gen1/gen2 Getting Started
If your clock has an NES Nintendo controller sliding doors in the back or a magnetic closure you are looking at the correct instructions.
If your clock has dials on the side you have the v4 action clock and should be here instead!
Quick Start Guide:
Just flip the power supply switch to on!
If your Climate Clock is receiving power it will turn on the display, it just might take a few seconds for the numbers to appear as it starts up. After a minute if the display hasn't started you can start to troubleshoot.
The power supply
You can keep your clock running while plugged in so that you can leave it on as a display for anyone that comes in eyesight. Then you are ready to take the clock mobile it will be fully charged! The uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are designed to be used 24/7 so there's no harm to the power supply.
If the battery is not being charged you can save the battery by turning the switch to its OFF setting (see above) until you are ready to use your clock. When it's show time, just flip the switch on, and after 10 seconds or so, the display should be up and running!
IMPORTANT:
Do not plug the 12v power supply for the battery directly into your Climate Clock's computer.
See the image and description of the "Main components of your Portable Climate Clock" below. The "wall plug" that is connected to the power supply in that image is 12v, and should only be connected to the power supply's battery!
Your Climate Clock's computer requires a 5volts current, however, the battery pack in the power supply is charged with 12 volts. It is the battery's job to deliver the 5v to the clock's computer from its USB port. In fact, nearly all USB ports deliver 5v power and can be used to power the clock if they can supply 2amps.
Main components of your Portable Climate Clock:
A. The Climate Clock, the brains of the operation made up of a Raspberry Pi and an "Hat" B. The "Battery" or Power Supply, a 'mini UPS' which stands for "Uninterruptible Power Supply". You will only have one version which will have an AC wall adapter input. and a DC power output that with a barrel connector will connect to the computer or specifically the hat on top of the Raspberry Pi. C. The USB controller, also known as the 'gamepad,' for controlling onscreen content. D. A backup USB power bank. Your clock may come with an additional backup powerbank that can be used if the main power supply runs out.
If the font on the display of your climate clock matches the display in the display of the Climate Clock in the picture above you are overdue for an update! Click here are instructions for updating your clock! The gamepad controls below will not work unless you have done so!
Gamepad Controls
If your clock came with a USB Super Nintendo style controller and you've updated to the latest software see "Update your clock," then you can control the "lifeline" shown and the brightness of the display using the "directional pad" on the left side of the controller.
Left/Right: Change the "lifeline" displayed on the clock.
Up/Down: Increase or decrease the brightness of the screen.
Decreasing brightness should extend battery life and might reduce glare in night pictures. Decent lighting conditions reducing brightness may add to an undesired "tearing" effect in still images/video.
Clock Serial Number:
Climate Clock serial numbers are written as CC#_ _ _ _ _ _. You can find it written behind the back right door in front of the power supply:
Early CC#0_____ Model Notes:
Securing the Doors
Applicable for climate clocks with a serial number starting with CC#0:
If you lose the cork that comes with your climate clock in a pinch you can also use a twist tie to secure the doors stay closed while using the clock out in the field:
Make a loop or corkscrew shape with your twist-tie
With the doors aligned insert into the small hole above the larger one
Angle the twist-tie so it heads back out the larger hole
Grab and twist
Hanging your Climate Clock: The French Cleat
If the top back lip of your Climate Clock has a 45-degree angle cut into it, this is called a french cleat and can be used to hang on a wall with a matching french cleat. You can affix an upward-pointing cleat to a wall to make a home for your Climate Clock to be displayed. This way it can easily be removed to use in the field and just as easily returned.
DC Power Cable Extensions
One or more DC barrel power cable extensions may have been included inside your clock. You can use them on either side of the power supply that makes sense for your setup. Hopefully, these make it easier to hang your clock or charge it safely.
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