On your patio or porch, or by the pool, get the time and temperature at a glance. The Atomix 50308 Balmoral Wall Clock is a large analog atomic clock with a metal case and a glass lens. The manufacturer calls the color of the case "antique copper," but it's not the reddish copper you normally think of. This clock's case is more of a gold-copper color. The 50308 Balmoral features an analog thermometer on the lower half of its face above the 6. While this clock can be used indoors, its primary application is outdoors in a shaded location. (Mounting the clock where the sun shines on it even part-time will cause an inaccurate temperature reading.)

Overall diameter of the 50314 Balmoral atomic clock is 18 inches (457 mm), and its face is about 13.5 inches (343 mm) in diameter. The big, bold hour numerals are over 1.6 inches (40.6 mm) tall for easy viewing from a distance. The analog thermometer reads from -42° to +122°F. The round dial of the thermometer is about 3.6 inches (91.4 mm) in diameter, and the thermometer pointer is red. The clock's lens is glass for easy cleaning without scratching and is tightly sealed with a rubber gasket to protect the face and hands from moisture. The clock movement is also in a sealed compartment for protection.

The clock's quartz movement is a patented U.S. design. Its integral radio receiver detects the WWVB time signal from Colorado, 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.

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 50314 Balmoral atomic wall clock is powered by a single AA (1.5 volt) alkaline battery, which normally lasts up to 2 years. For this clock, it is important to always use an alkaline AA battery, not a carbon-zinc, lithium, or rechargeable battery.

Note 1: Although the following is not included in this clock's instructions, we thought we should mention it anyway because it is included in the instructions for similar clocks intended primarily for outdoor use. Please be aware that when the temperature is expected to fall below freezing, the clock should be brought indoors. This is because in low temperatures, the alkaline battery may not provide enough current to power the clock motor, in which case the clock will lose its accuracy. (Alkaline batteries lose power in sub-freezing temperatures.)

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 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:

• Totally accurate--never needs resetting unless moved to a different time zone.
• Sets automatically to WWVB radio signal.
• Automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time unless DST bypass (disable) function is selected.
• Manual time-set capability for use anywhere outside the WWVB signal range.
• Analog thermometer indicates temperatures from -42° to +122°F.
• Clock case is metal with a brushed antique copper.
• Clock lens is glass (not plastic), and face is off-white with black hands and graphics. Thermometer pointer is red.
• Suitable for outdoor use in a shaded location.
• Powered by one AA (1.5V) alkaline battery (not included), with expected battery life of up to 2 years.

Dimensions:

• Overall diameter:
  18 inches (457.2 mm)
• Dial diameter:
  13.5 inches (343 mm)
• Thickness:
  2.5 inches (63.5 mm)