No Longer Awakened by a Jolting Alarm!
by
donnamr
,
in Pets, Books at Epinions.com
,
Feb 1, 2008
Pros:
Clean, clear reception, gradual increasing alarm volume, automatic time set
Cons:
No LED display on battery backup
The Bottom Line:
I like this inexpensive clock radio because of its clarity, increasing volume alarm, large LED display, flexible features, and automatic time set feature.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Tired of your alarm clock rudely jolting you awake? Say hello to the gentler coaxing awakening power of the RCA RP5420 Clock Radio. The alarm starts off at a low volume and gradually increases. This clock radio has many nice features and is a compact, reliable, and reasonably priced unit.
Appearance
The RCA RP5420 Clock Radio is a sleek, compact unit, taking up half the space as my previous clock radio.
The digital LED displays green 4-in tall numbers on a black background. There are also AM and PM notations in small letters next to the time. There is a 2-level brightness control. The numbers are easy to see in the darkest conditions, even on the lower brightness setting.
Battery Backup Plus
As with many other electric clock radios, this unit has a battery backup. Two AA batteries are included. When the backup is in use, a power failure indicator flashes. However, if the power has failed, the LED display does not light up. This is the only drawback I see to this model: while the backup battery maintains the settings, it does not operate the clocks display, so you cant really read the time.
The RCA RP5420 goes a step further, in that it also has an automatic time set feature. No initial setting of the time is necessary. This works in conjunction with another feature that sets the time zone, and a third that can turn daylight savings time on or off, depending upon the region in which you live.
Features
Other than those features already mentioned, the clock radio has these others:
Am & FM radio settings
Automatic frequency adjustment to reduce interference
MP3 audio input connection a nice extra
Choice of radio or beep alarm an icon on the LED display will show which mode is set
Increasing alarm volume - starts off low and gradually gets louder
Sleep control the amount of time the alarm will remain on length of time is variable and can be set by the user, so offers flexibility
Nap control aka snooze control tap the button when the alarm goes off, and the alarm will automatically come back on after a designated amount of time like the sleep control, length of time is variable and can be set by the user to accommodate specific sleep habits
Two alarm time settings, designated as Wake 1 and Wake 2 - flexible if 2 people need to rise at different times
Most of the settings are done through buttons or toggle switches on the top and back of the unit. These are clearly diagrammed on the instruction sheet and include:
Radio/Auxiliary settings (auxiliary is for MP3)
AM/FM radio setting
Forward time and alarm setting
Reverse time and alarm setting
Alarm times: Wake 1 or Wake 2
Alarm off
Sleep
Nap
Brightness
Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time
Volume and channel controls are set through dials on the right side of the clock.
Simple Setup and Operation
The clock setup is so easy that I almost didnt have to use the instructions. Because of the automatic time set, the correct time illuminated as soon as I plugged it in. Setting the radio alarm mode, channel, and volume were easy. Setting the alarm times required a one-time read-through of the instructions. In less than 5 minutes, my clock was operating perfectly.
The instructions are on a single sheet that folds out to 5 horizontal panels. The first panel addresses safety issues. Panels 2 through 4 show diagrams of the clock and give instructions for set-up and operation. Panel 5 discusses warranty issues.
Instructions on one side of the sheet are in English; on the other, in Spanish. They are fairly clear-cut and easy to follow.
My Experience
This clock has been working perfectly since I first set it up. Its been dependable and easy to operate.
One of my favorite features is the gradually increasing volume on the alarm. Because it starts off low and gains in volume over the period of a few seconds. it doesnt jolt you, but gently eases you out of your sleep.
Another appreciated feature is the automatic frequency control, which stabilizes the channel and minimizes interference on FM settings. My last clock radio constantly faded or delivered static, even on local channel settings. With the RCA RP5420, the reception is crystal clear.
The clock carries a one-year limited warranty on parts. The price is very reasonable at about $15. I bought the clock at Wal-Mart, and have also seen it at Target and online at Amazon.com.
For the special little touches and its reliability, this clock radio is a real bargain.