Radio Controlled Clock Problems

fatnbald

Hi we have a alarm clock that is time synchcronised with the atomic clock at the national physics lab.
Recently they moved the source of the signal that gives the exact time from Rugby to somewhere up in Cumbria (So I believe).
Ever since then our clock has been having the odd funny turn overnight, this morning the time read 5.99 which to my knowledge is not a real reading!

I was wondering if anyone else was experiencing any problems with similar clocks or is is just ours and it has decided to die slowly ?

ariba10

You could try removing the battery for a few minutes, or fit a new battery.

It should be worth a try.

fatnbald

it's mains powered

espresso

Do you have any other device near to the clock that could be causing interference to it? I have noticed that since the 60 kHz MSF transmitter moved to Anthorn in Cumbia, that my wireless router operating at 2.4GHz will swap the receiver if too close.

fatnbald

I have a wireless network and a digital cordless phone, I was under the impression these operate at the 27 MHz range, much removed from the time signal.

These devices are not near the clock (the clock being up in the bedroom and both the base stations for these items down in the entrance hall). The only change is the move of the signal source, I do recall the same morning we first noticed a problem the BBC radio people were also reporting problems with their signal operated clocks.
It does sort itself out but unfortunately it is our alarm clock, the 5.99 time was when it should have been kicking me from my slumber.

espresso

Not sure about your cordless phone but wireless networks operate at approx 2.4GHz which although well away from the 60KHz used by the MSF, it has caused problems with my radio controlled clock which is on the wall nearby. I too have only noticed this since the transmitter moved to Anthorn, so I assume that I am now receiving less signal strength. More info here.