What Is a Radio Clock?

A radio clock , also known as a radio clock , is a clock that can be calibrated in real time by receiving time-serving radio waves.

Radio clock (Radio Clock) is also called radio control clock, there are many types. Any clock that uses radio time signal to check time is called radio clock. The portable radio clock used on land has its own radio receiving unit. The simple one is a radio with a clock. It is a professional frequency with a dedicated time station. Ask for the signal to check the clock. These radio clocks are very suitable for field trips and expeditions. Some radio clocks do not have radio receiving units themselves, and radio time signals require additional receiving devices. Ship marine astronomical clocks are typical radio clocks without radio time signal receiving devices. Its standard time signal is mainly provided by ship radio.

Radio clocks are also developing rapidly, such as GPS clocks, and can automatically adjust the clock indicating time according to standard time signals.

The core of the radio clock has an extremely accurate radio wave receiver, which automatically receives daily signals from all over the world.

• The idea was put forward in 1989 and research and development started. The original idea was received

  Many manufacturers and retailers sell radio clocks that receive coded time signals from radio stations, which in turn obtain time from true atomic clocks.

  Heathkit provided one of the first radio clocks in late 1983. Their GC-1000 "most accurate clock" received short-wave time signals from radio station WWV in Fort Collins, Colorado. It automatically switches between WWV's 5, 10, and 15 MHz frequencies to find the strongest signals when conditions of the date and year change. It uses a quartz crystal oscillator to hold time when reception is poor. This oscillator is trained, which means that the microprocessor-based clock uses a high-precision time signal received from WWV to trim the crystal oscillator. Therefore, timing between updates is more accurate than using a crystal alone. The time drops to one tenth of a second and is displayed on the LED display. The GC-1000 was initially priced at $ 250 in kits and $ 400 pre-installed, and was considered impressive at the time. Heath was patented for its design.

  In the 2000s (ten years), radio-based "atomic clocks" became common in retail stores; as of 2010, prices in many countries were around $ 15. The clock may have other functions such as indoor thermometer and weather station functions. These signals use signals sent by appropriate transmitters for the country in which they are located. Depending on the signal strength, they may need to be placed in locations with relatively unobstructed transmitter paths, and good atmospheric conditions are required to successfully update time. Cheap clocks track the time between updates or non-existence with non-standard quartz crystal clocks, with the typical accuracy of non-radio controlled quartz timepieces. Some clocks include indicators to alert users to possible inaccuracies when they have not been successfully synchronized recently.

  Main article: Time signals

  A radio clock receiver can combine multiple time sources to increase its accuracy. This is what satellite navigation systems such as global positioning systems do. The GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite navigation systems have one or more cesium, rubidium, or hydrogen maser atomic clocks on each satellite, using one or more clocks on the ground as a reference. A dedicated timing receiver can be used as a local time standard with better than 50 ns accuracy. [23] [24] [25] [26] The recent revival and enhancement of the terrestrial radionavigation system LORAN will provide another multi-source time distribution system.

  The Ship Room Clock (Radio Room Clock) is also called the room clock. It was a special clock in the room before the GM DSS was implemented. In fact, it is no different from other clocks used by ships. The only difference is that on the dial, 00 ~ 03 points on the dial, 30 ~ 33 points. Use blue color to mark the wireless phone when it is silent. 48 minutes uses the red to mark the quiet time of the radio telegraph. The purpose is to remind the reporters of the special signs in the area during the watch. During the blue time period, listen to the 2182kHz radiotelephone distress alert signal. During the time period marked red, listen to the 500kHz radio frequency distress alert signal to ensure that you do not miss the radio distress alert signal. Maximize the safety of life at sea.

  The ship alarm clock does not have the function of adjusting the second hand, it is an ordinary clock, nothing more than 4 additional reminder areas on the dial. It's not a radio clock. Its proofreading, like other ships' clocks, is based on marine astronomical clocks and has no special proofreading requirements.

  With the full implementation of the GM DSS, the quiet time of the old system has been completely cancelled. This type of service clock with a special logo has completely lost its due role, and it is difficult to find its trace on the ship. its existence. In addition, the ship puts the radio communication equipment directly on the bridge, and there is no longer a report room in the traditional sense, and there is no report clock or room clock, let alone adjustment. So using radio time signals to proofread the clock is an impossible task.

  Modern ship radio equipment must be connected to GPS equipment according to the requirements of the specification. The time signal inside the communication equipment is provided directly by the GPS equipment. At the same time, there is an accurate internal clock inside the device. Even if the GPS is faulty, the accuracy of the travel time is maintained. After the GPS signal is restored, the device internally calibrates itself. There is no need for manual time calibration. At the same time, it must be clear that the time signal in the machine is not used to control people's daily activities, but to control the communication process of the radio equipment. Therefore, the accuracy of the manual calibration time cannot meet the needs of the control of the communication process, so there is no need to manually Proofreading.