If you’re looking for a way to sync your computer’s clock while using digital modes such as JS8Call, or WSJT when operating in the field without a reliable internet connection, then a GPS dongle is a helpful solution.
For anyone that operates on digital modes, you are likely aware of the importance of keeping your machine’s clock accurate. Ensuring your computer has accurate time affects transmit and receive cycles, as well as the ability to successfully decode.
There are several solutions for managing your machine’s time synchronization, as well as a variety of GPS dongles available on the market. One cost effective solution you may be interested in is the G-Mouse VK-162 GPS Dongle, which is available on Amazon for approximately $20.00.
G-Mouse VK-162 GPS Dongle: https://www.amazon.com/Navigation-External-Receiver-Raspberry-Geekstory/dp/B078Y52FGQ
The VK-162 GPS Dongle is compatible with Windows; however, you will need to install a driver before using it which can be a bit of a challenge to find on the internet. For convenience, you can download the Windows driver from the PCG website library using the links below.
VK-162 Windows Driver: https://partisancommsgroup.com/document-library/
Scroll through the library until you see the VK-162 listed and click the download button.
Once I had it installed on my field tablet, I went into the Device Manager in Windows to confirm which COM port the dongle was using. On my machine, it is COM6 (note: it may be different on your machine).
Next, I downloaded BktTimeSync, which is a free software designed to work with GPS devices like the VK-162, as well as internet based time servers.
Download BktTimeSync: http://www.maniaradio.it/en/bkttimesync.html
Below is a screen shot of the BktTimeSync user interface (“UI”). Once I had the software installed and running, I changed the following settings:
- Under ‘Internet Configuration’, I unchecked ‘Enable NTP’ (this turns off the internet time server).
- Under ‘GPS Configuration’, I confirmed COM6 was selected under the ‘Serial Port’ drop-down menu, and set the BAUD rate at 4800.
- Also under ‘GPS Configuration’, I confirmed GPS was enabled by selecting the ‘Enable GPS’ checkbox.
- Those were the only configuration items I adjusted, and I did not change any other settings in the UI.
- Once I was finished with configuring the settings, I clicked the ‘Sync Now’ button and the software successfully synchronized my clock.
As mentioned, there are other GPS dongles and software available for time synchronization, but the VK-162 in conjunction with BktTimeSync appears to function as expected, when operating on JS8Call on my Yaesu FT-891 in the field.
