[wxqc] Re: UTC and weather stations

[Dave Helms]

Hi Sam,

As it is, CWOP (FINDU) time stamps all weather reports with UTC, 
regardless of was time is encoded ensure the time integrity of the 
database.  Unfortunately, we can't trust a large fraction of the time 
data we receive.  So, it does not matter how you set your system clocks 
as per CWOP.  This is the reason why all data CWOP receives must be 
real-time, and not retrospective.

If you are keeping climate data for your station, data are time stamped 
using Local Standard Time.  Most data logging applications know to use 
LST for generating climate reports.

Dave
CW0351

FYI. UTC = Universal Time Constant, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Zulu, and 
"Z" (for zero meridian (longitude) where the Greenwich Observatory is 
located in the UK)).  More on UTC
http://www.apparent-wind.com/gmt-explained.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Time
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/UT.html


Sam Drinkard wrote:

> I'm contemplating changing all of my computer timekeeping to UTC (Z) 
> time.  Looking at all the things I'm doing, which most are weather 
> related, I find myself asking the question, how much trouble is there 
> trying to convert climate data which is being generated on E.T, when 
> all other things I do, all are based on UTC.  Has or is there anyone 
> who has their machines set to zulu time, and are there any drawbacks 
> to doing this?  I naturally think in 24 hour time format, so it's not 
> a big deal for me to convert from one to the other.  I'm just curious 
> if there might be something I've overlooked that would be a "gottcha"
>
> Any issues with the CWOP data being sent if I set up to UTC?
>
>