCC PART 15 unlicensed
transmissions. Part 15 explicitly states that an unlicensed operator may
not cause interference with any licensed transmission. Because of the
specific purpose of WWV/WWVB transmissions, any discernible leakage
detectable by any other user is prima facie evidence of unlawful
transmission and subject to a heavy fine. I assure you that any licensed
Part 97 user who detects your emissions over the top of WWVB is quite
likely to rat you out to Uncle Charlie. And should, may I say, because you
will be interfering with a public service. "I am just syncing my clocks" is
not going to impress the guys who appear in your driveway in a white van
with RDF antennas on the roof.

So....be very damned sure that you are not radiating a discernible signal
outside of the immediate vicinity of your clocks.

Bill
KJ4SLP

On Thursday, November 10, 2016, Charles Steinmetz csteinmetz@yandex.com
wrote:

Peter wrote:

Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would

be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
*  *  *
Has anyone tried this?

Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details.

Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other
WWVB users.  For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of
the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty
enforcement action.  (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still
screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they
complain.  I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live
in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you
deploy.)

Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually
not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to
synch).  It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna
has a null toward Fort Collins.  Make sure the antenna has a major lobe
toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or
bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it
is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any
other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also
require relocating the clock).

The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and
rear, and nulls to the sides.  Thus, mounting the clock on the western
exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best.  Putting it
directly in front of a west-facing window may help.

Best regards,

Charles


time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com
To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m
ailman/listinfo/time-nuts
and follow the instructions there.

And how about that many, many "radiator" which are moving up and down with their carriers and don't give a damn about FCC Part 15 and radiating radiating day and night with substantial power, I meant that FFC approved and not approved switching mode power supplies, of which every household has a hand full of it? 73 KJ6UHN Alex On 11/10/2016 9:22 AM, William H. Fite wrote: > I heartily second Charles' admonition regarding FCC PART 15 unlicensed > transmissions. Part 15 explicitly states that an unlicensed operator may > not cause interference with any licensed transmission. Because of the > specific purpose of WWV/WWVB transmissions, any discernible leakage > detectable by any other user is prima facie evidence of unlawful > transmission and subject to a heavy fine. I assure you that any licensed > Part 97 user who detects your emissions over the top of WWVB is quite > likely to rat you out to Uncle Charlie. And should, may I say, because you > will be interfering with a public service. "I am just syncing my clocks" is > not going to impress the guys who appear in your driveway in a white van > with RDF antennas on the roof. > > So....be very damned sure that you are not radiating a discernible signal > outside of the immediate vicinity of your clocks. > > Bill > KJ4SLP > > > > On Thursday, November 10, 2016, Charles Steinmetz <csteinmetz@yandex.com> > wrote: > >> Peter wrote: >> >> Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would >>> be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house? >>> * * * >>> Has anyone tried this? >>> >> Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details. >> >> Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other >> WWVB users. For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of >> the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty >> enforcement action. (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still >> screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they >> complain. I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live >> in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you >> deploy.) >> >> Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually >> not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to >> synch). It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna >> has a null toward Fort Collins. Make sure the antenna has a major lobe >> toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or >> bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it >> is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any >> other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also >> require relocating the clock). >> >> The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and >> rear, and nulls to the sides. Thus, mounting the clock on the western >> exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best. Putting it >> directly in front of a west-facing window may help. >> >> Best regards, >> >> Charles >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/m >> ailman/listinfo/time-nuts >> and follow the instructions there. >> >