A system is described for establishing timing synchronism between a local receiver symbol clock and a transmitter symbol clock. A prescribed number of offset values are calculated for desired symbol timing range, the offset values being grouped substantially symmetrically about a central offset value. Each of the preselected offset values are tested to see if symbol timing recovery lock can be achieved by starting at the central offset value and gradually moving away from such value. Finally, two timing detection algorithms are used and switched between the two algorithms is carried out as desired to maximize the possibility of STR lock.