WWVB Clock Module Receiver use

[Bryan]

Hello:

Going to purchase this WWVB receiver to play around with. According to the NIST maps for WWVB reception I should be able to see the signal depending on the time of the day (Vancouver, Canada). Thought it would be interesting to study the time code output on a scope. Curious as to any other projects this could be used in, other than the obvious clock applications.

https://www.universal-solder.ca/product/canaduino-60khz-atomic-clock-receiver-module-wwvb-msf-jjy60/

[Renate]

I would think that a GPS receiver would work better, but hey.

I once built a tiny DCF77 transmitter to set a German alarm clock I have.

[Bryan]

I would think that a GPS receiver would work better, but hey.

I once built a tiny DCF77 transmitter to set a German alarm clock I have.

No doubt, but the old school WWVB is interesting. Suspect DCF77 is pretty similar to WWVB

[jpanhalt]

I did that a few years ago.  It (60 kHz) is a fun signal to watch.  With audio, it's soothing.

You may need a better receiver.  I am in Northern Ohio, and a simple ferrite rod worked at night.   I needed a larger shielded loop antenna (100 ft wrapped on a form) for daylight reception.  You can also make a signal simulator, which is useful for debugging your program.

The usual technique, which I assume you know, is to set an RTC or other clock to WWVB.  Use the RTC/other for time keeping, and reset it periodically when the WWVB  signal is strong.

[Bryan]

Thanks, it will be interesting to see if the receiver can pick up WWVB. I am in a concrete jungle, so may be at only certain times of the day if that. Yes, don't see much more it could be used for. Always wanted to build up one of those nixie tube clock kits, might make for a neat add-on. Although todays RTC's modules are so accurate is it even worth it.

[james_s]

I have several clocks that receive 60kHz WWVB about 2 hours South of Vancouver BC. It picks up a signal about half the time, it depends on the season and atmospheric conditions. I suspect that you'll get a usable signal in Vancouver IF you have something resembling line of sight to Colorado.

[ledtester]

It might be worth it to make a custom antenna:

https://youtu.be/ySWpaAXiJCQ

[Bryan]

Great video(s). Thanks for sharing.

[Conrad Hoffman]

I live in upstate NY and have a variety of WWVB clocks. They all manage to get the time in the early hours of the morning. I also built a WWVB disciplined oscillator long ago. It worked well, but they changed the transmission such that the signal reduces to near zero for period. That completely messed  up the oscillator. The cure, which I haven't done, is to add a track & hold circuit, to freeze the correction signal until WWVB comes back up to a usable amplitude. When you're after the frequency you have to use a TRF receiver design, no super-het. I also have a commercial Spectracom clock and stabilized oscillator which no longer works correctly since the change. Again, I haven't tried it, but the cure seems to be adding a frequency doubler at the input, then bypassing one of the later 2X multiplier stages. That cancels out the phase shift they added. More info here- https://www.orolia.com/sites/default/files/document-files/Pending%20Changes%20in%20the%20WWVB%20Radio%20Signal%20Affects%20Precision%20Frequency%20and%20Timing%20Reference.pdf