Dcf Reception - Conrad Electronic CPA601 Bedienungsanleitung

9. DCF Reception

The radio projection clock can receive and
evaluate the so called DCF signal.
This is a signal which is sent by a transmitter in
Mainflingen (near Frankfurt on the Main). Its
range is up to 1500km and if transmission
conditions are ideal even up to 2000km.
Among other things, the DCF signal includes
the precise time (theoretical deviation of 1 se-
cond in a million years!) and the date.
This means there is no manual setting of
summer and winter time.
The first DCF signal search is always carried out by fist operation (inserting the batteries), if
the detection and the registration of the outdoor sensors is completed (see chapter 8).
The DCF symbol (radio tower) on the top right of the display blinks, the radio projection clock
looks for the DCF signal.

The detection of the DCF signal and its evaluation can last a few minutes. Do
not move the projection clock during that time. Do not press any buttons on the
projection clock.
Do not place the projection clock next to electric/electronic devices; do not
place it near cables, plugs or metallic parts.
A bad reception can also be caused by, e.g. metallized insulated glass,
reinforced concrete construction design, coated special wallpaper or an
installation in cellars.
The normal daily DCF reception search and the adjustment of the quartz clock in the projection
clock is carried out in the morning around 02.00a.m. and around 03.00a.m.
If there is no reception until 03.00a.m, then the station searches for reception signals every full
hour until 6.00a.m. If there is still no reception until 06.00a.m. the next signal search takes place
the following morning at 02.00a.m.
A single reception per day is sufficient to keep the daily precision deviation under 1 second.

The signal search at night has the advantage that very few electric/electronic
devices are switched on (television, computer etc.) and that atmospheric
disorders are lesser. The reception is thus surer and better (bigger reach to the
DCF transmitter possible).
44
1500 km
2000 km