1/6/98
TIMELY RADIO WILL RECEIVE POWER BOOST
WASHINGTON (AP) -Punctuality has gotten a boost.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced Monday
(1/5/98) that it has more than doubled the power of its radio signal
broadcasting accurate time, all the time.
The signal from an atomic clock is used by broadcasters, navigators,
scientists and others in need of extremely accurate timekeeping.
The signal is broadcast by station WWVB near Fort Collins, Colo., and
has operated at 10,000 watts for more than 30 years.  It has now been
boosted to 23,000 watts, and plans call for an increase to between
40,000 and 50,000 watts, the agency said.
The signal can be used to automatically set the correct time in clocks,
watches, VCRs, cars and electronic gear of all kinds equipped to receive
the special signal.  It is not audible and requires special receivers
to decode.
The agency said that among the users of its signals are a wide variety
of electronics manufacturers, telecommunications systems and power
generating and transmitting companies, as well as a growing number of
private citizens who own radio-controlled clocks and watches.
The power upgrade strengthens WWVB's signal over the continental United
States, allowing use of less expensive receivers and antennas.  Even
radio-controlled wristwatches can now maintain accurate time, the
agency said, and manufacturers of various appliances can consider
installing miniature receiver-clocks in their products.
The current upgrade made use of spare radio transmitters and other
components provided by the Navy.
-End of Article-
... Time: an illusion perpetrated by the makers of space.
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