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Citizen radio signal problem

  • 26-05-2020 11:03pm
    #1
    Ferns83
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭


    Hi all,

    First time posting in the watch section here so apologies if this has been answered before....

    I just received a new citizen radio controlled watch. Unfortunately I am having trouble picking up a signal. I was just wondering if others have this problem. I'm based in rural area on Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow border.

    I was thinking of going to Mt Leinster to try get a signal or alternatively buying a signal booster (approx 30 euro). My worry with Mt. Leinster would be signal interference from the masts etc....

    Anyway, I would be grateful to hear of others experiences?

    Thanks,


Comments

  • #2
    Thirdfox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,110 ✭✭✭Thirdfox


    These watches usually try multiple times to get a signal - do you leave yours beside a window at night? Maybe try some different sides of the house to see if a signal can be found elsewhere - I know on my Casio it will try repeatedly to get a signal if it fails to get one at 2am - 3am, 4am etc. or something similar to that.

    So maybe leave it at the four different sides of your home through the night to see if it can get a signal anywhere.


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    First check which signals your watch supports, via the manual or spec sheet. The closest signal to us is the UK one (MSF) but most Citizen models do not support it, relying on the German signal (DCF77). Some overseas models may not support any European signals at all, so be careful when buying online.

    My atomic watches are mostly Casio, they support the UK signal and I get a successful sync 9 nights out of 10 or better.

    Assuming yours supports the German signal, we are on the edge of it's range so reception can be hit and miss. To give your watch the best chance, leave it near a window and in the orientation recommended in the manual (usually 12 o'clock facing out). If you can put it in a window facing the transmitter, all the better. Don't put it near sources of interference.

    Signal boosters exist as you note, or can be made. However many report success merely leaving the watch around the handlebar of a bike, or chin-up bar etc.

    Some phone/PC apps are available which spoof the signal by playing a sound through headphones/speakers. The frequency is much lower (obviously) but they rely on faint harmonics. JJY is one of them, Clockwave is another. I don't use them but there is plenty of info online.


  • #4
    Ferns83
    Registered Users Posts: 34 ✭Ferns83


    Thank very much. I had read about the bike/chin up bar but was not aware of JJY. I will give it a try.

    Much appreciated,


    [Deleted User] wrote: »
    First check which signals your watch supports, via the manual or spec sheet. The closest signal to us is the UK one (MSF) but most Citizen models do not support it, relying on the German signal (DCF77). Some overseas models may not support any European signals at all, so be careful when buying online.

    My atomic watches are mostly Casio, they support the UK signal and I get a successful sync 9 nights out of 10 or better.

    Assuming yours supports the German signal, we are on the edge of it's range so reception can be hit and miss. To give your watch the best chance, leave it near a window and in the orientation recommended in the manual (usually 12 o'clock facing out). If you can put it in a window facing the transmitter, all the better. Don't put it near sources of interference.

    Signal boosters exist as you note, or can be made. However many report success merely leaving the watch around the handlebar of a bike, or chin-up bar etc.

    Some phone/PC apps are available which spoof the signal by playing a sound through headphones/speakers. The frequency is much lower (obviously) but they rely on faint harmonics. JJY is one of them, Clockwave is another. I don't use them but there is plenty of info online.


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