La Crosse Technology WT-3129B

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WT-3129B/WT-3129S FAQS

CONTENTS

WT-3129B/WT-3129S FAQS ........................................................................................... 1

Batteries ............................................................................................................................... 1

Atomic Clock Factory Restart ............................................................................................ 2

Supported Time Zones ....................................................................................................... 2

Time is Incorrect ................................................................................................................. 2

Clock is incorrect by Hours but minutes are correct..................................................... 3

Daylight Saving Time ......................................................................................................... 3

Manually Set Time .............................................................................................................. 3

How long will the battery last? ......................................................................................... 3

Can I shut off the WWVB signal? ..................................................................................... 4

Is there a booster antenna to receive the WWVB signal in a difficult location? ...... 4

Can I wire a control timing circuit to the La Crosse Technology

atomic clock? ..... 4

Why do the hands spin once or twice everyday? .......................................................... 4

Hands spin non-stop .......................................................................................................... 4

Hands jumps or jerks around the dial ............................................................................. 4

Hands stuck at certain time .............................................................................................. 4

Position the Clock ............................................................................................................... 4

BATTERIES

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Need help?

Do you have a question about the La Crosse Technology WT-3129B and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Clock is Incorrect by Hours but Minutes are Correct

How Long Will the Battery Last?

Can I Shut Off the WWVB Signal?

Is There a Booster Antenna to Receive the WWVB Signal in a Difficult Location?

Can I Wire a Control Timing Circuit to the La Crosse Technology Atomic Clock?

Why Do the Hands Spin Once or Twice Everyday?

Hands Jumps or Jerks Around the Dial

Summary

Clock is Incorrect by Hours but Minutes are Correct

How Long Will the Battery Last?

Can I Shut Off the WWVB Signal?

Is There a Booster Antenna to Receive the WWVB Signal in a Difficult Location?

Can I Wire a Control Timing Circuit to the La Crosse Technology Atomic Clock?

Why Do the Hands Spin Once or Twice Everyday?

Hands Jumps or Jerks Around the Dial

This document provides a comprehensive guide for the WT-3129B/WT-3129S atomic clocks, addressing frequently asked questions and offering troubleshooting solutions. The device is a radio-controlled clock designed to automatically set and maintain accurate time by receiving signals from the WWVB radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Function Description

The WT-3129B/WT-3129S atomic clock is primarily designed for automatic time synchronization. It receives the WWVB signal, which broadcasts the official U.S. time, allowing the clock to set itself to the correct time, including adjustments for Daylight Saving Time. This automatic synchronization is its core function, aiming to provide accurate time without manual intervention. In the absence of a WWVB signal, the clock can operate as a standard quartz clock if manually set.

Usage Features

The clock features several buttons for user interaction, though its primary mode of operation is automatic.

Manual Time Setting Button (SET): This button allows users to manually set the time. Holding it for 3+ seconds activates manual mode, enabling minute hand adjustments. Rapid presses move the minute hand step-by-step, while holding it down moves the minute hand consistently forward. The clock exits manual mode automatically after 6+ seconds of inactivity.
Time Zone Selection Buttons (PMCE, MENGE): These buttons allow users to select from four supported time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. Holding a time zone button for 5 seconds can correct the clock if it's incorrect by hours, indicating a time zone issue.
Daylight Saving Time Button (ON DST OFF): This small, unmarked gray button, located between the ET and CT buttons, is used to toggle Daylight Saving Time on or off. Ensuring this selector bar is in the "ON" position is crucial for correct DST adjustments.

The clock is designed for use in North America, where it can receive the WWVB signal. Outside of North America, it will function as a quartz clock if manually set, as it won't receive the WWVB signal.

For optimal performance, the clock should be positioned on an exterior wall facing Fort Collins, Colorado, or near a window. If a window facing this direction is not available, positioning it near an outside wall and pointing the unit in the general direction is recommended. It should also be placed at least six feet away from other electrical appliances like TVs, computers, and air conditioners to minimize RF interference.

Maintenance Features

Proper maintenance, primarily focusing on battery usage and placement, is key to the clock's longevity and accurate operation.

Battery Management: The document strongly emphasizes the use of fresh, name-brand Alkaline batteries with a minimum voltage of 1.48V. Batteries dated at least six years in advance of the current year are recommended for stable performance. A good AA Alkaline battery is expected to last over 12 months. Issues like hands spinning non-stop, jumping, jerking, or getting stuck are often indicative of low or overpowered batteries, making battery replacement the first troubleshooting step.
Factory Restart Procedure: This is a critical maintenance step for resolving many issues, returning the clock to its "out-of-the-box" state. The procedure involves:
1. Removing the battery for 15 minutes.
2. Pressing the SET button at least 20 times to clear all memory.
3. Sliding the switch to select a time zone.
4. Inserting a fresh AA, LR6 1.5 volt ALKALINE battery, observing polarity.
5. Positioning the clock optimally for signal reception. After a factory restart, the hands will move to the 12:00 position and search for the radio signal. If no signal is received within 10 minutes, the clock will start running from 12:00. It's advised not to manually reset the hands during this period, as the clock will automatically adjust once the WWVB signal is decoded, which may take up to 5 nights.
Troubleshooting Signal Reception: Many inaccuracies, such as incorrect time or issues with Daylight Saving Time adjustments, are attributed to non-receipt of the WWVB signal. Troubleshooting steps include:
- Replacing batteries and performing a restart.
- Allowing up to 5 nights for the clock to receive the signal.
- Repositioning the clock with the front or back facing Colorado.
- Trying different locations, ideally near a window, and ensuring it's away from interfering electrical appliances.
- Being aware that large buildings, metal-roofed buildings, or rooms full of electrical equipment can hinder signal reception.
- Understanding that electrical storms between the user's location and Colorado can also interfere with the signal.
Warranty and Repairs: The document explicitly states that opening the clock or its movement voids the warranty. This implies that internal repairs or modifications by the user are not supported. If constant spinning or jumping of hands continues after battery replacement and restart, it may indicate a need for movement replacement, which would likely be a warranty issue if applicable. The clock is not designed to work with a booster antenna or to be wired to a control timing circuit.

In summary, the WT-3129B/WT-3129S atomic clock offers automatic, accurate timekeeping with minimal user input, relying heavily on proper battery maintenance and optimal placement for signal reception. Manual settings are available for initial setup or in areas without WWVB coverage, but the device's core functionality is its self-setting capability.

La Crosse Technology WT-3129B Specifications

General

Display	LCD
Time Format	12/24 Hour
Atomic Time	Yes
Time Zone Setting	Yes
Calendar	Yes
Temperature Display	Yes
Backlight	Yes
Alarm	Yes
Snooze Function	Yes
Type	Atomic Clock
Power Source	Battery