La Crosse Technology WT-3181 User manual

RADIO CONTROLLED ANALOG CLOCK

WT-3181 Instruction manual

Mexico

United States

Canada

Eastern Time

(-5h GMT)

Central Time

(-6h GMT)

Pacific Time

(-8h GMT)

Mountain Time

(-7h GMT)

Quick set up instructions

Welcome to the world of radio controlled timekeeping technology. We hope you will enjoy the

convenience of never having to set your clock again and the confidence of knowing exactly what time

it is.

MANUAL TIME SET

BUTTON

PACIFIC TIME

CENTRAL TIME

• Twist and lift open the battery compartment cover at the back of the clock and insert 1

fresh AA, LR6 1.5 volt ALKALINE battery according to the polarity marked on the case.

• Press time zone button to select a time zone.

• Replace the battery compartment cover.

THAT’S IT! During the night your clock will automatically set itself.

BATTERY COMPARTMENT

COVER

BATTERY

COMPARTMENT

BATTERY

COMPARTMENT

EASTERN TIME

MOUNTAIN TIME DST ON/OFF BUTTON

For a better understanding of how and why your clock works please continue reading.

NOTHING IS MORE PRECISELY MEASURED THAN TIME!

And nothing keeps track of time more precisely and trouble free than La Crosse Technology radio

controlled clocks.

Since the beginning of time, man has been fascinated with the measurement of time and has

devised more accurate machines to trap and measure time. Today, time is precisely measured in the

United States by the most accurate clock in North America, the Atomic Clock of the US National

Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and Frequency Division in Boulder, Colorado. A team of

atomic physicists continually measures every second of every day to an accuracy of ten billionths of a

second per 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

radio transmitter located in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the exact time signal is continuously

broadcast throughout the United States at 60 kHz to take advantage of stable long wave radio paths

found in that frequency range. Radio waves at these low frequencies use the earth and the

ionosphere as a wave-guide and follow the curvature of the earth for long distances.

The built in antenna system will receive the WWVB signal anywhere in North America within 2000

miles of Fort Collins where long-wave radio reception is undisturbed. A microprocessor activates the

receiver and processes the time signal from Fort Collins overnight.

Through the radio signals, La Crosse Technology radio controlled clocks always keep precise

time. The changeover from standard time to daylight saving time, and vice versa, takes place

automatically with the same precision.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

To set up your clock simply install one fresh AA, LR6 ALKALINE battery. Due to the nature of long

wave radio signals it is normally not possible to receive a signal during the day so it is best to install

the battery late in the evening. Select your time zone by pressing one of the four time zone buttons

PT-Pacific Time, MT-Mountain Time, CT-Central Time, ET-Eastern Time. The time zone buttons may

be pressed any time after installing the batteries. If multiple buttons are pressed the clock will set to

the time zone selected last. If no time zone is selected the clock will default to Pacific Time. Another

time zone can be selected during or after the clock has set itself. Your clock can only set itself to one

of the four time zones stated above. For time zones outside of PT, MT, CT or ET you must manually

set the time using the Manual Time set button on the back of the movement.

Once the battery is installed the clock will begin searching for a signal. For the initial setting it is

recommended to stand the clock in an upright position near a window. Within five minutes the clock

will either receive the WWVB signal and set itself to the exact time, or it will determine that the signal

is not receivable at its current location and time of day. If a signal is not receivable it will fast-forward

the hands to the 4, 8, or 12 o’clock position and search for WWVB each hour until a signal is

received. If the time is manually set the clock will continue to periodically search for a signal and

automatically reset the hands when the signal is received.

The La Crosse Technology clock is designed for indoor or outdoor use. For indoor locations, select a

location to place your radio controlled clock where it will be at least six feet away from a TV,

computer, air conditioner or other household electrical appliances. The optimal location is near a

window. Windows facing Colorado provide the best signal. For outdoor locations, select a location

sheltered from direct sunlight, preferably under a roof or porch area, and facing Colorado for better

reception of the WWVB signal. Although the clock’s case is weather resistant, it is not waterproof.

Avoid exposing the clock directly to sunlight, rain, snow or extreme weather conditions as it may

cause damage and the clock will malfunction. High humidity combined with a hot sunny day and a

cool night may also cause water to condense on the surface of the lens. The lens will clear up as

soon as the weather is stabilized. This water condensation effect does not interfere with the function

of the clock.

The WWVB time signal will easily penetrate masonry and wood framed buildings. WWVB will

penetrate almost every residential building and most steel buildings if they have adequate windows.

It is not possible, however, for WWVB to penetrate most indoor shopping malls and rooms in the

center of large office buildings that do not have windows. In buildings that WWVB cannot penetrate

you may set the time using the manual time set button. When the clock receives the WWVB signal it

will automatically set the hands to the exact time.

La Crosse Technology clocks do not receive or process radio controlled time signals from

Germany’s DCF 77, Japan’s J Ga AS, or England’s MSFs atomically regulated transmitters. La

Crosse Technology clocks can be manually set and used anywhere.

For more information on the NIST and radio controlled time, see

www.boulder.nist.gov/timefreq/

SET THE TIME USING THE MANUAL TIME SET BUTTON

In some cases, the La Crosse Technology clock may not receive the WWVB signal due to

atmospheric disturbances or hard to reach locations such as inside malls. In this case, please use the

Manual Time Set button, located at the back of the clock to manually set the time. To do this:

1. Press and hold the Manual Set button.

2. The minutes and hours hands will fast-forward while the button is held.

3. Keep holding the Manual Set button until the time is set as required.

4. Release the button.

Note:

The clock will continuously search for WWVB at1:00 am, 3:00 am, 4:00 am, 6:00 am, 12:00 pm, 6:00

pm and 11:00 pm until a signal is received. Once the WWVB time signal is received, the WWVB time

will override the manual set time.

MANUAL TIME SET

BUTTON

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

The La Crosse Technology clock has two analog sensors that measure surrounding temperature and

humidity. The temperature information is displayed in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius, and humidity

data is displayed in percentage.

The thermometer and hygrometer have been calibrated in factory. To check the sensors accuracy,

tune to your local weather forecast information broadcast for the latest weather information. It may be

necessary to adjust the sensors.

To manually adjust the sensors, gently turn the corresponding knobs located at the back of the clock

until required data has been reached.

Calibration knob

for thermometer

Calibration knob

for hygrometer

Humidity

display in %

Outer ring displays

temperature in

degree Fahrenheit

Inner ring

displays

temperature in

degree Celsius

TROUBLESHOOTING

The wonderful advantage of owning a La Crosse Technology radio controlled clock is that it is

virtually trouble free. If the clock receives a clear signal it will set itself perfectly. If it does not receive

a signal consider the following:

Battery - The La Crosse Technology clock must have a fresh battery to receive and process the

time signal.

Location - Try a different location, ideally near a window. It should be at least six feet from

computers, TVs, air conditioners, other Radio-Controlled clocks and other electrical appliances

that cause interference.

Weather - Electrical storms between you and Colorado during the night will interfere with the

WWVB signal.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

The National Institute of Standards and Technology and WWVB encode a special DST “bit” in the

WWVB transmission for DST. Your La Crosse Technology clock will read this information and

automatically advance the hands one hour in the spring and eleven hours in the fall.

ARIZONA AND INDIANA

If you live in an area that does not recognize DST you

must

press the (unmarked) DST button for one second to deactivate your clock’s DST program. To

reactivate the DST program simply press the DST button again for one second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will the battery last?

A. A good AA alkaline battery will last over one year. If your clock is located in an area with little

interference where it can quickly receive a signal the battery can last much longer than one year.

Q. Can a La Crosse Technology clock be used outdoors?

A. Yes, but only in a dry environment and in a temperature range between 41 F and 131 F. The

clock is NOT water-resistant.

Q. Can the La Crosse Technology clock be wired to control timing circuits?

A. No.

BATTERIES CHANGE:

For best performance, batteries should be replaced at least once a year to maintain the best running

accuracy. Ensure that the batteries used are new and the correct size.

Please help in the preservation of the environment and return used batteries to an

authorized depot.

Warranty

La Crosse Technology warrants this clock to be free of any defect in workmanship or materials for a period of

one year after the date of purchase. You should notify La Crosse Technology promptly in writing or by e-mail

in the event of any defect covered by this warranty. When requesting warranty service you must provide

evidence of the date of purchase.

This warranty does not cover the clock’s inability to receive a signal due to interference, whatever may be the

source of that interference. In addition, this warranty does not cover any defects resulting from improper use,

unauthorized repairs, or faulty batteries.

In the event of a warranted problem please return the clock postage prepaid to the address below. La Crosse

Technology will repair or replace your clock with the same or similar model free of charge.

LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY WILL NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,

PUNITIVE OR OTHER SIMILAR DAMAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OR MALFUNCTION OF

THIS CLOCK.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights specific to your state. Some

states do not allow the exclusion of consequential or incidental damages so the above exclusion of limitation

may not apply to you.

For warranty work, technical support, or information contact

La Crosse Technology

700 E. Main St.

Spring Grove, MN 55974

Phone: 507.895.7095

Fax: 507.895.8000

e-mail

[email protected]

(warranty work)

[email protected]

(information on other products)

Website

www.lacrossetechnology.com

duplicated or processed using electronic, mechanical or chemical procedures without written

permission of the publisher.

This handbook may contain mistakes and printing errors. The information in this handbook is

regularly checked and corrections made in the next issue. We accept no liability for technical mistakes

or printing errors, or their consequences.

All trademarks and patents are acknowledged.

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE

FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:

1. THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND

2. THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY

CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

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