Smiths clock repair

66TigerMK1A

66TigerMK1A

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I finally decided that I was tired of my Smiths clock showing the correct time only twice a day. I know there are a few options to have these repaired and I chose one based in New Jersey.
I sent it off to Mick Eck at ... http://www.jaguarclock.com/
Here's a quote from the website...

"The electrical contact is the weak link in these clocks, so they never seem to run long enough for anything else to wear out. Actually, it's not surprising that the contacts fail, when you consider what they are required to do. Normally, the current for the coil passes directly through the contacts, which close and open five times per second. Each of these cycles causes a spark, which is easily visible. At the rate of 5 per second, this spark occurs 18,000 times per hour, 432,000 times a day, and 157,680,000 times per year! It's no wonder they fail so quickly.

Our upgrade uses the contacts as a trigger for an integrated circuit (IC), which actually provides the power pulse to the coil. The contacts are required to pass much less current than they normally handle. In addition, the circuit produces a constant width electrical pulse to the coil, which gives the balance wheel a solid kick, no matter how bouncy or dirty the contacts are. The same idea is used in dwell-extender electronic ignitions. We use a custom printed circuit board that uses surface mount techniques to shrink the circuit down to the size where it will fit inside the clock. None of the original clock parts are removed, so the installation is totally reversible, in case you ever want a non-functional clock again! "

The cost is $75 including return U.S. postage ... $85 for Worldwide

Below is a pic of the new circuit board installed ...


Jim
B382000446
 
That is some great info-have you got your clock back yet and how well does it run? Eric
 
No, not back yet... but it should be on it's way... cross-border shipping can be slow

After looking at the different options... and prices, I'm pretty confident that I'll be happy with it

Here's part of his reply to my inquiry..

..."Sunbeam Tiger? Yes, Smiths CE clocks are my specialty. Professional instrument restorers from around the world send their customers' Smiths clocks to me because they know I can make the original movement run and keep accurate time. ...


Jim
B382000446
 
FYI for those interested, there are several BB posts on how to repair/replace these clocks primarily by re-soldering a wire. I found some of these posts on the JOC BB (Jensen Owners Club).
 
Future Planning

My original Tiger clock still keeps purrrfect time for some happenstance of miracles. But, thx for the info because we all know it's just a matter of (pun goes here).
 
Growler said:
FYI for those interested, there are several BB posts on how to repair/replace these clocks primarily by re-soldering a wire. I found some of these posts on the JOC BB (Jensen Owners Club).
Click to expand...

I haven't found anything like that anywhere that I've looked... including the Jensen site

I did find a thread on the SAOCA forum which mentions the fix I am using and how it is working out... good reading...

http://sunbeamalpine.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14691&page=2


Jim
B382000446
 
Some info from other sites...

These clocks have a common fault, spring is wound by a solenoid every two and a half mins, if you take it apart you will see how, as the spring winds down an electrical connection is made to energise the solenoid which rewinds the spring and breaks the connection simultaneously.
It will have a broken wire, solder this back on and all will work again.

The popular thoughts on why the wire breaks is that as the battery loses its power due to lack of use its voltage drops to a level not capable of forcing the solenoid to rewind the spring, therefore the contact point is not broken and the 8 volts or whatever heats the weakest point, which is the solder. This melts and breaks the contact.
If soldered back on and 12 volts applied everything back to as new, providing its been in a clean dry environment whilst out of action.
If it requires cleaning do NOT use wd40 as this will be too heavy and gunge everything up.
Specialist cleaning/oiling spray must be sourced thru a jeweller or watch repairer, you can clean with brake or carb cleaner, but then you must oil it with specialist oil at all contact points with a minute amount on the end of a needle, too much like hard work to my mind. Just find appropriate spray and its done in a few minutes plus drying time.
Do NOT spray the solenoid whatever you use.

or try: http://www.aircooledtech.com/vdo_repair/

Just realized that the above was for Keinzle clocks...Google Smiths and you'll find things like this (If you want to cause some brain damage)

http://www.sa.hillman.org.au/TT_SmithsClock.htm

If you decide it is not worth it, I have a instrument repair guy who did an excellent job on my tach and he is located in Los Angeles
 
Broken clocks don't drain batteries and personally when I'm out for a drive, I don't want to know what time it is and where I should be.
 
With watches, mobile phones, GPS the list goes on, all have clocks built in and tell the time if required. The clock in my dash reads the correct time twice a day. All thats needed.:D
 
tiger260 said:
Broken clocks don't drain batteries and personally when I'm out for a drive, I don't want to know what time it is and where I should be.
Click to expand...

+1.

That said, just having a dysfunctional instrument on the dash is just not right. Mine, for instance.

I've often thought it would be interesting to take the guts out and install a, say, vacuum gauge even with the clock face.

Or a tracking device to know what KAOS is up to...:rolleyes:
 
I'm happy to report that the clock has been back in the car for well over 2 weeks...keeping perfect time... battery holding :rolleyes:

It even has the original 'ticking' sound... lol!! :eek:

Mike Eck did a great job...even refinished the case and buffed things up a bit..
I would highly recommend his service for those so inclined

http://www.jaguarclock.com/



Jim
B382000446
 
clock

a timex from walmart will last longer and be correct all the time. it's also a lot cheaper to buy another if it breaks.
 
Jim, many thanks for letting us know back in February about Mike Eck and his Jaguar Clock business that upgrades and refurbishes Smiths CE clocks.

I subsequently sent a clock to him and like you am extremely pleased with his work. In addition to his excellent work, he is very customer service oriented and it was a pleasure to deal with him. All of this for a price being half of what at least one other well known company quoted me.

I second your recommendation.

Gene
 
reapirs

Not sure if Mike is still in the business??

Comments?



cadreamn67 said:
Jim, many thanks for letting us know back in February about Mike Eck and his Jaguar Clock business that upgrades and refurbishes Smiths CE clocks.

I subsequently sent a clock to him and like you am extremely pleased with his work. In addition to his excellent work, he is very customer service oriented and it was a pleasure to deal with him. All of this for a price being half of what at least one other well known company quoted me.

I second your recommendation.

Gene
Click to expand...
 
Clock repair

Yes, Mike Eck is still in business. Like Jim mentioned that started the thread, he does Very nice work. Quite reasonable in today's instrument repair. Sure, I have a watch, but there's something about having all the instruments working like they should. If you feel so inclined, ship your clock to: Jaguarclock/CoolCat. Mike Eck 71 Hillcrest Road Martinsville, NJ 08836. There may be email/phone contact info on his website.
Brian
 
clock

Nisonger repairs just about anything made by Smith's. Wonder if they can repair clocks? It's worth a call to find out.
 
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