Showing posts with label atomic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atomic. Show all posts

3/06/2011

Digital AM/FM Table Top Radio - White Review

Digital AM/FM Table Top Radio - WhiteThis is a very appealing clock radio with digital readout that gives you name of song, artist, and other information as you listen. The mono aural speaker is warm and full. The radio is attractive, solid and well-built, evincing nothing cheap or plastic-laden. The AM is very good. Most FM stations come in strong. But hard-to-get FM stations like 89.3 from Pasadena (I live 40 miles away in Torrance) requires that I move the FM antenna, but this is not a big deal, just a nitpick.

Another important point: Because this radio has a remote control, it works great in your computer office. You can keep the WR-2 six feet or so away from your computer and avoid interference as you toggle stations and volume with your remote.

Post Script: Make sure to turn on the external antenna switch in the back of the Sangean. It improves reception by tenfold.

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Product Description:
3 inch 7W full range speaker with enlarged magnet Clock and alarm functions - wake to radio or buzzer 10 AM/FM memory presets 9 1/2 inch W x 4 1/2 inch H x 6 inch D Includes remote upc code: 729288029229.

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12/09/2010

Sharp Tech Radio Controlled Atomic Dual Alarm Clock Review

Sharp Tech Radio Controlled Atomic Dual Alarm ClockThis was not a bad clock for the first few weeks after I purchased it. The radio controlled atomic time feature is actually kind of cool and the clock was quite accurate. However, it is extremely difficult to see the display unless you are at exactly the correct angle. And then after a month or so the display started to disappear bit by bit. One day the alarm did not go off and I wound up running very late to work. Now after what I consider to be an exceptionally short period of time the display has completely disappeared. Nothing. Needless to say, I will not be purchasing any clocks from Sharp in the future based upon my experience with this one.

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Product Description:
Requires 2"AA: BATTERIES (NOT INCLUDED)

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11/26/2010

Sony ICF-C180COS Radio AM/FM- Dream Machine Review

Sony ICF-C180COS Radio AM/FM- Dream MachineYou would not believe how hard it is to find a decent alarm clock. All I wanted was a alarm clock that shut off automatically on the weekend but the Emerson Research smart set was the only 2\5\7 day setting alarm clock I liked. After buying two of those and having issues with both, one the radio would lose the station over time and not wake you up, two, a brand new one having a bad LED and poor radio reception. Emerson needs to check their quality and then maybe they will have a great product. Yes this Sony has a hard to read display because of the viewing angle but if you have a small table next to the bed it works just fine. The radio pulls in every station and sounds good and loud for the size of the device. The alarms are really easy to set all you do is turn the knob to the desired time. Plus all you have to do is hit one button to shut the alarms off for the weekend or have two new sets of alarms. This thing gives you up to four alarms. If it had a better display I would give it 5 stars.

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Product Description:
Sony ICF-C180COS Radio AM/FM- Dream MachineNo Power no Problem Alarm systemAutomatic Time SetNo power no Problem Alarm System to back up Time and AlarmsDual Alarms with easy alarm SettingTwo-Color triple time Display: Green for time, Amber for alarm TimesWeekend alarm ModeMelody Alarm

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11/25/2010

Sangean RCR-1 Advanced Atomic Clock Radio - Silver Review

Sangean RCR-1 Advanced Atomic Clock Radio - SilverThis clock radio is OUTSTANDING!!! (and it looks great). The time accuracy (atomic clock) is beyond compare.The AM/FM PLL synthesized radio is static free and has excellent sound. Not stereo, but still pleasing!The unit is feature-laden. I love the "Humane Waking System" which gradually ramps up the sound for both alert/radio alarms so as not to jolt you out of bed.I'm a very heavy sleeper, and the adjustable volume for both alarms makes it plenty loud to get up.The independence of both alarms makes this extremely convenient for husband/wife and weekday/weekend settings. Another nice feature is the "nap" function.Set it and the alarm goes off from 10 minutes to 2 hours later, without having to touch the normal alarms.The background light display is a pleasing pastel blue, which changes to orange leting you know that the alarm is serious! The adjustability of the display is excellent, including a dimmer at the push of a button, and completely off if you so desire. I could go on and on about the features of this unit.However, here is where the "but" comes in...the instruction manual is not the most clearly written. The most serious problem, in my opinion, was not being able to pick up the atomic signal.Sure the instruction manual warns you that it might take up to 48 hours to receive the signal.It also warns you that the unit might need to be repositioned to receive the signal.I was frustrated after not getting the signal for a couple of days.Then I noticed that the back of the radio has a circular slot for the rectangular "block-shaped" atomic signal antenna.Once I put the antenna in the slot, the signal was received, and has been maintained ever since. This was NOTstated in the instruction manual. Another minor criticism is there are 14 (7 AM and 7FM) presets, not 21 as stated in the manual.14 is more than enough for me.The alarm instructions took some patience to learn. These criticisms of the instruction manual should in no way detract from the features and quality of the product, both of which are excellent.Buy this and you will be extremely happy.Just be patient and fiddle around with it.Nothing beats trial and error when it comes to high-tech gadgets.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean RCR-1 Advanced Atomic Clock Radio - Silver

Product Description:
This sleek, self-setting atomic clock radio offers a blend of style, features, and performance that will perfectly accent any home or office. The clock automatically adjusts itself to radio signals received from the U.S. atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado, so you're always ensured accurate and reliable time. It even makes adjustments for Daylight Savings time.
A easy-to-read LCD shows time, date, and day of the week, as well as sleep times, wake times, and--of course--nap times. The RCR-1 also boasts an inset, German-made analog clock for easier reading, which synchronizes itself with the LCD's displayed time.
Living with someone else who needs an alarm? You can set and use the RCR-1's two alarms completely independently, with selectable days and the option to wake to a radio or buzzer. The alarm volume starts softly then gradually increases. The radio's ATS system locates stations and automatically establishes memory presets.What's in the Box
Alarm clock radio and a user's manual.

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9/27/2010

Sharp SPC364 Atomic LCD Bedside Alarm Clock (Silver) Review

Sharp SPC364 Atomic LCD Bedside Alarm ClockClock itself is decent, except very hard to figure out w/o manual.For those who have lost manual, below may be helpful:

SETTING THE TIME ZONE
* In the Normal Time Display, press the [MODE] key to enter
the Alarm Time Mode.
* Press the [SET] key to set the desired time zone.
* Press the [MODE] to return to the time mode position.

SETTING THE ALARM
* While in the normal time display mode, press [MODE]
button to enter the alarm time mode, the letters "AL" will
appear on the display.
* Hold the [SET] hotton for 2 seconds until the hour digit
flashes, then release the [SET] button.
* Press the [ADJUST] button to set the desired hour.
* Press the [SET] button again. The minute digits will begin
to flash.
* Press the [ADJUST] button key to change the minutes.
* Press the mode button once.
* To activate the alarm, press the [ADJUST] button and the
bell indicator will appear.
* Press the [ADJUST] button again to activate the snooze
and the snooze indicator will appear.
* To deactivate the alarm and snooze, press the [ADJUST]
button until both indicators disappear.
Press the [MODE] button to exit the alarm setting mode.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sharp SPC364 Atomic LCD Bedside Alarm Clock (Silver)

Product Description:
The Sharp SPC364 Atomic LCD Bedside Alarm Clock will give you the most accurate times available anywhere. An easy-to-read 0.5-inch LCD display, with a back light for nighttime viewing, ensures that you'll always know exactly what time it is. In addition to the time, which is updated automatically every day, the SPC364 displays the month, date and day of week. A snooze feature means that you can catch a few extra winks in the morning before starting your day. This clock requires one AA battery (not included) and comes with Sharp's two-year limited warranty.

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9/11/2010

Insignia NS-CLW01 Clock Radio with Weatherband Tuner Review

Insignia NS-CLW01 Clock Radio with Weatherband TunerThis is a nice clock, but a terrible radio alarm.If you want to listen to the radio just hit the on button and the radio plays nicely, but if you set the alarm there's no guarantee the radio will play.Instead, you may just get static, very quiet static that won't wake you up.I like the blue face, I like the indoor/outdoor temperatures, but this clock fails at being a reliable alarm.I returned my purchase to the store I bought it from (not Amazon) and exchanged it for another clock hoping it was only one defective unit, but the second one was just as bad.I'm returning the second one and buying a different model altogether (and probably a different brand).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Insignia NS-CLW01 Clock Radio with Weatherband Tuner

Product Description:
This is an AM/FM weatherband clock radio by insignia. Includes wireless transmitter for outdoor temperatures. Wake up every morning to buzzer or radio and know what the temperature is oputside before getting out of bed.

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8/18/2010

Oregon Scientific RMR329PA Atomic Projection Clock with Indoor and Outdoor Wireless Thermometer Review

Oregon Scientific RMR329PA Atomic Projection Clock with Indoor and Outdoor Wireless ThermometerBought this clock in order to get an outside temperature reading display. The wireless sensor works well, but it did lose the signal for awhile. Shutting off the clock and restarting fixed that. I am not using the atomic-clock radio link, and it keeps time fine.

My only issue is the brightness of the projection display... it is BRIGHT. Since our ceiling is white, the bright blue display actually lights up the entire room at night. It takes a few nights to get used to. I tried putting a filter over the projector, but it didn't cut the brightness enough.

Lastly, it would be nice to have the backlight come on automatically in daylight, just like the projector comes on automatically when lights are off. Otherwise, a great clock - works well, looks good, reasonable price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Oregon Scientific RMR329PA Atomic Projection Clock with Indoor and Outdoor Wireless Thermometer

Product Description:
No more fumbling around for the alarm clock in the morning; this self-setting projection clock beams perfectly accurate time on the wall or ceiling for easy viewing even for the legally blind. The unit also features an indoor and outdoor thermometer with the included remote wireless sensor installed outside (or inside) up to 100 feet away. A glossy black background makes the light-colored digits more prominent and easy to read. The device also projects the precise Atomic Time and outdoor temperature in large, easy-to-read numbers onto any flat surface, so you can see at a glance how much time you've got and how to dress for the weather. Sensors detect if the light in the room intensifies, and activate the projection function.
The clock automatically sets itself to the US Atomic Clock and adjusts for Daylight Saving Time. A friendly crescendo alarm with 8-minute snooze eases you into your day. Time is displayable in either 12- or 24-hour formats, and the calendar feature displays in one of 5 languages-English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.

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7/25/2010

iLuv HD Radio & Dual Alarm Clock - Black (I168) Review

iLuv HD Radio & Dual Alarm Clock - BlackI don't typically write reviews, but i am writing this as a response to a particularly malicious review which claims that this radio is unable to receive AM-HD radio stations.

The radio arrived in attractive, high-quality packaging, with both AM and FM antennas (zero reception without them.)I haven't read the instructions (it's a radio...) but they are included as well.

I quickly unwound the power cord, plugged in the FM antenna, and plugged the radio in.Right away i was impressed with the overall build quality.Nice new-electronics smell, the display is really really beautiful, and unique (inverted black/white LCD is quite eye-catching.)The buttons feel sturdy, and give good feedback when pressed (a nice 'click' or notchiness.)

I've found more than a dozen of stations in my area that have HD stations available.There's a few 'hidden' stations in my area, as well.I was treated to a comedy station (106.5-2) as well as a 50's/60's oldies station (105.7-2.)Besides the 'hidden' stations, and the COMPLETE lack of noise or distortion when listening in digital, the sound quality difference is negligible through the small speakers, but is amazing through headphones.The lack of distortion, and perfect tuning is worth something, tho.

The real benefit is in the AM stations.The only station in my area (that i could find) that is broadcasting AM-HD in my area is WTAM 1100 out of cleveland.It takes a few seconds to kick in, but when the radio recognizes the digital station, and switches over, the quality difference is AMAZING.The difference in quality is literally the difference between traditional AM and FM reception.I really can't stress how incredible the difference really is.The radio personalities i've listened to every evening suddenly sound so much more real, and completely different, as they're now crystal clear (as well as completely free of typical AM noise/interference.)

The overall sound quality is ok.It certainly wont replace a stereo or bose-esque bookshelf system, but it's really a clock-radio at it's heart, and in the realm of clock-radios, this is among the best i've ever heard.

If you need a (nice) clock radio, or if you're like me and just wanted an inexpensive HD-radio to play with, you can't go wrong with this product. The price is right, and if the thought of listening to HD-Radio through such small speakers is making you hesitant, the headphone jack is GREAT.



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Product Description:
It's the most significant advancement in radiobroadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast programs digitally - a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past. It delivers FM stations, now with CD-quality sound; AM stations, now with FM-quality sound; Crystal-clear reception with no audio distortion; new channels to play more of what you like to hear. There's no subscription fee! Reception is free if you have an HD Radio. ILUV I166 is an excellent clock radio that receives high-definition AM/FM radio. With HD-Radio, broadcasters can use the current radio spectrum to transmit free analog simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals. This eliminates the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today's radio caused by conditions known as multipath, noise and interference. HD Digital Radio supports CD-quality sound as well as song titles and artist names. And because the digital signal piggybacks onto a conventional broadcast signal, it is free to the listener. We think you'll simply love this unique clock radio from iLuv. Programmable presets for 30 radio stations (10 for AM / 20 for FM) Digital dock and date display with dual alarm function Auxiliary line input for any audio devices with 3.5mm jack (i.e. your MP3 player) for play through radio Audio output - 3-Watt RMS x 2, 6-Watt RMS / 12-Watt Peak at 1% THD

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7/14/2010

SANGEAN Atomic RCR-3 AM/FM Clock Radio Review

SANGEAN Atomic RCR-3 AM/FM Clock RadioSANGEAN Atomic RCR-3 AM/FM Clock RadioSANGEAN Atomic RCR-3 AM/FM Clock Radio

I've owned many Sangean clock radios over the last few years and this one is by far the best.Many of my complaints have been addressed making me a very happy camper ;)

This radio is an update to the Sangean rcr-1.As far as I can tell it only comes in white.Improvements to this one include:

1.A change from blue backlighting to white.You can now read the display from any angle and from across the room.

2. Gone is the unsightly ferrite antenna stuck to the back of the rcr-1, rcr-2 and rcr-22.

3.They added two more customizable alarms for a total of 4.The first two are buzzer only and the remaining two are for radio alarms.

4.Humane Waking System works in both radio mode and buzzer mode.(Radio mode is undocumented)HWS in radio mode was previously ONLY available on the rcr-1 and absent on the rcr-2 and rcr-22.

5.When the alarm sounds the display lighting of the analog clock changes to amber.Nice touch!

6.Power is now supplied with what I call a wall wart, LOL.This can be a double edged sword, it has a much thinner power cord running from the wall to the clock but the transformer is rather large and can get in the way.

7.Setting and operating the alarms has been greatly improved.It is more intuitive and takes less time to setup.

The radio is very sensitive and is able to pull in stations with ease.The sound quality is very good for a clock radio.It sounds very natural and pleasing. The snooze feature lets you snooze for 5 min. at a time with no option to change the interval.I've owned several clock radios from other manufacturers that let you program the snooze duration.I also wish this clock had a photo electric dimming circuit for the backlight.It does have a dimmer button and an adjustment for brightness on the bottom of the clock.When you press the dimmer button the brightness gradually decreases or increases, another nice touch!If you leave the clock in dimmed setting and momentarily push a button the display will go bright for a few seconds and then resume the dimmed setting.

Sangean reduced the size of the digital display from that used on the rcr-1.As a result it can no longer display the time and date simultaneously.In order to see the date you must first push the date button.I'm nitpicking but in my opinion this radio is not quite perfect.

One last comment, Sangean still has not added a battery backup!In the event of a power outage the alarm WILL NOT sound.Why did you do this Sangean?Haven't you guys been listening to all of the reviewers on this site?I know someone who supposedly works for Sangean responded to my comments on the rcr-1. To clarify, the clock will maintain time for anywhere from 1 to 3 hrs if the power fails but the alarm will not sound.To get around this issue I have plugged it into an uninterruptible power source (UPS).I live in FL and can't take chances with the alarm.

I also wish it had Radio Data System (RDS) and a HD tuner.To really put it over the top it would be nice to have stereo speakers and an iPod dock.Put all of these features in a table radio and you'll have the ultimate clock radio.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SANGEAN Atomic RCR-3 AM/FM Clock Radio

Product Description:
ATOMIC AM/FM CLOCK RADIO

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6/29/2010

Sangean RCR-22 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio Review

Sangean RCR-22 AM/FM Atomic Clock RadioI was looking for a high-quality alarm clock after about 12 years with an unimpressive Sony Dreammachine. This clock delivered on that front, and unlike most consumer electronics devices I've purchased in the past several years, it is clear that lots of thought was put into this device (and very little into the manual).

PROS:
There are tons of little nuances that the manual does not detail that I've discovered using the clock for a few weeks. For example the display can be dimmed with a dial on the bottom (which on my unit did not take effect until my alarm goes off the first time). The clock remains dimmed at your preset level, but goes to full brightness when the alarm goes off, making the clock easier to find. Combined with the pleasing blue light and the HWS (makes the alarm bell go from soft to loud) it's really nice to wake up to.

Another thoughtful touch is that alarm indicators only light within 24 hours of your alarm. Either alarm can be set to go off on particular days, with any combination of Su-Sa set for each alarm (i.e. alarm1 can be set for Monday, Thursday and Sunday, no weekday/weekend restrictions like some others). The alarm indicators however only light up when your alarm will ring the next morning. Very nice.

Other functions like the snooze, nap timers, etc. all work well. Like most alarms you need some time to figure out how it works, but after a few mornings most functions were intuitive.

The radio functions well, and pulls in way more stations than the Dreammachine. The speaker is fine, that is to say neither exceptionally good or exceptionally poor. If I want the ultimate music experience, I have an expensive stereo for that.

The clock is a true atomic time clock (not just a "preset" clock like many others). I don't know all the nuances of atomic cock synchronization, but the weather and location of the antenna seem to affect the two atomic clocks I have at home. Try moving the antenna towards the window if you have problems.

CONS
It is nicer than average plastic and construction, but still not going to win any design awards. I can't figure out why all alarm clock designs are frozen in 1992.

The manual was clearly written by a bunch of engineers. It is no nonsense, and explains how to set/use everything, but does not mention any of the usability features I noted above. For example if it's Monday and you set an alarm for thursday, You might wonder why the alarm indicators do not all light up. No mention at all in the manual. I thought the clock was broken since the dimmer did not function until the first time an alarm went off. Again, no mention in the manual of what turned out to be a very nice feature, and one I almost returned the clock for!

Another example is the unwieldly "Time Machine" antenna for the atomic clock. It is big and odd looking, but fits nicely to the back of the clock. Again, no mention in the manual save for a single line drawing.

When I initially plugged the clock in, all kinds of crytic numbers flashed on the display while it synced the time, again, no mention of what was happening or why in the manual. The manual does tell you how to DO everything, but does not explain WHY certain things work the way they do, or explain the various nice features someone clearly took time to think through.

Overal a great buy, especially for something you'll likely use every day for 5-15 years. I would like to see a better manual, autodimming of the display (it is BRIGHT when set to max), Sangean using a designer that is somewhat current, and perhaps a user manual rewrite, other than that, this clock works very well and will be on my nightstand for years to come.

I agonized over what to put on my nightstand (everything from Bose to Timex) and am very happy with my choice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sangean RCR-22 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio

Product Description:
Sangean's RCR-22 Clock Radio is the atomic clock radio you can set once and forget.It connects to the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado to set the most accurate time available.Once the clock is set you can program the dual alarms to wake to your favorite AM or FM station.Take advantage of the Humane Waking System that begins with a low volume beep and gradually increases in intensity to slowly wake you instead of receiving a firm jolt that others provide.There is also a handy sleep timer that allows you to fall asleep listening to your favorite radio station from 15 minutes up to 2 hours.You can also connect your iPod or a CD player to the auxiliary input to enjoy your favorite soothing sounds CD or digital music collection to fall asleep.

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