How to Set a Sharp Atomic Clock

You can manually or automatically set a Sharp atomic clock in just a few seconds. Sharp atomic clocks are designed to receive long wave radio signal broadcasts from The National Institute of Standards and Technology in Colorado. The AM signal delivers the exact time to a Sharp atomic clock from up to 2,000 miles away. Sharp suggests that you manually set the time zone and time before attempting an update through the radio control feature.

Manual Set

Press the "Mode" button on the Sharp atomic clock to enter the alarm time mode, labeled "AL." Push the "Set" button until you reach the desired time zone letter. "P" stands for Pacific, "M" for Mountain, "C" for Central and "E" is for the Eastern time zone.

Push the "Mode" button again to return to the main time screen.

Hold the "Set" button for 2 seconds and release when you notice the hour digit is flashing. Press the "Adjust" button to increase the digits to the correct hour. Continue scrolling through the numbers until the "AM" or "PM" label on the screen is correct for the hour you are setting.

Press the "Set" button to cause the minutes digits to begin flashing. Push the "Adjust" button to increase the digits to the correct number of minutes past the hour. Hitting the "Set" button again gives you the ability to use the "Adjust" control to change the seconds, date, month and year.

Push the "Mode" button again to return to the main time screen.

Radio Set

Stand at least 8 feet from televisions, computers and other electronics to activate the radio control setting function on the Sharp atomic clock. Standing near a window and waiting until the sun has set makes it easier for the unit to receive the signal.

Press the "Receive" button to begin the search for the radio signal. The clock searches automatically for 8 minutes. Wait for the satellite logo to start flashing and the time to change.

Slide the tip of a paper clip into the "Reset" hole and push the internal button if the time fails to automatically set after the first attempt.

Push the "Receive" button again to begin the search for the radio signal. Move to a different location or leave the Sharp atomic clock manually set if you are unable to receive a signal after multiple attempts.