Thursday, June 15, 2006

What's with this shutoff switch?

One thing German manufacturers needed to clarify when building clocks was which way the shut-off switches work. Many manufacturers have tried with different kinds of markings on stickers placed near the shut-off switches. But what if these stickers come off? Or, what if they come off and are put back on upside down?

Here is an easy way to tell if your chime/cuckoo is turned off or on:

The way to tell if the shut-off switch is in the correct position is to listen for a “click” when moving the minute (larger) hand slowly clockwise past the hour or half hour. If there is a click=the shut-off is on, no click=the shut-off is off. Sometimes the sticker next to the shut-off switch can be confusing. It is best not to trust this sticker, and to go by the simple gauge (click=on, no click=off)

4 comments:

  1. Does my model 1200 bird and clock have a shutoff or silencer switch ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most of the model #1200 do not, but you might have one that does. It would be either a black wire loop below, or a lever on the side.

      You can always shut off the cuckoo portion by leaving that weight off, or by latching the door with the wire next to the door.

      Delete
  2. Does my model 1200 bird and leaf 24 hour clock have a silencer switch?
    I watched the set-up video and there was no mention of same.
    would appreciate advice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Most of the model #1200 do not, but you might have one that does. It would be either a black wire loop below, or a lever on the side.

    You can always shut off the cuckoo portion by leaving that weight off, or by latching the door with the wire next to the door.

    ReplyDelete