faqs

Here are some commonly asked questions.  If you have a question not answered here, please call us at 888-346-9544 or email us at orders@infinityinstruments.com.

 How to set your radio control clock.

 What does it mean when it says “do not put in direct sunlight”?

A more proper description might be ‘Item can be used outdoors in a sheltered area’. For the item to have the longest lifecycle possible, we recommend putting the clock in as shaded an area as possible, preferably under an overhang.  Just as you would protect the dash of your car from cracking and fading by putting in one of those window shades, protecting your clock from the sun will protect it from the heat extremes that occur between the glass lens and the mechanism.  Direct sunlight can signficantly impact the look and function of your indoor/outdoor item.

Do the clocks make a ticking noise?

A standard quartz movement will make a ticking noise, regardless of whether or not the clock has a seconds hand.  There are sweep-second movements which do not make any ticking noise.  This technology has improved over the years.  The current solar technology used by Infinity Instruments employs such a movement. 

How loud is the ticking sound?

The level of noise will depend on clock construction and whether or not the item has a movement cover.

How does the “Radio Controlled” clock work?  

The US Government operates the world’s most accurate clock, the atomic clock, in Colorado.  This atomic clock is the standard reference for the correct time.  (www.nist.gov) The time is broadcasted 24 hours a day via a low frequency radio signal.

When the sun goes down, the earth’s upper atmosphere reflects these radio waves, allowing the signal to reach all continental US locations, and most of North America.  Radio controlled clocks receive this signal through an antennam and decode the signal through an internal computer, synchronizing themselves each night.

How does the “Solar Powered” clock work?

When placed in an area that gives sufficient light, the ambient light will reduce the load on the rechargeable battery, increasing it’s useful life.  If the clock begins to run slowly, the clock may be temporarily placed in a window or other location that receives significant natural light for about 10 to 14 days and the natural light will actually recharge the battery.

How does the quartz movement work?

Quartz sounds exotic, but it’s actually one of the most common minerals on Earth. It’s made from a chemical compound called silicon dioxide , and you can find it in sand and most types of rock. Perhaps the most interesting thing about quartz is that it is piezoelectric. That means if you squeeze a quartz crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. The opposite is also true: if you pass electricity through quartz, it vibrates at a precise frequency (it shakes about an exact number of times each second).

Inside a quartz clock or watch, the battery sends electricity to the quartz crystal through an electronic circuit. The quartz crystal oscillates (vibrates back and forth) at a precise frequency: exactly 32768 times each second. The circuit counts the number of vibrations and uses them to generate regular electric pulses, one per second. These pulses drive a small motor, turning gear wheels that spin the clock’s second, minute, and hour hands.

Are shipping and handling charges included in the clock price?

No, these charges are not included in our clock pricing.  There is an additional $3.00 per shipping carton charge.  The full handling charge is $8.00 per drop-ship order, but may be negotiated based on volume and/or other considerations.

What is the minimum order amount?

The minimum opening order is $250.00.  The minimum re-order is $150.00.  Orders under $150.00 may be subject to an under minimum charge of $10.00.

How long does it take from placing the order to shipment of the order?

Depending upon the season, it can take up to 3 business days to ship a single item order.  However, generally, if orders are received prior to 1:00 p.m., they will leave the same business day.

Where does the order ship from?

Our current warehouse is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Are there any warranties on the clocks?

Yes, most items carry a two-year limited warranty, while others have a one-year limited warranty.  Please call us for details or questions about a specific item.

Do you repair clocks?

There are several models that can be repaired, please call prior to return to make sure the item that is to be sent can be fixed.

Thank you for visiting Infinity Instruments, Ltd.