For all our technological capability...

[EyeMWing]

Why in the name of hell can't we make an alarm clock in which the backup batteries last more than 3 minutes?

I mean, they're 2 fvcking D cells. A pansyass CR2032 is in EVERY computer powering a realtime clock and a BAZILLION settings, and yet, the best my brand new alarm clock can do is to survive 1 power outage before the batteries are flat.

I'm going to have to put it on a UPS, aren't I?

 

[Savarak]

suuuuree "there was a power failure and my 2 D sized backup batteries on my alarm clock died... thats why i'm late for work sir!"

maybe the 2 D cells were the OEM no name cheapos that came with the clock were already mostly depleted

the 2032s only keep the computer clock up much like a 2032 in a watch plus a tiny bit of personalized "settings" are powered by the 2032 for the bios settings

 

[PottedMeat]

The load on a CR2032 in a computer is only a few microamps usually, the real time clock circuit only needs to keep the sram ( saves settings ) and 32khz oscillator alive. An alarm clock needs to keep at least that alive as well as the display ( usually LED ) which is a huge current draw.

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
The load on a CR2032 in a computer is only a few microamps usually, the real time clock circuit only needs to keep the sram ( saves settings ) and 32khz oscillator alive. An alarm clock needs to keep at least that alive as well as the display ( usually LED ) which is a huge current draw.

I've never had one that DID keep the display alive. EVER. Technically speaking, you could make an alarm clock with SRAM to store the settings, and the clock... Well,that's already done.

And no,these are brand new, 1-month-old Duracells.

 

[MWink]

You know I used to think the exact same thing. Then I got a RCA RP 3720A ($20 at BB) and it keeps time perfectly on AC or battery. It runs on 2 AA batteries and comes set from the factory. All you have to do is set the switch on the bottom to your time zone. I've had mine unplugged all summer. I just plugged it in and the time is still correct. You may want to look into one.

 

[neutralizer]

Which is why my alarm clock is my cell phone.

 

[Kyanzes]

Use a sundial. Or train yourself so you can guess the current time more precisely.

 

[Anubis]

my housemate has an alarm closk that will auto set the time and such whever you plug it in, it somehow keeps alwarm settings also,

 

[everman]

I have one of those alarm clocks that synchs with the atomic clock radio signal every day, battery works fine and it never needs to be reset. It even projects the time and indoor temperature on the ceiling.

 

[thescreensavers]

my alarm clock I found 2 years later unpluged still had the right time. 9V BAttery FTW

 

[ManyBeers]

Originally posted by: EyeMWing
Why in the name of hell can't we make an alarm clock in which the backup batteries last more than 3 minutes?

I mean, they're 2 fvcking D cells. A pansyass CR2032 is in EVERY computer powering a realtime clock and a BAZILLION settings, and yet, the best my brand new alarm clock can do is to survive 1 power outage before the batteries are flat.

I'm going to have to put it on a UPS, aren't I?

Set up a scheduled task to play a song at your wakeup time. I hibernate my computer at night before bed and at 7:00 in the morning it comes out of hibernation and realplayer plays a song. Lately I have been waking up to Del Amitri's "Lets kiss this thing goodbye"

 

[0roo0roo]

? mine uses 9v. plus cellphone for alarm and wellwho cares

 

[altonb1]

Originally posted by: neutralizer
Which is why my alarm clock is my cell phone.

FTW!

I have my Blackberry set as my main alarm (it even has snooze!) and my cell phone has a 2nd alarm.