Time synchronisation

Posts : 15 Join date : 2019-12-22

When using WxtoIMG to decode satellite images the time that the host computer is set to is critical. That time is used to predict satellite passes as well as to place country outlines on produced maps as well as other overlays. It has to be accurate to less than half a second or you will see issues.

The normal Windows time service is not accurate enough – even when synchronised to internet time sources. That only produces an accuracy of a few seconds so we need something better.

The option I used was the free Net Time that is available here. After downloading it just install. It runs as a service and synchronises time twice a day. The log below shows how much the laptop time drifts and is pulled back to the correct time.

30/12/2017 17:37:06 NetTime Version 3.1.4.220 Started: Service Mode
30/12/2017 17:37:06 Logging Level: Normal
31/12/2017 05:38:45 Time Updated: -729ms Regular Update
31/12/2017 17:39:14 Time Updated: -778ms Regular Update
01/01/2018 05:39:41 Time Updated: -821ms Regular Update
01/01/2018 17:40:09 Time Updated: -819ms Regular Update

You can check to see how much this helps your system by going to time.is both before and after installing nettime.