Epson VS42A - User Manual

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Summary

Crown Operation

How to Set Time

Instructions for setting the hour and minute hands using the crown.

How to Set Date

Instructions for setting the date using the crown in the 1st click position.

Features of the Solar Watch

Running Time

Expected running time from full charge to stoppage.

Quick Start Function

How quickly the watch starts after exposure to light.

Over Charge Prevent Function

Prevents secondary battery damage from overcharging.

Power Depletion Warning Function

How to Charge and Start the Watch

Charging the Watch

Steps to charge the watch sufficiently by exposing it to light.

Charging Caution

Warning about placing the watch too close to light sources during charging.

Preventing Energy Depletion

Tips to avoid battery depletion when the watch is not in use.

This document describes the Cal. VS42A solar-powered watch, part of the EPSON SOLAR SERIES, featuring 3 hands and a date display.

Function Description

The Cal. VS42A is a solar-powered watch that converts light into electrical energy using a solar cell located beneath the dial. This energy is then stored in a secondary battery, eliminating the need for traditional silver oxide batteries and subsequent battery replacements.

Time Display: The watch displays time using an hour hand, minute hand, and second hand. It also includes a date display.

Crown Operations: The crown has three positions:

N (Normal): The crown is fully pushed in. In this position, the watch operates normally.
1st Click Position: When the crown is pulled out to the first click, it allows for date adjustment. Turning the crown counterclockwise changes the date.
2nd Click Position: When the crown is pulled out to the second click, it allows for time setting. Turning the crown in either direction adjusts the hour and minute hands.

Charging and Power Management:

Solar Charging: The watch charges by exposing its dial to light.
Running Time: From a full charge, the watch is expected to run for approximately 6 months.
Quick Start Function: If the watch has stopped, exposing it to light (more than 1,000 Lx, e.g., a 30W fluorescent lamp at 70cm) will cause it to start running within a few seconds.
Overcharge Prevention Function: To prevent deterioration and breakage of the secondary battery, an overcharge prevention function activates if the battery is charged beyond a predetermined voltage.
Power Depletion Warning Function: When the energy in the secondary battery is critically low, the second hand will begin moving at two-second intervals instead of the normal one-second intervals. This indicates that the watch needs to be recharged by exposing it to light. If not recharged, the watch will stop operating in about 1 day.

Usage Features

Setting the Time:

Pull the crown out to the 2nd click position when the second hand is at the 12 o'clock position.
Turn the crown to set the hour and minute hands.
- Consider a.m./p.m. when setting the time.
- When setting the minute hand, advance it 4 to 5 minutes ahead of the desired time, then turn it back to the exact time.
Push the crown back to the normal position.

Setting the Date:

Pull the crown out to the 1st click position.
Turn the crown to set the date.
- Important Note: Do not set the date between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Push the crown back to the normal position.
- Tip: If the date changes during daytime, it indicates that a.m./p.m. was set incorrectly. To correct this, advance the hour hand by 12 hours.

Charging the Watch:

When starting the watch for the first time or when the secondary battery is very low, charge it sufficiently by exposing it to sunlight or strong artificial light (more than 1,000 Lx).
When the watch has stopped, the second hand will initially start moving at two-second intervals. While the watch may operate temporarily, it is crucial to continue charging until the second hand moves at one-second intervals to ensure sufficient power.
After the watch has completely stopped and is recharged, set the date and time before wearing it.

Maintenance Features

Charging Guidelines: The document provides a table with general guidelines for charging times based on illumination, source of light, and environment. These times are categorized into:

Condition A: Time required for a full charge.
Condition B: Time required for steady operation (second hand moving at one-second intervals after starting at two-second intervals).
Condition C: Time required for 1 day's charge.

Illumination (Lx)	Source of light	Environment	A (Approx. Hours)	B (*) (Approx. Hours)	C (Approx. Minutes)
700	A fluorescent lamp	Inside the office	—	33	47
3,000		30W 20cm	47	8	15
10,000	Sunlight	Cloudy	13	2	4
100,000		Fine weather	5	42 minutes	1

(*) The values in column B represent charging times until the second hand moves constantly at one-second intervals after the watch starts operating with the second hand moving at two-second intervals.
Even if the watch temporarily moves at one-second intervals after less than the specified charging time, it will soon revert to two-second intervals. Therefore, it is important to charge the watch for the full specified period.

Cautions During Charging:

Do not place the watch too close to fluorescent lamps or other light sources, as this can cause the watch temperature to become extremely high, potentially damaging internal parts.

Preventing Energy Depletion:

Avoid covering the watch face with clothing while wearing it to ensure continuous exposure to light.
When not in use, store the watch in a brightly lit place for as long as possible.
Ensure that the watch temperature does not exceed 50°C during storage or charging.