Customer Reviews

Atomix 50211 Titanium Square Digital Wall Clock

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The radio signal that this clock uses to update its time does not reach Hawaii. you would be better off buying another clock if you don't live within 2000 miles of Colorado. It is still a nice looking clock, and you can set the time manually but it's not worth $50.

This clock's main selling point was the fact that you never have to set it, that it receives radio signals from the US Atomic clock in Colorado. What they don't mention is that for the clock to receive the signal it has to have an unobstructed view (line of sight) to Colorado. I.E. here in NY I HAVE TO HANG THE CLOCK SO IT FACES A WINDOW with a Westward view, then once a day the clock automatically searches for the radio signal to update itself.
Unfortunately I don't have a Westward facing window in the room with my clock, so what usually happens is that once a week or so I take the clock to a room with a West window and press the button on the back of the clock to start a search for the radio time signal. I leave it in the window for a half-hour or so and, Ta-Da! the clock has updated itself.
The clock also displays the current Day and Date as well as the ambient air temperature around the clock, all very nice features.

I think this clock is great! It's easy to read, I love the date/day feature, and the temp. feature is a great asset. The clock is compact and hangs on the wall quite nicely.

I'm pleased with everything about it except (you knew there was a "but" coming, right?)....the "radio controlled" feature. I'm in SC - a LONG way from Colorado. No matter what I do, I can't pick up a radio signal. I've manually set the clock (easy using the directions provided), but the clock is SUPPOSED to set itself. So, if you don't live within a couple of states of Colorado, don't expect the "Atomic Radio Controlled Clock" to reach reception. Nice clock, but too expensive.

I'm not returning it. I love the style & features. I'll just continue to adjust it manually. But I wish the ding-dang antenna icon would GO AWAY after so many missed attempts at radio reception!

As others have pointed out, the automatic adjustment is a big joke.
The clock's manual actually says: "Like a typical AM radio, your Atomic will not be able to receive the WWVB signal in places surrounded by heavy concrete or metal panels." This is quite misleading since I live in a rather lightweight house and AM radio works great in here. I live in Seattle, this is not that far from Colorado but the clock only picks the signal up when I take it outside of my house; inside it doesn't work, even if I put it next to a window.

All this being said, the clock is quite neat. It looks pretty cool, I like the design and big clear numbers, and the extra features like date and room temperature are really nice. Also, although the automatic adjustment (which seems to be just a marketing gimmick anyway) doesn't work properly, it doesn't mean that the clock is imprecise without it. In fact, after I took it outside to get signal and set the right time about two weeks ago, I have not detected a measurable deviation from my wristwatch which I know to be very precise.
So the three stars are basically because I hate misleading advertising, functionally it is worth more.

Like everyone else, I have had difficulties getting the automatic setting to work. But all I did was put it in a window facing west (Colorado is west of me) and it worked fine. As long as you put it in a window facing the direction of Colorado, I don't think you should have any trouble.