Britta Products Franklin CL-1
Britta Products Franklin CL-1 Atomic Digital-Analog Wall Clock User Manual
Model: Franklin CL-1
Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Britta Products Franklin CL-1 Atomic Digital-Analog Wall Clock. This unique timepiece combines a traditional analog display with digital functionality, offering precise timekeeping, date, day, indoor temperature, and humidity readings.
Key Features
- Unique Digital-Analog Display: Liquid Crystal Analog (LCA) technology presents digital hour, minute, and second hands that sweep silently across the analog clock face.
- Atomic Radio Controlled Time: Automatically sets time via WWVB radio signals for exceptional accuracy.
- Automatic Daylight Saving Time Adjustment: The clock adjusts automatically for daylight saving changes.
- Day and Date Display: Shows the day of the week, day, and month.
- Indoor Temperature and Humidity Display: Provides current indoor temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) and humidity levels.
- Versatile Mounting: Designed for both wall mounting and desktop use with an integrated stand.
- Large Display: Features a large 9.5" x 8.5" face for easy readability.
- Perpetual Calendar: Built-in calendar up to the year 2099.
- Optional Daily Alarm: Includes a daily alarm function.
Setup Guide
1. Battery Installation
The Franklin CL-1 clock requires 4 AA-size batteries (not included) for operation.
- Locate the battery compartment on the back of the clock.
- Open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert 4 new AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+ and -) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
2. Initial Power On and Signal Reception
Upon battery installation, the clock will automatically begin searching for the WWVB atomic time signal. This process may take several minutes to several hours, depending on your location and environmental conditions.
- Optimal Placement: For best reception, place the clock near a window, away from large metal objects, electronic devices, and sources of electromagnetic interference.
- Signal Strength: The WWVB signal is typically stronger during nighttime hours. If initial setup fails, try placing the clock in a different location or allow it to attempt synchronization overnight.
- Time Zone Selection: Once the signal is received, you may need to manually select your time zone. Refer to the "Operating Instructions" section for details.

Image: Front view of the Britta Products Franklin CL-1 clock, showing the digital-analog display with time, day, date, temperature, and humidity.
Operating Instructions
1. Automatic Time Synchronization (WWVB)
The clock is designed to automatically receive the WWVB atomic time signal from Fort Collins, Colorado, ensuring accurate timekeeping. The signal covers the entire continental United States.
- The clock will attempt to synchronize daily, typically in the early morning hours.
- A signal icon on the display indicates successful reception.
2. Manual Time and Time Zone Setting
If automatic synchronization is not desired or unavailable, you can manually set the time and time zone.
- Refer to the buttons on the back of the clock (e.g., SET, MODE, UP, DOWN).
- Press the MODE button to cycle through settings (Time, Date, Alarm, Time Zone).
- When the desired setting is blinking, use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the value.
- Press SET or MODE again to confirm and move to the next setting.
- Available Time Zones: Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaskan, Hawaii.
3. Daylight Saving Time (DST)
The clock automatically adjusts for Daylight Saving Time. No manual intervention is typically required if atomic synchronization is active.
4. Temperature and Humidity Display
The clock displays indoor temperature and humidity. You can select the temperature unit.
- Temperature Range: 14.1°F to 122°F (-9.9°C to 50°C).
- Humidity Range: 20% to 99%.
- To switch between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C), locate the F/C button (often combined with another setting button) on the back of the clock and press it.
5. Seconds Hand Display On/Off
The digital seconds hand can be turned off to simplify the display and potentially improve readability for some users.
- Consult the specific button (e.g., "SECONDS" or "DISPLAY") on the back of the clock to toggle this feature.
6. Daily Alarm Feature
The clock includes an optional daily alarm.
- Press the MODE button until the alarm time is displayed or blinking.
- Use the UP or DOWN buttons to set the desired alarm time.
- Press SET or MODE to activate/deactivate the alarm and confirm.
Mounting Options
The Franklin CL-1 clock offers flexible placement options:
- Wall Mount: Use the integrated keyhole slot on the back of the clock to hang it on a screw or nail securely fastened to a wall.
- Table Stand: Utilize the built-in stand for placement on a desk, shelf, or table. Ensure the surface is stable to prevent tipping.

Image: The Britta Products Franklin CL-1 clock shown with its integrated stand, suitable for desktop use.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the clock's surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, which may damage the display or casing.
- Battery Replacement: Replace all 4 AA batteries when the display becomes dim or the clock stops functioning correctly. Always use fresh, high-quality batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries or different battery types.
- Environmental Conditions: Avoid exposing the clock to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or high humidity, which can affect performance and lifespan.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Clock does not display or is dim. | Batteries are low or incorrectly installed. | Replace with fresh AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity. |
| Clock does not synchronize with atomic time (WWVB). | Poor signal reception due to location or interference. | Move the clock to a location with better signal reception, ideally near a window and away from electronics. Try placing it overnight. Ensure correct time zone is selected. |
| Display is difficult to read in low light. | The clock does not have a backlight. | This is a characteristic of LCD displays without backlighting. Ensure adequate ambient lighting for optimal readability. |
| Humidity display shows "LL". | Humidity level is below the measurable range (typically below 20%). | This indicates a very low humidity environment. The reading is accurate for conditions below 20%. |
| Time zone setting issues. | Incorrect manual setting or confusion during setup. | Refer to "Manual Time and Time Zone Setting" in the Operating Instructions. Ensure you select one of the supported time zones (Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaskan, Hawaii). |
Specifications
- Model: Franklin CL-1
- Brand: Britta Products
- Display Type: Digital-Analog (LCA)
- Power Source: 4 x AA Batteries (not included)
- Product Dimensions: 8.5" W x 9.5" H
- Screen Size: Approximately 11.9 inches (diagonal)
- Weight: 1.3 pounds
- Indoor Temperature Range: 14.1°F to 122°F (-9.9°C to 50°C)
- Indoor Humidity Range: 20% to 99%
- Time Zones Supported: Atlantic, Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaskan, Hawaii
- Calendar: Perpetual calendar up to Year 2099
- Mounting: Wall mount or desktop stand
- Material: Plastic
Warranty and Support
This Britta Products Franklin CL-1 clock comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific warranty terms, conditions, and duration, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact Britta Products customer support.
For technical assistance, troubleshooting not covered in this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Britta Products customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the official Britta Products website.
Ask a question about this manual
Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.