Accurate time signals are needed for timing occultations. Some other nations, such as the U.K., also have accurate time signals avialable by telephone. Some grazing occultation expedition leaders have extra Timekubes that they may be able to loan. Conrad Electronic made a DCF 77 receiver, Best.-Nr. The unit is no longer sold, but about 200 European observers bought it via group purchases while it was available.
Most observers find stopwatches most convenient for making timings.
Unfortunately, most stopwatches now are digital. Voiced calls are sufficient for grazing occultations, where half-second timings are acceptable. For reporting occultations, you need to determine your accurate geographical longitude, latitude, and height above sealevel. Check your telephone book for map, engineering supply, or sporting goods stores in your area that sell these maps. College, University, and sometimes municipal libraries have map collections that you might be able to use to measure positions.