GPSD GitHub: A use cheap usb dongle for getting accurate time without internet and NTP
You can use the cheapest USB GPS dongle with GPSD for accurate time in ham radio settings, especially when offline from the internet and NTP servers. GPS dongles receive precise time signals from GPS satellites, providing UTC time which is crucial for synchronized operations in ham radio.
GPSD software then interprets these signals and makes the accurate time available to your computer or device, ensuring reliable timing for radio communications without relying on internet-based services. This setup is cost-effective and robust for ensuring precise timing in remote or offline ham radio environments.
This is also a fun way to learn more about gps.
Very cool stuff. I wish I had more time to dig into stuff like this.
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Can a ham radio interfere with a GPS signal or vice versa when both devices are being used at the same time?
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0 sats \ 2 replies \ @k00b 8 Jul
This is really cool. I've always been curious about how/when/where GPS time is used in distributed systems, and why ubiquitous, cheap GPS receivers haven't obsolesced NTP.
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113 sats \ 1 reply \ @petertodd 8 Jul
GPS signals can barely make it through windows. They're pretty much useless in data centers and offices. That's why NTP wins.
That said, it's common for data centers to have a GPS receiver on the roof, and then distribute that time to the rest of the building via NTP.
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0 sats \ 0 replies \ @k00b 8 Jul
Well that solves it. 😄
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