Clock Polarity,
While Jim Leach's note on clock voltage polarity nicely
describes a 'normal' electric clock, there are two
exceptions that I am aware of.
First, of course is the clock that has had a quartz movement
installed. This is polarity sensitive, and is usually
negative earth. It can be used in a positive earth car by
isolating the case (which is usually 'grounded') and putting
it to the positive terminal and the "hot lead" to ground.
Easy enough on a wood dashboard, but not so easy on a metal
one.
The more important difference, to a Sunbeam, are the models
of Smiths clocks made with an auxiliary floating battery
inside. These are meant to be negative ground, so shouldn't
be a problem with a Tiger, but some Alpines were positive
ground. When I tried to have this one rebuilt, by one of
the national instrument experts, I was told not to bother.
The mechanism of the battery model is not reliable, not
original, and a POS. BUT, you can put a nice VDO movement
(the larger one) inside, and keep your old face (new holes
required for face, but no biggy), keep the VDO face, or have
a decal of the "correct" face put on. It will keep good
time, too, as opposed to a new or re-built Smiths.
--
Steve Laifman < One first kiss, >
B9472289 < one first love, and >
< one first win, is all >
< you get in this life. >
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