The Atomix 13131 Dartmouth Desktop Alarm Clock by Chaney Instrument Co. is called a "desktop" clock because of its size. At 7 inches wide by 5 inches high, it's larger than typical digital alarm clocks designed for nightstand use. Then again, if you have a big nightstand, the Dartmouth may be just right. Large for easy viewing, this clock's backlit LCD panel is about 5 inches wide by 4 inches high. The bold hour and minute digits are just under 2 inches tall, and seconds are just under 1 inch. Month, date, weekday, and indoor temperature digits range from 1/2 to 3/4 inch tall (except for the tenths of a degree digit, which is smaller).

You'll appreciate the absolute accuracy and the useful features of the Atomix Dartmouth Desktop Alarm Clock. Because it's atomic, the Dartmouth sets itself automatically and adjusts automatically twice a year for Daylight Saving Time (DST). If you live in a location that does not observe DST (Arizona and parts of Indiana), you can easily disable the DST time change function by pressing the DST/Time Zone button in the battery compartment. Also, you can disable the automatic setting of time and date and set the clock manually if you wish (for example, if you take the clock out of WWVB time signal range). By the way, on this clock you enable or disable DST changes and select your continental U.S. time zone (E, C, M, or P) immediately after inserting batteries and before initial clock setup, as explained in the instructions.

The time can be displayed in 12-hour or 24-hour mode, as selected during clock setup. Time and perpetual calendar information (month, date, and day of week) are displayed automatically once the time-synchronization radio signal is received. Successful reception of the time signal from Colorado is indicated by a radio tower and waves icon just above seconds in the upper section of the display. Immediately to the right of this icon is the continental U.S. time zone you selected.

The indoor temperature can be displayed in either °F or °C, and the temperature unit can be changed at any time during normal operation simply by pressing the UP/C/F button on the right side of the clock. You don't have to reinitiate clock setup to do this. The temperature unit changes when you release the button.

The Dartmouth has a single daily alarm with a repeat snooze function. When the alarm sounds, you can press the SNOOZE/LIGHT bar to turn the alarm off for 5 minutes, after which it will sound again. Pressing the SNOOZE/LIGHT bar at any time (i.e., with the alarm function on or off) also lights the electro-luminescent backlight for the LCD panel for 3 seconds.

This clock is powered by two AA (1.5V) alkaline batteries. These are not included and must be obtained separately. While no battery life is specified, we expect that the batteries will last for about a year if the backlight is not used excessively. Frequent use of an electro-luminescent backlight significantly shortens battery life.

The Atomix 13131 Dartmouth clock is designed as a free-standing unit only. You can use it on a desk, shelf, table, nightstand, and the like, but not on a wall. Wherever you place it, the Dartmouth will look handsome as it provides you with the time, calendar, and temperature information you need.

Note: 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 affect 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 Saving Time change, the clock will not be able to set itself immediately if reception is poor. Signal strength is indicated by the icon above seconds in the time display. You may wish to check the icon when selecting a location for your clock. Because wiring and plumbing in your walls can affect reception, moving the clock as little as a couple of inches can make a difference in the strength of the signal reaching the clock. For additional information, please see the Chaney Instrument Clock FAQ.

Features and Specifications:

• 
  
  Clock receives 60 kHz WWVB time-synchronization radio signal from U.S. atomic clock operated by NIST in Colorado.
• Four selectable continental U.S. time zones: E, C, M, and P.
• 
  
  Radio tower and waves icon indicates successful time signal reception.
• Automatic time and date adjustment after time signal reception.
• Manual clock and calendar setting are also possible (e.g., for use outside of the four continental U.S. time zones).
• 
  
  Daylight Saving Time (DST) on/off option.
• 
  
  Time is displayed as hour, minutes, and seconds.
• 
  
  Time format is user-selectable for 12-hour or 24-hour.
• Perpetual calendar information (month, date, weekday) is displayed digitally below the time.
• 
  
  Indoor temperature is displayed to the right of the weekday.
• 
  
  Temperature unit is selectable for °F or °C.
• 
  
  Indoor temperature measuring range is 14°F to 122°F (-10°C to +50°C).
• Single daily alarm has an available 5-minute repeat snooze function.
• Large 2-line LCD panel has an electro-luminescent blue backlight with 3-second auto-off for night viewing.
• 
  
  Clock is powered by two AA (1.5V) alkaline batteries (not included).
• 
  
  Clock is designed f or free-standing use only.
• Dimensions:
  • 7 inches (178 mm) wide
  • 5 inches (127 mm) high
  • 1.25 inches (32 mm) deep