Question:

How accurate is the orbichron^® clock?

Answer:

The orbichron clock is as accurate as the frequency of the AC power it is connected to, which in the United States is extremely accurate. This is due to the exacting requirements of synchronization for sharing on the nationwide power grid.

Question:

There is no “hold” button as there was on the previous orbichron clocks, how do I synchronize the second hand and the sweep?

Answer:

The seconds and sweep displays are reset upon the release of the Minutes button when setting the time. To synchronize with another time source, advance the minute display to one minute prior to the desired position and when you wish to sync the clock, briefly click the Minutes button.

Question:

Is the orbichron clock expensive to operate?

Answer:

No…in fact it should cost less than a dollar per year at today’s electric rates.

Question:

Why can’t the orbichron clock be battery powered?

Answer:

Although the clock could be run from the internal crystal oscillator time base, it would not be as accurate, and due to the current draw to support the LED display, the life of the batteries would be around 10 to 15 hours. Longer life could be had by limiting the display to a short period of one to two minutes of duration after the user presses a key, but this would defeat the purpose of the clock. And yes, an LCD (liquid-crystal-display) could replace the LEDs, but the dramatic effect would be lost.

Question:

I live in a country where the line frequency is 50Hz and the voltage is 220VAC. Can I operate an orbichron clock by using a voltage adapter?

Answer:

Yes you can! The orbichron clock auto-senses the line frequency and can operate quite effectively from either 50Hz or 60Hz power. The voltage adapter would be a definite requirement if the supplied US style wall transformer were to be used. An alternative 6VAC @ 100mA wall transformer with the appropriate 2.5MM mini-plug could be used, however, you must be aware of the following important note: Do NOT attempt to use a DC (direct current) power supply with the clock!

Question:

I have an older orbichron clock that is very sensitive to power flickers. Is this new design any more tolerant of irregularities and failures?

Answer:

Yes. A major concern during the design phase of the new orbichron clock was to provide for more protection against power spikes, flickers and outages. Check out the section of the Operations Guide under the heading of Other Functionality for a more in-depth description.