Setting Radio Wall Clocks - Time Change and Reset Function
Setting up radio-controlled wall clocks
Radio-controlled wall clocks are becoming increasingly popular. For one thing, radio-controlled wall clocks always show the exact time always show the exact time, because these clocks receive a radio signal that guarantees accuracy down to the second. Secondly, there is no need to change the clock for daylight saving time, which we do twice a year when switching from summer time to winter time and vice versa. When the time changes, radio-controlled clocks receive a pulse from the signal that then sets them to the current time.
The DCF77 time signal transmitter is located in Mainflingen near Frankfurt am Main. From here, most radio-controlled clocks in Europe are supplied with the time. The transmitter sends time signals every second, from which Central European Time or Central European Summer Time is derived. The signal can be received at a distance of up to 2000 km.
Anyone who would like to know more about the technology and reach of the DCF77 time signal transmitter will find some very good information on the website of the "Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt".
Setting up radio-controlled wall clocks - the RESET FUNCTION
Before finally choosing where to place the new wall clock, it is worth testing the reception conditions at the desired location. First insert a battery, then hang the new wall clock at the desired location or place it down temporarily. In some cases, the clock now needs a few minutes to receive the new signal and set itself correctly. If no time signal is received, there are two options. The first is to remove the battery from the compartment again and reinsert it the wrong way round. Then wait 20 seconds, remove the battery again and reinsert it the right way round. This is called the RESET FUNCTION and offers a new way for the clock to repeatedly try to adjust to the signal.
In many cases, this reset function can be very useful when switching to daylight saving time and can get the clock running again. If this does not solve the problem, you should in any case try again with a new, unused battery from a reputable brand:
Remove the old battery for about 2 minutes and then try starting with the new battery. Our experience in advising customers during the time change has shown that about 80 percent of all cases could be resolved with these measures, and the clocks then worked properly again.
In a few cases, it also happened that the radio-controlled wall clock was placed very close to electrical devices or cordless telephones. In such cases, changing the location usually solves the reception problem quickly on its own.
