How a radio-controlled watch works, Operation guide 2689, Reception range – G-Shock GW-300CFJ-3 User Manual

Page 3: What is a radio-controlled watch, Calibration signal, Location, Receiving the calibration signal

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Operation Guide 2689

3

Reception Range

This watch is designed to receive the standard time calibration signal of Japan (JJY) or of the United States (WWVB). The signal that is
received depends on the current Home City setting.

For information about selecting a Home City, see “Setting the Time and Date Manually”.

Home City

TYO

LAX, DEN, CHI, NYC

Transmitter

Either the Mt. Otakadoya signal (40kHz) or the Mt.Hagane signal (60kHz)

Fort Collins, Colorado signal

1000km

Mt. Hagane
(60kHz)

500km

1000km

500km

Transmitter Location

Mt. Otakadoya
(40kHz)

Under optimum conditions, the calibration signal should be
receivable up to 1,000 kilometers from the transmitter.

Note that the wave is relatively weak at distances greater
than 500km, so reception may be poor at long distances.

Fort Collins

3000km

1000km

Transmitter Location

Under optimum conditions, the calibration signal should be
receivable up to 3,000 kilometers from the transmitter.

Note that the wave is relatively weak at distances greater
than 1,000km, so reception may be poor at long distances.

What is a radio-controlled watch?

Your radio-controlled watch is designed to receive a time
calibration signal that contains standard time data and adjust its
current time setting accordingly.

Signal is received using
built-in antenna.

Watch decodes
received data and
converts it to time
data.

Time is adjusted
according to time
data.

Signal data

Cesium
atomic clock

Transmitter

Long-wave time
calibration signal

Internally

Decode

Watch

Time data

After the watch receives the Standard Time signal, it performs
internal calculations to determine the current time. Because of
this, there may be an error of up to one second in the
displayed time.

Calibration Signal

The Japanese calibration signal (Call Sign: JJY) is maintained by
the independent Japan Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
Communication Research Laboratory (CRL). It is a long wave
signal transmitted 24 hours a day from the Mt. Otakadoya
transmitter (40kHz) located in Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture,
and from the Mt. Hagane transmitter (60kHz) located on the
border between Saga Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture.

The U.S. calibration signal (Call Sign: WWVB) is transmitted by
the National Institute of Standards and technology from Fort
Collins, Colorado.

Though the calibration signal is normally transmitted 24 hours
a day, transmission may be interrupted occasionally due to
maintenance, lightening, etc.

How a Radio-controlled Watch Works

Time Required for Reception

Signal reception takes anywhere from about two to six minutes.

Note that when “

AUTO

” is specified as the frequency selection

mode, signal reception can take up to 12 minutes.

See “Specifying the Transmitter Mode” for more information about
the transmitter mode.

To trigger reception manually

In the Timekeeping Mode, hold
down the
D button for about
two seconds until the watch
beeps.

This indicates that manual receive
has started. The “

” icon flashes

on the display while signal
reception is in progress.

To stop signal reception

Press the D

button.

All other buttons besides

D

are disabled during signal reception.

When reception is successful

The watch terminates reception and adjusts the current time. Next
it beeps and then displays the date and time the adjustment was
performed.

The “

” icon on the display also indicates successful signal reception.

The “

” icon is cleared from the display each day at 3:00 a.m.

When reception fails

The watch does not adjust its current time setting, and displays
“ERR” instead.

The display will return to the normal timekeeping screen
automatically if you do not perform any operation for about one
or two minutes.

Receive icon

The receive indicator cycles from
“Unstable” through “Stable” as
shown below while reception is in
progress. How far it cycles depends
on the signal strength. Keep the
watch in a location where reception
is stable while reception is in
progress.

Unstable

Stable

Even under optimum reception conditions, it can take about 10
seconds for reception to stabilize.

Use the receive icon to check reception status and to
determine the best location for signal reception.

Note that weather, the time of day, surroundings, and other
factors can all affect reception.

Receive icon

Location

Reception is difficult and may even be impossible in the locations
described below. Avoid such locations when performing signal
reception.

You should think of your watch operating like a radio or TV when it
is receiving the calibration signal.

If you are experiencing problems with reception, move away
from the types of locations described above to a location with
better reception, and try again.

Near high-voltage lines

Among or near buildings

Next to a household appliance

or office equipment

(TV, speaker, fax, PC,

mobile phone, etc.)

Inside a vehicle

(automobile, train, plane, etc.)

Near mountains

In a location where there is radio

interference

(construction site, airport, etc.)

Receiving the Calibration Signal

There are two methods you can use to receive the time calibration
signal.

Auto reception (Reception is performed automatically at
2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00 each morning.)

Manual receive (You initiate reception using a button operation.)

The watch is set up for auto reception at the factory, so all you
need to do is to place it in a location that allows good reception
each night.

To make reception easier

Remove the watch from your wrist and place it somewhere so its
top (12 o’clock side, where the antenna is located) is facing
approximately in the direction of the signal transmitter. Keep it
away from metal objects.

Resin band

Metal band

Orienting the watch so it is sideways to the transmitter makes it
more difficult to receive the signal.

Do not move the watch while it is receiving the calibration signal.

Geographic contours, nearby buildings, the season, the time of day, can even make reception impossible even when you are within range of
the transmitter.

Best reception is possible late at night.

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