AppleScript or Automater to Set Time Zone (or just the time)

Question

Hi,
I am trying to have a script that will change the timezone to UK - (ie reduce my macbook by one hour from European time) before I run an application.
I use a MythTV backend on my network that is in UK time, and I am in Europe. However, the mythfront end I have on my mac needs to be in same timezone for it to work with the backend.
However, instead of having to go to the System Prefs before I want to run the myth front end, I'll like to build a Automater workflow (app) that changes time to UK time, runs the mythfront end (and changes back once I close myth front end).
My problem is I can't get any workflow to work to change the timezone. I found a workflow on the net for Automater, but this doesn't work. The auomater app was called 'Set Time Zone 1.0 - by NyghtHawk productions' but only returns this error about not being able to find this file:
/System/Library/CoreServices/RemoteManagement/ARDAgent.app/Contents/Support/syst emsetup-panther.
(which I guess is obvious as I'm using Snow leopard and not panther)
Does anyone know of a working way to script setting the time in Mac Os X ?
Thanks in advance
Alex

Answer 1

I have solved the Applescripting of System Preferences to change the Time Zone.
My problem is that my time zone (Melbourne - Australia) causes my 3rd gen iPod nano to lose its time zone and time settings when it is _plugged in_ to my mac (Note: Not when it is synchronised).
I have a pair of Applescripts: the first sets the time zone to Noumea, run before the iPod is plugged in and the second resets the time zone to Melbourne after the iPod is physically disconnected.
timezone=Noumea
This script is run BEFORE plugging in the iPod.
This ensures the iPod time zone is not NUKED.
The corresponding script to reset time zone is
run when iPod is physically disconnected
tell application "System Preferences" to activate
tell application "System Events"
tell process "System Preferences"
(* get Date & Time preference pane *)
tell menu bar item "View" of menu bar 1
delay 0.5
click menu item "Date & Time" of menu 1
end tell
(* get Time Zone subpane *)
tell tab group 1 of window "Date & Time"
click radio button "Time Zone"
tell group 1
set value of combo box 1 to "Nouméa - New Caledonia"
We need to focus the combo box before "hitting" return
PROBLEM: we dont know if it is already focused
a) if is already focused the first 'return' key sets the time zone
b) if was not focused the first 'return' key does nothing
the 'tab' key will then focus it
and then the second 'return' key sets the time zone
keystroke return & tab & return -- make it stick
delay 0.5
end tell
end tell
end tell
end tell
timezone=Melbourne
This script is run AFTER physically disconnecting the iPod.
This ensures the iPod time zone is not NUKED.
The corresponding script to set up the time zone to Noumea
is run BEFORE iPod is physically plugged in
tell application "System Preferences" to activate
tell application "System Events"
tell process "System Preferences"
(* get Date & Time preference pane *)
tell menu bar item "View" of menu bar 1
delay 0.5
click menu item "Date & Time" of menu 1
end tell
(* get Time Zone subpane *)
tell tab group 1 of window "Date & Time"
click radio button "Time Zone"
tell group 1
set value of combo box 1 to "Melbourne - Australia"
We need to focus the combo box before "hitting" return
PROBLEM: we dont know if it is already focused
a) if is already focused the first 'return' key sets the time zone
b) if was not focused the first 'return' key does nothing
the 'tab' key will then focus it
and then the second 'return' key sets the time zone
keystroke return & tab & return -- make it stick
delay 0.5
end tell
end tell
end tell
end tell