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The SC-5 Super Clock is an aircraft instrument designed to provide pilots with various time-keeping and timing functions essential for flight operations. Packaged in a compact 2.5" by 2.5" by 2.78" depth case with a 2-1/4" bezel, it is easily integrated into an instrument panel using a D-Sub connector, allowing for convenient removal. The device incorporates a clock IC with a long-lasting lithium battery, ensuring reliable timekeeping for over 20 years.
The SC-5 offers five distinct display modes, each serving a specific purpose for the pilot. These modes are navigated using the "STEP" switch, which can be pushed right or left to cycle through the options.
The "LOCAL" Clock mode displays local time, which can be configured in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format. When in this mode, a "/Hr" indicator appears in the upper right corner of the LCD, signifying that the display shows hours and minutes. Additionally, an "L" in the lower right corner confirms that the "LOCAL" Clock mode is active. Setting the local clock and its format is part of the power-up programming sequence. To change the format, the pilot selects the "LOCAL" Clock Display Mode, then momentarily pushes both the "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons simultaneously. The display will show "12: F" or "24: F," and the "STEP" switch can be used to toggle between these options. Exiting this programming mode is done by again pushing both "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons.
The "ZULU" Clock mode displays Zulu Time, which is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and is commonly used in aviation for standardized timekeeping. Similar to the "LOCAL" Clock, a "/Hr" indicator appears in the upper right corner of the display, indicating hours and minutes. The "ZULU" Clock is also set during the power-up programming.
The "UP" Timer mode functions as an automatic flight timer and a pilot-programmable recurring alarm. This timer counts up and automatically starts when the aircraft's engine is initiated. This feature is useful for tracking flight duration. As a recurring alarm, it can be set for intervals from 0:00 (minutes:seconds) to 99:59. When the set time interval is reached, the yellow "UP" Timer Warning LED, located above the digital display, will blink. Pushing any button will stop the blinking LED without affecting the timer's operation. This alarm reoccurs at multiples of the programmed interval, serving as a reminder for critical tasks such as checking fuel levels, flight plan progress, or instrument readings. When the "UP" Timer reaches 59 minutes and 59 seconds, the display automatically switches to hours and minutes, indicated by a "/Hr" in the upper right corner. To program the recurring alarm, the pilot enters the "UP" Timer Display Mode and momentarily pushes both the "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons. The far-left digit will blink, indicating it's ready for adjustment. Digits are selected by pushing "START/STOP" to move left and "RESET" to move right. The "STEP" switch increases or decreases the blinking digit. Exiting this programming mode is done by pushing both "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons simultaneously.
The "DN" Timer mode is a countdown timer with a pilot-programmable start time. This timer counts down from a set value, which can range from 0:00 (minutes:seconds) to 99:59. When the timer reaches 0:00, the yellow "DN" Timer Warning LED blinks, and the display shows the time past zero as a negative number, which is particularly useful for timing approaches. Pushing any button stops the blinking LED. The "START/STOP" button toggles the timer's start and stop functions, while the "RESET" button stops the timer and resets it to the programmed start time. For times set over 59 minutes and 59 seconds, the display shows hours and minutes, indicated by a "/Hr." Programming the "DN" Timer's start time follows a similar procedure to the "UP" Timer's recurring alarm.
The "ENGINE TIME" mode acts as a Hobbs Meter, displaying the total time the engine has been running. In this mode, a "/Hr" indicator appears in the upper right corner of the LCD, and it blinks when the engine time is being recorded. The engine timer activates when the bus voltage exceeds 13 volts for a 12-volt system or 26 volts for a 24-volt system. An alternative installation method allows the SC-5 to connect to an oil pressure switch, enabling the engine timer to run whenever oil pressure is present, regardless of bus voltage, making it suitable for billing purposes. The displayed engine time cannot be reset. Pushing and holding the "RESET" button displays tenths and hundredths of an hour. Additionally, pushing and holding the "Start/Stop" button in this mode displays the current bus voltage.
The SC-5 includes several maintenance and operational features. Upon power-up, when the aircraft Master Switch is turned on, the SC-5 performs a self-diagnostics test, displaying "88:88" and flashing the yellow warning LEDs. This allows the pilot to verify the proper operation of the Timer Warning LEDs and the LCD display. The digital LCD display is designed for easy visibility in direct sunlight. For night operation, the display backlight can be connected to a rheostat for intensity adjustment. The green LED Display Mode Indicators, which can be too bright at night, can also be dimmed by turning up the panel light rheostat or by connecting the SC-5 to an Electronics International CP-1 (LED Intensity Control Pot).
Power-up programming allows the pilot to set the Local and Zulu Clock times. To enter this mode, with the aircraft power off, both the "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons are pushed and held while turning the aircraft power on. The far-left hour digits will blink, and an "L" in the lower right corner indicates that the Local Clock is being set in a 24-hour format. The "START/STOP" button moves the blinking digit left, and the "RESET" button moves it right. The "STEP" switch increases or decreases the blinking digit. To switch to setting the Zulu Clock, the "RESET" button is pushed until the "L" disappears. The "STEP" switch is then used to adjust the Zulu Clock digits. To return to programming the Local Clock, the "START/STOP" button is pushed until the "L" reappears.
A unique configuration option during power-up programming is the Minutes Lock Configuration. By pushing the "RESET" button until "Loc" or "ULoc" appears, the pilot can toggle between these settings using the "STEP" switch. "Loc" indicates that Zulu and Local minutes are locked together, meaning changing one automatically changes the other. This is suitable for aircraft operating only in one-hour time zones. "ULoc" allows the Local and Zulu Clocks to work independently, which is necessary for half-hour time zones. Exiting the power-up programming mode is done by momentarily pushing both the "START/STOP" and "RESET" buttons.
The SC-5 also features an external warning control line that grounds when any yellow Timer Warning LED is blinking, providing an output for integration with other aircraft systems.
General| Type | Digital Clock |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LED |
| Manufacturer | Electronics International |
| Category | Clock |
| Alarm | Yes |
| Time Format | 12/24 Hour |
| Power Source | External |
