Receiving WWVB

WWVB

WWVB broadcasts from Ft. Collins, Colorado on a frequency of 60 kHz.

The signal is time data, in a complex modulation scheme, repeating each minute. The format is described in some detail on the NIST website. Apparently, it can be listened to with the appropriate equipment and sounds like Morse code. I found an example on Reddit.

WWBV’s frequency of 60 kHz, is considered longwave (LW), but I don’t have any communications receiver covering LW that goes below 100 kHz. eBay has many listings for WWVB clock modules, like this one:

The problem with these under $10 kits is that they are made in China and the tariffs will greatly add to the price. I found one shipping from Canada that might make it across the border in time.

Oregon Scientific RMR683HG

I was rummaging around in a drawer recently and came across an old clock/thermometer with the logo “Radio Controlled” on the front.

Indeed, this pocket-sized fellow is a WWVB receiver. The symbol to the left of the time is a signal strength indicator, here showing maximum signal strength. I keep it near an outside wall.

The manual says WWVB reception is best during the night time, but I can get here in central Virginia by day.

I’ve read over the years that the increase in radio frequency noise makes WWVB reception difficult, but at least in my case, one device is working well. It’s dead on accurate.

Sharp SPC-323

I have a lot of junk and among it was s second device, labeled ATOMIC CLOCK, a Sharp SPC-323. It had been running for years on its single AA rechargeable battery. The date was right but it was about 17 minutes off from the correct time. I went through the procedure to force synchronization with WWVB and tried it overnight with the radio in a window facing Colorado. No luck.

In 2o12, WWVB changed some of is modulation methods, and this made some radios incompatible, apparently this one that came out in 2000 is one of them. If it had synchronized, a tower symbol would display to the left of the “31” seconds display.

La Crosse WS-6002U

This one hangs on a wall facing Colorado. The little tower symbol top center indicates that it is synchronized with WWVB, but the time was exactly one minute fast. I forced a synchronization and the time was correct. But it’s gaining a few seconds a day, even though the WWBV synchronization symbol is on. This one was made around 2012.