When Wireless Clocks Use a GPS Time Source

Computers & Technology

  • Author Sam Smith
  • Published August 13, 2011
  • Word count 495

Facility owners and managers all around the world are making the switch to wireless clock systems in their facilities. Why make such a change in one’s facility? The answer is one word: reliability. Facility managers have grown tired of periodic interruptions due to a faulty, inaccurate clock system. For this reason, synchronized wireless clock systems have become the ideal choice for eliminating these interruptions.

There are a number of decisions to choose from when making the switch from an old, archaic clock system to a new wireless system, such as choosing between analog or digital clocks or the special features desired from the master clock. However, for those that are most concerned with the accuracy of their system, making the decision between the time source used to synchronize the clocks in the system will be the choice of most concern.

So what is available in the way of time sources? There are many forms of time synchronization inputs for various systems, but the two most popular are NTP or GPS inputs. With most synchronized clock systems on the market, synchronizing to an NTP client comes as a standard. By using NTP time, clocks synchronize to the same time source that any computers in the facility would. However, with systems such as Sapling’s Synchronized Wireless Clock System, users have the option to go beyond the NTP synchronization with a GPS option. And for those that can appreciate the most accurate of time synchronization, making this upgrade to GPS time is the way to go.

So how does this technology work? GPS time input works with earth-orbiting satellites. The GPS receiver measures the amount time it takes to receive a signal between satellites and the receiver. This measurement is used to tell the receiver’s exact location on the earth, providing the exact time in that location. This method is regarded as one of the most accurate time sources available and is a very beneficial upgrade when implementing a wireless clock system. With a GPS input, users can expect time synchronization with accuracy to the tenth of a second. This means that the time that the clock displays will not waver one tenth of a second from the time the GPS receiver calculates from the satellite, giving the user unparalleled accuracy.

Another great benefit of Sapling’s GPS system is it’s redundancy of time input. This redundancy means that in the rare event that the GPS receiver’s signal weakens and cannot perform, Sapling’s master clock will automatically revert to receiving NTP time until the GPS signal returns, guaranteeing consistently accurate time. With Sapling’s Wireless Clock System, facility managers have the opportunity to implement pinpointed accuracy as well as complete reliability of time displays. For those managers who are tired of the interruptions at work from faulty clock systems who also appreciate having peace of mind in the accuracy and reliability of their clocks, Saplings GPS Wireless Clock System will not disappoint.

Sam Smith is a Marketing Coordinator for The Sapling Company, Inc. Sapling offers a wide range of wired, IP and wireless clock solutions for schools, hospitals and more.

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