Alarm Clock Issues

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Alarm Clock Issues

nzkiwiman

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#188959 11-Dec-2015 12:14

I have a Transonic (Warehouse brand) alarm clock by my bed, it's primary function is to tell me the time at night with its big red digits.
I do not use its alarm or radio.
- like this: http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Alarm-Clock-TW3210CR?SKU=1976052

For the last month, I have had to "rewind" the time it displays by up to 6 minutes every 2-3 days
I have no idea why it has decided after many years of operation to advance time so quickly.

So looking for a new clock as replacement and finding it hard to find a clock that is just an alarm clock - seem to all be bluetooth or iPhone docks these days, or cost over $50 which seems stupid.

Anyone know of other options out there that my search isn't finding
Or is another $10 Warehouse version the best option and just replace it when it starts showing the same issues ?

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#1448681 11-Dec-2015 12:20

Use a smartphone app?

gzt

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#1448683 11-Dec-2015 12:21

Buy a Sony.

Edit: this one has battery backup and adjustable brightness:

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/tv-and-audio/personal-home-audio/alarm-clocks-and-portable-radios/sony-alarm-clock-radio-white.html

Aredwood

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#1448949 11-Dec-2015 23:17

They use the 50Hz mains frequency as their reference for keeping time. Maybe another device on the mains somewhere is outputting harmonics that may be upsetting the counting circuit. Try taking it to a friends house and see if it keeps time there.

And Im guessing your house is powered off the national grid. Instead of a self contained power system.

gzt

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#1448979 11-Dec-2015 23:57

Mains frequency would never be reliable enough. The clock will use an xco and presumably a component or interface of that has failed in this instance.

michaelmurfy

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#1448986 12-Dec-2015 00:57

I'd personally recommend a Sony since they're not reliant on AC power for keeping their time.

In the past I've used a Raspberry Pi with a RTC hat + small LCD display. Whilst it was cool (and accurate) the display was too bright for my (then) partner. Was rather cool waking up with a different track of Taylor Swift each morning.

However I do suffer from laying there watching time go by as I have trouble sleeping.

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lxsw20

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#1448987 12-Dec-2015 01:09

I had a logitech UE Radio which used NTP to keep time. Auto dim when you turn off the lights etc.

michaelmurfy

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#1448988 12-Dec-2015 01:56

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Aredwood

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#1449436 12-Dec-2015 22:57

gzt: Mains frequency would never be reliable enough. The clock will use an xco and presumably a component or interface of that has failed in this instance.

Actually the mains frequency is surprisingly accurate. As every time it goes lower than 49.5Hz or higher than 50.5Hz, Transpower issue an Excursion Notice. Some months none have been issued. Which means that the mains frequency have varied by less than 1Hz for that entire month. Which means my old digital clock has no problem keeping time despite only using the mains as it's reference.

hsvhel

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#1449557 13-Dec-2015 09:28

if not already, plug your clock directly into the wall and not a multibox. and as others have stated, buy a clock thats not reliant on the grid freq.

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gzt

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#1449610 13-Dec-2015 12:59

michaelmurfy

Aredwood

I googled. I was amazed.

Every one I owned was battery backed. I'm guessing this requires xco?

The mains freq design I am amazed it is used with anything digital. There must be a million possible local power events independent of the stabilised grid frequency.

SepticSceptic

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#1450065 14-Dec-2015 11:05

Op shops, like Sallies, etc, usually have a bunch of the traditional LED clock radios for $5.00

andrew027

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#1450068 14-Dec-2015 11:15

Some cheap ones at Dick Smith at the moment!

nzkiwiman

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#1450109 14-Dec-2015 13:16

Well, who knew the humble bedside clock was so complex.

In the weekend I got behind my bed as I needed to dust and checked the power point that this clock is connected to.
At some point the plug has moved - so I plugged it in fully again and after a day and a bit, all seems well (as in, no more time issues)

We shall see if it happens again

jonb

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#1450116 14-Dec-2015 13:26

There are quite a few of these on AliExpress, basic alarm clocks with lcd display. Some are battery powered, others mains powered. The battery powered ones don't last for more than a few weeks between charges though it seems from reviews.

mdooher

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#1450118 14-Dec-2015 13:31

Aredwood:
gzt: Mains frequency would never be reliable enough. The clock will use an xco and presumably a component or interface of that has failed in this instance.

Actually the mains frequency is surprisingly accurate. As every time it goes lower than 49.5Hz or higher than 50.5Hz, Transpower issue an Excursion Notice. Some months none have been issued. Which means that the mains frequency have varied by less than 1Hz for that entire month. Which means my old digital clock has no problem keeping time despite only using the mains as it's reference.

I have an old "Railway Clock" with a synchronous motor and sweep second hand. It keeps perfect time for this very reason.

Matthew

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