The Alternate Master Clock and Precise Time Requirements; Why an Alternate Master Clock?

W. V. Bollwerk

Abstract:	The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) Alternate Master Clock (AMC) became fully operational on 23 July 1996. The AMC was relocated to Falcon Air Force Base [AFB) from Richmond, Florida, commencing 24 October 1995. By placing the AMC at Falcon AFB, the clock is co-located with the GPS Master Control Station and, thus, the primary means of global time dissemination. The AMC is in a key position to provide significant improvements to the various space systems operated by the Air Force from Falcon AFB. Efforts are underway to enhance the timing of GPS, the Air Force Satellite Control Network, and some TALON programs within the Space Warfare Center. The AMC will be able to provide a more reliable and robust timing source for all users at Falcon. This will eventually lead to reduced navigation errors, increased communications capability, and improvements in C41. The areas in which the AMC will be used to enhance worldwide military operations are highlighted.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 28th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 3 - 5, 1996 Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia
Pages:	141 - 150
Cite this article:	Bollwerk, W. V., "The Alternate Master Clock and Precise Time Requirements; Why an Alternate Master Clock?," Proceedings of the 28th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, December 1996, pp. 141-150.
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