  We describe an image timestamp verification system to determine the exposure
timing characteristics and continuity of images made by an imaging camera and
recorder, with reference to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The original use
was to verify the timestamps of stellar occultation recording systems, but the
system is applicable to lunar flashes, planetary transits, sprite recording, or
any area where reliable timestamps are required. The system offers good
temporal resolution (down to 2 msec, referred to UTC) and provides exposure
duration and interframe dead time information. The system uses inexpensive,
off-the- shelf components, requires minimal assembly and requires no
high-voltage components or connections. We also describe an application to load
FITS (and other format) image files, which can decode the verification image
timestamp. Source code, wiring diagrams and built applications are provided to
aid the construction and use of the device.
