This Digital High Time flip clock features a projection system that will project an approximation of the time on the ceiling. The clock also features plastic simulated burl woodgrain which actually looks fairly realistic. According to the manufacture's information on the box:
Digital High Time Ceiling Alarm Clock by Stancraft Products Model 7661
- Projects the time in 5 minute increments
- Large, easy to read digital face numerals
- Burl woodgrain Accent
- No Glare
- Gentle Alarm
Digital High Time Ceiling Alarm Clock by Stancraft Products Model 7661 - The clock was made, in the early to mid-70s by Stancraft Products, a division of Brown and Bigelow, makers of Hoyle Playing Cards and numerous other boardgames. Stancraft also made some analog alarm clocks (clocks with hours/minute hands) that projected the time on the ceiling.
The clock numbers are illuminated by an orange light, that works fine and clearly and pleasantly illuminates the numbers in the dark. The clock projects the time on the ceiling as advertised in a low, soft white light (more details under "How it works" below). The clock mechanism and alarm setting is very smooth making the clock a relatively quiet flipper when the time changes.
Details of this particular clock:
The clock for this review was obtained from eBay as a New in the Box purchase. Unfortunately, the clock's projection system was more than 15 minutes off from the time on the face. In addition, the clock was obviously in a smoker's home as it reeked of smoke. Two good reasons to get into this clock and see how it works.
Take down was fairly simple with the removal of 4 cabinet screws and two screws holding the clock mechanism in place. Immediately obvious was the projection light and the wheel containing the time that would be projected on the ceiling. The wheel is turned directly by the clock mechanism via a gear on the side opposite of the clock motor.How it works: The light from the 7 watt bulb passed through a small window in a metal wall between the light compartment and the clock internals. The light shines through the wheel, projecting the representation of the time onto a angled mirror. The reflection is passed up through a projection lens on the top of the cabinet towards the ceiling.
The manufacturer, unfortunately, fixed the projection lens on these clocks in place - which does not allow focusing. However, the clock does a fair job of showing the time on the ceiling, displaying the time in five minute increments. There are three times visible, the time closest to the actual time in the middle of the three.
The User instructions recommend turning off the projection light during daylight hours. This seems like a good recommendation as with the old time incandescent bulb used, there will be significant heat generation. This is only speculation, but this may be why many such clocks listed on eBay are missing the projection light cover. It seems likely these because warped over time due to the heat and no longer fit the cabinet.
Cleaning: The clock was completely disassembled and the plastic gentle washed in mild soap and water. All wires were wiped with alcohol and the clock mechanism gentle swabbed with Q-tips dipped in alcohol. (The mechanism was not disassembled). The clock now has that "new clock smell." It cleaned up just fine and remains in what I would call "mint condition."
Repair/Adjustment: The wheel that holds the times for projection was removed and immediately the gear that connects the wheel to the clock dropped away.
Anyone attempting a take down of this clock should be alert for this so that this gear does not get lost. The clock was set to 8:00 pm and the wheel re positioned so that "8:00" was visible through the metal window.
Summary: A wonderful and handsome example of early 70s coolness. This would look perfect sitting next to a lava lamp. These clocks are very hard to find in mint condition, likely due to the design and possible warping due to the heat of the projection light. However, the clock reviewed is a great time piece which would bring back some fond members of an earlier generation, and would serve well for retro themed rooms/homes.
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