Time Synchronization for FT8
When traveling frequently, it can be difficult to maintain an accurate time setting on your computer for FT8, a critical requirement in order to decode optimally. One second off and you'll significantly reduce your chances of optimal decoding.
I use two programs for time synchronization on my Macbook Pro and Windows laptop. Nettime is installed on the Windows computer, and Chronycontrol runs on the Macbook Pro.
NetTime
Nettime is the time sync tool I use on my Windows laptop to keep my machine's clock accurate.
ChronyControl
What I have found helpful on my MacBook Pro is an application called Chronycontrol. It helps keep my computer's clock accurate and running on-time.
Video
Thank You
To stay up to date with Mr. B and I on our travels, follow us at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you have any questions or comments about our journey, we invite you to join the conversation in our comment section here or at YouTube–it not only helps you but other readers as well! We're incredibly thankful for all of our subscribers–their support makes Ham Radio with K0PIR possible. So please stay in touch and warmest regards & best 73s! - Rich, K0PIR
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Both of your time utilities require Internet access, as does the Meinberg set, which I use. When traveling, do you tether a cell phone or is there another way to reach time services?
Sooner or later, someone will find a way to use the signal from WWV/B to do this, but I haven’t seen it yet. I enjoy your newsletter… 73 de KD9PCN.
It’s nice to hear from you George and thanks for commenting. I appreciate you as a subscriber and yes, I use my cell phone for a personal hot spot. Without it my laptop gets out of sync in a couple of days. Take care and thank you again.
73,
Rich, K0PIR
There’s this option, unless your travels take you down a mineshaft.
https://blog.networkprofile.org/gps-backed-local-ntp-server/
Thanks for your input, Peter. The link you provided is indeed a valid solution for those needing time synchronization, especially in remote locations. The GPS-backed local NTP server you suggested could work well as it doesn’t necessarily require internet access. It’s an innovative way to ensure time accuracy when on the go. However, as you noted, it may not be feasible in extreme environments like mineshafts. It’s exciting to see how technology can help overcome such 73 de KØPIR.
I recently purchased a Win 11 Pro desktop computer because the Win 10 died. I have an Icom 7300 firmware 1.41 and had no problem running FT-8 until now. I’m using Net Time and the WSJTX download from Source Forge. I’ve watched many videos including yours and can’t find any instructions to get the waterfall to display or how to communicate with Grid Tracker either. I’ve tried for over a week and haven’t made a QSO. Local hams think it’s a waste of time and won’t even try it. I had screen shots but they must have been tossed out. Any suggestions on where to find something that will work with Win 11? screen shots are prefered.
I know it’s off topic but I’m tryiny to maintain my sanity
Hi Jack,
It’s nice to hear from you and thanks for commenting here. Sorry to hear about the trouble. I use Windows 11 and not much changed going from Windows 10 to 11. I was working on a upcoming post that would suit you, more on that later.
I would just get WSJT-X working first. Later you can see how to use Gridtracker and a logging program with it. When you say “get the waterfall to display”, doesn’t it open when you open wsjt-x? Have a look at this video: https://youtu.be/7g1syFRHsu8
Here is a page using wsjt-x as a stand alone program. See if you can get it working first, we’ll go from there. https://k0pir.us/icom-7300-wsjt-x-ft8-easy-way/
My e-mail is good on QRZ.com. Ilook forward to hearing from you again.
73,
Rich, K0PIR
Rich –
Thanks for this. I’ve tried Meinberg, but found it too cumbersome and finicky. I have been using Dimension 4 on my Windows PC’s but it was nice to know about Chrony for my MacBook Air.
73 and safe travels.
It’s nice to hear from you Brad and thanks for commenting here. Best 73 and good DX! I hope to hear you on the air.
Quick question from someone interested in getting FT8 running.
What do these programs do that the standard time synchronisation in windows / Mac OS / Linux don’t?
It appears to just set the machine’s time every 12 hours, which is a greater period than most.
Regards & 73’s
Peter VK2US
Hi Peter VK2US,
Great question! FT8 and other digital modes require very precise time synchronization, down to the second or less. The standard time synchronization in Windows, Mac OS, or Linux may not always provide this level of accuracy. These programs are designed to ensure your computer’s clock is accurate within a fraction of a second, which is crucial for FT8 operation.
The reason some programs might appear to set the machine’s time every 12 hours is to correct for any drift in the computer’s internal clock. Even a small drift can cause issues in modes like FT8, so regular synchronization helps avoid this problem.
Hope this clarifies things! 73’s.