The RASNZ Occultation section has a limited number of the Beeper Box portable timebases (described here) for sale. This unit provides a portable time standard for use in the field with time signals being provided in a format very similar to the now defunct VNG shortwave service.

The box can be manually synchronised to a time signal (e.g. the IRL talking clock in NZ [0900-45678] or the Telstra talking clock in Australia) and then transported to a remote location - e.g. to time a total lunar, grazing or minor planet occultation. With practice, manual synchronisation with an external signal can be carried out to typically 0.1-0.2 second accuracy.

The box can also be synchronised to UTC to millisecond accuracy when used in conjunction with the KIWI program designed by Geoff Hitchcox (More information at: http://www.geocities.com/kiwi_36_nz/kiwi/kiwi.htm)

Features of the Beeper Box:

• Portable and simple to use.
• Provides accurate timing.
• Runs from an internal 9V battery or a variety of external AC or DC supplies.
• Audible one second time signals plus red LED output.
• Mute operation if required.
• Optional additional output to external LED.
• Optional connection to video sound system (through external LED output).
• Manual reset.
• Electronic synchronization with a KIWI/GPS system.
• Electronic calibration using any system providing high accuracy 1-second pulses. (e.g. a GPS with 1 PPS output). (Requires use of optional external LED).

The box measures 13 x 7 x 4 cm and the electronics are housed in a rugged case.

This box can be used simply as an timer providing accurate 1-second pips, or as a source of visual timing signals where data is being recorded to videotape. In the latter case the optional external LED can be mounted near the top of a telescope tube to provide a visual signal every second. (Using frame advance on the VCR, and counting the number of frames from the time signal, then allows events to be timed to an accuracy of up to 0.02 sec).

Alternatively, the same output can be connected to the audio input of the VCR to provide an audio click on videotape each second.

You can download the Beeper Box manual (35kb RTF document) here.

The Beeper Box is available at a cost of $NZ 60.00 postpaid anywhere within Australia or New Zealand. Add $NZ 10 for the optional external LED and cable. Payment will be accepted by credit card, cheque, or cash.

To order, send your details to: Graham.Blow@actrix.gen.nz.

[NOTE: As at April 2008 we are out of stock of the Beeper Boxes. It is possible that an additional batch will be made up later in the year but this is not guaranteed at present. If you wish go on a waiting list please email Graham Blow].

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