Featuring
clean, modern styling and the latest technology, the Atomix
Montrose atomic analog wall clock by Chaney Instrument is a great choice for rooms
and areas in home, office, or school where a smaller or larger clock
would, for whatever reason, be inappropriate. This is a
quality atomic clock, with an aluminum surround and glass lens which
will endure many cleanings without scratching.
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| Atomix™ radio
controlled clocks keep perfect time by
calibrating themselves to 60kHz low-frequency AM radio signals
containing time information supplied by the official U.S. atomic clock
source in Boulder, Colorado. The radio signals are transmitted
from radio station WWVB, which is located in nearby Fort
Collins. Both the atomic clock source and WWVB are
operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
or NIST (a part of the U.S. Commerce Department). Atomix analog clocks
initially search for the WWVB signal once per hour. After
synchronizing to the signal, they search 5 to 7 times per day. The
clock's quartz movement is a patented U.S. design. Its integral
radio receiver detects the WWVB signal, and its microchip
adjusts the hands to display the exact time. With only two
controls--a pushbutton and a wheel that manually moves the
clock's hands--setup is really easy. And the clock can
optionally provide an audible indication of radio signal
strength to help you find a location with good radio
reception--a feature unique to the Atomix clock line. This
clock displays the precise time in any location where the
WWVB radio signal can be received. This includes the continental
U.S. (the "lower 48") plus parts of Canada and Mexico.
Daylight Saving Time adjustment takes
place automatically in the spring and fall, but if you live in
Indiana or Arizona, you can disable DST. You do this by holding
the pushbutton depressed as you insert the battery and then
releasing it after the battery is fully inserted. You then
perform the normal setup steps as described in the instructions. Also, if you want to
set your clock, say, 5 minutes fast, you can do this manually
after the clock synchronizes to the WWVB signal. Just set the
time ahead by 5 minutes by using the wheel, and the clock
will maintain the 5-minute difference indefinitely
(or until you reset it). If
you move to a different continental U.S. time zone, you can
adjust for it simply by using the wheel to adjust the time by
the appropriate number of hours--the minute and
second hands will automatically adjust themselves as necessary when the clock
again receives the WWVB radio signal. Or, if you take the clock out of WWVB range,
you can reset it for local time and it will continue to
operate as a highly accurate quartz clock--but without the WWVB automatic
time calibration. You do this by removing and reinserting the
battery and using the wheel only--not the pushbutton--to set the
time. The
clock is powered by a single AA (1.5 volt) alkaline battery,
which is included and normally lasts up to 2 years. Note
1:
If you would prefer a larger or smaller wall clock and/or one of a
different design and materials, please check out the numerous
other Atomix wall clocks on this website.
Note 2: The 60kHz AM radio
signal used by NIST to deliver the time information carries best at
night. The signal may be interfered with by weather conditions and
local interference. Building construction and location within the
building can also effect reception. This clock is quartz
controlled, and will keep very good time for days when reception is
poor, so this isn't normally a problem. You may find, however,
that when you first insert the batteries, or during a daylight savings
time change, the clock will not be able to set itself immediately if the
signal is weak. Signal strength can be determined with an audible
signal strength indicator. You may wish to enable the indicator when
selecting a location for your clock. As wiring and plumbing in your
walls can effect reception, moving the clock as little as a couple
inches can make a difference in the strength of the signal reaching the
clock. For additional information, please see the Chaney
Instrument Clock FAQ. |
