The Y2K bug watchers will follow the transition from one 1,024-week cycle to another, because of similar potential consequences: possible receiver failure, malfunctions, and inaccurate time and location data -- an early taste of troubles that Y2K could generate as the positioning system's timekeeping cycle resets to a new cycle.

"We can't consider ourselves ready for contingencies, such as Y2K, if we don't test our ability to organize and effectively manage situations," said Capt. John Rankin, Air Force Materiel Command deputy Y2K program manager. "We don't anticipate any adverse mission impacts, but we have to be ready to respond regardless of our expectations."

GPS computes time and date values based on a 1,024-week cycle, instead of a 365-day year. Inaugurated Jan. 6, 1980, this unusual timekeeping system uses a 10-digit binary number to mark time. The cycle runs out of 10-digit numbers at midnight between August 21 and 22.

The 24 GPS satellites that orbit 12,000 miles above Earth are typically used for navigation; however, GPS also serves as a precise clock that feeds and synchronizes time for countless system applications throughout the world.

GPS generates a time stamp on its satellite transmissions ensuring the correct data from each satellite is used. The system uses composite readings from 230 atomic clocks around the globe to track absolute and relative time down to a nanosecond.

With such extraordinary accuracy, GPS receivers are used in local and wide area networks, bank automated teller machine systems, public utilities, radar nets and cellular phone towers to synchronize transactions and transmissions.

The GPS Joint Program Office at the Space and Missile Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., reports GPS satellites are unaffected by the EOW rollover and Y2K key dates in 1999 and 2000; however, GPS receivers and ground equipment can be affected, especially if they were procured by other than the GPS program office.

When other sources were used to acquire GPS receivers -- notably small, hand-held commercial receivers -- users should contact the manufacturers to determine EOW compliance.

To counter possible EOW problems, users should have contingency plans with suitable workarounds or recovery procedures. For a majority of problems that could be encountered, simply cycling the power of the receiver, clearing the memory and obtaining a new almanac should solve the problem. Users should contact manufacturers to learn about their specific receivers.

Part of the Y2K "dress rehearsal" will involve activation of headquarters and base battle staffs throughout the command. Activation will enable the command to exercise and test its recently published Y2K Consequence Management Plan.

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