Quartz Clocks (Battery Operated)

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the operation of quartz clocks, specifically regarding battery types and circuit design. Users emphasize that alkaline batteries are suitable for quartz clocks, while carbon batteries are not necessary. It is established that using a resistor in the circuit can disrupt the clock's operation due to voltage drops during pulse charging. The consensus is that alkaline batteries are preferred for their higher current capacity, although some manufacturers advise against their use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quartz clock mechanisms
  • Basic knowledge of battery types: alkaline, NiCd, and NiMH
  • Familiarity with crystal oscillator circuits
  • Knowledge of voltage and current characteristics in electronic circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications of quartz clock movements and their power requirements
  • Learn about the differences between alkaline and carbon batteries for electronic devices
  • Study crystal oscillator circuit design and its components
  • Investigate the impact of battery voltage on the performance of quartz clocks
USEFUL FOR

Electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists building or repairing quartz clocks, and anyone interested in understanding battery selection for low-drain devices.

John1397
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I never had quartz clock I see you need to use carbon battery, I am thinking start with 1000 ohm resistor and see if clock runs with alkaline battery if not just keep lowering resistance.
 
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John1397 said:
I never had quartz clock I see you need to use carbon battery, I am thinking start with 1000 ohm resistor and see if clock runs with alkaline battery if not just keep lowering resistance.
I run all my clocks with alkaline batteries. Where did you read that carbon batteries are required?
 
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John1397 said:
I never had quartz clock I see you need to use carbon battery
I'm with @anorlunda -- I don't understand your question. Do you have a datasheet for the clock you are asking about?

Or perhaps are you asking about how to build a crystal oscillator circuit? There are some requirements on the oscillator circuit (like using an unbuffered inverter for some configurations), but you would need to tell us more in order for us to help you.

crystal-oscillator.png

https://www.gadgetronicx.com/square-wave-generator-crystal-oscillator/
 
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John1397 said:
I never had quartz clock I see you need to use carbon battery, I am thinking start with 1000 ohm resistor and see if clock runs with alkaline battery if not just keep lowering resistance.
A crystal regulated wall clock will run on any battery voltage from about 1.1 volts to 2.0 volts. I use rechargeable Ni-Mh cells at about 1.2 volt.

Do NOT use a resistor. The crystal oscillator runs continuously, but once each second the clock takes a short pulse of charge from the battery to advance the clock mechanism. A resistor will drop too much voltage during the pulse, which will then upset the oscillator.
 
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anorlunda said:
I run all my clocks with alkaline batteries. Where did you read that carbon batteries are required?
The manufacturer in China says not to use rechargeable or alkaline batteries even Seikos website says no alkaline batteries, seems to me on DC you only have volts and amps.
 
See what a seller on Ebay writes about batteries.
 

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All battery-operated equipment must run off a range of voltages, since batteries vary over their useful life. Both Zn-C and alkaline batteries are nominally 1.5 V and spend most of their life between about 1.5 - 1.3 V

NiCd and NiMH have a lower voltage, starting around 1.3 V and spending most of their life around 1.2 - 1.1 V, so I can see why they might not work. And I certainly have equipment which does not work with rechargeables (on a one to one replacement basis) or works only briefly with a freshly charged battery.

Alkaline batteries are preferred for higher current loads and because they may(!) be less likely to leak if left in past their useful life.
Zn-C I've seen specifically recommended for low-drain applications like clocks.
Clocks are also less likely to leak as they are not usually on stand-by: they operate all the time and you notice quickly if the battery reaches the end of its useful life.

If the current demand of the short pulses is significant, I'd have thought designers would include a bit of capacitance to support the transient load.
 
Quote from above image: "Too strong electricity will damage the movement."
OMG....
 
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Somebody thinks this will work three diodes in row cuts voltage from 5 to 1.5.
 

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John1397 said:
Somebody thinks this will work three diodes in row cuts voltage from 5 to 1.5.
"Somebody" is not a valid reference at PF. I checked the datasheet for those diodes and this schematic is obviously in error. Lordy.

Thread is closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
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