AA9KB's Atomic Clock


Clock requires Netscape

Here is a display of the Naval Observatory Atomic Clock so you can set the time in your shack. (Reload to restart the clock) Read on to see how I set the time in my shack....

For Christmas, my daughter bought me a Radio Shack "Atomic Clock". This clock is actually a WWV receiver/clock combination. The reception is great. When I opened it on Christmas morning, I set it aside to open some other presents. A couple of minutes later it was showing the correct time. This was laying on the floor of our basement. After I got it set up here in the shack, it was getting a weak signal during one of it's WWV check times. I merely rotated the antenna 90 degrees and the signal indicator went to full strength and has been there since then.

Your mileage may vary on the indoor reception. I think the fact that our home has vinyl siding may be a major factor in my reception.

The receiver attempts to set the clock 6 times a day, at 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM, 4:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. The times suggest that they are probably using one of the lower WWV frequencies, either 5Mhz or 10Mhz.

The clock can be set to any of the four time zones in the continental U.S. Unfortunately, no UTC setting. Also, it does an automatic adjustment for daylight savings time. So, in Indiana and Arizona, you must change time zones twice a year. There is no way to get it to ignore Daylight Savings Time.

Overall, it's a great little gadget; very handy for setting the time on the computers and weather station. Radio Shack had it on sale around Christmas time for $39.95. Regular price is $49.95; not a bad price for what it does.