Is an UltrAtomic Clock Better than an Atomic Clock? The LaCrosse Technology 404-1235UA-SS

WWVB in Colorado broadcasts atomic time data with a system designed to reach most of North America. But there are lots of ways that our modern world creates radio interference too. Several years ago the WWVB broadcast was changed to include phase-modulating (PM) time code. In short, this change was made so that radio controlled clocks would set themselves more reliably in conditions where radio reception was difficult. If you want to read a technical article about the Enhanced WWVB Broadcast Format, here's a link... www.nist.gov/system/files/doc...
So, it turns out that LaCrosse Technology built a couple of consumer-level radio controlled clocks which take advantage of the enhanced WWVB broadcast and this is one of them. And, yes, I can report that this clock can set itself correctly even when reception conditions are difficult and when my other radio controlled clocks are unable to do it. In addition, this is a very good-looking clock and it's large, with a 14-inch diameter. This version of the clock has a brushed, stainless steel bezel and real glass covering the face. There's another version with a plastic front instead of glass. The price of either version at Amazon was almost identical when I bought this.
The clock is very easy to operate. Just select your time zone, put two C-size batteries in the clock and the clock will immediately go through its start-up process. Within a few minutes it'll be set to the right time and keep going for years before batteries will need to be replaced. The clock requires two batteries but also has two additional battery slots to allow up to six years of continuous use before batteries will need to be replaced. The fact that it's large, it sets itself to the right time and it can run for so long between battery changes makes it ideal to hang in locations where it might be difficult to reach.
This clock is designed for North America, so its time zones are Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern by default. However, once "atomic time" reception is complete, you can choose a "custom" time zone with any whole-hour offset. You can choose whether the clock will make changes for Daylight Saving Time or will always show Standard Time (making it easy to use this clock in Arizona). There's even a way to disable "atomic time" reception and use this as a quartz clock only.

[@karljohnson7788]

Greg, you got me SO into casio watches. You showed me the way! Thank you!

[@CarlosN93]

Greg it always a good moment when there is a new video, I just found a spot for my 5610u to received the radio Signal in Honduras, try different places next to my bet was the gold, keep the good stuff!

[@Shootingstarcomics]

Excellent review. I’ve had the opposite experience with batteries. When I was a kid in the 70s and 80s, it seemed like every time I opened a device’s battery compartment there was leakage. I can only remember that happening once in the past few decades. Just the other day I was commenting to some whippersnapper that they must have improved battery design to prevent leaks and corrosion.

[@megasoid]

Just subscribed. Excellent presentation and I learned a few things along the way. The battery adapters are a great idea and something I'm looking into right now. You've got style sir, keep up the good work.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Thanks. The battery adapters aren't the perfect solution for every situation and I like to "keep an eye on" any device I'm using that way. But they are a great way to utilize rechargeable AA batteries in many of my devices. Also, it's easier to buy and use rechargeable AA batteries than rechargeable C batteries. I also have some adapters which allow me to use AA batteries in place of D batteries. Some of them will put one AA into a D space. Some will put two AA into a single D space. And I even have some which will put 3 AA batteries into a single D space.

[@tworegon]

I purchased one of these about three years ago (Portland Oregon area). I can absolutely confirm that these will get reception where regular atomic clocks fail. I also did an experiment. I placed it in my "location from hell", right next to my desktop computer (while running). In that location, NONE of my regular atomic clocks would update, EVER. However, in that same location, the UltrAtomic clock updated within 20 minutes (even in the DAYTIME). BTW, another feature, is that daylight savings adjustment will occur on the night of, even if it can't get a signal. The signal to update daylight savings is sent/received well before the actual date (which the UltrAtomic stores in memory). I'm now living in Grants Pass, Oregon and the UltrAtomic still works like a charm. What's unfortunate, is that NO OTHER manufacturer has used the phase modulation capability. One final thing, my local gym (Club Northwest) uses only the UltrAtomic clock on their walls.

[@DoofenSpyroDragon16]

That one looks fun to watch as it sets, I love how the second hand goes crazy at the last minute 😁

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Yes, I have to admit that part of the fun is watching the clock set itself. I worry that the clock will be "boring" after that, when it just looks like a regular clock. But I still love the fact that it's always showing the correct time. That's not boring. I have a line of clocks on a wall above our TV and it's really nice to see them ticking in unison.

[@DoofenSpyroDragon16]

@@GoodTimekeeper it’s so satisfying to watch 😄 I have an old sky scan atomic clock and every once in a while on DST I’ll stay up to watch it change. 😁

[@GregSr]

Like you, I'm a stickler about accuracy and "attention to detail". Here in southern California, I have the previous generation of the LaCrosse atomic clock sitting above my kitchen sink. It has performed flawlessly for many years. Your comment about battery leakage hit a nerve with me. I found that the Costco Duracell AA's tended to leak more often than other brands. I don't know about "C" batteries.

[@scotty3114]

It's not your imagination. The old batteries didn't last as long as they do now. However, I like to use the Energizer lithium primary call. They have the same voltage as alkaline cells. They will source more currect for longer than alkaline batteries. I have never seen one leak though. They have a shelf life of 20 years, lately moved up to 25 years. These are more expensive, but I find they are worth the money for me, and I've never had to clean after one. I recently found your channel and enjoy watch your work.

[@silverback3633]

I live in Ottawa Canada on the 11th floor of an apartment building. My older Lacrosse atomic clock wouldn't pick up the signal. It used to pick up the signal at ground level at a different location in Ontario province. Then I tried the Energizer lithium primary cell which has a cell voltage of 1.7v and the clock started to pick up the signal. Manufacturer should recommend Energizer lithium primary cell which never leaks like the alkaline or heavy duty types. As you mentioned the long shelf life and more capacity to boot. Mine is running for 3 years now but haven't checked the battery voltage though.

[@RenoLaringo]

Nice piece of work! Not sure though if my priority would be to have a big clock at hand when I would find myself in a place without any radio signal 😅

[@RebelRobot01]

Hopefully someone will incorporate this technology into a bedside clock that doesn't take up alot of space and has an lcd screen with fully adjustable illumination.

[@warphammer]

One of these receives here in Michigan reliably even in daytime. The phase modulated signal really helps with reception! Ours also resets every afternoon it seems. The PM signal is a whole fascinating topic. It doesn't affect older radios much but it did make all the WWVB frequency standard boxes stop working. Arguably this wasn't a huuuuuge deal. Most people have moved on from that to GPS disciplined oscillators.

[@mosfet500]

Thanks Greg, just bought one, we live in the Northeast so reception here is iffy. The battery culprits are the Duracell's, while other batteries may leak the Duracell's are so bad that I don't use them anymore - ever. I'm not the only one who thinks this

[@mosfet500]

Update: My hands were off too and I had to reset them. I did use AA batts with adaptors but put four batteries in to extend the life, we'll see how they hold up. Also, I can affirm that the clock does perform better in low signal areas. I live in the Catskills of NY and other Clocks have had a real difficulty with WWV but not this clock, it picked up the signal and set itself perfectly. Thanks again Greg, finally a clock that can follow WWV!

[@dtrrtd774]

The benefit of having the parallel battery slots would be the ability to change the batteries when the set of two gets low, without resetting the time. Place the new batteries in position and the old batteries can then be removed without disturbing the time. I'd use rechargeable batteries with low self discharge and just alternate sets as needed at the more frequent basis, since it wouldn't need the tedious process of resetting the time each time.

[@TimothyLipinski]

Great Video ! For Batteries I like the Lithium-Ion Batteries because I have not noticed any leaking batteries ! Also operated at cold temperatures... Go WWVB, Go GPS ! tjl

[@ferociousfrankie]

I have this, it readjusts at 4 PM. Not sure if it happens everyday, but I've witnessed it twice now.

[@CraigPetersen12f36b]

Nice clock. I have a clock that was sold by MFJ, it's been the most accurate clock I have ever had. And by that, I mean the second hand moves in perfect sync with the clicks heard when monitoring WWV. All the other clocks I have are only within 0.5 to 1 seconds of WWV and never improve. I also use lithium batteries in these clocks, they run for about 2 years before I need to change them. However, I will look into this clock and see if it is available with a 24hr face.

[@mercster]

Thanks bud.

[@kirkkohnen5050]

The Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries are REALLY good at not leaking. You can put 4 AAA batteries into an AAA to C battery converter. So, 4 of those converters and 16 AAA Ultimate Lithium batteries ($$$$$) will give you long lasting batteries that are virtually guaranteed not to leak. Or, you can use the AA to C adapter, and use only 4 of the AA Ultimate Lithium batteries and get shorter, cheaper, but still virtually guaranteed not to leak service. As for running the clock on an AC adapter, when I've actually measured the power consumption and calculated the cost, I've almost always found that the batteries are cheaper.

[@fletchoid]

Maybe cheap batteries will start to leak, while high quality batteries won't. This could be faulty logic, but I am now going to research battery quality reviews.

[@SuperMrgentleman]

That may be harder to determine, as I think that's harder to test than battery life. But I think "heavy duty" batteries are generally designed to be tougher and provide longer life under low drain operations like a clock, but who knows.

[@stormshadow5555]

Thanks for sharing this. Have you done a video about the world time clock on your TV screen next to your right shoulder in this video?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

A few new features have been added to that world time clock since I made this in-depth video. It's the Geochron Atlas 2, a self-contained mini-computer which only does this one thing. And you can attach it to any HD or 4K monitor. The output from its HDMI connector is 4K and it looks great. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gavEfoWAbrR8Z80si=HqWbmpkzeWsiXxII

[@jarvisnelson1878]

C-size adapters would also be useful if you want to use AA-size lithium or NiMH batteries, which are easier to find in AA and more resilient in cold temperatures (e.g. you have the clock outdoors or unheated room).

[@jowon]

It could be great item for small office or similar places

[@sztormberg]

Hi Greg, what do you think about screen protectors on G-Shock watches? Does this make sense? Have you tested these? I mean TPU, not any hybrid ones. Mineral glass is durable, but isn't it worth additional protection? The bezel and strap can be changed, but the scratched screen cannot. I have such a protector on my GW 9400, which can be put on without having to remove the bezel. It is cut to size. What's your opinion?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I haven't tried any screen protectors for my G-Shock watches. So far it seems I haven't needed screen protectors for G-Shocks but I suppose that might just be good luck.

[@dtrrtd774]

The screen on all my G Shocks have remained pristine over the many years I've had them. The plastic bezel on the other hand, have deteriorated completely and got brittle, falling apart, leaving the buttons out in the breeze. Still working though, like a grinning skeleton watch.

[@jarvisnelson1878]

My minute hand was about a half-minute off to the left when it arrived. I figured if it got knocked around in shipping, it could get knocked back into place. I gently knocked it against my hand on the right side and I noticed it moved back a tiny bit. I did it a few more times and eventually it realigned with the 12 o'clock position. So, in my case, percussive maintenance seemed to work, but obviously it's a choice you'll have to make if you want to risk it.

[@chiphill4856]

Typical LaCrosse product. It will eventually break.

[@dtrrtd774]

22:40 typical issue apparently

[@ak983625]

Interesting. Last 5 years I’ve had had 2 radio clocks, a big GBlife weather station clock and a Casio WV-59J watch. Ats 950 nm from Ft Collins, I get good (99%) WWVB reception every night in Vancouver, but essentially nothing daytime. Devices have to be directionally oriented just so. Both digital display. My other main non-radio, cheap wall clock gains 4 to 7 seconds a month. But thats not so terrible.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

No, 4 to 7 seconds isn't terrible. I have a big clock collection. Some of them are just too specialized so I can't convert them to radio control very easily. It's actually okay to have a few clocks which demand attention to keep them accurate.

[@kirkkohnen5050]

950 nanometers is pretty darn close! I bet you mean NM.

[@ak983625]

@@kirkkohnen5050 yes, nanometers, I live in a tent under the tower

[@petermarshall5363]

I have noticed that your new La Crosse adjusts the minutes hand every 15 seconds. Most current radio controlled clocks do this 6 times minute.

[@dtrrtd774]

That may be the Eco mode being set to the on position. Reducing the number of mechanical advancements of the minute hand per minute would reduce battery usage.

[@eddiejones.redvees]

Living in the U.K l don't usually have a problem with picking up the atomic time radio signal one my watches the only time is when i leve it further away from the window also when wether contains are bad. When we go on holiday to Jamaica I take a few of my atomic casio to try them out to the Annoyance of my wife but they don't understand boys and the toys Jamaica being on the edge of the foot print only one are two will pick up the signal but last September I tuck my citizen satellite which after landing at the airport pick up the new York zone in a couple of seconds but you have to set day light saving time manually like I have to do with it in the U.K we are going back to Jamaica in April but I will only taking two watches one diver and my new GWGB1000 it being bluetooth in will set the time zone to my phones and the 4 times a day atomictley if I leave the phones bluetooth on the thing I always wounded about is the phones update more accurate then the radio signal.the uk time signal atomictley sets the daylight saving time if you set that function in your watches

[@ElderPinto254]

4 dolar 6 years its not bad and maybe that c adaptaer protect you agains leakage??

[@derekschinke2512]

unfortunate that it doesn't do 30 minute offsets for Newfoundland time

[@chef1arjunaidi]

C-size battery adapter? That's new to me.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

The AA battery is ever so slightly longer than the C battery. Depending on the device in which you are using an adapter instead of a genuine C battery it might be a tight fit.

[@dtrrtd774]

AA batteries are shorter than C cells by 4mm, and I have adapters from Eeneloop to use their AA in C cell applications, which take up the extra space in diameter and length.

[@FreedomFox1]

Thanks for sharing… I barely get the signal where I live (my multiband 6 watch will only get a signal sitting on a western windowsill). Regarding batteries… Alkaline batteries are the ones that leak. People who are into fancy flashlights refuse to use them, opting instead for rechargeable batteries (which don’t leak). I like Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries, but I’m not sure who makes decent rechargeable C batteries. Frankly, for what this clock costs, it’s not worth getting into rechargeable batteries just for this. I’d put two alkaline C batteries in and change them every year. Edit to say: I notice there are lithium C batteries that charge with just a USB cable, but I can’t vouch for any of the brands.

[@dtrrtd774]

Just use the Eeneloop AA cells in the C size adapters, they will absolutely never leak. Two sets of rechargeable batteries used in alternating fashion with the parallel battery holder, and the time never needs to be reset, since power is continuously maintained.

[@dlarson1965]

Why dont you use good batteries for a good clock?

[@lskovly]

No, it`s to big. Good luck finding a strap for this one......

[@tundra75]

😂

[@petergplus6667]

Golden neck chain.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

@@petergplus6667 Yes, I will probably go for that Flavor Flav look.

[@chiphill4856]

I've had several LaCrosse products over the years. Out of 3 different weather stations, every one failed in a matter of months. Bad circuit boards. As interesting as this NIST development is, it would behoove most of us to find another brand. Just my experience.

[@MichaelAChang]

A single 18650 Li-Ion battery might work better even though they are 3.7V. I use them to power most 3V devices and they work much better without leakage concerns.

[@dtrrtd774]

Someone would have to try it and confirm it doesn't damage it; most likely they designed it to withstand some overvoltage, but it's a risk.