NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Power grid test will disrupt AC sync'd clocks
Power grid test will disrupt AC sync'd clocks
http://j.mp/lE7Lfh (This message on Google Buzz)
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http://j.mp/iyPFip (Huffington Article)
"The group that oversees the U.S. power grid is proposing a change that
has the potential to disrupt electric clocks in schools, hospitals and
other institutions, according to a company presentation obtained by
The Associated Press. It may also mess with the timing of traffic
lights, security systems, sprinklers and some personal computer
software and hardware."
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I think I can guarantee that such a move would cause widespread and
erratic clock behaviors in many devices. Ever wonder why your PC
clock drifts so much unless you use a time setting service, but your
cheap clock radio keeps perfect time?
Even tiny variations in a crystal-controlled clock build up over
time, but most consumer devices with clocks are locked to the AC line
frequency (60 Hz in the U.S., 50 Hz most other places).
There are going to be clocks -- many of them on automatic equipment in
locations hard to access -- that are going to be drifting all over the
place under this plan. Over time, that drift is going to really build
up.
This is the first I've heard about this proposed experiment. I'm
extremely surprised that there has not been more discussion in the
public sphere regarding the ramifications.
--Lauren--
Lauren Weinstein (lauren@vortex.com): http://www.vortex.com/lauren
Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org
Founder:
- Network Neutrality Squad: http://www.nnsquad.org
- Global Coalition for Transparent Internet Performance: http://www.gctip.org
- PRIVACY Forum: http://www.vortex.com
Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy
Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenweinstein
Google Buzz: http://j.mp/laurenbuzz
Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com