Galleon Radio Clock

Desktop Radio Atomic Clock and Remote Antenna Unit - Problem Sheet

• Connecting a Windows NT Server to the ARC Clock
• Clock does not pick up time, seconds continually count up
• In-adequate Signal Strength
• Clock has valid time, but antenna symbol has disappeared
• Signal Reception
• Possible causes of Interference to the Time Signal
• Remote Antenna Cable Specification
• Maximum antenna cabling distance for remote antenna unit

Connecting a Windows NT Server to the ARC Clock^ top

The ARC Clock is equipped with a serial interface with a standard 9 pin connector. Select an unused serial port of your PC, usually marked COM1 ... COM4, plug in the ARC Clock connector. To plug the ARC Clock connector into a 25 pin serial port connector you will need a 9 to 25 pin adapter. Your dealer can usually supply one.

Clock does not pick up time, seconds continually count up^ top

The clock will attempt to pick up the time signal for approximately 6 minutes after power on. The antenna symbol on the clock will flash when a reception attempt is being made. If the clock cannot receive the time within the 6 minute time period it will enter an idle mode. When the clock is idle the antenna symbol disappears from the display and the seconds count up. Further reception attempts will be made every hour until the unit picks up the time.

Solution: If the clock does not pick up the time, reposition the antenna until a good signal strength is achieved. The clock may be forced to attempt to receive the time signal by powering the unit off and back on or by pressing the reset button at the back of the unit. Possible causes of Interference to the Time Signal.

In-adequate Signal Strength^ top

In order to synchronise to the time signal the clock requires good signal strength. When the clock is first powered on or reset an antenna symbol will appear on the clock display. To the right of the antenna symbol is a number of bars. The number of bars represents the current signal strength. The indicator must show at least 3 or 4 bars consistently in order to pick up a valid time.

Solution: If the signal is too weak, reposition the antenna until a good signal is achieved, this can sometimes be accomplished by rotating the clock through 45 degrees.. When the clock is receiving a time signal, the antenna symbol on the display will flash. It takes approximately 3-4 minutes to initialise the unit with a valid time. Possible causes of Interference to the Time Signal.

Clock has valid time, but antenna symbol has disappeared^ top

The antenna symbol disappears from the clock display when the time signal has been lost.

Solution: This indicates that the antenna may need repositioning to receive the time signal. See in-adequate signal strength above. Possible causes of Interference to the Time Signal.

Signal Reception^ top

The MSF signal can be received at distances upto 1500km from Rugby (Midlands, UK) Anthorn, Cumbria UK, where the signal is based. The signal covers all of the UK and parts of continental Europe. The DCF signal is based in Frankfurt and covers a range of 1500km which encompases most of Western Europe. The range of the MSF signal can be seen in the diagram below.

Possible causes of Interference to the Time Signal^ top

• Domestic appliance without radio interference suppressers
• computer monitors closer than 2 meters away
• TV Receivers closer than 2 meters away
• Machinery with high HF leakage
• Poor atmospheric conditions (i.e. stormy weather)

As with your Television or Radio, you may have difficulties in receiving a strong signal because of position or atmospheric conditions. Electrical appliances, motors, TV's or computers may interfere with the reception. You may experience poor reception in low lying areas and in metal buildings.

Fault: Clock does not automatically show correct time within 10 minuets after the battery has been inserted or power on.

Procedure: Check the battery voltage, battery contact and polarity. Re-position the clock, e.g. turn through 45-90 degrees, or put it near the windows then start several tests by removing for 1 minute then replacing the battery. Check to see if any HF interference source such as TV is close by.

Important notes

The performance of the clock is subject to its' ability to receive the radio signal that is transmitted from Rugby. Difficulty in reception will be experienced in metal clad buildings. Signal strength improves at night, it is recommended to leave the clock overnight with the battery inserted, ideally near a window if you are having difficulty setting it. This clock will not function outside the U.K.

Please note that the Rugby transmitter is shutdown for maintenance the first Tuesday morning of every month, and during the summer the signal can be interrupted for up to two weeks in normal working hours after which the service will be restored.

Remote Antenna Cable Specification^ top

0.2 mm four core security / alarm cable is required between the antenna and clock unit. CAT 5 structured cabling can also be used.

Maximum antenna cabling distance for remote antenna unit^ top

The maximum cable length from the antenna unit to the clock unit is 150m. The recommended cable specification is 4 core alarm cable. CAT 5 structured cabling can also be used.