3. Using other electrical products such as headphones or speakers operating on the same signal
frequency (433MHz) may prevent correct signal transmission and reception.
4. Neighbors using electrical devices operating on the 433MHz signal frequency can also cause
interference.
Note:
When the 433 MHz signal is received correctly, do not re-open the battery cover of either the Outdoor
Temperature Transmitter or Atomic Clock, as the batteries may spring free from the contacts and
force a false reset. Should this happen accidentally then reset all units (see
Setting up
above)
otherwise transmission problems may occur.
The maximum transmission range is 82 feet (25 meters) from the Outdoor Temperature Transmitter
to the Atomic Clock (in open space). However, this depends on the surrounding environment and
interference levels. If no reception is possible despite the observation of these factors, all system
units have to be reset (see
Setting up
).
CHANGING THE DISPLAY MODE (DAY, SECONDS, AND TEMPERATURES)
There are three possible display modes to view the day, seconds, and temperatures.
The
month&date/weekday/indoor temperature/outdoor temperature is the default.
To change the display:
1. Press the + key. The display should now show the
month&date/weekday/seconds/ outdoor
temperature.
2. Press the + key a second time and the display will now show the
month&date/seconds/indoor
temperature/outdoor temperature.
3. Press the + key third time and the display will return to the normal display.
WWVB RADIO CONTROLLED TIME
The NIST radio station, WWVB, is located in Ft. Collins, Colorado and transmits the exact time signal
continuously throughout the United States at 60 kHz. The signal can be received up to 2,000 miles
away through the internal antenna in the Atomic Clock. However, due to the nature of the Earth’s
Ionosphere, reception is very limited during daylight hours. The Atomic Clock will search for a signal
every night when reception is best. The WWVB radio station derives its signal from the NIST Atomic
clock in Boulder, Colorado. A team of atomic physicists continually measures every second of every
day to an accuracy of ten billionths of a second a 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 transmitter.
Once the outdoor temperature is displayed on the Atomic Clock, the WWVB tower icon in the clock
display will start flashing in the top center of the LCD. This indicates that the clock has detected a
radio signal and is trying to receive it. When the time code is received, the WWVB tower becomes
permanently lit and the time will be displayed.
If the tower icon flashes, but does not set the time or the WWVB tower does not appear at all, then
please take note of the following:
•
Recommended distance to any interfering sources like computer monitors or TV sets is a
minimum of 6 feet (2 meters).
•
Within ferro-concrete rooms (basements, superstructures), the received signal is naturally
weakened. In extreme cases, please place the unit close to a window and/ or point its front or back
towards the Fort Collins, Colorado, transmitter.
•
During nighttime, the atmospheric disturbances are usually less severe and reception is possible
in most cases. A single daily reception is adequate to keep the accuracy deviation below 1
second.
Note:
In case the Atomic Clock is not able to detect the WWVB-signal (disturbances, transmitting distance,
etc.), the time can be manually set (please refer to notes on
Manual time setting
)
POSITIONING
Note:
Before permanently mounting ensure that the Atomic Clock is able to receive WWVB signals from the
desired location. Also, extreme and sudden changes in temperature will decrease the accuracy of the
Atomic Clock, and changes in elevation will result with inaccurate temperatures readings for the next
12 to 24 hours. These changes will require a 12 to 24 hour wait before obtaining reliable data. To
achieve a true temperature reading, avoid mounting where direct sunlight can reach the
OutdoorTemperature Transmitter. It is recommended to mount the Outdoor Temperature Transmitter
on a North-facing wall or in any well shaded area. The maximum transmitting range is 82 feet (25
meters) obstacles such as walls, concrete, and large metal objects can reduce the range. Place both
units in their desired location, and wait approximately 10 minutes before permanently mounting to
ensure that there is proper reception. The Outdoor Temperature Transmitter is not waterproof and
should not be placed anywhere it will become submerged in water or be directly in the rain.
POSITIONING THE ATOMIC CLOCK:
There are two possible ways to mount the Atomic Clock:
