BktTimeSync: NTP/GPS/LAN Time Synchronization Utility for Windows
BktTimeSync is versatile software for Windows (32/64 bit) that ensures high accuracy of the system clock, a fundamental requirement for operations such as amateur radio digital modes (FT8, JT65, JS8Call, WSPR, etc.). It offers multiple synchronization sources and modes:
Synchronization Sources:
- NTP (Network Time Protocol): Synchronization via standard time servers on the Internet (requires active connection).
- GPS (Global Positioning System): Use of the precise satellite time signal via:
- External GPS Receivers: Connected via physical serial port (RS-232), or via USB or Bluetooth provided they offer serial port emulation (Virtual COM Port). The software supports reading data according to NMEA 0183 (standard sentences such as RMC, GGA, ZDA) and TSIP (Trimble Standard Interface Protocol) protocols from the designated COM port.
- Android Device: Uses the GPS sensor of an Android smartphone or tablet with the BktTimeSyncGPS app installed and running. Communication occurs via the local network (WiFi).
- LAN Server Mode: An instance of BktTimeSync (configured as server and synchronized via NTP or GPS) can serve as a time source for other instances of BktTimeSync (configured as clients) running on other PCs on the same local network.
BktTimeSync also integrates support for the WSJT-X AutoGrid function, automatically updating the WW Locator based on position data received from the configured GPS source.
System requirements:
- Operating system: Windows (all versions, 32 or 64 bit).
- Synchronization source: Active Internet connection (for NTP) OR a compatible GPS receiver (NMEA/TSIP) with serial output or serial emulation (for USB/Bluetooth) OR an Android device with GPS and the BktTimeSyncGPS app installed, connected to the same local network as the PC.
- For Client/Server mode: Working local network between PCs.
For detailed instructions on configuring all supported modes and protocols, refer to the user guide or the complete manual.
Contributions:
- Thanks to Remy F6ABJ for TSIP protocol testing and French translation.
- Thanks to Xavi EA3W for Spanish and Catalan translation
- Thanks to Lv Meng BD3OOX and Min Chen BI1MHK for Chinese translation
- Thanks to Oleg Melnikov R6DOP for Russian translation
- Thanks to Toshiyuki Onaka JA4JOE for Japanese translation
- Thanks to Miloš Soukup OK1FMY for Czech translation
BktTimeSync Security Verification
To offer maximum transparency, we invite all users to verify the downloaded file BktTimeSync_x.xx.x.exe through VirusTotal, a free service that analyzes files with over 60 antivirus engines.
Being an independently developed program, BktTimeSync may be falsely flagged by some antivirus software. If the number of detections is less than 4-5 out of over 60, it can reasonably be considered a false positive.
