[time-nuts] PC time app

[Chris Albertson]

On Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 9:56 PM, Steve . <iteration69 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm curious as to what folks are doing with PC's that require micro second
> accuracy for days or weeks or what have you.

The way you get the reliability is easy, it just cost money.  You set
up multiple servers each with its own GPS receiver.

I have a Intel "Atom" powered mainboard.  I looked around and found
one that did not have a fan on the heat sink.  These use much less
power, I I hopped made less heat  Without the heat there is also no
thermal management so it is stable.  I installed Linux and connected a
Motorolla Oncore GPS.  These GPSes have the PPS running at about 60nS,
1 sigma.

On NTP I've not been above to get down to single uS.   Seem to be
running at the "dozen or so" uS level.     My guess is the next is to
unsolder the crystal oscillator from the main board and replace it
with something better.  Likely a TCXO.  That should help be more then
one order of magnitude.
-- 

Chris Albertson
Redondo Beach, California