WWV (Radio Station)
11 days ago
- #radio
- #NIST
- #timekeeping
- WWV is a shortwave radio station near Fort Collins, Colorado, broadcasting continuous time signals since 1945.
- Operated by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), it provides official U.S. time and frequency standards.
- WWV broadcasts on frequencies 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 MHz, with time announcements in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
- The station uses a male voice for announcements, distinguishing it from its sister station WWVH, which uses a female voice.
- WWV's time signals are used for radio-controlled clocks, weather stations, and other devices requiring precise timekeeping.
- The station also provides geophysical alerts, GPS status updates, and other public service announcements.
- WWV's history dates back to 1919, making it one of the oldest continuously operating radio stations in the U.S.
- The station moved to its current location in Colorado in 1966, improving signal coverage across the continental U.S.
- WWV's time code is transmitted via a 100 Hz subcarrier, used by radio-controlled clocks for synchronization.
- The station was nearly defunded in 2019 but received continued funding due to its critical role in time dissemination.