![]() Note that the shielding of a metal building may prevent radio controlled clocks from receiving WWVB's atomic clock synch signal. They can cause interference, and some have a scan frequency at or near the WWVB carrier frequency of 60 kHz. Locate atomic wall clocks at least 4-8 feet away from computer monitors.Place the radio controlled clock along a wall or near a window that faces towards Fort Collins.Atomic clocks have antennas that are directional and reception may be improved by turning the antenna to increase signal strength. If it's a wall clock, try mounting it on a wall perpendicular to the one it is currently on (if it is on a north or south wall try an east or west wall). If the radio controlled clock is a desk top unit, try rotating it 90 degrees.If the clock uses batteries, check them and replace if necessary. Try powering down the clock (unplug it or remove the batteries), then turn it on again to see if it synchronizes.If you are having problems, check first to see if the atomic clock synchronization signal is being received. An analog radio controlled clock may provide an audio indication (typically a series of tones or beeps to indicate if the signal is there, accessed by pushing a button). ![]() Most atomic digital clocks have an icon in the display that indicates if the atomic clock signal is being received properly from WWVB (usually a radio tower icon). All in all, they make a great choice for businesses, schools, and other facilities alike.How does an atomic clock work? A radio controlled clock sold in North America is permanently set to receive and process an atomic clock synchronization signal broadcast from WWVB in Boulder, Colorado. Radio-controlled clocks are also able to automatically adjust themselves based on time zones and daylight saving time. Because they readjust themselves to the correct time each day, these clocks won’t experience the same loss or gain of time as clocks with crystal oscillators do. The connection of a radio-controlled clock to the consistent signal of a radio station makes these clocks quite reliable and accurate. Usually, clocks decode the signal only once or twice per day. The clock then synchronizes itself to the time received from the signal and keeps time with its own oscillator until the next time it decodes the signal. Once this signal reaches the radios inside the clocks, those radios decode the digits to obtain the proper time. This low-frequency, 60 kHz signal broadcasts from an area near Fort Collins, Colorado, and carries a code made up of binary digits rather than a voice or other audio. In the U.S., that source is a radio signal from a station called WWVB, controlled by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). So, now you know what they are, but how does a radio-controlled clock work? For a radio-controlled clock to keep the correct time, it must have not only a method of receiving the time, but also a source from which to receive it. While an atomic clock keeps time with an atomic oscillator, a radio clock keeps time with an internal radio that reads a signal from an atomic clock. ![]() Radio-controlled clocks are commonly referred to as atomic clocks, but, they are not the same and it’s important to note the distinction. Typically, these clocks are nearly identical to other types of clocks, but in addition to their normal parts, they include an antenna and a circuit to pick up and read radio signals. What Is a Radio-Controlled Clock?Ī radio-controlled clock is a clock with radio technology inside of it that allows it to keep track of time. Read on to learn how a radio-controlled clock works. These types of clocks operate on a different system than quartz clocks, incorporating radio technology to accurately tell time. You’ve probably seen a radio-controlled clock before, even if you don’t realize it. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |