ATOMIC TIME

La Crosse Technology atomic clocks set their time automatically by synchronizing to a radio signal called WWVB that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) broadcasts continuously from Fort Collins, Colorado.

 

The Advantage?

When working correctly, radio-controlled clocks always display the correct time without requiring manual adjustment, offering peace of mind and convenience during Daylight Saving Time changes, as the hour will update automatically.

HOW IT WORKS

Battery Icon

Step 1
Power Up

Power up your clock using a new set of regular alkaline batteries for best results.

User Guide Icon

Step 2
Settings

Follow the instructions in your setup guide to ensure your settings are adjusted correctly; this will vary by product.

Atomic Reception Icon

Step 3
Reception

Place the clock near a window with the front or back facing Fort Collins, Colorado; this will help it pick up the WWVB signal faster.

Placement Icon for clock within your home

Step 4
Placement

Once the signal is received and the clock shows the correct time, you can move it to its permanent location. The clock will continue to search for the signal and adjust as needed.

ATOMIC TIME

La Crosse Technology atomic clocks set their time automatically by synchronizing to a radio signal called WWVB that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) broadcasts continuously from Fort Collins, Colorado.

 

The Advantage?

When working correctly, radio-controlled clocks always display the correct time without requiring manual adjustment, offering peace of mind and convenience during Daylight Saving Time changes, as the hour will update automatically.

HOW IT WORKS

Battery Icon

Step 1 - Power Up

Power up your clock using a new set of regular alkaline batteries for best results.

User Guide Icon

Step 2 - Settings

Follow the instructions in your setup guide to ensure your settings are adjusted correctly; this will vary by product.

Atomic Reception Icon

Step 3 - Reception

Place the clock near a window with the front or back facing Fort Collins, Colorado; this will help it pick up the WWVB signal faster.

Placement Icon for clock within your home

Step 4 - Placement

Once the signal is received and the clock shows the correct time, you can move it to its permanent location. The clock will continue to search for the signal and adjust as needed.

ATOMIC TIME

La Crosse Technology atomic clocks set their time automatically by synchronizing to a radio signal called WWVB that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) broadcasts continuously from Fort Collins, Colorado.

 

The Advantage?

When working correctly, radio-controlled clocks always display the correct time without requiring manual adjustment, offering peace of mind and convenience during Daylight Saving Time changes, as the hour will update automatically.

HOW IT WORKS

Battery Icon

Step 1 - Power Up

Power up your clock using a new set of regular alkaline batteries for best results.

User Guide Icon

Step 2 - Settings

Follow the instructions in your setup guide to ensure your settings are adjusted correctly; this will vary by product.

Atomic Reception Icon

Step 3 - Reception

Place the clock near a window with the front or back facing Fort Collins, Colorado; this will help it pick up the WWVB signal faster.

Placement Icon for clock within your home

Step 4 - Placement

Once the signal is received and the clock shows the correct time, you can move it to its permanent location. The clock will continue to search for the signal and adjust as needed.

UltrAtomic Technology

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Faster Connection • Reception Nearly Anywhere • Custom Time Zones

• Faster Connection
• Reception Nearly Anywhere
• Custom Time Zones

The only atomic clock capable of receiving the new NIST signal for vastly improved reception in nearly any area.

Premium Stainless Steel Case
How Atomic Time Works
404-1235UA-SS Wall Clock Lifestyle

UltrAtomic Technology

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Faster Connection • Reception Nearly Anywhere • Custom Time Zones

• Faster Connection
• Reception Nearly Anywhere
• Custom Time Zones

The only atomic clock capable of receiving the new NIST signal for vastly improved reception in nearly any area.

Premium Stainless Steel Case
How Atomic Time Works
404-1235UA-SS Wall Clock Lifestyle

UltrAtomic Technology

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Custom-designed to receive an enhanced phase-modulated WWVB broadcast, these premium analog clocks offer unparalleled reception throughout all North American time zones.

Faster Connection • Reception Nearly Anywhere • Custom Time Zones

• Faster Connection
• Reception Nearly Anywhere
• Custom Time Zones

The only atomic clock capable of receiving the new NIST signal for vastly improved reception in nearly any area.

Premium Stainless Steel Case
How Atomic Time Works
404-1235UA-SS Wall Clock Lifestyle
Analog Atomic clock lifestyle image

ANALOG ATOMIC

Analog Atomic clock lifestyle image

DIGITAL ATOMIC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for the WWVB signal to reach my clock?

This can vary greatly depending on your geographical location as well as the location of the clock within your home. Moving the clock near a window with the front or back facing Fort Collins, Colorado, should help speed this up, but it is not unusual for this to take a few nights.

Will the signal reach my location?

The WWVB signal should reach most U.S. locations. However, we cannot guarantee the signal will extend everywhere. For instance, if you live in a valley, are surrounded by buildings, or have other strong radio signals nearby, these can all cause interference, delaying or even entirely blocking this radio signal from reaching your clock. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Do atomic clocks actually set automatically?

Once the WWVB radio signal is received, the clock will automatically adjust according to the device's specific time zone and daylight saving time settings. You'll want to tweak those as needed, but yes, our atomic devices will search daily for this signal, keeping your time and date accurate.

Do atomic clocks adjust for Daylight Saving Time changes?

Of course! This convenience is one of their main advantages.

If your time hasn't been updated after a recent DST change, check out our support page HERE for further assistance.

Can atomic clocks be set manually?

Yes. All of our clocks offer a manual set option. However, we should note that outside of our UltrAtomic options, our analog atomic clocks will automatically adjust according to your settings when they receive the WWVB radio signal. For instructions on how to manually set your analog clock, watch our video HERE.

What is the battery life?

This will vary by product, but batteries should generally keep your clock running for years at a time. In fact, our analog clocks with multiple battery slots boast an impressive 5-year life! Talk about convenience.

Why La Crosse Technology?

Our owner, Allan McCormick, brought atomic time technology to the United States in 1992, and we've been selling radio-controlled clocks ever since. As the world leader in this field, we offer our expertise to you and are committed to providing high-quality products and superior customer service.