Home >> Collecting >> Other Collecting

How to Set a Clock System in a School

A typical school clock system consists of a main clock and numerous secondary clocks. The main clock usually is in the school office or at another central location, and the secondary clocks are in classrooms, hallways and other public areas. The clocks can be analog or digital. Secondary clocks reflect the time shown on the main clock, but they sometimes are fast or slow. Setting a school clock system requires synchronizing the time on all the school's clocks.

Things You'll Need

Main clock
Secondary clocks
Utility knife
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Check the school's main clock to determine whether it is analog or digital. Analog clocks have a traditional clock face with hands. Digital clocks show only numbers in an electronic or LCD display.
- 2
  Set an analog clock by moving the hands to the correct time. Set a digital clock by pressing one or more buttons to adjust the time. Some digital models have a single button that permits the user to scroll through time until the correct time is reached. Others have distinct buttons for the hours and minutes. Some permit the clock to be set by typing in the time as it should appear on the clock--for example, by typing 12 and then 10 to show a time of 12:10.
- 3
  Set the digital main clock to the correct time, a.m. or p.m. Digital models typically will show a.m. or p.m. when the time buttons have been advanced to the appropriate point. It might be necessary to scroll through the entire time cycle before reaching the proper a.m. or p.m. designation. Proper identification of a.m. or p.m. time can be important for school clock systems that are linked to classroom bells and other timed features.
- 4
  Note the time on the main clock in the system. Compare this time with the time shown on the school's secondary clocks. Their times might be fast or slow.
- 5
  Set the time on the school's secondary clocks by ensuring that they are correctly connected to the main school clock. Secondary clocks receive electronic signals from the main clock. These signals usually arrive once each hour. Fast secondary clocks actually are held back until allowed to advance, and slow secondary clocks will be advanced at anywhere from 10 to 30 times normal speed to permit them to catch up to the correct time.
- 6
  Look for two or three wires sticking out of each secondary clock. If these wires are broken, signals will not reach the secondary clock. Use a utility knife to cut back the insulation on the wires and expose the actual metal wires inside. Expose just enough metal wire to enable the two halves of the broken wire to be twisted together. Bind the splice with electrical tape. Secondary clocks that have no wires are set by radio signals from the main clock. These systems require professional repairs.

Other Collecting