FWIW: Why there's a real-time clock in the K3

[Edward R Cole]

I use the K3 clock set on utc as a convenience since my computer
displays local time.  I used to have a MFJ dual-time clock for this
but it finally failed (it also required correction periodically).

My computer time is corrected every ten minutes with a NIST time
standard to 10ms accuracy.  This is not just a nicety for me as the
time-synchronous digital modes I run on eme require time accuracy
within 1-second.  The K3 clock does not need to as accurate but when
I notice the time has drifted I merely use the utility program to
update the K3 clock from the computer.

Last time it did this was about 3-4 weeks ago and checking it I see
the K3 is now about 30-seconds behind.  This sounds like about a
second/day.  Not a serious issue for me.  I do like to be within a
minute for skeds and contests, etc.  Easy solution using the K3 utility.

Being a professional electronic technician, I do not wear metallic
jewelry or a watch due to the potential for shock.

73, Ed - KL7UW

------------------------------
Message: 29
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:31:32 -0700
From: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] FWIW: Why there's a real-time clock in the K3
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

I do manual logging when the PC is turned off. I also use the "ALARM"
function of the K3 to remind me when it's time to stop doing email and
start a contest.

I don't wear a watch since they tend to get snagged on things. Most
also conduct electricity, and my hand is often buried inside a rig. I
don't want one of those $19 brushed-aluminum 24-hour clock thingies
that sits on top of the rig, especially when operating portable. My
iPhone tells time pretty well but stays in my pocket. I can't see the
wall clock with my glasses off.

+/- 2 seconds per day is just inaccurate enough to remind me to tune
into WWV about once a month :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR



73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
======================================
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 144-600w, 432-100w, 1296-60w, 3400-fall 2010
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
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[Leigh L. Klotz Jr WA5ZNU]

Here's some programs to do this automagically:

Windows and Mac: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Time-Keeper-v0-1-td2465069.html
Linux: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/k3fixtime-command-line-utility-for-Linux-python-td2488741.html#a2488741

Leigh/WA5ZNU