It's overkill but maybe the simplest method for a programmer, PC's these days have their clocks synched via the Internet. It straighforward to have a background utility which referenced the clock.
I suspect something as simple as an Arduino with a real time clock interface checked occasionally with a PC would also do the job. It is possible to connect an Arduino directly to the Internet too but it is not something I have ever done. It does depend a bit on the absolute accuracy that you require though. Arduino projects just use a real time clock interface for most purposes. You can also get GPS modules for them.
I do have a project in mind for a similar idea for monitoring background radiation peridically and, although I have procured the parts, unfortunately I have yet to make a start. I am planning to use an Arduino with GM tube interface of my design, the Arduino having an RTC add on board. This board does have onboard memory for temporary data storage (some have, some haven't but they are cheap enough).
Tracy
I suspect something as simple as an Arduino with a real time clock interface checked occasionally with a PC would also do the job. It is possible to connect an Arduino directly to the Internet too but it is not something I have ever done. It does depend a bit on the absolute accuracy that you require though. Arduino projects just use a real time clock interface for most purposes. You can also get GPS modules for them.
I do have a project in mind for a similar idea for monitoring background radiation peridically and, although I have procured the parts, unfortunately I have yet to make a start. I am planning to use an Arduino with GM tube interface of my design, the Arduino having an RTC add on board. This board does have onboard memory for temporary data storage (some have, some haven't but they are cheap enough).
Tracy
