No Longer Awakened by a Jolting Alarm!

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 clock’s display, so you can’t 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 didn’t 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. It’s 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 doesn’t 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.