NavList:

Bill,

I did three tests to try and knock out my radio controlled Seiko dual time zone alarm clock. First was a 5 watt handheld VHF transmission, second was a 25 watt VHF transmission, and finally a test atop the microwave for one minute. The clock has been working well no matter what. Who knows what caused the minutes to jump on more than one occasion :-/

Greg Rudzinski

[NavList] Re: Quartz Watch Movement Replacement
From: Bill B
Date: 22 Jul 2012 17:15
On 6/18/2012 9:20 PM, Greg Rudzinski wrote:
> As for your RCC testing I would try transmitting a VHF handheld radio at
> 5 watts right next to the RCC to see what happens. I will try this also.
> Ham radio transmitters may have influence also. Even gas engine sparking
> can disrupt or alter radio signals. Lately I've noticed that my
> shortwave gets knocked out on 10 Khz when my laptop charger is plugged
> in. I use the RCC but always double check the minutes with another non
> RCC watch.

I do not currently have a working VHF (see previous post), but have
placed the RCC right up against Bluetooth, WiFi router etc. That can
cause it to go well beyond the normal 3 minute/3 cycle reset but does
not cause the time to jump, even during reset. I also placed it in a
fireproof box next to a basement wall/floor for ten days and it did
reset. To look at CO it would have to view through the concrete wall,
dirt between the attached garage floor, the concrete garage floor and a
brick wall. Or it would have to look up through a sub floor, 3/4" oak
floor, ceiling and roof.

The only way I could stop it from receiving a signal and resetting was
to repeat the above and nestle it between 25 pounds of lead, brass,
copper and gunpowder in a surplus steel ammo box.

As it receives signals at 60 kHz, NIST warns against harmonics from 60
cycle appliances like refrigerators etc. Given the VHF frequencies, I
don't know if those harmonics exist for VHF. (Not doubting it, just not
a Ham, EE or physicist.) Thinking 5 watts up close and personal would
likely pose a problem. How did your VHF tests go?

As it auto resets at 2 AM EDT, I have been randomly attempting resets on
command through the day and evening. Approx. 90% successful, 70% day
and 90% evenings.

Attached are a NIST generic day/night coverage map, a 24 hour time vs
signal map, and a more specific season/time/location signal-strength table.

Bill B

----------------------------------------------------------------
NavList message boards and member settings: www.fer3.com/NavList
Members may optionally receive posts by email.
To cancel email delivery, send a message to NoMail[at]fer3.com
----------------------------------------------------------------