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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
Shelyak TimeBox II
Shelyak TimeBox II
Shelyak TimeBox II
Shelyak TimeBox II
Shelyak TimeBox II
Shelyak TimeBox II

Shelyak TimeBox II

by Shelyak
SKU SHK-PF0081
$196.00 - $196.00
$196.00
$196.00 - $196.00
$196.00
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  • Synchronizes computer time to UTC via GPS
  • Achieves timing accuracy of +/- 2 milliseconds
  • Ultra-compact dimensions: 70 mm x 40 mm x 18 mm
  • Lightweight design at only 60 g (excluding cables)
  • Engineered for precise dating of stellar occultations
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Shelyak TimeBox II

    The Shelyak TimeBox II is a dedicated instrument designed to synchronize your PC's clock to the global UTC standard with an accuracy of +/- 2 milliseconds. By receiving time signals directly from GPS satellites, this compact 60 g device provides an absolute time reference essential for scientific observations like stellar occultations, all within a tiny 70 mm x 40 mm x 18 mm footprint.

    GPS-Disciplined UTC Time Sync with +/- 2 ms Accuracy

    For scientific work that depends on coordinated observations, network-based time is not reliable enough. The TimeBox II bypasses internet latency and jitter by using its own GPS receiver to establish an absolute time reference. This ensures your data is timestamped against Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) with a precision of +/- 2 ms, enabling direct comparison of records from observers anywhere in the world.

    A 60g Tool for Coordinated Asteroid Occultation Studies

    Weighing just 60 g, the TimeBox II is built for both permanent and portable observatories. Its primary application is the precise timing of stellar occultations—a method used to determine the size, shape, and position of asteroids. With this level of timing accuracy, your individual observation contributes directly to a larger scientific data set. For easy integration into your setup, a 3D-printable mounting bracket is available for download.

  • What is the primary purpose of the Shelyak TimeBox II?

    The Shelyak TimeBox II is an accessory that synchronizes your computer's time with GPS time (UTC) to an accuracy of +/- 2 milliseconds. It is designed for scientific applications, particularly the precise dating of astronomical phenomena like stellar occultations, where an absolute time reference is critical.

    How does the TimeBox II achieve its +/- 2 ms accuracy?

    The TimeBox II uses an integrated GPS receiver to get its time signal directly from GPS satellites. This method bypasses the variable delays and inaccuracies of internet time servers (NTP), providing a direct, stable, and highly accurate synchronization to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) standard.

    Do I need an internet connection for the TimeBox II to work?

    No. The TimeBox II is a self-contained unit that relies exclusively on signals from GPS satellites for its time reference. It does not require any internet or network connection to function, making it ideal for use at remote dark-sky sites.

    I'm observing an occultation by asteroid (16) Psyche. How does the TimeBox II improve my data?

    When you record the exact moments a star disappears and reappears behind (16) Psyche, the TimeBox II ensures those timestamps are accurate to +/- 2 ms against the global UTC standard. This allows your data to be combined with observations from astronomers across the globe to build a precise model of the asteroid's shape and size.

    Can I use the TimeBox II with my portable imaging setup in the field?

    Absolutely. The TimeBox II weighs only 60 g and has a very small footprint (70 x 40 x 18 mm), making it perfect for portable setups. Since it relies on GPS, it works anywhere with a clear view of the sky, independent of local network availability.

    Where can I find the mounting bracket for the TimeBox II?

    Shelyak provides the design for a 3D-printable bracket as a downloadable STL file. You can find this file and other documentation on the Shelyak Instruments website, allowing you to print your own bracket to mount the TimeBox II on any surface.

  • Accuracy +/- 2 ms
    Case Dimensions L 70 mm x W 40 mm x H 18 mm
    Weight 60 g (excluding cables)
  • Shelyak 1-Year Warranty