Jump to content

Make your desktop or laptop tell accurate time

TexasDon
 Share

Recommended Posts

TexasDon WRT Addict

TexasDon

Posted
Posted (edited)

All computers have a clock. And since it's usually a CMOS (complimentary metal oxide semiconductor) with no real attempts to make it all that accurate, it usually isn't. The windows operating systems prior to W-10 have the ability to set the time and date as well as choose your time server. However, the frequency of syncing with the time server of your choice, is not a user defined value. Windows sets it by default at 1,036,800 seconds or, 1 week. Your CMOS clock is free to be totally inaccurate in between sync events. The only way to change this is to edit the registry on your computer. Not everyone cares to muddle around in the registry because bad things can happen if you muck it up.

However, if you go to www.worldtimeserver.com/atomic-clock/ you will find a very small applet that is free to download. It's only 891kb so it's quite painless. It adds the ability of a user, with administrator privileges, to easily set the sync time to a more useful pattern. It will also allow you to connect via the internet to the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Time) in the US and allow your computer to become in essence, a repeater for the Atomic Clock which has an accuracy of -1 second every 400 years. The file you will need is AtomicClockSync V3.5 and it adds absolutely nothing to your computer in the way of programs. It is merely an applet that edits your registry for you. I've tried it out and it is both virus free and correctly written. 

Further, you can save the applet on your computer. I placed mine in a folder aptly named, Atomic Clock, and set my sync value at 1 hour, or in my case, 3600 seconds. Now, anytime my computer is on and I'm connected to the internet, I'm automatically synchronizing with the NIST every hour and I know the correct time when I'm setting a watch or measuring accuracy. Should I feel the need, I can access my folder and relaunch the applet to change the sync frequency any time I choose. 

Cheers, 

Don

Edited by TexasDon
spelling
  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Neverenoughwatches
      Ad Free WRT

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      Thanks Mark, but can we still discuss the other important matter please and not be distracted from it. Thank you.
    • JohnR725
      Who's doing what in the world of watches today.

      By JohnR725 · Posted

      You're probably not going to see a dramatic change but you should probably figure out what the lift angle is as it probably is not 52°
    • Mark
      Patreon Free WRT

      By Mark · Posted

      In tandem with my last post regarding the removal of Google Adsense on this website - I have also decided to fully self fund this site as a gift to the watch repair community of which I’ve been a member of, and have benefited from since being extremely lucky to gain an apprenticeship back in the late 80s.    Well, that means that I have also closed down my Patreon account - or, to be clear, stopped all future transactions on my Patreon account and this is with immediate and permanent effect.    not to mention, but I will, I really really do appreciate the contribution all my patreon and PayPal supporters have provided over the years, you guys have been absolutely awesome and helped to keep this forum alive and available for those who might not be able to afford the payments.    again, from the bottom of my heart thank you.     
    • Mark
      Ad Free WRT

      By Mark · Posted

      My pleasure. I would rather pay more than have those annoying ads ruin this site. They were a terrible idea and something I never even saw much, but I was on my iPad yesterday testing a security update for the forum software and it was impossible. I decided then - they had to go!!! Also, co-incided with this, for those who are paying for pattern in order to help fund this site - I’ve just disabled patreon. Future monthly payments will not be taken.  PayPal is a little more complicated. I will try to work out how to cancel the few subscriptions but if you are a PayPal donator then please feel free to cancel the monthly sub.  I will, however thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping to contribute to this site financially - it means a lot. But going forward, I’m funding it personally from my pocket and that’s the end of it 😄
    • JohnR725
      Ad Free WRT

      By JohnR725 · Posted

      Thank you Mark it definitely makes the site looked much nicer. Although I didn't mind the ads as long as it helped to pay for the messageboard but sometimes when you had the feeling that there were more ads than message board yes it was a little annoying. Thank you
×
×
  • Create New...