If you would prefer to have a separate "floating clock" that does not replace your computer clock then try this one. It also has its own built-in sync program. So, if you use this then you can skip Step 2. Atomic Clock
This one does float and looks like this.
2. Next, If you are using the TClockEX program, you are going to need a Sync program and you can download the following freeware "sync" program .....Dimension 4... This program is needed to automatically sync your computer to a NTP (Network Time Protocol), similar to the eBay time. You now have a clock that is synchronized with eBay. Here is how I set the


Dimension4 perferences: Some users are telling me that the D4 program is not working too well with XP. So, I would suggest using ... Atomtime.. It seems to always work for all users.

Here are the settings I would use for this:

FYI..Windows XP has included a Network sync program that only syncs once a week, not so good because internal computer clocks drift many seconds a week.

If you want to check the speed from your ISP to eBay then you will need a....Ping Plotter..Note: eBay has stopped an actual ping of their site after the swamping of their site last year. However, the use of the Ping Plotter is not to determine the speed OF eBay but to check out the "road conditions" TO eBay, so it still is really helpful.

Want to know the speed of your modem or cable or ISP? Try this: Speed Test

I am also including a great link to a site I use to track all my auctions. You can mark any number of auctions, the timer is synched to eBay time, the individual item clocks click down on each auction you mark, the auctions shift over to other pages, depending on whether you won or lost. Take a look.

I love it.... AuctionTamer..

Here is a very compressed screen shot of auctiontamer. It gives you an idea of the features.

They also have a very cute demo at: Demo

3. If you use auctiontamer you can use this single window and enter your bid in the top part, go to the confirm page and then watch the lower countdown clock and place your bid in the final seconds. There is no need to refresh in the last minute, your maximum is set and all you do is confirm your bid and hope for a win.

4. However, if you do not want to use Auctiontamer then you can use the two window method explained below.

5. If you are using Netscape, you need to go the upper left hand corner and click on "File" . This will bring down a window and you will want to click on "New". This in turn will open another window showing "Navigator" or something like that depending on the Netscape version you have. Clicking on this will open a second Navigator browser. Depending on the experience you have with Window’s based programs, you will need to resize these two browsers to show one on the upper half of the screen and the other browser on the lower half. You may need to experiment with adjusting the size and position on your monitor.

6. If you are using Explorer, you need to go the upper left hand corner and click on "File". This will bring down a window and you will want to click on "Window". This will open a second Explorer window. Like the explanation above for Netscape, you will need to resize and reposition both windows to fit on your monitor.

7. I use the lower window to bid by going to the bid section, filling out all the forms and entering your bid amount. Please bid you absolute maximum! Do not hedge. With this system you will not have another chance to re-bid higher. Get all the way through until you get to the button called "PLACE BID". Do not push that button yet!

8. Make sure that when both windows are open that you can still see the clock in the lower right corner where I assume you put it.

9. Use the upper browser window to check the standing of the bids and the time. With a normal modem and connection, I find that this upper window should be on the "Bidding History" page of the auction. There are none of the pictures to constantly reload and therefore, this page reloads MUCH faster. It also shows all the bidders, the current price, and the remaining time. However, do not depend on watching that clock all the time. You have your own clock synched real close to eBay, within a second. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HIT RELOAD THAT OFTEN. There is always the chance you could lock up your browser. We do not want to do that!

10. In fact, I am now recommeding that during the last critical minute, not to hit the reload button. I have heard from too many users that have found to their dismay that something hung up. Think about it, if you have placed a bid that is your MAXIMUM, then it makes no difference what is happening on the auction page. So, other than curiosity, there is really no need to watch the final 60 seconds. THE bid you will place is going to either win it for you or lose it for you. I suggest this whether you are using the single window method with Auctiontamer or the dual window method.

11. Now, depending on the speed of the net, you should be able to wait until the last 15 seconds, at least, before pushing the "PLACE BID" button on the lower browser window.

12. You can then go to the upper window and hit reload as many times as you wish. Your job is done. If you have not got a "You have been outbid by another bidder" notice on the lower window, then you are top dog for the last few seconds remaining on this auction. Of course, remember that there might be other snipers that might outbid you. At this point in time, your proxy is the only thing working for you.