[ntp:questions] Can the line audio out of HF radio be used to sync ntp. Trying to get a cheap ($) radio method.

Richard B. Gilbert rgilbert88 at comcast.net
Thu Apr 30 18:37:49 UTC 2009


Steve Kostecke wrote:
> On 2009-04-30, Nathaniel Homier <ntp at universal-mechanism.org> wrote:
> 
>> I would like to know if one can use the line audio out of any old
>> portable shortwave radio tuned to a time signal and fed via a line
>> audio input. This would be motherboard audio.
> 
> Yes, if your audio system works with the NTP Audio decoder drivers.
> 
> For WWV/H see:
> http://doc.ntp.org/4.2.4/drivers/driver36.html
> or
> http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/ntp_spool/html/drivers/driver36.html
> 
> For CHU see:
> http://doc.ntp.org/4.2.4/drivers/driver7.html
> ior
> http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~ntp/ntp_spool/html/drivers/driver7.html
> 
>> The primary reason is that I get the impression that ntp radio clocks
>> are for sale at very high prices. The most I have to spend is about
>> $200.
> 
> As has been mentioned elsewhere, the Garmin GPS-18x LVC is a very good
> and inexpensive solution. The receiver is ~$70 (you do need to add a
> connector).
> 

And a power supply!  AIRC a 5 Volt DC supply is required.  Power may be 
supplied by the computer or by a separate supply (wall wart).  Some wall 
warts may offer a regulated 5 VDC while others will deliver 5 VDC into a 
particular load and a greater or lesser voltage to a smaller or a 
greater load.

> For optimal performance you would need to install a serial port card in
> your PC to use it. A USB serial port adapter would work but the time
> signal stability will be degraded.
> 
>> I already have very nice Sony 7600G HF portable and that gets the time
>> freq. from 2.5 to 15 very well.
> 
> Sounds like WWV ... the Type-36 driver is the one you need.
> 




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