Tick-tock my imac clock

my imac makes a ticking noise and then it freezes.

Your hard drive is failing, back up as quickly as you can, and then take it in for repair.
Miriam

Similar Messages

  • IMac G5 Won't Wake Up - Freezes - Tick Tocks!

    I am experiencing periodic (not constant, but multiple times per day to the point of finding the machine very difficult to use) lock-up problems on my 1 year old iMac G5. The problem is preceeded by a clicking noise (rapid tick-tock) which I believe is coming from the left side. When this occurs, the system freezes (mouse busy, screen not updating, sound stops) I have difficulty even force-quitting applications and ultimately must power down the computer by hand.
    It happens when I leave the unit on for more than a few hours - say a day without a reboot. This just started happening as this machine has been an "always on" box since I bought it.
    The usual questions: is this a known issue-- bad hard drive, power supply? What can be done to treat or diagnose? (You can see that I am assuming a hardware issue given the clicking, but are there any potential software causes?) Any and all help much appreciated!
    The tick tock thing is really bugging me... what would do that?

    Hi Andy and welcome!
    If your iMac is around a year old, the left side of the computer is where the hard drive is at. A ticking sound and delays in booting and retrieving data are a few early signs of a drive ready to give up the ghost - and your data.
    I urge you to get an external FW drive if you don't already and use a program like SuperDuper to make an exact and bootable clone of your internal.
    After that is done, you can run the Apple hardware test from your install disks and run the extended test. I'd be willing to bet that it will find lots of HD errors.
    If that is the case you can take it in to have the drive replaced if you have AppleCare, but if not, then it is a simple thing to replace it yourself. It is also a good opportunity to get a larger and possibly faster drive.
    I like Seagate drives, but they have something called Spread Spectrum Clocking enabled that will not allow it to be used with your Mac. I have a Western Digital drive that I put in yesterday that works great so far. If you buy a Seagate drive from OWC, they will disable to SSC for you before shipping it out.

  • Quiet ticking noise on iMac?

    I just got a replacement iMac - first one was sold to me out of warranty! - and it seems a little noisier than the last one.  It is very faint but I can hear a quiet intermittent tick tock which I didn't notice on the previous iMac.  I didn't notice it until after I used the optical drive to load Microsoft Office and that sounded quiet noisy.  Might be my imagination but it also seems a little crunchier when writing but only slightly.  Other than that it is relatively quiet when running, just a very low hum.  Is this normal?

    This is actually a common problem with smartphones being near any audio electronics ... Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, Palm, etc. - they all do it, although Blackberry seems to do this more than the others. Usually sounds like morse code being tapped out. It's some kind of EMI interference, not always present. We get it often, even on our speakerphones when someone in the room has a smartphone close to the phone.
    Just keep your iPhone far enough away that you don't get the intereference. Not much more you can do.

  • Tick tock noise before Mac boots up

    Hi - had a really weird experience this morning on hitting the power button on my MacBook Pro. The screen went grey in the normal way but my Mac made a strange tick tock noise. Not hugely loud but it really sounded like a old fashioned clock. Eventually my Mac booted up and appears to be working normally but I am now worried that there is some thing wrong. Any insight into what might be wrong (or even if there is any thing to worry about)? Thanks, Tom

    Hi h,
    It sounds like it might be the HD making the noise, possibly with the heads parking/unparking, or possibly a fan being a little reluctant to get started on a holiday weekend.
    In any case, I'd run Repair Disk just to check on the HD; also check S.M.A.R.T. status while you're there. Repair Disk: Boot from install disc (insert disc>restart>immediately hold down c key and keep holding it until you see “Preparing Installation”)>at first screen go to Installer Menu>open Disk Utility>select your HD in the panel on the left side>click Repair Disk at bottom of main window. Run this at least twice, and keep running it until it says “appears ok” twice in a row. If that doesn’t happen, you may need a stronger utility such as DiskWarrior or if the directory is damaged beyond repair, you may need to reinstall the OS, or you may have a damaged HD (repair utilities can only repair the directory structure, not the HD itself).

  • IMac clock in top right shows time Imac went to sleep briefly when waking

    I have Lion which came with my iMac, this is my second iMac as my last one had a hardrive issue. Whenever I wake my iMac from sleep the display clock shows the time the iMac went to sleep until it connects to the Internet via wifi, has anyone experienced this issue? I had this happen now and then in Snow Leopard on my older iMac but it seems to have crept back in to Lion for me constantly.

    Save and/or quit your applications & doucuments
    Go to Applications>Utilities Folder
    Click Disk Utility
    Click the Volumn (HD) that you want to check.
    Click the Repair Disk Permissions button. (Don't worry about verifying)
    At the bottom of window when the repairs have finished, you will see the “most important thing”:
    Permission Repairs Complete
    The previliges have been repaired or completed on the selected volumn.
    Restart your computer.
    **Same directions are also in the OS Mac Help Menu.**
    ==================
    Repairing permissions from the Tiger DVD
    Boot up from your Tiger Install DVD while holding down the "c" key.
    Select the language you wish to use, and then choose "Disk Utility" from the menu bar.
    Your HD should appear in a panel on the left hand side of the window which opens. Select it and then click on the "repair disk" button in the right hand section of the window.
    If Disk First aid is able to complete the repair now click on the "Repair permissions" button.
    Once this process has been completed restart your computer.
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751 About Disk Utility's Repair Disk Permissions feature
    TIP-You should Repair Permissions:
    After installing and/or updating an OS (Operating System).
    After installing software.

  • Imac clock needs to be set and bluetooth doesn't remember ethernet connection

    My Imac is less than 2 years old.  Upon startup, I am getting the error message "You computer's clock is set to a date before Jan 1, 2008.  This may cause some applications to behave erratically."  It also doesn't remember which ethernet connection it had last in the bluetooth menu.  I have to choose it everytime.  What's wrong with my mac?  Is it the battery?  If so, why is this happening now when I've only owned the machine (purchased brand new) less than 2 years?  Could it be something else?

    I HAD this problem with my Power Mac G5. The "before date" was different and my date and time were correct in the menu bar! The message appeared on December 16, 2011 and on January 16, 2012. Then on January 21 I pressed the button to turn the g5 on. The light came on then went out. SILENCE.  I tried again but NOTHING. I didn't do the SMU thing as I assumed it was the power supply which I had allready replaced once (in about 2007). I hope it wasn't just a battery, because I had the hard drive put in a cradle and am about to gut the G5 so I can use that beautiful case for something else! Did you ever figure it out?

  • Tick/tock - hard drive? & Superdrive problems

    I've got a 20" 2GHz ALS G5 iMac, I bought it off eBay in Oct 2005 with AppleCare that was transfered to me with the purchase of the computer. I've never had a problem, until the beginning of this month every now and then my computer will just start ticking and clicking (with an occassional squeak) and become very slugish (lots of pinwheel action.)
    Could it be something other than the hard drive? How long is it going to take a Genius to fix my computer if it is the hard drive, and if it's not; how long do odd noises take to diagnose? (I really don't like people using my computer nor do I like the thought of it being 40 miles away at the Apple Store.)
    Also, my Superdrive is acting up... it's quite rude actually... it ejected a CD the other day all by itself.... I was no where near the eject key (which was inside the keyboard drawer) when I ajusted the screen (right hand, right below the CD slot) and the CD just popped out. A few days before that I was copying a CD to my computer and it was making obnoxious noises and when I did use the eject key the disc shot across the room (no exageration!)

    Repair can take anywhere from a day to three weeks. After which point, I'd contact AppleCare and request a replacement be authorized. It depends on the parts, time, and labor they have to deal with to solve the problem. Best to speak to the various authorized service centers in your area on http://www.apple.com/buy/ and call 1-800-APLCARE and see if they might be able to arrange an athome pickup, or let you drop off your computer to mail to their direct service center. Sometimes the latter is quicker than an authorized service center.

  • IMac Clock Changing to Random Time

    After turning on my iMac, sometimes the clock displays a random time, nowhere close to the current time in my area. I have the clock auto set on which syncs through the internet, but that does not seems to help at all, in fact, i think it syncs a different time zone than i have set. But the catch is that once i go to the clock menu to reset the time, the clock goes back to my time zone. What could be causing this?

    Which time server are you using? Apple Asia would seem to be the appropriate one for you.
    I would make sure that your time zone & city and time server are setup appropriately for your area and see what happens. Probably wouldn't hurt to restart as well.

  • IMac clock out of sync

    So, since updating to Mavericks, I've noticed 2 issues.
    First is the clock goes out of sync by about 5 minutes each day. I'm comparing it with my iPhone 5 and I know it's right as the iMac drops back to the correct time when I update from Date & Time in System Preferences.
    Second is an issue with the switch user cube thing. I don't have Guest User on and it does this weird thing where it'll rotate the Desktop when updating things like AirPort Extreme settings from AirPort Utility and just now I updated VLC and it did the same thing. When it did it with AirPort Utlity the first time, it didn't switch back and I had to lock the screen and wake it up for it to display the Desktop again. Just showed a blank, white screen with nothing on it but the mouse cursor...
    I have reset my PRAM yet for the clock issue but I believe it's software related as I've not had any issues prior to installing Mavericks.
    Everything else seems to be okay other than some icons on the Desktop not showing previews for images or videos.
    Anyone else experienced something similar? I know there's an update due shortly so hopefully that'll fix the problems...

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    Step 1
    The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
    Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
    While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
    Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?
    After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
    *Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
    Step 2
    The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of certain system caches.
    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models.  The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
    Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
    After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

  • Ticks like a grandfather clock?

    When I went to start up my iBook G4 this evening I heard clicking, much like that of a grandfather clock. It wouldn't start up, but a gray screen appeared with folder icon in the center of it. This folder icon alternates flashing between a question mark and the "Picasso" smiley.
    I inserted the op sys disk and attempted to use disk utility to see if I could fix it. When it got to the point of selecting a disk there was nothing there to pick from. As far as I can my system is telling me that I do not have a hard drive?
    Someone please help - I cannot afford a new laptop, or even to pay to get this one fixed.
    Thanks gobs,
    Michael

    Michael:
    I think your diagnosis is correct: your internal drive needs to be replaced. The question at this point is whether you want to attempt to do it yourself, or have someone do it. The iBook is the most difficult Mac laptop to service. To get to the HDD you have to pretty much disassemble the entire computer. That said, it is doable. With screwdriver skill, a gentle touch and good concentration you can do it. If you need assistance selecting a HDD, step-by-step directions and additional tips to help make the job a bit easier, do post back and ask.
    cornelius

  • IMac 24" (Late 2006) 10.4.11 constantly needs formatting!

    I have no idea why in the past 6 months to a year my iMac keeps getting more and more problems, and each one more serious. In about a week, I will have had this computer for 4 years, and for the first 3, there has never been the problems I have had in this past year.
    I know this post is a bit long, but please read through it and help me if you can.
    The problem this time:
    A few days ago, in the afternoon, I decided to upgrade the instant messenger I was using, aMsn, from 0.98.3 to 0.98.4 which all ran smoothly, until that night, a lot of my programs decided to quit itself.
    I have previously experienced Safari force quitting itself when my computer lags too badly, or when I watch videos using the Facebook player, and fine, I accept the fact that scripts probably are not entirely compatible.
    But this night, it was different, first, it quitted something on Dashboard (I think it was the clock or weather), then it quitted iTunes, both which have never happened before in the past 4 to 5 years, then it quitted Safari, then quitted aMsn, all while I was doing nothing more than browsing through Wikipedia or using Google. Then aMsn brings up a lot of error messages, after clearing them all I put my computer to Sleep. Then the next morning, I woke up, put my password in to get back on, aMsn signs in, brings a lot of the same errors I had the night before, then crashes (not force quit, you just see the cursor loading for ages), nothing from the keyboard, mouse or remote made it respond and soon, it took me back to the Log In screen for no reason.
    At the Log In screen, I put my password back in to log on, it loads for ages, takes you to where you can see your desktop picture, then goes back to the Log In screen again, and I have tried that multiple times.
    I finally gave in, and turned the computer off, but when I turn it on again, it would stay on the first screen with the Apple logo for ages, then jump to a blue screen, and makes no progression afterwards.
    I have tried everything suggested in the Problem meets Solution part of the mini booklet that came with the computer. Ran a thorough hardware check with the discs that came with the computer, nothing wrong, so eventually I wanted to format the computer, but it could not find the drive at all!
    Mine was named Macintosh HD, as that was the default name, and it was not found, so I opened Disk Utility, clicked on the drive, clicked repair, and after a while, the repair was successful, then I verified it as well, all seems good. Back at the installer, it recognised the drive, chose it, and it asked me for installation type, I chose to restore all the programs that originally came with the computer WITHOUT deleting my old files. All done, computer restarted, I can now log in. Deleted aMsn right away and installed the old version, 0.98.3, again, and started to do system updates, as it was reverted back to 10.4.7.
    All was fine, until it decided to do the crash again when I was on Safari. Previously I thought a system file was crashed by the new aMsn, so I restored the system back, deleted aMsn without hesitation, but now, the computer is back to its old self, and it crashed, with the cursor showing it is loading.
    You know when your computer is loading, and you can hear the processor working if it was loading/lagging when your room is quiet? Well, it was not that. The computer was really quiet, and you can hear something. At regular intervals, I heard sound, that seemed to be made by the processor, on a "tick tock" beat. Computer was very quiet, it was not a lag, processing sound, just a "tick tock" beat sound. Like last time, nothing made the computer respond, and it took be back to the Log In screen, likewise, could not log in, so I had to put the discs in and do everything once again, only this time, when I was in Disk Utility, the drive could not be repaired, saying something about an error when trying to exit. With absolutely no other choice, I had to Erase the drive, meaning I have now lost everything, literally everything.
    Starting from scratch, step by step, I started to build up the computer again, updates, programs, etc. Went to bed, then got up this morning, and before I could even try to restore files I have backed up, which is very few, the same thing happened again, iTunes crashed for no reason, then Safari crashed for no reason, then on Skype, the computer totally froze and crashed and I can hear that "tick tock" beat, processing sound again.
    Knowing what would follow, I turned the computer off, and on again, and like previously, cannot reach the Log In screen, so once again, I tried to repair the drive, which failed, only with an extra error saying something about "catalog B tree node", and with no choice again, erased the drive, and now on again!
    I am now writing this message with absolutely no system updates, back with 10.4.7 etc.
    I mean, did that aMsn 0.98.4 crash/delete a system file that is vital, causing this series of problems, if so, is that file not included with formatting the computer? Or do I need to download it separately?
    Or is the hardware test incorrect? I actually do have a hardware problem, but the thorough scan of hardware using the discs did not get it?
    I am absolutely lost, I have never formatted a computer and have the problem still persist me, if this is a worm, virus, trojan or whatever, I would think formatting works, but no, it has not.
    Has anyone had the same problem/experienced this problem before?
    Anyone have any suggestions that could stop this?
    I still have work for university to do, and this is just not helping.
    Should I just scrap this computer and get a new one? Because I am really tempted to punch through the screen every time I hear that "tick tock" beat, processing sound.
    Should I upgrade back to 10.4.11, and attempt to find BootCamp for 10.4.11 to partition the computer and only use Windows?
    With no idea where the problem is, I really do think it is a software one and want to switch to a different operating system, and yes, it is sad, I actually much prefer the Mac OS X more than Windows, Mac OS X is just much more convenient, but I am out of choice it seems.
    Please help me if you can.
    Many Thanks,
    From Lelouch
    (P.s. Actually, I missed something out, besides the no progression from the blue screen after the white/grey Apple logo screen, one of the times before formatting, I restarted the computer, it actually did not reach the blue screen, it was constantly stuck on the first screen with the Apple logo, and eventually, the computer just restarted itself and repeated a few times before I went for the format process.
    I also want to note, after restoring system files and applications WITHOUT deleting my own files the first time, just before the second format, when I held down the Option (Alt) key to choose the drive or the disc, the drive was not recognised as the name I have named it, Macintosh HD, but rather, it was called EFI_Boot (I think?), which was ultimately the reason I had to format completely, as my drive was no longer there according the system AND Disk Utility.)

    What made me think I need to format if I upgrade the OS?
    I just presumed so really.
    What made me think I need to constantly format computer with my problem?
    Well, after many attempts to repair the drive, which fails, cannot even reach the log in screen, I am left with no other choice?
    And also, I have to note now, System Preferences keeps crashing without reason, it either takes ages to load, just by clicking it to open, or clicking something within it, or it just crashes.
    And temporarily, it freezes the computer totally, with no response.
    Seriously, am I missing a system file or something? Anyone experienced this problem before?
    My computer is literally a blank computer right now, installed VLC and Shades, updated Adobe Flash Player, installed Skype and Adium. I would say Growl from Adium caused it, but it has happened prior to Skype and Adium. Any ideas anyone?
    Thanks,
    From Lelouch

  • Dead imac g4?

    Hi there, I need help!
    Last week I got a call from a friend because his imac g4 (800mhz - Tiger 4.2) wouldn't start up; it would get to the grey Apple and the spinning wheel and then just sit there. I tried fsck in single user mode, the catalog check failed, same when booting from the installation disc. I ran Mac Test Pro and all the hardware passed, but the test failed again when it came to checking the directory. Booted it up in firewire mode from my own machine, ran disc utility, failed again. Anyway, the upshot is that we did a clean erase and install with Tiger, ran software update, checked everything with Applejack, no problems.
    However ... I went round there tonight, saw the maching running fine, my friend was using mail, the machine had been fine all weekend, when all of a sudden, Mail crashed - spinning beachball of death. Tried to force quit - nothing, held the power button and restarted the machine - got the folder with a question mark. Zapped the pram - no effect, tried single user mode - won't do it, tried to open the cd drawer - won't do it (even in open firmware). I took the machine away again and booted it up using my machine in single user mode with the Tiger disc in it:
    Ran Disc utility from the Tiger DVD (in my imac G5 in Firewire mode) opened System profiler on the G4 and can see no hard drive in the G4 and no burner - It's as if the Hard drive and the cd drive have been disconnected.
    Now I'm still getting the Folder/question mark and can't boot the mac up or open the cd drive.
    Any ideas?
    All the best,
    Kev.
    Note, I've also posted this on Mac Fixit.com

    Hi again,
    just an update and another plea for help. I've tried a few more things, but still get the flashing question mark - zapped the PRAM (again), replaced the battery, checked the harddrive/cd cable, measured the voltage on the battery check points (3.61 vdc), and finally reset the PMU (pressed it only once). Still no sign of the hard drive and open firmware eject cd is still unable to do so.
    Incidentally, upon startup, after the chime, I can hear a 'tick tock, tick tock, tick tock' sound, and then I can hear the HD spinning down.
    Can I say for definite yet whether the HD is dead or not? And if so, then what's happening to the CD drive?
    Any help would be most gratefully received.
    All the very best,
    Kev.

  • Can I use Original Imac 1333 Ram on my Mac Book Pro I7?

    Hi everyone,
    I have an 2010 I7 Imac at work with 8 Gb of Ram (2 x 4GB DDR3 1333MHz).
    Can I use this ram in my Macbook Pro I7?
    I realised that I'm using much more my MacBook than the Imac, so it would be more efficient for me to have 4GB in the Imac and 8GB in the MacBook.
    The plan is to have the 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333MHz on the MacBook, and put the 2 x 2GB DDR3 1067MHz on the Imac.
    Is this possible?
    I read somewhere that it is possible, but they say that 1333MHz ram makes the MacBook unstable.
    Is this true?
    Thank you.

    You're welcome
    TBH I'm not actually sure how the Intel DMI determines memory speed - assume it's just a multiplier based on underlying clock speed. Whether that's controllable in BIOS-based computers, I don't know.
    The most important thing is that it's running at 1066 (2x532), and that the CAS latency is the best it can support (7-7-7-20), which is what you seem to have
    You often find 1333 memory that has higher latency like 8-8-8-24, which if you're being forced to run at 1066 would obviously mean it's worse than a specific 1066 module that has lower latencies. (since actual latency = time for a clock-tick x latency in clock ticks)
    From reading the forums I think a lot of people make this mistake, thinking that the 1333 mem will necessarily run better, but don't consider the higher latency. You can get lower latency 1333 mem, but it's considerably more expensive.
    http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=619174

  • 10.4.7. iMac 20" CoreDuo won't start any more

    I did upload 10.4.7 yesterday together with iPhoto, iPod, iTunes (6.0.5.) and some other recent updates (altogether there were five, I cannot recall the last one). At first I did notice some “ticking” inside the iMac (2.0 GB RAM) every now and then, let’s say few minutes apart. That has never been heard before. Then this morning I noticed that iTunes was very slow. I did add few of my cd’s, and when attached the cover photo to the lower left corner the iTunes did update it very slowly, I think it took 1-2 minutes to add a photo to 12-15 songs. Then I did call Apple support (case #653790xx). The call took over an hour since everything I did on my computer was like slow motion. We did use DiskRepair and looked at the Console. When restarting the iMac it took several minutes, and when using safe re-start (shift on after re-start) the OS didn’t recognize my bluetooth keyboard. Then I was given advice to reload 10.4.7 from Apple’s site and install it again. Also I was asked to do Hardware Test (from install DVD). When I did try to re-install 10.4.7 there was an error after 71% uploaded, the installer asked to do that again. Then I did Hardware Test as advised, but there were no errors found (I did extended test with looping on and took several rounds). Next, when I tried to restart iMac from hard drive (Macintosh HD 10.4.7), it stopped repeatedly on Mac OS X window. Now I’m stucked, my iMac won’t start any more (I’m writing this by Windows machine, can you imagine?!)
    I don’t know what’s wrong, but I have used Macintosh from 1987 (IIcx) and never, never before I have had these kind of problems. I suggest so far, that you take care when installing 10.4.7 on Intel iMac, I guess there might be a problem. I wonder why there is not email support for these kinds of problems and alert messages…? I’ll leave sailing tomorrow for two weeks and cannot report this by phone.
    iMac 20" (CoreDuo)   Mac OS X (10.4.7)  

    Only way to get iMac starting again was to re-install 10.4.4 from DVD, and then update it into 10.4.6. For a while it worked perfectly, just as before.
    Then I tried to print to CD with my EPSON Stylus Photo 950 from Adobe Photoshop Elements (2.0). It didn't print anything, but printer started flashing all lights. The print job was not performed, so I did remove it from the Printer Utility. After that the iMac started "ticking" again, same noise than before, after 10.4.7 installation. I did re-boot iMac. It never started, it does stuck on gray screen (gray block running clockwise). HW test from DVD didn't find any problems (extended search looping 3 times). But Disk Utility found hard drive to have inaccurate node structure, it could not fix it.
    Apple support recommended to use DiskWarrior. However, it does not support (yet) Intel Macs. I haven't got TechTool Pro 4.5.1 anywhere. iMac does start on to FireWire mode (T at boot), but I cannot see the disk from 10.2.8 iMac.
    So, obvisously the problem is not 10.4.7. I believe it to be ESPON printer driver compatibility on Mac OSX. This does not suprise me, EPSON printers *****, I shall never purchase one again. However, disk catalog structure should not get messed by one faulty printer driver!

  • How long does a tick last for the Tick Count (ms) VI in LabVIEW?

    I'm trying to compare the timing performance between a VI implemented in LabVIEW and another VI implemented in LabVIEW FPGA module. If I use the Tick Count in both VIs (every one in their own module), I want to know how long does a tick last in LabVIEW standard (in the computer)?
    Thanks

    vitrion wrote:
    I have this doubt because I read that a tick lasts 55ms in the following source:
    http://books.google.com.mx/books?id=en1GKs2huTcC&pg=PA33&dq=tick+count+(ms)+labview+55+milliseconds&...
    My tick count provides me better results than the hardware results, which is impossible because this is the same algorithm. If I consider the 55ms time, then the FPGA is really faster.
                              Hardware          Software with                  Software with
                                  (ms)        1 ms Tick Count (ms)     55ms Tick Count (ms)
    Algorithm 1          49.48                   1.5552                               84.535
    Algorithm 2         0.8875                  0.032                                 1.87
    Algorithm 3         0.1756                  0.0241                               1.43
    Algorithm 4          0.27                     0.27                                   1.32
    What's your opinion?
    Thanks again
    I think you are misunderstanding what the value of a "tick" is.  From what I gathered from reading your link (which I couldn't get to from your post, but accidentally ran into on a search) a tick of the OS clock."  Curiously, though - why 55ms?  That was mentioned as the tick of a Win95/98 OS!
    I guess you can say that the it returns the value of the next "tick" of the OS clock and returns that value in ms.  So, the value of a tick varies from OS to OS.  In Windows 95/98, for example, you can only look at the OS clock every 55ms or so, but it still returns a value that represents ms.
    Bill
    (Mid-Level minion.)
    My support system ensures that I don't look totally incompetent.
    Proud to say that I've progressed beyond knowing just enough to be dangerous. I now know enough to know that I have no clue about anything at all.

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