Clock synchronization for a machine control system

A method for clock synchronized control of a machine, the method comprising:

• selecting a clock source from among a plurality of external clock sources based on a predetermined order, wherein the plurality of clock sources includes a global positioning system (“GPS”) and a low earth orbiting satellite (“LEO”), wherein selecting based on the predetermined order includes selecting the GPS before the LEO;
• obtaining clock information from the selected clock source;
• and
• using the clock information to timestamp data being sent from the machine.

A clock information transfer system including:

• a first machine including a controller configured to:
• control at least one function of the first machine;
• select a clock source from among a plurality of external clock sources based on a predetermined order, wherein the plurality of clock sources includes a global positioning system (“GPS”) and a low earth orbiting satellite (“LEO”), wherein selecting based on the predetermined order includes selecting the GPS before the LEO;
• obtain clock information from the selected clock source;
• use the obtained clock information to affect the at least one function of the first machine;
• and
• transmit the obtained clock information to a second machine including a receiving controller, the receiving controller being configured to:
• control at least one function of the second machine;
• operably connect to the controller of the first machine;
• obtain clock information from the controller of the first machine;
• and
• use the obtained clock information to affect the at least one function of the second machine.

A machine comprising:

• a frame;
• an engine operably connected to the frame;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• control at least one function of a machine;
• select a clock source from among a plurality of external clock sources based on a predetermined order, wherein the plurality of clock sources includes a global positioning system (“GPS”) and a low earth orbiting satellite (“LEO”), wherein selecting based on the predetermined order includes selecting the GPS before the LEO;
• obtain clock information from the selected clock source;
• and
• control the amount of time that the engine is running by controlling the start time of the engine and controlling the stop time of the engine with the clock information.