![]() ![]() ![]() A radio controlled clock has a radio inside, which receives a signal that comes from a place where an atomic clock is located. An atomic clock has an atomic oscillator inside (such as a cesium or rubidium oscillator). Some manufacturers refer to their radio controlled clocks as "atomic clocks", which isn't really true. This page provides information about radio controlled clocks, including how they work, where they work, and what to do when they don't work. During the transition from standard time to daylight saving time (DST) they "spring forward" one hour, and when DST is finished they "fall back" one hour.ĭue to technology advances and the economies of scale, radio controlled clocks are now very inexpensive, often costing just a few dollars more than conventional clocks. This means that you should never have to adjust them. They have a tremendous advantage over conventional clocks, they are always right! When working properly, radio controlled clocks always display the correct time, down to the exact second. These clocks are sold in all forms: as wall clocks, desk clocks, travel alarms, and wristwatches. How They Workīy now, you have probably seen or own a radio controlled clock. You may also receive a printed copy by kathryn.stephenson (subject: Please%20send%20me%20a%20copy%20of%20SP960-14) (sending your mailing address) or by calling (303) 497-4343. WWVB Radio Controlled Clocks: Recommended Practices for Manufacturers and Consumers (NIST Special Publication 960-14, August 2009) To find out more about WWVB radio controlled clocks, please download this 64-page PDF booklet: WWVB 2017 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB 2018 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB 2019 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB 2020 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB 2021 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB 2022 Antenna Configuration and Power Outages.WWVB Antenna Configuration and Power Expand or Collapse.WWVB Station Outages Expand or Collapse.If you have reception problems, first check whether the signal has been turned off for maintenance at our MSF Outages page. These include attenuation of the signal due to location of the antenna inside a building or close to power lines or other large metal structures, and background interference which may be from a local source such as an electric motor, fluorescent tube, CRT monitor or TV. This level should be sufficient to allow the time and date code to be received without difficulty, and in all areas of the UK radio-controlled clocks have been found to synchronise correctly to the signal.ĭifficulties receiving the MSF radio signal are generally due to a combination of factors. The MSF radio signal provides a signal strength in excess of 100 microvolts per metre at a distance of 1000 km. The MSF radio signal is transmitted from Anthorn Radio Station in Cumbria by Babcock (formerly VT Communications), under contract to NPL. The signal operates on a frequency of 60 kHz and carries a time and date code that can be received and decoded by a wide range of readily available radio-controlled clocks. Externally, pylons, scaffolding or overhead power cables can also screen the signal A steel-framed or reinforced concrete building, or large metal objects such as metallic window frames, will reduce the signal inside. Objects such as televisions, electric motors and fluorescent lights can interfere with the signal. Try moving your clock to a different location.Some clocks have a signal strength indication that helps in finding the best reception Most radio-controlled clocks have an internal antenna that picks up the signal most effectively when it is facing directly towards or away from Anthorn. It can take quite a few minutes for the clock to pick up the MSF radio signal, so be patient Change the current battery for a fresh one and reset your clock. Check that the power supply is in full working order.If this is not done, the clock may well run an hour fast or an hour slow (If the clock's manual indicates a different procedure to this, follow that instead) If the clock uses both mains power and a battery, remember to switch on the mains power and allow the clock to set before inserting the battery.There may be a set procedure which if not followed, will result in the radio controlled clock not working Consult the manual for the clock before turning it on.It is available 24 hours a day across the whole of the UK and beyond.Īssuming that the signal is still on, the following suggestions, in order of increasing difficulty, may help to improve reception of the MSF radio signal: The MSF radio signal is a dedicated time broadcast that provides an accurate and reliable source of UK civil time, based on the NPL time scale UTC (NPL). What can you do to ensure you receive the correct time? ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |