4 ms·
So this is probably a dumb question...but is the clock at all accurate? It says it stops periodically when there isn't sufficient fluctuation in temperature so
by gopz 9y ago
So this is probably a dumb question...but is the clock at all accurate? It says it stops periodically when there isn't sufficient fluctuation in temperature so do they manually correct it after?
- tlarkworthy 9y agoTell the time, run forever, choose 1
- matt-attack 9y agoI don't see how the winding mechanism should impact its accuracy. Obviously, it it runs out of energy, it needs to be reset once working again. I'd think that goes without saying. However, the mechanism that makes the clock tick-tock once per second is, again, separate from the winding mechanism, and I don't see why you'd have to (as another poster commented), "choose 1".
- rch 9y agoThe article mentions that it has stopped a few times, which would affect accuracy. The Clock of the Long Now operates on similar principles (temperature difference), but separates timekeeping from the display mechanisms in part to maintain accuracy.
- logfromblammo 9y agoAnd also so that the power required for the display may be redirected to the more critical timekeeping function if necessary. If you only have enough power left to keep time for the next month or to power the display for the next day, you turn the display off and hope that more power is added to the system during that month.
- rch 9y agoYes exactly. The other reason is to build in the notion of human interaction.
- toi98uhn 9y agoI own a similar clock (the Atmos clock mentioned in the article). It loses several minutes per month. FWIW, I live in Los Angeles and it has been the same regardless of time of year over the past decade or so. It's great that I don't need to wind it, and it's mesmerizing to watch, but it's not the most accurate clock in the world.
- zokier 9y agoIf it is consistently slow (or fast) then it sounds like it should be correctable; most good clockwork mechanisms have some way of adjusting the beat rate.
- op00to 9y agoIndeed Atmos clocks do have a speed adjustment, though they are very sensitive. I'd contact a professional since any repairs to them get expensive very fast.
- wdfx 9y agoI also have an Atmos. It is inaccurate to the tune of hours per day :( I have not yet taken measurements to find out which way it needs adjusting.
- op00to 9y agoI have an Atmos clock that's probably 40ish years old, handed down from inlaws, and while I'm sure it needs some service to get it up to snuff, it looses about a minute a month, give or take.