Kundo Space Timer Radio-Controlled Desk Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1988
This radio-controlled quartz desk clock, known as the Kundo Space Timer, was manufactured by Kieninger und Obergfell GmbH in 1988. The clock is housed in a grey plastic casing measuring 178 mm by 190 mm by 135 mm, with a total weight of 0.4413 kg.
It functions by synchronising to 77.5 kHz time signals transmitted from the DCF 77 radio transmitter located near Mainflingen, Frankfurt. Designed to indicate Mid-European time, the clock maintains an offset one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The device features an automatic reset mechanism to adjust for daylight saving time transitions. The display incorporates a circular dial design with analogue hands and a digital liquid crystal display window.
It is identified by the model name Space Timer, which is printed on the front base, and marks including Kundo and DCF 77-Timer are present on the clock face.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Desk clock
- Maker
- Kieninger und Obergfell GmbH
- Time Zone
- Mid-European time
- Dimensions
- 178 mm x 190 mm x 135 mm
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Signal Frequency
- 77.5 kHz
- Maker / attribution
- Kieninger und Obergfell GmbH
- Transmitter Location
- Mainflingen, near Frankfurt
Design
- Visible features
- • Grey rectangular base features three control buttons on the front right. • The dial contains an analogue circular minute track with indices. • A digital LCD panel is situated below the center of the hands. • The text 'West-Germany' is printed at the bottom of the dial surface.
- Physical Configuration
- The physical design of the clock includes an integrated stand and display housing constructed from a grey material. The clock measures 178 mm in height, 190 mm in width, and 135 mm in depth. It possesses a mass of 0.4413 kg. The overall unit combines a broad base with a vertical or slightly tilted display panel. The display layout incorporates both analogue and digital elements. An analogue circular dial provides the main time display, while a small digital liquid crystal display (LCD) window is positioned within the lower half of the circular face. Controls are situated on the front surface of the base to allow user adjustment.
- Technical Functionality
- The Kundo Space Timer functions as a radio-controlled quartz desk clock. It operates by receiving time-code signals transmitted from the DCF 77 station, which is located near Mainflingen, Germany. This signal, transmitted at a frequency of 77.5 kHz, provides the reference time required for the internal quartz mechanism to maintain synchronization. The clock is programmed to indicate Mid-European time, which is an offset of one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Additionally, the clock includes an automated feature that updates itself to accommodate summer time, or daylight saving time, shifts. This capability is managed by the device's electronic system interpreting the incoming radio transmission.
- Identification and Branding
- The object is identified as a Kundo Space Timer, a name prominently displayed on the front of the clock base. Additional branding and functional information appear on the clock face itself, specifically the names 'Kundo' and 'DCF 77-Timer'. These markings link the device to the maker Kieninger und Obergfell GmbH. The origin of the device is documented as St Georgen in Germany, which was the location of the maker. The face further specifies its production in West-Germany, reflecting the geopolitical context of the era in which the clock was produced.
Identification
- Accession Number
- 1994-457
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The long-term operational state of the radio receiver circuitry is not stated.
- Research required: Internal electronic components remain unverified beyond the external description.