1) What is AUTOSET?
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AUTOSET is a revolutionary clock technology that automatically sets your clock for you, and automatically changes the time when Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins and ends.
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2) How does AUTOSET work?
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A specially designed microchip tracks the date and time for you, and tells the clock when it is time to “spring ahead” or “fall behind.” This microchip is powered by a replaceable lithium battery that is expected to last more than five years.
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3) Do I need a radio signal for AUTOSET to work?
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With AUTOSET technology, no radio signal is required. All the technology required to maintain the correct time is inside your AUTOSET clock. This means that your AUTOSET clock will operate correctly in any of the USA time zones, including areas where the NIST Official Time Clock signal does not reach. This also means that your AUTOSET clock will work in any type of building – even in underground levels
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4) I just purchased my AUTOSET clock. How do I set it?
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Normally, a few simple steps are required to begin timekeeping with your AUTOSET clock:
a) Be sure the hour and minute hand is at 12:00.
b) Be sure the TIME ZONE selector is set to your time zone (PST, MST, CST, or EST).
c) Be sure the LCD display at the back of the clock shows the correct local time, date, and year.
d) Install 2 AA size batteries as directed.
e) Be sure the MODE switch is set to RUN.
Your AUTOSET clock will automatically begin to advance the clock hands to the correct time. Depending upon the time, this may take several minutes. You can hang your AUTOSET clock while it is automatically setting itself – it will stop at the correct time.
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5) What happens when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends?
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Every year, DST begins and ends at the same time of day, on the same date. The microchip inside your AUTOSET clock knows the date and time, and will automatically fast-forward the clock hands one hour in the Spring, and stop the clock hands for one hour in the Fall. (You can watch you AUTOSET clock at work, but these changes will take place at about 2:00 AM)
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6) Are the dates for Daylight Saving Time changing?
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Yes. As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the U.S. Government decided to change the DST dates. DST will begin on the second Sunday of March (changed from the first Sunday of April), and will end on the first Sunday of November (changed from the last Sunday of October).
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7) When will this change take place?
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The new DST dates are scheduled to take place in Spring of 2007. The U.S. Government will notify the public through media outlets of the change, and of the exact date of the change.
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8) How will my Autoset clock know the new DST dates?
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Unfortunately, the change in DST dates were decided upon several years after the original Autoset microchip was designed, so the new dates could not be programmed into the microchip.
Original Autoset clocks must have DST disabled when the new DST dates come into effect (see FAQ number 10 below on how to disable the DST feature). Your clock will continue to accurately maintain timekeeping , but it will not automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time.
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9) How can I find an Autoset clock that works with the new DST dates?
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In response to the change in dates, Seth Thomas has developed a second generation Autoset clock. This clock allows you to choose from the April to October dates or the March to November dates.
This flexibility is important because the Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives Congress the right to revert back to the April to October dates anytime after the first year that the new DST dates come into effect.
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10) Can I use AUTOSET if my area does not observe Daylight Saving Time?
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Yes! AUTOSET technology will accurately maintain timekeeping for you even without DST.
To disable the automatic DST feature before inserting the 2 AA batteries required to start your AUTOSET clock, just:
a) Slide the MODE selector switch to YEAR SET.
b) Press the DST/DAY/MIN button until the DST icon above the time display disappears.
c) Insert two AA size alkaline batteries as shown in battery compartment.
d) Set the hands to 12:00.
e) Slide the MODE selector to RUN.
To disable the automatic DST feature on an Autoset clock that has already been set and is running, just:
a) Slide the MODE selector switch to YEAR SET.
b) Press the DST/DAY/MIN button until the DST icon above the time display disappears.
c) Set the hands to 12:00.
d) Slide the MODE selector to RUN.
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11) When do I have to change the batteries in my AUTOSET clock?
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We recommend that you install (2 AA) alkaline batteries when you first set your AUTOSET clock. These are expected to last up to two years in normal use. To ensure uninterrupted timekeeping, we suggest that you check these batteries once each year. If the AA batteries require replacement, a “low battery” icon will appear above the time on the LCD display.
The CR2032 lithium battery that comes pre-installed in your AUTOSET clock is expected to last more than 5 years in normal use. When your clock no longer automatically adjusts for DST, the lithium battery requires replacement. To replace this battery, follow the instructions on the back of the clock.
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12) I can’t see the time in the LCD display of my AUTOSET clock. What should I do?
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The microchip in your AUTOSET clock can be affected by the electro-static build-up that can occur in the packing materials during shipment. Follow the Special ESD Notice included with your instructions to set the time if this occurs. Click here for AUTOSET instructions.
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I’ve followed all the instructions, and I still can’t get my AUTOSET clock to work. What should I do?
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Contact our Service Department at 800-242-6300. Our service associates will happily talk you through the setting procedure for your AUTOSET clock. If wey are not able to solve your problem over the telephone, we will advise you how to return your AUTOSET clock for service.
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