Quartz Clocks (Battery Operated)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the operation of quartz clocks, specifically focusing on the types of batteries suitable for powering them, the use of resistors in circuits, and the implications of voltage variations from different battery types. Participants explore various technical aspects and requirements for quartz clock functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose starting with a 1000 ohm resistor to test if a quartz clock runs with an alkaline battery, suggesting that lowering resistance may be necessary if it does not work.
  • Others argue that alkaline batteries can be used for quartz clocks, questioning the necessity of carbon batteries and citing personal experience.
  • A participant mentions that a crystal regulated wall clock can operate on a voltage range from about 1.1 volts to 2.0 volts and advises against using a resistor, as it may disrupt the oscillator's function during the clock's pulse operation.
  • Concerns are raised regarding manufacturer recommendations against using rechargeable or alkaline batteries, with references to specific brands and their guidelines.
  • Another participant discusses the voltage characteristics of different battery types, noting that alkaline batteries are preferred for higher current loads and that Zn-C batteries are recommended for low-drain applications like clocks.
  • There is a mention of the potential need for capacitance in the design to support transient loads during the clock's operation.
  • Some participants express skepticism about a proposed method involving diodes to reduce voltage, with one participant checking the datasheet and finding the schematic to be erroneous.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of battery types for quartz clocks, with no consensus on whether carbon batteries are necessary or if alkaline batteries can be used effectively. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for powering quartz clocks.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference manufacturer guidelines, personal experiences, and technical specifications, but there are unresolved assumptions about the implications of using different battery types and circuit configurations.

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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