| This Atomix Aurora Atomic
Analog Wall Clock by Chaney Instrument features a metallic black
plastic case, a convex plastic protective lens, and a white face with
thin black hour, minute, and second hands. The black Arabic numerals are
medium in size and weight and complement the clock's styling nicely. At
12 inches in diameter, this clock has a sleek, modern look that's perfect
for medium-size rooms and workspaces in many homes, offices, schools and
businesses. |
| 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.
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 normally lasts up to 2
years. The battery is not included and must be obtained separately.
(The Aurora clock's box says that it requires two AA batteries, but
it only uses one. We know because we checked.)
Note 1: This Aurora
clock is also available with a silver case. Or, if you would prefer
a wall clock of a different size and/or 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 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 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 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. |
