1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the ADE CK1940 Radio-Controlled Digital Alarm Clock. This clock features a genuine bamboo facade, a clear LCD display with backlight, a large snooze button, an indoor thermometer, and a perpetual calendar. It automatically synchronizes with the DCF radio signal for precise timekeeping, including automatic summer/winter time changes. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance of your device.
2. Safety Information
- Battery Safety: Use 2 x 1.5V AA batteries. Ensure correct polarity (+/-) when inserting. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries. Remove depleted batteries promptly to prevent leakage. Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.
- Placement: Avoid placing the clock in direct sunlight, near heat sources, or in areas with high humidity. Keep away from strong electromagnetic fields which may interfere with the radio signal.
- Cleaning: Clean the clock with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse in water.
- Children: Keep batteries and small parts out of reach of children.
3. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- 1 x ADE CK1940 Radio-Controlled Digital Alarm Clock
- 2 x 1.5V AA batteries
- 1 x Instruction Manual

Image 3.1: ADE CK1940 Alarm Clock, showing the clock, included batteries, and instruction manual.
4. Product Overview
The ADE CK1940 features a clear LCD display and intuitive controls. Familiarize yourself with the main components and display elements:
4.1 Display Features

Image 4.1: Overview of the ADE CK1940 display, highlighting the snooze function icon, alarm icon, DCF radio signal indicator, perpetual calendar (date and day in 7 languages), and ambient temperature display.
4.2 Key Features and Dimensions

Image 4.2: Illustrates the physical dimensions (16.6 cm width, 8.7 cm height, 4 cm depth) and key features such as the extra-large snooze button, clear LCD screen, inclined base for comfortable reading, and the 5-second backlight function.
4.3 Back of the Clock and Buttons

Image 4.3: Shows the rear of the alarm clock, indicating the location of control buttons for setting time, alarm, and other functions, as well as the battery compartment.
5. Setup
5.1 Battery Installation
- Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the clock.
- Insert 2 x 1.5V AA batteries, ensuring the correct polarity (+ and -) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Image 5.1: Close-up view of the battery compartment, showing where to insert the AA batteries.
5.2 Initial Power-On and DCF Signal Reception
Upon inserting the batteries, the clock will automatically power on and begin searching for the DCF radio signal. This process can take several minutes. During this time, the DCF icon (often a radio tower symbol) will flash on the display.
- Place the clock near a window for better signal reception.
- Once the signal is successfully received, the time, date, and day will be set automatically, and the DCF icon will appear steadily on the display.
- The clock will automatically adjust for summer and winter time changes.
If the signal is not received within 10 minutes, the clock will proceed with default settings. You can then manually set the time or wait for the next automatic synchronization attempt (usually hourly or daily).
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Manual Time Setting (if DCF signal is unavailable)
- Press and hold the SET button (located on the back) for a few seconds until the hour digits start flashing.
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the hour.
- Press SET again to confirm the hour and move to minutes. Adjust minutes with UP/DOWN.
- Continue pressing SET to cycle through and set the year, month, date, and day of the week language (DE, EN, ES, FR, IT, NL, DA).
- Press SET one last time or wait for 15 seconds for the settings to be saved automatically.
6.2 Alarm Setting
- Press the ALARM button (located on the back) once. The alarm time will be displayed.
- Press and hold the ALARM button for a few seconds until the alarm hour digits start flashing.
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the alarm hour.
- Press ALARM again to confirm the hour and move to minutes. Adjust minutes with UP/DOWN.
- Press ALARM one last time or wait for 15 seconds for the alarm time to be saved.
6.3 Alarm Activation/Deactivation
- To activate the alarm, press the ALARM ON/OFF switch (located on the side/back) to the 'ON' position. An alarm icon will appear on the display.
- To deactivate the alarm, slide the ALARM ON/OFF switch to the 'OFF' position. The alarm icon will disappear.
6.4 Snooze Function and Backlight
- When the alarm sounds, press the large SNOOZE/LIGHT button on top of the clock. The alarm will pause for approximately 5 minutes before sounding again.
- To activate the backlight for 5 seconds, press the large SNOOZE/LIGHT button at any time when the alarm is not sounding. This energy-saving feature prevents constant illumination.

Image 6.1: Illustrates the display visibility during day (unlit) and night (with 5-second backlight activated).
6.5 Temperature Unit Selection
- Press the DOWN button (on the back) to switch between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) for the temperature display.
7. Maintenance
7.1 Cleaning
To clean your ADE CK1940 alarm clock, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, sprays, or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface or internal components.
7.2 Battery Replacement
When the display becomes dim or the clock stops functioning, it's time to replace the batteries. Follow the steps in Section 5.1 for battery installation. Always replace both batteries at the same time with new ones of the same type (2 x 1.5V AA).
8. Troubleshooting
- No Display / Faint Display: Check if the batteries are inserted correctly with the right polarity. Replace old or depleted batteries with new ones.
- Incorrect Time: Ensure the clock is placed in an area with good DCF signal reception (e.g., near a window). If the DCF signal is weak or unavailable, manually set the time as described in Section 6.1.
- Alarm Not Sounding: Verify that the alarm is activated (alarm icon visible on display) and the alarm time is set correctly.
- Manual in Other Languages: Our manuals are primarily printed in German, English, and French. Other languages, such as Spanish, can often be downloaded from the product page on Amazon or by scanning a QR code provided in the printed instructions.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | CK1940 |
| Brand | ADE |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 16.6 x 4 x 8.7 cm |
| Weight | 200 Grams |
| Power Source | 2 x AA Batteries (included) |
| Display Type | Digital LCD |
| Special Features | Radio-controlled (DCF), Snooze function, Thermometer (°C/°F), Perpetual calendar (7 languages), Backlight (5 sec), Inclined base |
| Material | Bamboo, ABS Plastic |
| Movement Type | Quartz |
10. Warranty and Support
ADE is a traditional brand with over 85 years of experience, committed to high-quality products and customer satisfaction. We are confident in the quality and reliability of your CK1940 alarm clock.
If you encounter any issues not covered in the troubleshooting section, or require further assistance, please contact ADE customer support. For returns or to provide feedback on your purchase, you can typically do so through your Amazon account.