Showing posts with label atomic clock radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label atomic clock radio. 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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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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9/11/2010

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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8/29/2010

Maverick R-395 Color-Coded LCD Weather Station and AM/FM Radio with Atomic Alarm Clock (Silver) Review

Maverick R-395 Color-Coded LCD Weather Station and AM/FM Radio with Atomic Alarm ClockI purchased the Maverick R-395 to replace a Oregon Scientific BARM699 Touch-Controlled AM/FM Radio Alarm Clock with Weather, which I found very underwhelming.The Maverick has a constant back light, better radio reception and is much easier to operate.On the negative side, the readout is a little fuzzy, the back light shines through case by the speaker and I think the back light color being based on the outdoor temperature is a little silly.I live in Minnesota, it's going to be blue 8 months out of the year.

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Product Description:
The LCD backlight remains on continuously once the unit is powered by an external adaptor and is displayed in Red when the outdoor temperature is higher or equal to 75.2°F, Amber for temperatures between 50.2°F to 75°F, or Blue for outdoor temperatures lower than or equal to 50.0°F. This clock can be powered by 4-AA batteries or with its included A/C adaptor and is designed as a free-standing unit only and cannot be wall mounted.You'll appreciate both the absolute accuracy and convenient features of the Maverick R395 atomic clock radio. For the time format, you can select 12-hour with PM, or 24-hour. Successful reception of the time-synchronization radio signal is indicated by a radio tower and waves icon above clock seconds. You can select/change your continental U.S. time zone (EST, CST, MST, or PST) at any time by means of a button on the left side of the clock. If you live in an area that does not observe Daylight Saving Time (Arizona and parts of Indiana) you can select the DST/TIME ZONE and +/- buttons to disable DST.The indoor and outdoor temperature can be displayed in either °F or °C, and both the temperature unit and the 12-/24-hour time format can be changed at any time during normal operation simply by pressing buttons on the left side of the clock. The measuring range of the remote sensor is -58°F to +158°F (-50°C to +70°C), the range of the indoor temperature is -4°F to +158°F (-20°C to +70°C).You can use the SLEEP function to let the radio lull you to sleep. The radio turns off after your preselected time, which can be 10 to 120 minutes. You can turn the radio off by pressing SNOOZE or RADIO ON/OFF. The R395 clock operates on AC120V, 60Hz house current and uses a 4-AA batterys (not included) as a power backup during ac power outages or when unplugged. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the clock. Expected battery life depends on the frequency and duration of power outages or unplugged periods.

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7/19/2010

Sangean RCR-2 Digital Atomic Clock Radio with Dual Alarms Review

Sangean RCR-2 Digital Atomic Clock Radio with Dual AlarmsI spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect alarm clock for my bedroom and, as you can tell, I am still looking. The Sangean RCR-2 certainly has some attractive features like the atomic clock, which took a few hours to set itself, and the nice styling but it fails in so many areas as an alarm clock. First, and most importantly, the display is unreadable. It is very busy with lots of symbols and numbers but using very thin LCD numerals for the time and the off axis viewing angle is very small; you must basically face it head on. Worst of all, however, is the blindingly bright orange backlight with makes is impossible for night adjusted eyes to read the display if you want to check the time in the middle of the night. It is so bright as to cast shadows throughout the room. I keep it across the room but I can't imagine trying to sleep with this minor sun positioned on the nightstand.Sure, you can turn off the backlight but then the clock is invisible at night. Maybe LEDs are not cool but they make a lot more sense for an alarm clock. Also, it takes at least four button presses to turn on the alarm as opposed to one on my old alarm.

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Product Description:
This modern clock radio is a step above the clock radios of the past. For starters, the radio updates its time automatically from the U.S. atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado. While this may force you to work or school on time, the benefits of a constantly updated timepiece are critical in this fast-paced world. The radio even adjusts itself automatically for daylight saving time. The illuminated LCD screen gives you vital information, including: time, date, day of week, sleep, wake times, naptime, and radio information. With the gentle wake option, you can choose for the radio's volume to start low and slowly build over time. The AM/FM radio has fourteen presets for individual programming. The clock radio also features an automatic preset system which scans and memorizes available radio stations. With the two alarms you can set wake-up times on the same or different days of the week. The sleep timer is a nice feature for those who use the radio as a sleep aid. There is a headphone jack for people who want to listen to the radio without bugging the person besides them. The clock radio's color is silver and its styling is modern and sleek.
What's in the Box
Clock radio and user's manual.

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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.

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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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