2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09
People constantly come up with new gadgets to make their life more comfortable, interesting and easier. The sharp sound of the alarm clock no longer suits anyone, it is more pleasant to wake up to your favorite melody. And this is not the only plus of clock radios - they have many useful functions, which will be discussed in the article.
Peculiarities
For a modern person, time control is necessary, because many people have their entire day scheduled in minutes. All kinds of devices help to keep track of time: wrist, pocket, wall, table clocks, with mechanical or electronic action. “Talking” radio clocks are also gaining popularity today . Radio controlled models are able to synchronize time with regional, national or world indicators with an accuracy of a fraction of a second.
Almost all clock radios are equipped with quartz stabilizers to help maintain accurate timing in unstable AC conditions.
Unfortunately, the household electrical network (220 volts) is not always constant, fluctuations in it lead to the fact that the watch begins to rush or lag behind, and a quartz stabilizer helps to cope with this problem.
All radio clocks have a luminous display of different sizes (liquid crystal or LED). You can choose models with red, green or white glow. In this case, the brightness differs, but it does not depend on the color. Large screen models are able to adjust the light intensity in two ways:
- two-position dimmer makes numbers bright during the day and dim at night;
- there is a smooth adjustment of the glow saturation.
The watch is equipped with batteries, which, in the event of a power outage, will help to save all the settings made. Modern clock radio models are capable of supporting different media: CD, SD, USB.
Some clock radio options are equipped with a docking station . They have push-button control on the body, and are also equipped with a remote control. There is a place to install a cell phone.
Models of such radio devices are produced in different sizes, colors and shapes, which helps to satisfy the taste of any consumer.
Views
Clock radios differ in the set of functions they are endowed with. The number of options directly affects the cost of electrical appliances - this should be taken into account when choosing products. The clock radio differs from one another according to different criteria.
By signal propagation method
A radio controlled clock is a device that combines an FM radio and a clock function. FM radio has a frequency range of 87.5 to 108 megahertz. And although the transmission distance in this range is limited to 160 km, music and speech are modulated with better quality, FM broadcasting takes place in stereo.
Differences in the signal propagation method lie in the formats of the transmitting stations of their own time code. Watch models can receive the following broadcast:
- VHF FM Radio Data System (RDS) - spreads a signal with an accuracy of no more than 100 ms;
- L-Band and VHF Digital Audio Broadcasting - DAB systems are more accurate than FM RDS, they can equal GPS with a second level of accuracy;
- Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) - they cannot compete with satellite signals, but they have an accuracy of up to 200 ms.
By functionality
Radio clocks can have a different set of options, it is their unequal content that is due to the variety of types of this product. Here is a general list of all possible radio options.
Alarm
The most popular types are radio alarm clocks. Favorite radio station sounds help users wake up in a good mood , without jumping from the stressful ringing of a traditional alarm clock. This option helps not only to wake up, but also to lull the user if a monotonous lullaby melody is selected . In some models, you can set two alarms at once, one works in a 5-day mode (from Monday to Friday), the other - in a 7-day mode.
Short sleep option (snooze)
It is good for those who find it difficult to get up at the first signal. There is only one button that allows you to duplicate the alarm, postponing awakening for another 5-9 minutes, while the body adapts to the thought of an imminent rise.
Independent time
Some devices have two independent clocks that can show different times, for example, data from different time zones.
Radio tuner
It allows you to use the watch as a full-fledged radio receiver with frequencies in the FM range, you just need to tune the radio station. By the way, you don't have to do this every time, but just tune the device once to 10 favorite radio stations and program it. The radio can be easily switched to the alarm function by turning the volume control to indicate the desired time.
Laser projector
This option allows you to project the dial on any plane with the setting of the desired size. For example, a person is used to sleeping on his right side, and the clock is on the left. The projection function will help you move the dial to the opposite wall without moving the device itself. For those accustomed to sleeping on their backs, it is enough to open their eyes to see the clock face on the ceiling.
Timer
This option is relevant for those who like to fall asleep to the sounds of their favorite radio station. If you preset the shutdown function, the radio will automatically turn off at the specified time. You can use the timer to mark any period of time, for example, the end of a workout, or you can set a reminder when cooking.
Night light
Some models include a night light as an additional element. If it is not necessary, the night light can be turned off and hidden.
Turntable
Some models are not limited to the content of only a radio receiver, they also have a built-in CD-player. To wake you up, you can record suitable melodies on a CD and use them as an alarm clock (or soothing).
The calendar
The calendar, set for all times, will helpfully inform what day, month, year and day of the week are today.
Meteorological functions
Except for the clock and the radio such a device can contain a miniature climate station, which, thanks to remote sensors, will report the temperature and humidity in the room, as well as in neighboring rooms and on the street … The device is capable of measuring the ambient temperature from -30 to +70 degrees. The room sensor has a reading range of -20 to +50 degrees Celsius. Moreover, on the bar chart, you can see changes in readings over the last 12 hours (rising or falling).
You can configure the instrument to alert you at a critical high or low temperature. Such a function will help to track air indicators in places where there are small children, in greenhouses, wine cellars, wherever climate control is required.
The device is capable of connecting up to 4 sensors for different rooms, which will show not only the current temperature, but also the highest or lowest recorded during the day.
Rating of the best models
To be sure in the choice of radio equipment, it is better to give preference to well-known brands. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the best top models of today.
Rolsen CR-152
A compact device with a beautiful design, well suited to the interior of the bedroom. Easy to set up, has excellent acoustic performance . The FM tuner and timer will allow you to fall asleep and wake up to your favorite melody every day. A beautiful model with many functions can be a pleasant gift for family and friends.
Ritmix RRC-818
Despite its compact size, the radio alarm clock has powerful sound and a large battery. In addition to the radio, the model is equipped with Bluetooth and a player function that supports a memory card. Thanks to the device, a hands-free telephone conversation is possible. The disadvantages include lack of brightness control and the presence of only one alarm clock.
Sangean WR-2
Design with a historical background will suit interiors in a retro style. Despite its simple shape, the body is made of durable natural wood, resistant to mechanical stress. The model is endowed with a small display, but at the same time it has many modern features.
There is a headphone jack, brightness is adjustable, frequency is adjustable. The device is complemented by a control panel.
Philips AJ 3138
The model has two independent alarms, smooth volume control and a stunning appearance - like an old alarm clock . The digital tuner works within a radius of 100 km. Complaints about the location of the buttons and an impractical voice recorder.
Sony ICF-C1T
Radio broadcasts are supported in two bands - FM and AM. The alarm repeats the signal every 10 minutes for an hour. The brightness is adjustable.
How to choose?
Before purchasing a clock radio, you should carefully read the list of options that the device may contain, and note those that are important to yourself. You shouldn't overpay for just-in-case functions. When the tasks become clear, you can go shopping and choose a model with suitable capabilities. There are some nuances to consider.
- Users who are distracted from sleeping by a brightly lit display may pay attention on dimmable model . A projection radio alarm clock is also suitable in such cases. It will help you to recognize the time by a discreet projection displayed on a suitable plane, while the luminous dial itself is easy to hide.
- Those who focus on the radio should choose high-quality sounding models , paying attention to the number of received radio stations.
- Those for whom climate control is important should prefer radio clock with a weather station . When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the number of sensors offered and the temperature range.
- Better to prefer appliances capable of receiving signals not only in a short range .
- For some users, it is important the ability to support various media (CD, SD, USB) .
- When buying, make sure that the model has a quartz stabilizer .
A clock radio is not only multifunctional and useful - this small beautiful device fits perfectly into a modern interior and becomes a kind of decoration for it.
You just need to know in advance where the model is chosen: for the kitchen, children's room, on the closet, on the wall - and choose the appropriate design.
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