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Internet Time Server Wall Clocks

Tags:
  • Wireless Router
  • Servers
  • Internet
Last response: in Other Consumer Electronics
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April 2, 2014 7:11:10 AM

Does anyone know of a retailer for auto-setting clocks that use one's Wireless Router/Internet as opposed to the so-called atomic clocks that rely on the WWVB radio signal from the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)?

I must be living in a nearly dead zone for the NIST signal. My clocks don't adjust well at all; never have. But my wireless-connected PCs have no problem setting their clocks via one of the NIST Internet Time Servers. A wall clock that had a wireless connection to one's router would be an ideal solution.

One caveat... I would like it to be suitable for home use, not an institutional looking clock.

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April 2, 2014 7:31:11 AM

That actually sounds like a really obvious idea... I've had a look and can't find anything that's not stupidly expensive and/or stupidly heavy. Most are mains or PoE powered, too. Not wireless.

FYI: NTP (Network Time Protocol) is the term you're looking for.
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April 2, 2014 8:31:13 AM

@Mod
Thanks for clearing up the terminology. And for agreeing that it would seem like a no-brainer. But like you, I am shocked that with most modern homes having wireless routers these days, no one sells decorative wall clocks that connect wirelessly to one. I've been looking now for a couple years. Still nothing other than major institutional time pieces designed for office, schools, and businesses.
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April 2, 2014 5:51:30 PM

Hmm. Almost sounds like a place for a kickstarter project.

I think the issue is that for an analog clock, you have to have an accurate means of detecting the position of the hands - not easy.
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April 2, 2014 7:55:46 PM

Well, my current analog "atomic" clock sets itself (when it finally gets a darn signal). The hands just spin around until it gets to the correct time. (I use the term 'correct time' loosely...lol)

You should see it in the Autumn when we 'fall back' an hour. The minute hand makes 11 full revolutions rather that going backward one revolution. But I'd be perfectly happy with that if it just used my router instead of the NPT. Oh well...
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April 3, 2014 4:44:12 AM

check networks clocks online , some of the best companies they provide very branded server wall clocks online

innova solutions is the best server wall clock solutions provided
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April 3, 2014 7:48:25 AM

@abrahamjobs
Thanks. But those are a bit too institutional for hanging in a residential environment like a living room or dinning room. At least the ones I was able to see. I may have missed some.

I did find this example of a "wi-fi" clock. I presume this is a clock that syncs to one's home router. It's a bit plain, but it's the best I've found so far.
http://www.atsclock.com/items/wifi-analog-clocks-wood-c...
And it seems to be a lot more expensive that it needs to be. I'd really not prefer to pay that kind of price for a plain round clock, although I'm sure the wood is excellent.
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April 3, 2014 5:58:54 PM

GPS is the other thing that could be interesting. But there's still few of those around.

I think the analog clock is just about the only one that I currently have to change manually...
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April 4, 2014 9:36:19 AM

Someone Somewhere said:
GPS is the other thing that could be interesting. But there's still few of those around.

I think the analog clock is just about the only one that I currently have to change manually...


I think that is going to have to be my solution. Just go back to a manual-set analog wall clock that has the appearance I desire. It's just that it amazes me that there are tons of so-called 'atomic' clocks for home decor out there, but no wi-fi clocks. Can the wi-fi technology be that much more expensive to implement than the NTP?

Any way, thanks for the replies.
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April 4, 2014 4:36:20 PM

NTP=Network Time Protocol; it's what you'd run over WiFi.

You need a WiFi radio (which sucks power), plus enough electronics to run a basic TCP/IP stack. Then you have to have some way of authenticating it, and WPS is now a big no-no.

What I'm wondering is why nobody is using GPS as a time-source for this.
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July 30, 2014 10:02:51 PM

Nice post !! You shared a very useful information about internet time server wall clocks. Its really very helpful to understand the different concepts about this internet server time clock.
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