How to Set Up a Quartz Tubular Bell Clock Movement
This guide explains how to properly install and set up a quartz tubular bell clock movement, including correct battery placement, initial chime synchronization, and common setup issues. It is intended for clock owners, hobbyists, and repair professionals working with modern quartz tubular bell movements. Following these steps carefully will help ensure accurate timekeeping and reliable chime operation.
Step 1
Connecting the Chime Speaker (Quartz Tubular Bell Movements)
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Locate the speaker jack on the back of the chime unit.
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Insert the speaker plug firmly until it clicks into place.
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Place the speaker inside the clock case, angled for best sound.
Tip: If you do not hear sound later, check to make sure the speaker plug is inserted fully. and you have fresh batteries installed into the movement.
Step 2
Set the Song Selector Switch
You will see a selector labeled Song/Switch.
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Choose your preferred chime melody.
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The clock will play that melody every quarter-hour and on the hour (depending on model).
If the clock is silent, check:
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Volume is not set to “Low”
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Night shutoff is not enabled
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Speaker is plugged in
Step 3
Set the Sound Switch
At this time set the sound switch (B) to 24 HR ON. This can be changed later after the initial set up is complete.
Step 4
Step 6
Install The Batteries
At this point you can install the (3) batteries This movement requires (2 ) "C" batteries and (1) "AA". (Use caution here, especially if you are using a second hand, the moment you insert the batteries, things start moving and can get hung up )
Step 7
Final Adjustments
Once all the steps 1-6 are performed, your clock movement is set up. Below is a diagram of the backside of the clock movement that will show you the buttons and switches along with their functions. Please let the movement run for a few hours before you start making adjustments to the clock.
Set the Sound Level (Volume Control)
Turn the volume knob clockwise to increase volume or counter-clockwise to lower it.
Note: Every clock case is different. You may need to experiment to find the best volume.
Please visit our YouTube channel for set up and troubleshooting videos
Step 5
Install The Hands
Install the hands. Set the hands to read approximately 5:50. Adjustments can by made later. Look a tall the hands to make sure none of them are touching each other nor are the touching the glass cover or face. Just look for anything touching the minute hand. If the minute hand or second hand just touches the glass, this will stop the clock from working.
What Do All The Buttons Do?
F
The clock movement works independently from the hands on the clock. There are actually 2 movements in this one unit; a time movement and a strike movement. The time movement (the one the hands are attached to) works interdependently of the strike movement. The time movement only triggers the strike movement and each time the time movement triggers the strike movement, the strike movement advances to the next stage. So if the strike movement is set to strike 3 times, but your hands are set to 8:00, when the hands go around and reach the top of the next hour (9:00), the time movement will trigger the strike movement and tell it to advance 1 time, which is 4 strikes. Although the hands on the face are reading 9:00, the strike movement will only strike 4 times.
A-Song Selector Switch
The Song selector switch allows you to choose between 3 songs and a variation of Westminster
B-Sound Selector Switch
The sound selector switch gives you options for the time of day you want to hear the songs.
C-The Set Switch
The set switch when pushed will advance the hour striking up 1 hour. If the clock strikes 4 and you push the set switch, the clock will advance 1 hour and strike 5.
D-Reset Switch
The rest button, when pressed, will reset the clock movement back to 5:50 am.
E-Volume Control
The volume control knob adjusts the volume output to the speaker.
F-Monitor Button
The monitor button when pressed will play the note or chime that indicates where the clock is set to at that moment.