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La Crosse Technology 404-1220 User Manual page 3

20” atomic wall clock

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Frequency Division in Boulder, Colorado. A team of atomic physicists continually measures every second of every
day to an accuracy of ten billionths of a second per day. These physicists have created an international standard,
measuring a second as 9,192,631,770 vibrations of a Cesium 133 atom in a vacuum. This atomic clock regulates the
WWVB radio transmitter located in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the exact time signal is continuously broadcast
throughout the United States at 60 kHz to take advantage of stable long wave radio paths found in that frequency
range. Radio waves at these low frequencies use the earth and the ionosphere as a wave-guide and follow the
curvature of the earth for long distances.
The built in antenna system will receive the WWVB signal anywhere in North America within 2000 miles of Fort
Collins where long-wave radio reception is undisturbed. A microprocessor activates the receiver and processes the
time signal from Fort Collins overnight. Through the radio signals, La Crosse Technology radio controlled clocks
always keep precise time. The changeover from standard time to daylight saving time, and vice versa, takes place
automatically with the same precision.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No Question / Problem Answer / Help
Q. How long will the battery last?
A: A good "C" alkaline battery will last over one year. If your clock is located in an area with little interference where it
can quickly receive a signal the battery can last much longer than one year.
Q. Can this La Crosse Technology clock be used outdoors?
A. No. Outdoor use is not recommended for this clock. Operating range is 23 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q. Can this La Crosse Technology clock be wired to control timing circuits?
A. No. Modifications to the clock will void the warranty.
Q: This movement cannot receive, but other movements have reception inside same room.
A: Check battery voltage. 1.48-1.7 volts are best for optimum performance.
A: Check that the clock is not within 6 feet of TV-sets, monitors, telephone-sets or other items that may cause
interference.
Q: Is there a booster antenna to receive the WWVB signal in a difficult location?
A. No. Modifications to the clock will void the warranty.
Q: Clock spins continually. It does not stop (more than 4min).
A: Check battery voltage. 1.48-1.7 volts are best for optimum performance.
Q: Hands stop on 4:00, 8:00 or 12:00 forever.
A: This is normal restart behavior for the clock. The hands will spin to 4:00, 8:00 or 12:00 and not move until the
WWVB signal is received. This may take up to five nights dependent on interferences.
Q: Clock receives the WWVB signal, but shows wrong time.
A: Check if correct Time Zone is selected. Hold the correct time zone button for 5 seconds and the hands should
correct.
A: Check battery voltage. 1.48-1.7 volts are best for optimum performance.
A: Locate the bronze colored pins in the upper left region of the movement on the back of the clock. Short across the
pins briefly with a screwdriver or similar metal object and allow the hands to spin. The hands will stop all pointing at
12 if they are properly aligned. Allow the clock to receive a signal and set itself. Then select the correct Time Zone for
your area.
Q: Battery was removed and put in again, but the movement does not restart and the hands do not spin.
A: Remove the battery and press the Q-Set button 20 times to discharge electricity. Leave the battery out for 15
minutes. Install a fresh C LR14 alkaline battery. The hands should sin to 4, 8 or 12 o'clock.
A: Check battery voltage. 1.48-1.7 volts are best for optimum performance.
CHANGING BATTERIES:
For best performance, batteries should be replaced at least once a year to maintain the best running accuracy.
Ensure that the batteries used are new and the correct size. Remove the battery and press the Q-Set button 20 times
to discharge electricity. Leave the battery out for 15 minutes.
Please help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an authorized depot.

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