How to Set an Atomic Clock

Atomic clocks are the wave of the future because of their precision. While it takes a scientist to fully understand how these clocks actually work, the general public is primarily interested in their accuracy, rather than their construction. A major benefit to atomic clocks is that they serve as the main standard for calculating time internationally. While each version of atomic clock may have minor differences, for the most part, they are set in the same way.

Things You'll Need

• Batteries Screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Remove the battery cover on the back of the clock using the correct screwdriver (if one is required). Be careful not to break the cover or lose any screws in the process. Insert the required number and type of batteries into the clock. Most atomic clocks take two AA batteries. Make sure the batteries are positioned with the right polarity in place, and that the clock is functioning, before replacing the battery cover. Place the cover back into its original position and screw any necessary pieces back into place to secure the cover and protect the batteries from springing free.

2. Enter the program mode of the clock by holding down the appropriate button. In most cases, the button will be clearly marked "Set." If not, refer to the clock's instructions to find out which button fulfills that function.

3. Push the button down until the clock flashes its default time zone setting of --5EST. It is now ready to program each function separately as described in the steps below. If for some reason the clock does not respond as outlined, refer to the instructions provided with it for troubleshooting guidance.

4. Press the + button to select the right time zone from the 13 international options provided. The default setting of --5EST (Eastern Time), should appear first, followed by --6 CST (Central Time), -7MST (Mountain Time), -8PST (Pacific Time), -9ALA (Alaskan Time), -10HAW (Hawaiian Time), -11, -12, GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), -1, -2, -3 and --4ATL (Atlantic Time). Then push the "Set" button down again to confirm the time-zone setting you have chosen. Push down the "Set" button again and hold until the selected time zone flashes.

5. Press the "Set" button down two more times to establish the default language setting. Press the + button down to select English, French or Spanish. Then push the "Set" button down again to confirm the language setting.

6. Push down the "Set" button again and hold it until the time zone flashes. Then press the button down three more times until the time 12:00 flashes. Press the + button down to select the hour at the time of the clock's setting. Make sure the hour is set appropriately to AM or PM. Then push the "Set" button down once more to confirm the hour setting.

7. Push the "Set" button again and hold until the time zone flashes. Then press the "Set" button four more times until 00 flashes. Press the + button down again to select the minutes at the moment of setting. Push the "Set" button once more to confirm the minute setting.

8. Push the "Set" button again and hold until the time zone flashes. Then press the "Set" button five more times until the default year flashes. Press the + button down. Toggle through the settings until the appropriate year is reached. Then press the "Set" button down to confirm the year.

9. Push the "Set" button again and hold until the time zone flashes. Then press the "Set" button six more times until the default month of January is reached. Toggle through until you reach the right month. Then press the "Set" button down to confirm the month.

10. Push the "Set" button again and hold until the time zone flashes. Then press the "Set" button seven more times until the default date of 1 is reached. Toggle through until you reach the right date. Then press the "Set" button down to confirm the date.

11. Push the "Set" button again and hold until the time zone flashes. Then press the "Set" button eight more times until the default setting of Sunday is found. Toggle through until you reach the right weekday. Then press the "Set" button down to confirm the weekday.

Tips & Warnings

• The daylight-savings-time default is always on, which means that the clock will automatically change the time accordingly. If your area does not recognize DST, the setting will have to be turned off. Some atomic clocks will allow a manual override to reset any of the established settings. Refer to the clock's instructions if you wish to change from a 12- to a 24-hour setting. Follow the instructions to make that change. Use the instructions to set indoor and/or outdoor temperature as desired.