Update 30 September 2025
This blog post sparked a lively discussion on Reddit. Many readers appreciated the blog, while others found it inaccurate or deemed the tips unnecessary. Others reverted to abuse. The article is based on quite a bit of information from reputable and or popular amateur radio operators (KOPIR, Gadget Talk, and Tech Minds). Others said you don’t need either GPS assistance or the ChronyControl app. They say the built-in time-checking app in macOS is accurate, and if that’s not enough, tune into WWV. Indeed, one blog stated that an Apple Watch is the most accurate timekeeper of all Apple devices.
That said, one of the more reputable developers, Marcus Roskosch, says in a blog:
Correct timing is essential for weak-signal digital modes such as FT8 and FT4, yet misunderstandings about how that timing is achieved persist. Wrong assumptions can lead operators to purchase unnecessary hardware or install superfluous software. The following clarifies the most common myths and explains why modern devices—particularly macOS and iOS—already provide all that is required.
I’m not here to fuel a holy war on the setting of time. Some appear to be. I am sharing information based on my research and information summarised by Google Gemini and ChatGPT (their answers are linked).
I make no money from my writing. It’s done as a hobbyist to help others. Be nice, be positive and be helpful, please.
73’s
Andrew, VK2AWN
Original post (unaltered).
An accurate clock can be important for many reasons. In amateur radio, a super accurate clock is critical for digital modes as we’re dealing in milliseconds and not seconds and minutes.
In my previous life as a broadcast journalist and commentator, sometimes you had only a one-way link and had to start speaking at a certain time so the program could cross to you without an audio cue.
So, I get the importance of time. With fibre-to-the-premises internet, 5G mobile internet, and late-model Macs, I believed my clocks were fairly accurate. They were set up to sync with Apple’s time server, and I never gave it another thought.
As I became more involved in amateur radio, I learned about the importance of a highly accurate clock. I found an app called ChronyControl. It just works in the background, and I was amazed to see how inaccurate my Mac could be at times. Now, I don’t have to worry. The developer in NZ is very responsive to requests. He only seeks a tip or donation, so don’t forget to give him one!
But what if the internet is down? Or what if you are off-grid? Here’s an amazing bit of hardware and software for USD22 (AUD35). This set-up corrects your clock via GPS satellites. And again, it just works.
You need two things: (1) This dongle (HiLetgo VK172 G-Mouse USB GPS/GLONASS USB GPS Receiver) via Amazon and (2) this app (GPS Dashboard) from the Mac App Store.
On the Amazon page, don’t worry about the fact that it only speaks of Windows. It works on a Mac. The developer has lots more details. The video below takes your thought set-up, step by step.
So, now, on or off grid for under USD30 (AUD50), you can always have accurate time on your Mac.
Blogger’s note. Some typographical errors were fixed on 30 September 2025
27 September 2025