" 
 ::::::::::::The pings are entirely mechanical and automated, thus regular. I don't think there's any significance that can or should be attached to these. It's a bit like ""every morning the alarm wakes me up at 7 am, I have breakfast and catch the 7:45 to Blackfriars from Wimbledon Common, only this is more regular and timed by world clock. I'm open to be persuaded otherwise.  "