Syncing two events over network

[corgano]

My queestion, is what is the best way to synchronize autoit scripts running on different computers in a network? to the effect that I could sync them, and then beep() and they would both beep at the exact same time

I'm not sure even where to start. Has anyone done anything like this before?

[orbs]

you do know that commonly pc's are already sync'd by time source, right? so if your scripts operate independent of each other, then just use the system time.

if they are dependent - i.e. if there is some communication between them - then the communication itself should suffice. e.g. pc1 says to pc2: "beep at 17:00 exactly".

[MilesAhead]

This >UDF might be interesting.  Something simple like a beep would be a good way to learn.  Then use it for more comples network stuff.

[jchd]

As always the devil is in the details: the "exact same time" is already pretty hard to define just from the physics point of view. Now over a network is yet another beast.

[JLogan3o13]

I'm also going to hazard a guess that you're not trying to just play a Beep (as this could be done much more easily through Task Scheduler on each machine), so how about more information about what you're trying to accomplish?

[corgano]

As always the devil is in the details: the "exact same time" is already pretty hard to define just from the physics point of view. Now over a network is yet another beast.

down to 10ms, although down to one would be optimal

I'm also going to hazard a guess that you're not trying to just play a Beep (as this could be done much more easily through Task Scheduler on each machine), so how about more information about what you're trying to accomplish?

Actually, that's exactly what I want to accomplish. Think beeping computer orchestra. I just need a way to sync them properly

[jchd]

You can use NTP or even better PTP. From what I gather, current Windows NTP implementation doesn't guarantees below 1 to 2 seconds.

I hope this is for a legitimate use.

Another method which doesn't depend / rely on / use computer network: if you really need/value excellent sync is to use GPS clocks like Spectracom, Trimble or similar devices.

Edited July 29, 2013 by jchd

[corgano]

Sweet! PTP sounds promising. Lol at GPS clocks, that would be nuts

I'll post back if I find anything

[jchd]

As a old member of time nuts I do have a couple of used Trimble GPS clocks (and some Rubidium clocks as well) for sale but I suppose it would be a bit overkill (and costly) for your use.