Decoders
Time signals
Read the time and date from the WWV and WWVH shortwave time stations.
On this page
What it does #
The WWV and WWVH time stations send a tick every second and a time code every minute. The decoder reads the time code and shows the station's time, and how far your phone clock is off.
Where to find it #
On Home, tune 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 MHz in the AM mode. WWV is heard on all of them, WWVH on 2.5 to 15 MHz. A Time card appears while a time station is tuned.
What the card shows #
| Part | What it says |
|---|---|
| Clock | The station's time in UTC, once a minute is confirmed. |
| Station | WWV or WWVH. |
| Date | The date and the day of the year. |
| Daylight saving | Whether US daylight saving time is on, or starts or ends today. |
| Leap second | A warning when a leap second comes at the end of the month. |
| Phone clock | Whether your phone clock agrees, or is fast or slow, in seconds. |
Tips #
- First the card says it is listening for the second ticks (WWV 1000 Hz, WWVH 1200 Hz).
- Then it reads the time code. A minute takes 60 seconds, and the time is checked against the next minute before it is shown.
Limits #
These stations are on shortwave, so the decoder needs a receiver that reaches HF.