| Frequently Asked Questions
about Cell Time Sync
|
ClockWatch Cell Sync
time synchronization works by using a CDMA receiver that is connected to
your computer. The Cell Sync software takes the precision time
from receiver to maintain the computer (and network) at the correct
time.
Here are some frequently asked questions about
Cellular time synchronization.
Feel free to contacte-mail us with other
questions you have.
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How does it work?
Do I need a cell phone account?
How does Cell Sync get
the time from the NIST ?
How does the NIST broadcast the signal?
How accurate is Cell time synchronization?
Can I receive the signal
where I am?
What type of hardware do I need?
Do I need an Internet connection to use the broadcast?
I already have a CDMA cell phone; will Cell
Sync
work with it?
Why would I want to use Cell time syncing?
Will my
clock or receiver work outside of the United States?
Can other computers and devices get their time from Cell Sync?
Do I need a cell phone account?
CDMA time synchronization does not broadcast
or transmit any information so no account is necessary.
How does Cell Sync get
the time from the NIST?
The CDMA transmitter outputs date and time of
day in the transmitted data. More on CDMA broadcast
Cell Sync contains a specialized receiver and
decoder to convert the cellular signals. A highly accurate one-pulse-per second output
is provided to Cell Sync from the CDMA receiver. This rising edge of
the signal is synchronized to the the start of each CDMA second.
How accurate is Cell
time synchronization?
CDMA time synchronization is highly accurate, but your results will vary
depending on your receiver and computer. The Garmin CDMA35 receiver is
accurate to within a millisecond of UTC; however, the time that is ultimately
synchronized to your computer will not be as accurate. Why? Because
computer systems are not fast enough nor consistent enough for better
accuracy. Our tests show an accuracy of +/- 0.1 second using the Multitech
CDMA.
What type of hardware do
I need?
You need a CDMA receiver, antenna, data cable and serial port
connector. These come standard with the Cell Sync.
The only other requirement is a functioning
Windows PC
with an available serial (COM) port.
Do I need an Internet
connection to use CDMA?
No. Cell Sync does not require an Internet connection.
I already have a CDMA
phone; will Cell Sync work with it?
No. Cell Sync has been qualified to work only with the Cell Sync receiver.
Why would I want to use CDMA for time synchronization?
Time syncing using CDMA is a good alternative for remote or highly secured
computers. ClockWatch Cell Sync does not require an Internet or modem
connection.
CDMA time synchronization may potentially be more accurate than syncing over
the Internet or by modem. The true accuracy depends on the receiver as
well as the computer. Beagle Software's experience is that the Cell Sync
when used with the supplied CDMA receiver is consistently accurate within 0.1 second.
Can I receive the
signal where I am?
CDMA receivers should be able to work in most population centers in the US. These very reliable signals
are easily received inside buildings. Chances are good that you live
and work in an area with CDMA cellular/PCS coverage. If your CDMA phone
works where you plan to install Cell Sync, then Cell Sync should have no problem
in receiving time signals.
Can
other computers and devices get their time from Cell Sync?
Yes, computers, routers, printers, PBXs and
other devices on your LAN can use Cell Sync as a central timeserver. All they
need to do run an NTP or SNTP client and point to the computer running Cell
Sync. Many computers (including Windows) and networked devices have this
capability built in.
Will my clock
or receiver work outside of
the United States?
CDMA is used extensively in Australia, China, Korea, Japan and
elsewhere. CDMA is currently not widely used in Europe
Back to top
Cell Sync Product Information:
Advanced Features
Frequently Asked Questions about Cell broadcast
time syncing
How does it work?
Cell Sync CDMA Receiver
Installation Information,
User's Guide
Troubleshooting
Cell Sync Site
Index
Cell Sync Main Page
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