Time Sources for Satellite Tracking


VASCARG Home.

The United States Naval Observatory

Here is an interesting method of receiving 15 seconds of correct time from the United States Naval Observatory. Reloading the page will restart the display.

If you are using a modem, the above image might not update quickly enough. You might try using a telnet connection to time servers known as:

A little patience is required. It seems that some servers are more busy than others at times.


Internet Time Sources

Berkeley Software Distribution

The Berkley Software Distribution (BSD) site maintains a time server with translation for various areas of the world. Setting a watch by this method is a bit tricky, it is suggested you preset your watch and perform a reload document function to obtain a reasonable time match. After that, transfer the time from your watch to your system.


Shortwave AM Radio Stations

If you have access to an AM mode shortwave receiver, you may hear time signals from:

WWV, Fort Collins, CO USA

CHU, Canada (English and French)


Local AM Radio Stations

Many broadcast AM radio stations play a network tone before the hourly news. This tone is usually about 4 seconds after the top of the hour, allowing the announcer to mention the call station identification at the top of the hour.