About the time signal transmitter DCF77
About the time signal transmitter DCF77
The radio clock integrated into the base station receives its radio signals from the time
signal transmitter DCF77. This broadcasts the precise and official time of the Federal
Republic of Germany on the long-wave frequency of 77.5 kHz.
The transmitter is located in Mainflingen near Frankfurt am Main and, with its range of
up to 2000 km, supplies the majority of radio-controlled clocks in western Europe with
the necessary radio signals.
As soon as the base station is supplied with current, it switches to receiving mode and
searches for the signal from the DCF77 transmitter. If the time signal has been received
in sufficient strength via the ferrite rod antenna installed in the radio alarm, the time is
shown in the display.
The base station switches on multiple times daily and synchronises the time with the
radio signal from the DCF77 transmitter. In the event the signal is not received, e.g.
during a strong storm, the device continues to run precisely and then switches to
receiving mode again at the next scheduled time.
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Weather station with radio alarm clock WS 1604