[time-nuts] Nutty time-nuttery with WWVB

William H. Fite omniryx at gmail.com
Thu Nov 10 12:22:14 EST 2016


I heartily second Charles' admonition regarding FCC PART 15 unlicensed
transmissions. Part 15 explicitly states that an unlicensed operator may
not cause interference with any licensed transmission. Because of the
specific purpose of WWV/WWVB transmissions, any discernible leakage
detectable by any other user is prima facie evidence of unlawful
transmission and subject to a heavy fine. I assure you that any licensed
Part 97 user who detects your emissions over the top of WWVB is quite
likely to rat you out to Uncle Charlie. And should, may I say, because you
will be interfering with a public service. "I am just syncing my clocks" is
not going to impress the guys who appear in your driveway in a white van
with RDF antennas on the roof.

So....be very damned sure that you are not radiating a discernible signal
outside of the immediate vicinity of your clocks.

Bill
KJ4SLP



On Thursday, November 10, 2016, Charles Steinmetz <csteinmetz at yandex.com>
wrote:

> Peter wrote:
>
> Could I implement my own personal WWVB transmitter that would
>> be powerful enough to be picked up by the clocks in my house?
>>      *   *   *
>> Has anyone tried this?
>>
>
> Some on the list have, and I'm sure they will provide the details.
>
> Others have mentioned the potential problems with interference to other
> WWVB users.  For starters, make sure you study and understand Part 15 of
> the FCC rules before you put it on the air, or you could face a nasty
> enforcement action.  (Even if you are Part 15-compliant, you may still
> screw up other users' reception and get a visit from the FCC when they
> complain.  I operate several very sensitive 60kHz receivers -- if you live
> in my neighborhood, I'm almost certain to be unhappy about anything you
> deploy.)
>
> Note that the problem with most "atomic" clocks that I've seen is actually
> not insufficient signal (in the wee hours of the morning, when they try to
> synch).  It is either excessive QRM, or orienting the clock so its antenna
> has a null toward Fort Collins.  Make sure the antenna has a major lobe
> toward Fort Collins (this may require relocating the entire clock or
> bringing the antenna out so you can orient it independently), and that it
> is well clear of the AC mains distribution wiring in your house and any
> other sources of QRM (wall warts, CFL lamps, LED lamps, etc. (this may also
> require relocating the clock).
>
> The typical clock using a loopstick antenna has lobes to the front and
> rear, and nulls to the sides.  Thus, mounting the clock on the western
> exterior wall (for users on the east coast) is usually best.  Putting it
> directly in front of a west-facing window may help.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Charles
>
>
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