Simplex clock - need information

[tinny]

G'day All,

I'm new to the forum.

I've had a long standing interest in old electric clocks - I own a couple of Smith Sectric clocks.

I recently bought a Simplex clock at an auction. From what I can research - it is a 'dual motor' and was outdated and not used for very long in USA but continued production here in Australia.

I have been desperately searching for clear wiring diagrams and information on how it works and how to use it.

It appears to have a little micro switch that I don't know how to use.

I'd like to be able to either rig it up so that some buttons on the wall can control the time setting or maybe have a master clock correct it (wondering if I could make a simple Arduino computer programmed chip control it with an atomic clock).

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Tinny

 

[caperace]

I've been retired for 20 years, but as I remember before the electronic master clock was available to run the dual motor clocks, they were controlled by a wall plate arrangement, there was an on off power switch, an advance and run switch and a latching relay assembly that would control a lamp that indicated that the power was off to indicate a power failure, the clocks were corrected to the 45 minute. The IBM master clock did not have the capability to correct this clock, I think Simplex did have a master that would correct these clocks, but I saw very few of these in my 38 years with Simplex. I have a couple of these, but no wiring decals on them, if I come across any info I'll send it.

 

[tinny]

Hi caperace.

Thanks very much for your reply.

I have been running the clock for the past few days. It keeps time very well so I don't think I'll need to have a correcting setup.

I'd love to have the the power failure indicator lamp and a control panel on the wall to have it advance time etc as you said.

Please do send me any information you find - I want to wire it all up but I am just not sure how to go about it as mine is the same as yours with no wiring decals at all.

Thanks,
Tinny

 

[JBS]

If this could help here follows a photo of the wiring diagram I have on the back of my UK made Simplex dual motor clock, this is a 240V - 50Hz for European market (marked 507-042 on dial).



While disassembling and cleaning I noticed black dust under the gear connected to the 15rpm motor (the one on the left on photo below). It seems to be coming from friction when "free rotating" while 1rpm motor is powered. I cleaned it and everything seems to be working as expected.
I was wondering where so much dust is coming from as rotating device spring loaded "stoppers" do not seem to be really worn out?

 

[caperace]

Lubrication is dried up, we would spray it with WD40 or some kind of spray cleaner and put some oil on it.