Lathem ATX Operation manual

Model ATX
AirTime Wireless Wall Clock Transceiver
Installation & User's Guide
Copyright © 2009 Lathem Time Corporation. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................. 1
LCD Display – Time, Date, Time Zone and Indicators ............................ 1
Indicators on LCD Display ............................................................. 1
Mode Selection .......................................................................... 2
 Start Here............................................................................. 1
Master Mode ............................................................................. 1
Repeater Mode (Used in Multiple ATX Installations) ............................... 6
Setup (Repeater Mode) ................................................................ 6
Glossary o De initions:................................................................ 8
Selection o Mode....................................................................... 8
Operation o Master Mode............................................................. 8
Operation o Repeater Mode.......................................................... 8
Operation o Reset in Master Mode.................................................. 8
How to access Setup Modes........................................................... 9
Automatic Inter erence Prevention Function ....................................10
Backup Function .......................................................................10
WWVB Reception O /On Function .................................................10
Battery Li e Indicator .................................................................10
Power Requirements..................................................................11
Troubleshooting .......................................................................11
Per ormance............................................................................13

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 1
Introduction
The ATX (AirTime Transceiver) is a user-installable, battery-operated
radio-frequency unit that provides the wireless signal to keep AirTime wall
clocks within its range synchroni ed to the second. The ATX can receive the
WWVB signal from a radio station used by millions of people throughout
North America and transmit the accurate time to 12” and 15” analog and 4”
and 6” digital model AirTime wall clocks. The ATX can be operated using 2 –
CR123A batteries rated with a five (5) year life or powered by an optional AC
adapter. AirTime is an affordable time keeping solution for institutions such
as schools, hospitals, offices or any environment that requires precise and
consistent time from room-to-room. Should any problems arise with your
ATX please contact Lathem Time at 800-241-4990.
Function Labels
LCD Display – Time, Date, Time Zone and Indicators
Indicators on LCD Display

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 2
Transmitting
“TRNS”
When flashing, indicates the ATX is transmitting an AirTime signal
Receiving “RECV”
When flashing, indicates the ATX is in receiving mode listening for an
AirTime signal. used in Repeater mode)
Daylight Savings Time
When illuminated, indicates that the ATX is in Daylight Savings Time.
Reception strength
In Master mode indicates the strength of the WWVB signal when
receiving.
In Repeater mode displays for 5 seconds indicating the strength of the
signal from the Master when a signal is received.
Low battery
Indicates the batteries should be replaced.
Link “LINK”
Indicates data reception from another AirTime transmitter was
successful within the last 24 hours. Used in Repeater mode)
WWVB receiving
When steady, indicates successful reception of the WWVB signal. When
scrolling, the ATX is listening for a WWVB signal.
Other Indicator Flashing Red LED
This indicates that a Repeater ATX failed to receive the signal from a
Master ATX Transceiver. Press the Reset button or move the ATX to a
location that is closer to the Master ATX.
Mode Selection
The ATX can operate in either of two modes, Master or Repeater. The
most common mode is “Master”. In Master mode, the ATX receives and
synchronizes with the WWVB signal. It then transmits the signal to

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 3
AirTime wall clocks and ATX Repeaters. The WWVB signal strength
indicator indicates the strength of the WWVB signal being
received. The ATX ideally should be placed near a window facing
Boulder, Colorado or under a skylight with a clear view of the sky for best
signal reception. In Master mode, the ATX can also be set manually if no
WWVB signal is available. The accuracy of the ATX without the WWVB
signal is +/- 5 minutes per year. Note: If the ATX (in Master Mode) does
not receive the WWVB signal, the clocks will not unction properly.
Master Mode
When using more than one AT Transceiver, you can set the ATX to
operate in “Repeater” mode. See page 9 for setting the ATX as a
Repeater.

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 1
 Start Here
Master Mode
!! IMP RTANT !!
This AirTime System is designed to provide highly accurate and
reliable time reference in your building. You must follow these
instructions or your clocks will fail to operate properly. You must
allow the transmitter to sit overnight and receive the WWVB signal
before installing your wall clocks.
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE INSTALLING THE WALL
CLOCKS
1. Remove the back cover of ATX and slide the Mode Selection
switch to the Master position.
2. Insert two 2) CR123A lithium batteries provided) and replace
the back cover or connect the optional 6VDC adapter. Note: You
can not use both the batteries and the AC adapter at the same
time. If the ATX looses power, replace the batteries or check
the optional AC adapter and reset the clock starting at step 1
above)

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 2
3. Set Time Zone: Press and release the Set button for less than 1
second. The Time Zone will flash on the display. Use the Up or
Down buttons to select the proper Time Zone see list of zones
below) and press Set.
Available Time Zones
Time Zone Offset Display
Atlantic Time -4Hrs
Eastern Time -5Hrs
Central Time -6Hrs
Mountain Time
-7Hrs
Pacific Time -8Hrs
Alaska -9Hrs
Hawaii -10Hrs

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 3
4. Use the Up or Down buttons to Enable EN) or Disable DI) the
Daylight Savings Time function. If enabled, the time on the ATX
will automatically change when daylight saving time changes.
Press Set when done. The display will return to normal.
5. Decide where to locate the ATX. Ideally it should be mounted
in the center of area to be covered. The ATX can either be wall
mounted or sat on a shelf. If the ATX does not receive the WWVB
signal in the next step, then consider installing it near a window
facing Boulder Colorado or under a skylight with a clear view of
the sky to receive the best signal from the WWVB.
6. Press and release the Reset button. The Display will blink once
and the red LED will flash. The WWVB reception indicator
will scroll left to right indicating it is waiting for a signal.
BE PATIENT!!!
Because of other interfering radio transmissions, reception often
takes 24 hours to occur
If the ATX fails to receive the WWVB after 24 hours, press the RECV

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 4
button for 4 seconds to begin WWVB reception again and move the
ATX to another location with a clear line of site toward the sky.
Once the ATX receives the WWVB signal do not change its location.
Because it must continue receiving WWVB signals, the ATX must
be installed in the same area here WWVB signals are first
received.
Once the WWVB signal is received, the indicator will stop
scrolling. To verify the WWVB signal has been received in the
past 24 hours press the RECV button for 2 seconds and release. The
indicator will flash 4 times indicating the signal has been
received or 5 times if no reception has occurred).
7. Press and release the TRNS button on your Master ATX to begin
transmitting to AirTime Wall clocks and other ATX devices. The
TRNS flashing in the display confirms the transmissions.
The ATX will transmit for one hour, allowing you to setup and install
your AirTime wall clocks and Repeaters.
8. Insert the batteries into your wall clocks and Repeater ATXs if
applicable). Press and release the reset button on the back of
the AirTime wall clocks or the front of the Repeater ATXs to
start receiving the signal from the Master ATX.

ATX Installation and User’s Guide
Page 5
9. Install the Master ATX: Install the ATX in the same location
where the WWVB signal was received.
Mount the ATX
Drill a 5/16" hole.
Insert a wall anchor and tap flush to wall with a
hammer.
Insert a screw into the anchor leaving 1/8" exposed.
Align the keyhole on case back and slide onto the screw.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Setup in Master mode is now complete