Atomic Clock Sync Discussion

[Dan-O]

This is in reference to
Elmo's Atomic Clock Sysnc script

Elmo,
I tried to test out your script as it sounds like a good idea. HS cannot go to the web sight you call for in your script and the script fails. I tried to go to the websight manually and it never connects.
Any ideas?
Thanks

Dan-O
My system specs are in my profile
(Current beta as always)

[MikeMatthews]

There are also freeware programs that will run, synchronize, and quit when finished. Automachron is a good example.

[Jebus]

I had to change the format of the strData, because it was returning the seconds, and MSDOS window said Invalid Time Format. Also change the universal time to your region. Mine is -8 Here is what I did.
............................................................
'
' This script will sync your PC's time to the atomic clock from NIST/USNO - http://www.time.gov/
' Send your ideas/complaints/etc to larrymull@lunacomp.com
'
'
sub main()

dim strData
dim intPos
dim objShell
dim data

' get the non-java webpage for my timezone, so insert your specific timezone URL here
strData = hs.GetURL("http://www.time.gov/timezone.cgi?Pacific/d/-8",vbNullString,false,80)

' scan for the text that just happens to preceed the time
intPos = InStr(1, strData, "")

'<B>!!!!!! I modified it here, loose the seconds, and added "data" declaration !!!!!
strData = mid(strData, intPos + 3, 5)

data = strData

'msgbox data
' shell to the command line and set the time old-school style
set objShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
objShell.run objShell.ExpandEnvironmentStrings("%comspec%") & " /c time " & data
set objShell = nothing

end sub
........................................................
The "data" declaration is probably not needed. It sets the time on my win98 box........JG

The Garage

[Dan-O]

Yup,
I already use one.
I liked Elmo's idea of not having another app. running but still be able to sync the clock regularly.

If it matters, I'm on a W2K Pro Box.

Dan-O
My system specs are in my profile
(Current beta as always)

[MikeMatthews]

That's what I'm saying.... automachron can be started from HS and then it completely exits when it's synched. So, you're only running another app for a few seconds every time HS starts it.

[Krumpy]

Windows 2000 and XP both have their own built in time sync client. It appears that Windows XP by default syncronizes to time.windows.com which is usually 1 minute off - go figure right...

Try the following from DOS prompt:

net time /querysntp

net time /setsntp:tick.usno.navy.mil

I believe that you will need the SNTP port open. I think it is TCP 123...

[Dan-O]

Krumpy,
I get a 'The command completed successfully.' message in the DOS prompt but no clock change. I opened port 123 on my router with no changes.

Mike,
I DL'd autochron and will set it up and try it.
Thanks.

Dan-O
My system specs are in my profile
(Current beta as always)


Update,
Mike, that app was exactly what I wanted. It works great. No more icons in my system tray. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Thanks again.

[This message was edited by Dan-O on Sunday, 17 November 2002 at 01:53 PM.]

[Krumpy]

If you ran the net time /setsntp:xxx command then it should have set the sntp server. Make sure that you have the Windows Time service started. You can also run the following command manually:

w32tm -v

Depending of which version of the operating system you're running, it should start contacting the time server and synchronize the clock.

[larrymull]

Dan-O, can you not hit the site www.time.gov?

Jebus, I posted a new version that should fix up problems with the Win9x systems. Someone else was having a problem w/it. My feel was that the AM/PM format was't liked, so I changed it to 24 hr format. I don't have a Win9x system handy but a 98 user said it worked for him. Anyway, the fix will retain resolution to the seconds. If you like, give it a shot and see if it works.

Krumpy, interesting info there - I'll have to check that out. There's always more than one way to skin a cat! (just don't mention that to the cat!)

[Dan-O]

Nope, I still can't browse to the sight.

The Autochron program started popping up now even though I have the shut down box when done checked.
I have to manually exit it every time.

I will have to tinker with it when I have more time.
Thanks for the info.

Dan-O
My system specs are in my profile
(Current beta as always)

[Stuart]

Hi,
This has worked well for setting the time.

http://www.arachnoid.com/abouttime/


Stuart

[larrymull]

Krumpy, that's good stuff there! Looks like I wrote a script I don't need! That worked like a champ.

Dan-0, I dunno what's going on w/your box! You should be able to browse to the time.gov site. Try a different browser. I'm an IE'er but I have Netscape on hand in case IE bonks. Regardless, you're probably not gonna get the script working if IE can't hit it. But hey, since you'er on W2k, forget my script and Autochron or whatever and follow Krumpy's method. It's slick - looks like it measures latency several times and sets the clock accordingly. Also, it will set your date as well as time, plus it knows your timezone from your local settings. Totally rocks! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[Pete]

Guess I am overdoing it but using the internet, dial-up or radio is ok but there is some latency that will come into play with these methods. GPS antennas are cheap now. I took a 15 dollar mobile active antenna (Ebay) and glued it on some PVC. Using a readily available GPS module (very cheap also ~15-50) with a serial connection gives me what I consider pretty accurate time. Running NTP (free-public domain) gives me what I would consider pretty accurate time for less than $50 with no scripting necessary. Can post a picture if anyone is interested.

[This message was edited by Pete on Wednesday, 20 November 2002 at 12:33 AM.]

[Dan-O]

Elmo,
I tried IE, Netscape and Opera, and on different machines. None will connect.

I will try the Win2K stuff. My HS box is sacred ground and I lately don't like to upset it until the week-end so if I 'screw someting up' I have time to fix it.

Dan-O
My system specs are in my profile
(Current beta as always)

[Rupp]

Why not go to the source:

http://www.worldtimeserver.com/atomic-clock/

I have been using this for 3 years. Its free and very very small.

-Rupp
...One Nation Under GOD, Indivisible, With Liberty And Justice For All.