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Clock time is not correct

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Model: Automatic Setting Analog Clock

Symptoms

All or some of the symptoms may be present.

  • Clock does not set to the correct time.

Problem

May be due to the clock hands being out of alignment or Transmitter is in an error state.

Analyze

  1. Identify scope of clocks experiencing issue - single clock or all clocks/clocks in specific area.

    Single clock:

    Perform a hand alignment check: for 3 seconds, press and hold the button on the back of the clock until it beeps. The hands begin to move at an accelerated speed until all three hands align at the 12:00 position. The hands stop in this position to confirm all of the hands are properly aligned.

    If hands do not rotate clockwise and stop at 12:00 position, the hands are out of alignment and the clock may need to be replaced.

    All clocks/clocks in specific area:

    Verify the Transmitter is not in an error state. If multiple Transmitters, start with the main Transmitter and then proceed to by verifying status of the Repeater Transmitters.

    Is the Transmitter red LED flashing and/or is the information displayed on the front LCD not correct? If yes, the Transmitter is in an error state that may result in the clocks not receiving a time signal. Resolve the Transmitter error state. Once the Transmitter is in a normal state, the clocks will receive and synchronize their time at their next scheduled signal search.

  2. If a clock(s) continues not to set its time, check the channel number on the Transmitter(s). If broadcasting on a channel greater than 16, there is a potential the clock(s) may not be able to receive a signal from the Transmitter.

    1. Identify firmware version: on the back of the clock locate the small sticker commonly located on its mechanism cover. The sticker provides its factory specifications including its assembly number, catalog number, firmware code (V1.5, V1.6, V2.0, V3.0), and date code.

    2. If the clock firmware code is less than 2.0, a clock can only receive a signal from channels 1-16. If the clock firmware is 2.0 or greater, the clock can receive signal from all available channels/frequencies. If issue is related to clock firmware version, the frequencies/FCC licenses at the facility need to be reviewed.

    Note

    Clocks with 2.0 firmware do not conform to the 5x stepping for low battery, nor do they scan for a new frequency once they lock onto a Transmitter's frequency. Issues may be more frequent during a DST change, or if when there are multiple Transmitters due the clocks do not search for another frequency. To resolve an issue with a clock that has 2.0 firmware, physically visit the clock and reset it.

  3. If a clock(s) in a specific area continues not set its time, it may be due to interference preventing a clock from receiving a broadcasting signal.

    Note

    When certain types of electronic light ballasts become defective they may radiate broadband noise, which can interfere with wireless devices. While interference issues are unlikely with the Primex system, high levels of noise present in the 72-76MHz range could potentially cause clocks which are located far from the Transmitter and also within the close proximity of these ballasts to not receive a signal. Very limited instances have occurred in the past, which has only been found to happen when ballasts become defective.

Solution

  1. Single clock - perform Hand Alignment Check.

  2. More than one clock - verify Transmitter status and resolve error state.

  3. Check Channel Number on Transmitter and verify clock firmware version.

  4. Verify area does not have interference - possible defective ballast in install area.

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