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The Atomix Dartmouth 13131A2 Desktop Atomic Alarm Clock
by Chaney Instrument is called a desktop clock because of its size. At 7"
wide by 5" 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" wide by 3 1/2" high. The bold hour and minute
digits are just under 2" tall. The Month, date, weekday, and indoor temperature digits range from 1/2 to
3/4" tall.
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Radio controlled ("atomic")
clocks like the Dartmouth keep perfect time by calibrating themselves
daily 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).
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 in the upper right section of the display.
To the left of the display 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 three 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 13131A2 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.
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