diff --git a/examples/read_with_cable_delays.py b/examples/read_with_cable_delays.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0bf1eab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/read_with_cable_delays.py
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+import mattak.Dataset
+import argparse
+
+from NuRadioReco.detector import detector
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    argparser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="")
+
+    argparser.add_argument('data_dir', type=str, default=None)
+    argparser.add_argument('--backend', type=str, help="Which backend to use", default='uproot')
+
+    args = argparser.parse_args()
+
+    d = mattak.Dataset.Dataset(0, 0, data_path=args.data_dir, backend=args.backend, verbose=True)
+
+    d.setEntries((1, 20))
+
+    det = detector.Detector(source="rnog_mongo", always_query_entire_description=False)
+
+    wfs = d.wfs(calibrated=False)
+    trace_start_times = d.tracesStartTime(det=det)
+
+    print(trace_start_times)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/py/mattak/Dataset.py b/py/mattak/Dataset.py
index 01927e8..51132ac 100644
--- a/py/mattak/Dataset.py
+++ b/py/mattak/Dataset.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 import logging
 import warnings
 import libconf
+import datetime as dt
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -145,7 +146,6 @@ def is_calibration_run(self) -> Union[bool, None]:
 
         return self.run_info.run_config["calib"]["enable_cal"]
 
-
     @abstractmethod
     def _iterate(self, start: int , stop : int , calibrated: bool, max_entries_in_mem: int,
                  selectors: Optional[Union[Callable[[EventInfo], bool],
@@ -199,6 +199,35 @@ def get_selected_wfs(self, selector: Callable[[EventInfo], bool], calibrated : b
         return numpy.array([wf for _, wf in self.iterate(start=self.first, stop=self.last, selector=selector)])
 
 
+    def tracesStartTime(self, det) -> numpy.ndarray:
+        """ Get the relative (!) trace start times.
+
+        This includes possible readout delays as well as cable^* delays.
+
+        ^*: Cable delays are used as a synonym for the entire delay between antenna and readout.
+
+        Parameters
+        ----------
+
+        det : NuRadioMC.detector.detector.Detector
+            A NuRadioMC detector object
+
+        Returns
+        -------
+        trace_start_times : numpy.ndarray
+            Array of trace start times in ns. The values are to be considered relative
+            to each other but in no means absolute.
+        """
+        readout_delays = numpy.array([ei.readoutDelay for ei in self.eventInfo()])
+
+        # this make the assumption that the detector will be valid/the same of all events
+        # within the selection ...
+        det.update(dt.datetime.fromtimestamp(self.eventInfo()[0].triggerTime))
+        cable_delays = numpy.array([det.get_cable_delay(self.station, ch) for ch in range(self.NUM_CHANNELS)])
+
+        return readout_delays + cable_delays
+
+
 def Dataset(station : int = 0, run : int = 0, data_path : Optional[str] = None, backend : str= "auto",
             verbose : bool = False, skip_incomplete : bool = True,
             read_daq_status : bool = True, read_run_info : bool = True,