Atomix™ "Aurora" Atomic Radio
Controlled 12-Inch Wall Clock in Black

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.

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This Aurora atomic wall clock features a metallic black plastic case, a plastic protective lens, and a white face with thin black hands. The black Arabic numerals are medium in size and weight. At 12 inches in diameter, this clock has a sleek, modern appearance and will look good in medium-size rooms and workspaces in homes, schools, and businesses.

Features:

Totally accurate--never needs resetting unless moved to a different time zone.
Sets automatically to WWVB radio signal.
Automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time unless DST bypass (disable) function is selected.
Manual time-set capability for use anywhere outside the WWVB signal range.
Metallic black plastic case with a convex plastic lens. The dial is white with black hour, minute, and second hands. The black Arabic numerals are medium in size and weight to complement the clock's styling.
Powered by one AA (1.5V) alkaline battery (not included), with expected battery life of up to 2 years.

Dimensions:

Diameter:
12 inches (304.8 mm)
Thickness:
2.5 inches (63.5 mm)

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.

Note: This product has "atomic" clock functionality. Atomic, or Radio Controlled clocks receive a radio signal to set themselves. Like any radio receiver however, they may not be able to receive the signal if they are in a building with a lot of steel in the structure, near computers or other electrical equipment that may generate interference, or if the weather is unsuitable. The signal they receive does not propagate well during the day. That's the nature of the signal, not the clock. These clocks are designed to catch the signal when they can, generally in the middle of the night, calibrate themselves, and then run quite accurately for days until they can catch another signal. When you first put in the batteries, they will most likely not set themselves until the middle of the night. That's normal. By morning, weather permitting, it should be correct. Under less than ideal conditions, it could take a few days. Daylight savings time changes may not be made the first night if location and weather are not favorable.

Atomix Aurora Atomic Radio Controlled 12-Inch Wall Clock in Black

Atomix™ "Aurora" Atomic Radio Controlled 12-Inch Wall Clock in Black

Features:

Dimensions:

Atomix™ "Aurora" Atomic Radio
Controlled 12-Inch Wall Clock in Black