“The Wave” Tide Clock
- Medallion & Classic Series -
The Wave is a revolutionary concept in tide clocks! The center disc
turns to simulate the ocean’s tides at a rate equivalent to one lunar
second per pulse.
TO INSTALL:
This tide clock can be flush mounted directly to the wall using the
brass screws provided, or by using drywall inserts available at your
local hardware store if mounting on plaster or sheetrock walls.
Downeaster offers wood mounting boards for wall mounting, as
well as mantle stands for placing on a mantle, shelf, desk, or any
other flat horizontal surface. Call, or check our website, for the
available options.
Insert a single “AA” battery in the bottom of the clock movement,
being sure to properly align the “+” and “-“ terminals as indicated
on the movement. (If the clock is not going to be used for extended
periods, it is best to remove the battery to prevent corrosion of the
terminals.)
Consult a tide chart for the body of water you wish to monitor to
determine the current stage of the tide. If you don’t have a tide
chart handy, you can find one online (search for “tide chart” and
the name of the water body). Turn the set knob on the back of the
movement until the hand indicates the current stage of the tide. For
example, if the chart indicates high tide is at 3:00 pm and it’s
currently 1:00 pm, set the clock to read 2 hours before high.
OPERATION:
Tide clocks make one revolution approximately every 12 hours and
25 minutes, which coincides with the timing of the semi-diurnal
tides along the Atlantic Coast (tide clocks work well only on the
Atlantic seaboard of North America). On average, each high tide will
be about 25 minutes later than the last, as will each low tide. Thus,
the hand on a tide clock rotates a bit more slowly than the hour
hand on a regular time clock. The actual time of the tides can vary
somewhat from day to day due to the effects of strong winds,
changes in atmospheric pressure, or other weather variables.
However, these factors average out over time and over the long run
the clock will accurately track the tides, though you may need to
make small adjustments once or twice per year. (When resetting
your regular clocks twice a year for Daylight Savings Time, it’s a
good idea to check your tide clock as well –though tide clocks do
NOT need to be reset for Daylight Savings Time.)
Please call with any questions regarding installation or
operation of this instrument.
