Abstract: In a synchronous data receiver that includes a clock and an adaptive equalizer, a method and a device for effecting the initial adjustment of the clock during a turn-on period in the course of which the receiver is supplied with a known clock synchronization signal followed by a known equalizer training sequence. In accordance with the method of invention, the incoming signal is sampled and the samples so obtained are stored in a storage means. The synchronization signal and the beginning of the training sequence are successively detected. When the beginning of the training sequence is detected, the storage locations for the samples of the received synchronization signal are known and a control signal controlling the initial adjustment of the clock is derived from these samples, which are stored in predetermined locations in the storage means.