Battery corrosion can be a big problem for the atomic clocks and transmitters. If batteries are allowed to leak, the corrosion can damage the units. If you see blue/green or whitish powder in the battery compartment of the clock or transmitter then you should immediately remove the damaged batteries and clean the contacts with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Reinsert fresh batteries and restart the clock according to the restart procedure for your model. Check the batteries several times per year to make sure there is no corrosion and keep the unit in a dry, shady place to protect it.
If you are still having problems with your clock or transmitter after cleaning the contacts, then the corrosion may have irreversibly damaged the unit. Unfortunately this is not a manufacturer defect as the manufacturer has no control over the use of batteries, and you will need to replace the units at your own cost.
Even though batteries are fresh out of the package that does not mean they are good, especially if the package has been sitting in a drawer for a couple years. We have encountered just-bought batteries straight from the package that were no good or even corroded in the package. Please test your batteries or use a fresh set before making a final determination that there is a problem with the clock or transmitter. Do not use rechargeable or lithium batteries in the SkyScan clocks and transmitters. Use only Duracell alkaline batteries for optimal performance.
If your clock is showing an incomplete display or acting irrationally then it could mean your batteries are low. Try changing the batteries to see if this corrects the problem. Some clocks have low battery indicators. RX means there is a low battery in the clock. TX means there is a low battery in the transmitter. If your units are functioning properly, then don’t change the batteries until you lose the outdoor temperature or the display on the clock is fading.
If your outdoor transmitter is not functioning under extreme weather conditions you should check the manual for the parameters for your model. Even though your transmitter may be rated for a certain temperature, your batteries could be freezing up and need to be changed or your batteries may simply not be able to function under certain conditions. There is nothing we can do if your batteries are freezing. In addition, extreme heat can damage the unit if it is subjected to direct sunlight.
Constantly taking out your batteries isn’t going to help a clock that won’t catch the signal. You need to make sure there are good batteries in the clock and they are inserted in the proper direction. Then you need to leave the clock alone and let it catch the signal and set itself according to the instructions in the manual. If it doesn’t catch the first day, taking out the batteries is just going to delay its operation. Sometimes bad weather between you and Colorado interferes with the signal and the clock needs additional days to set itself. The best thing to do is leave it alone and if it doesn’t catch the signal then move it to a different window with the face of the clock pointing toward Colorado. Or try leaving the clock in a car overnight. Make sure the clock is away from any distractions as listed in your manual. If it is deep in a building away from windows it will never reach the signal and no amount of removing batteries will make it set.
