Atomic Clocks

[EggDropErin]

We received an atomic travel clock during my bridal shower, and I wondered if anyone out there had had any luck on using them on a cruise ship.

[sologrip]

We received an atomic travel clock during my bridal shower, and I wondered if anyone out there had had any luck on using them on a cruise ship.

 

 

Mine, as I discovered in the middle of the Caribbean, only covered the continental U.S.

[EggDropErin]

Bummer. Thank you for your input.

[superjerryw]

When I'm on vacation I don't need to know what the time is to an accuracy of one billionth of a second. My Timex is more than enough to make sure I get to the buffet on time....:D

[Tiggerbuddy]

Your atomic clock works by receiving a very low frequency radio signal from Colorado, usually late at night.

This is how the clock "knows" the correct time.

Most likely it will not work well inside your cabin because of the metal walls and because your are moving farther away from the transmitting site.

Below is a link to the coverage map.

http://physics.nist.gov/TechAct.98/Div847/Images/fig7.gif

[EggDropErin]

I kinda figured that, but hoped that wouldn't be the answer.

 

Thanks for all of your help everyone.

[42trvl]

Actually, I think it depends on your particular clock. I have one that works great, both in the US and when we cruised in Europe this past summer. There is a switch on the back that lets your choose from a few different locations around the world for where you are closest to in terms of setting the time.

 

The problem is, you are never quite sure when it is going to work in terms of resetting itself automatically, but it's still a great clock and there is always the option of just setting it yourself, the "old-fashioned" way, and then it works fine as a regular clock.

[cmason]

I have one that works worldwide, but it didnt work on the ship...too much metal, and perhaps too far away from a signal. (Europe, Japan, US)

[TPKeller]

Another source of time that is just as accurate as the atomic clock radio signal from Colorado is any handheld GPS receiver. I've had good luck with them working in cabins with windows, as long as you put the unit right up to the window. Had to prop it up with a pillow or rolled up beach towel, but it's worked.

 

The GPS satellites all use atomic clocks and are continually monitored to ensure accurate signals.

 

Plus as a bonus, not only do you know what time it is, but also where you are, how fast you are going and in what direction! :)

 

Theron

[EggDropErin]

Hmmm...we have a GPS on our registry. Good idea!

[bargainshopper]

Even if your atomic clock don't receive any signal, it should still good for the duration of your cruise. Most if not all atomic clock is quartz based and they should be very accurate to begin with.

[EggDropErin]

We're gonna take it along and see how it does.

 

Thanks everyone!

[cmason]

Don't forget, that the ship's time is set via these same services: atomic time as well as GPS. So you can always set your clock by the ships time displayed on the RCCL TV channel that shows where you are in the world.