Looking for: Rack mount clocks

[N9JIG]

I have rack-mounted all my radios (look in the Pictures forums...) and currently have 4 fairly cheap digital clocks to monitor the 4 mainland US timezones. These are sitting on top of the racks and I don't like it...

I am looking for a rack-mount replacement for these with several clocks. I prefer 5 clocks, and with a 24-hour option so I can add GMT to the mix.

I could also use a pair of 3-clock panels.

I would prefer a 1 or 2 U rack.

Any ideas?

 

[fxdscon]

Might be some leads here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=rac...ChMI-67ZwaW1xwIVCzk-Ch2c3A4t&biw=1904&bih=984

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[N9JIG]

I tried that already, and didn't find any multiple clock panels.

 

[SteveC0625]

I have rack-mounted all my radios (look in the Pictures forums...) and currently have 4 fairly cheap digital clocks to monitor the 4 mainland US timezones. These are sitting on top of the racks and I don't like it...

I am looking for a rack-mount replacement for these with several clocks. I prefer 5 clocks, and with a 24-hour option so I can add GMT to the mix.

I could also use a pair of 3-clock panels.

I would prefer a 1 or 2 U rack.

Any ideas?

In looking around, most of the rack mount clocks seem to be one large one per panel. I suspect you want to have 5 smaller clocks in a single panel.

If I was looking to do what you want, I'd get myself a blank panel in the correct size needed and then pick up some matching panel mount clocks and make my own cutouts for them in the panel. If you use an aluminum panel, the cutting is pretty darned easy and the holes can be fine tuned with a file.

 

[SteveC0625]

I learned the electronics business back in the days when 19" racks were the standard for just about everything. It was the norm to grab a blank panel and fabricate what was needed on the fly.

 

[N9JIG]

My metal-working skills are naught. If I did something like that I would have to have someone build it for me.

I had a friend years ago that helped me make some custom rack-mounts for radios but he retired and moved away before I did.

 

[fxdscon]

These don't appear to be specifically made for rack mount, but dimensions are given, and perhaps something could fit?

Welcome to BRG Precision Products - The Leader in Custom Digital Time Zone Displays, Event Timers, Safety Timers, Emergency Mass Notification Systems, Synchronized Clocks Systems, Carillons, Electronic Bell Systems, Digital Clocks, Analog Clocks, PoE

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[mmckenna]

Single time GPS sourced: GNSS Signal Management - Spectracom - timing, positioning, navigation, simulation and signal test
Expensive, probably not suitable for what you are looking for. Sometimes, however, you can find them on e-Bay. There are even WWV/WWVB versions. I've got a few of these at work for timing our dispatch center as well as a couple of redundant NTP sources.

 

[PACNWDude]

Spectracom units work great as a network clock.

Last operations center I saw with rack mounted multiple time zone displays was a custom built unit though.

Many places I go to now have the World Map "Geochron". Wish somebody did make a 4 or 5 time zone, 1 unit high clock myself. (Backlit in red, not LCD, vaccuum flourescent.)

 

[N9JIG]

I can find a couple different options for multi-zone clocks but they are all $2500 or more, just a bit above the budget for this project!

 

[wd9cms]

This place has all kinds of clocks: World Clocks - world time clocks, time zone clocks, geochron & international time clocks you might be able to make something that works from something like this Product Listing - Multiple Time Zone Wall Clocks 4 of the 3 1/2" inch dial clocks are around $100 and look like they are 5 3/4 x 17 3/4 which should fit in a 19" rack. Just some ideas ....

Bill

 

[DJ11DLN]

Auto-Meter and others sell quartz automotive clocks sized to fit a 2-5/8" gauge hole. Don't know if they have a 24-hour version or not but a blank plate and a hole saw might make fitting these a fairly easy option...just a suggestion.

 

[mmckenna]

Auto-Meter and others sell quartz automotive clocks sized to fit a 2-5/8" gauge hole. Don't know if they have a 24-hour version or not but a blank plate and a hole saw might make fitting these a fairly easy option...just a suggestion.

Damn, that's a great idea. I might need to try that at work!

 

[rapidcharger]

Because anything worth doing is worth overdoing, you could get a rack mounted lcd or led display.
Imagine the possibilities.

 

[Blackswan73]

Look for panel clocks on eBay. They come in several LED colors, and range in price from $5-$9. All are from China, or Hong Kong, so allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. As has been mentioned, get a 19" piece of aluminum, or light steel, and make cutouts. The cutouts don't have to be perfect, since the clock bezel will hide them. Mark on the panel where you want the cutouts with a marker. Drill 1/4" holes at the corners of each marked cutout area. Then use a sabre saw, or dremel to finish each cutout. Mount the clocks and connect to 12v supply. You could even use a different led color clock for each zone.

 

[Blackswan73]

I forgot to mention to center punch the holes before drilling. This is to prevent the drill from walking. You can use a nail as a center punch.