Owner’s Manual
SkyScan Atomic Clock Models 88900 / 88901 / 88902
Instructions for the SkyScan atomic clock with outdoor wireless temperature sensor and moon phase display.
Important Setup Note
Install batteries in the outdoor temperature sensor first, then install batteries in the atomic clock. Do not press any buttons for 10 minutes. Do not manually set the clock until the outdoor temperature is displayed.
Features
- WWVB radio-controlled time with manual time setting
- 12/24 hour time display
- Optional seconds display
- Alarm with snooze function
- Calendar and weekday display
- Weekday display in English, French, Spanish, or German
- Time zone setting
- Daylight Saving Time ON/OFF option
- Indoor temperature display
- Outdoor temperature display by 915 MHz wireless transmission
- Current moon phase display
- Low battery indicator
- Wall mount or freestanding display
Outdoor Temperature Sensor
The outdoor sensor transmits outdoor temperature to the atomic clock using a 915 MHz wireless signal. The sensor includes a wall-mounting case.
Install Sensor Batteries
- Remove the battery cover.
- Insert 2 AA, 1.5V batteries, observing the correct polarity.
- Replace the battery cover.
Install Clock Batteries
The atomic clock uses 2 AA, 1.5V batteries.
- Remove the battery compartment cover from the back of the clock.
- Insert 2 AA batteries, observing the correct polarity.
- Replace the battery cover.
Alkaline batteries are recommended for both units. Avoid rechargeable batteries.
Initial Setup
- Insert batteries into the outdoor sensor first.
- Insert batteries into the atomic clock.
- Do not press any buttons for 10 minutes.
- The LCD will briefly light up, then show indoor temperature, date, weekday, and time.
- Wait for the outdoor temperature to appear on the clock.
- If outdoor temperature does not appear within 3 minutes, remove batteries from both units and restart setup.
Function Keys
SET
Enters manual setting mode for time zone, DST, language, time, calendar, 12/24 hour display, and Fahrenheit/Celsius selection.
+
Changes values in setting modes and toggles between display views.
ALM
Enters alarm setting mode, displays alarm time, and turns the alarm on or off.
SNZ
Activates snooze during alarm and exits setting modes.
Manual Settings
If the clock has already received the WWVB signal and displays the correct time and date, manual settings can be skipped.
To enter manual setting mode, press and hold the SET key for 3 seconds. Settings appear in this order:
- Time zone
- DST ON/OFF
- Language
- Hour
- Minute
- Year
- Month
- Date
- Weekday
- 12/24 hour display
- °F or °C temperature display
Time Zone Setting
Press the + key to select your time zone.
- ATL: Atlantic Time
- EST: Eastern Time
- CST: Central Time
- MST: Mountain Time
- PST: Pacific Time
- ALA: Alaska Time
- HAW: Hawaii Time
- GMT: Greenwich Mean Time
DST Setting
Use the + key to turn Daylight Saving Time ON or OFF. The default setting is ON. Areas that do not observe Daylight Saving Time should turn DST OFF.
Language Setting
Weekdays can be displayed in English, French, Spanish, or German.
Manual Time Setting
- Set the hour using the + key.
- Press SET.
- Set the minutes using the + key.
- Press SET to continue.
The clock will continue trying to receive the WWVB signal daily. When a signal is received, the manually set time will be replaced by the received atomic time.
Calendar Settings
Use the + key and SET key to select the year, month, date, and weekday.
12/24 Hour Display
Select either 12-hour or 24-hour time display.
Temperature Display
Select either Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature display.
Exit Manual Setting Mode
- Press SNZ at any time to return to normal display mode.
- If no buttons are pressed for 15 seconds, the clock will return to normal display automatically.
Alarm Setting
- Hold ALM for 4 seconds until the hour digits flash.
- Press + to set the hour.
- Press ALM to move to minutes.
- Press + to set the minutes.
- Press ALM again to exit, or wait 15 seconds.
Turn Alarm Off
Press and release ALM in normal display mode. The alarm icon will disappear.
Snooze
Press SNZ during the alarm to activate a 10-minute snooze.
Outdoor Temperature Reception
The sensor transmits temperature every 4 seconds. If outdoor temperature does not appear within 3 minutes, check the following:
- Keep the clock and sensor at least 6 feet from TVs, computers, and other electronics.
- Avoid placing the clock near metal window frames.
- Other 915 MHz devices may interfere with reception.
- Reset both units if reception still fails.
Maximum transmission range is 300 feet in open space, depending on surrounding structures and interference.
Changing Display Mode
Press the + key to cycle through the available display modes for weekday, date, seconds, indoor temperature, and outdoor temperature.
WWVB Radio-Controlled Time
The clock receives its time signal from WWVB, the NIST radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado. The signal is transmitted at 60 kHz and is best received at night.
When the WWVB tower icon flashes, the clock is attempting to receive the signal. When the signal is received, the icon remains displayed and the clock sets itself automatically.
Reception Tips
- Place the clock at least 6 feet from electronics.
- Reception is often better near a window.
- Point the front or back of the clock toward Fort Collins, Colorado.
- Allow the clock to attempt reception overnight.
Moon Phase Display
The moon phase display is based on the month, date, and year. Make sure the calendar is correct for accurate moon phase display.
The clock displays 12 moon phase positions, including new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent phases.
Positioning the Clock and Sensor
Before permanent mounting, place both units in their desired locations and wait about 10 minutes to confirm proper reception.
Clock Placement
- Use the foldout stand for tabletop placement.
- Use wall mounting holes for wall installation.
- Confirm the clock is secure before releasing it from your hands.
Sensor Placement
- Mount the sensor out of direct sunlight.
- Choose a shaded location, preferably a north-facing wall.
- Keep the sensor out of direct rain.
- The sensor is water resistant, not waterproof.
- Mount the transmitter right side up.
Troubleshooting
LCD Is Faint
Replace the batteries.
No WWVB Signal Reception
- Face the clock toward Fort Collins, Colorado.
- Wait overnight for signal reception.
- Keep the clock at least 6 feet from electronics.
- Remove batteries for 5 minutes, then reinsert and leave the clock alone overnight.
Hour Is Incorrect, But Minute and Date Are Correct
Check the time zone and Daylight Saving Time settings.
“OF.L” Appears for Indoor Temperature
- Move the clock to a warmer or cooler location within its measuring range.
- Replace the batteries.
“--.-” Appears for Outdoor Temperature
- Remove batteries from both units for 10 minutes, then restart setup.
- Move the clock and sensor closer together.
- Move the units away from possible 915 MHz interference.
“OF.L” Appears for Outdoor Temperature
- Wait until the outdoor temperature returns within the sensor’s measuring range.
- Replace the batteries.
- Review the basic outdoor reception troubleshooting steps.
Care and Maintenance
- Avoid vibration and shock.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Clean the LCD and casing with a soft damp cloth only.
- Do not use solvents or scouring agents.
- Do not submerge the units in water.
- Remove weak batteries promptly to prevent leakage.
- Do not attempt repairs or open the units.
Specifications
Temperature Range
- Indoor: 14.1°F to 100°F
- Indoor: -9.9°C to 37.8°C
- Outdoor: -39.9°F to 139.8°F
- Outdoor: -39.8°C to 59.9°C
Temperature Checking Interval
- Indoor: every 20 seconds
- Outdoor: every 4 seconds
Transmission Distance
Maximum 300 feet, depending on surrounding structures, mounting location, and possible interference.
Power Source
- Atomic clock: 2 AA, 1.5V batteries
- Sensor: 2 AA, 1.5V batteries
- Battery life: about 24 months
Dimensions
- Atomic clock: 12.20" x 1.18" x 8.03"
- Sensor: 5.05" x 1.50" x 0.83"
Battery Change
For best performance, replace batteries at least once a year. Always use new batteries of the correct size.
Battery Warning
- Do not mix old and new batteries.
- Do not mix alkaline, standard carbon-zinc, or rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries.
- Return used batteries to an authorized recycling depot when possible.
Warranty Note
This model is discontinued and is not eligible for the manufacturer’s warranty. Defective clocks should be returned to the place of retail purchase.
