La Crosse Technology WT-3102S

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Summary

Troubleshooting

Battery

The clock must have a fresh battery to receive and process the time signal.

Location

Try a different location, ideally near a window that faces Colorado.

Weather

Electrical storms between you and Colorado during the night will interfere with the WWVB signal.

Hands Spin

When the hands spin about the same time every day the clock is auto-correcting the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Life

A good AA alkaline battery will last over 24 months.

Control Timing Circuit

The clock cannot work on a timing circuit; opening it voids the warranty.

Booster Antenna

The clock cannot work with a booster antenna; opening it voids the warranty.

Shutting off WWVB Signal

The WWVB signal cannot be shut off; manual sets are overridden by WWVB signal.

Care and Maintenance

Battery Handling

Do not mix battery types, always use correct size, replace all at once, and ensure proper polarity.

Storage and Replacement

Remove batteries for extended non-use and promptly remove expired batteries.

Warranty and Support Information

Summary

Troubleshooting

Battery

The clock must have a fresh battery to receive and process the time signal.

Location

Try a different location, ideally near a window that faces Colorado.

Weather

Electrical storms between you and Colorado during the night will interfere with the WWVB signal.

Hands Spin

When the hands spin about the same time every day the clock is auto-correcting the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Life

A good AA alkaline battery will last over 24 months.

Control Timing Circuit

The clock cannot work on a timing circuit; opening it voids the warranty.

Booster Antenna

The clock cannot work with a booster antenna; opening it voids the warranty.

Shutting off WWVB Signal

The WWVB signal cannot be shut off; manual sets are overridden by WWVB signal.

Care and Maintenance

Battery Handling

Do not mix battery types, always use correct size, replace all at once, and ensure proper polarity.

Storage and Replacement

Remove batteries for extended non-use and promptly remove expired batteries.

Warranty and Support Information

The La Crosse Technology WT-3102S is a 10-inch Atomic Wall Clock designed for accurate timekeeping through radio-controlled synchronization. This clock automatically sets itself by receiving the WWVB time signal broadcast from Fort Collins, Colorado, ensuring precise time without manual adjustments.

Function Description:

The primary function of the WT-3102S is to display the current time, automatically synchronized with the atomic clock signal. This radio-controlled feature eliminates the need for manual time setting, including adjustments for Daylight Saving Time (DST). The clock is equipped with a movement that, upon battery installation, moves the hands to the 12:00 position and then searches for the WWVB radio signal. If the signal is not received within the first 10 minutes, the clock will start running from 12:00 and continue to run as a regular quartz clock. Once the radio signal is successfully decoded, the hands will automatically adjust to the correct time. This synchronization process can take up to 5 nights, especially if there is atmospheric interference. The clock also features a manual time setting option for situations where the radio signal is consistently weak or unavailable, allowing it to function as a standard quartz wall clock.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model: WT-3102S
DC: 033115 (likely a manufacturing or revision date code)
Size: 10-inch diameter (referring to the clock face)
Power Source: 1 fresh AA Alkaline battery. A good AA alkaline battery is expected to last over 24 months.
Time Synchronization: Receives WWVB atomic time signal from Fort Collins, Colorado.
Daylight Saving Time (DST): Automatic adjustment for DST based on the WWVB signal. Includes a manual DST switch (ON/OFF) for areas that do not observe DST.
Movement: Features a micro-CPU for timekeeping control.

Usage Features:

Easy Setup:
1. Time Zone Selection: Slide the switch to select the desired time zone.
2. Battery Installation: Insert one fresh AA Alkaline battery, observing correct polarity.
3. Placement for Reception: For optimal reception, place the clock on a wall facing Fort Collins, Colorado. The clock will automatically set itself, typically overnight.
Manual Time Setting:
- In cases of poor signal reception, the clock can be set manually.
- Hold the "SET" button for 3+ seconds to activate manual mode.
- To move the minute hand forward consistently, hold the "SET" button down.
- To move the minute hand step-by-step (in minute increments), rapidly press the "SET" button (more than once per second).
- The clock will exit manual mode automatically if the "SET" button is not pressed for 6+ seconds.
Manual Signal Search:
- To initiate a manual search for the WWVB signal, hold the "WAVE" button down for 3+ seconds.
- The hands will reset to 12:00, and the clock will search for the signal.
- If successful, the clock will set automatically. This process takes approximately 3-8 minutes.
- The WWVB signal is strongest at night.
Time Zone Selection Buttons: Allows users to select their specific time zone.
Daylight Saving Time Button: A switch to manually turn DST adjustment ON or OFF, useful for regions that do not observe DST.
Reset Button: Located on the movement case, this button can be pressed if the clock does not respond to various function modes.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Replacement:
- It is recommended to change the battery every 24 months to maintain accuracy.
- Always use fresh AA Alkaline batteries.
- Do not mix old and new batteries.
- Do not mix Alkaline, Standard, Lithium, or Rechargeable Batteries.
- Purchase the correct size and grade of battery suitable for intended use.
- Replace all batteries of a set at the same time.
- Clean battery contacts prior to installation.
- Ensure correct polarity (+ and -) during installation.
- Remove batteries from the clock if it will not be used for an extended period.
- Promptly remove expired batteries.
Optimal Placement: For best reception, place the clock on a wall facing Fort Collins, Colorado, with only one wall or window between the clock and the outside. Avoid placing it within 6 feet of electronics (cordless phones, wireless gaming systems, televisions, microwaves, routers, baby monitors, etc.) that can interfere with signal reception. Large office buildings, schools, hospitals, or buildings with metal roofs may also hinder reception.
Troubleshooting:
- If the clock does not receive a time signal, consider replacing the battery, trying a different location (ideally near a window facing Colorado), or noting that electrical storms can interfere with the WWVB signal.
- If hands spin about the same time daily, it indicates auto-correction. The hour hand should not spin more than twice. Hands may spin if the battery is under-powered or over-powered.
Warranty: La Crosse Technology, Ltd. provides a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Customers are advised to contact customer support with questions before returning a product.
Limitations: The clock cannot work on a timing circuit or with a booster antenna. Opening the clock or movement voids the warranty. The WWVB signal cannot be permanently shut off; if manually set, the WWVB signal will override the manual setting upon reception. The "WAVE" button temporarily stops a WWVB search but does not permanently stop the clock from receiving the signal.