8) How to...
• Increase certainty that a command is received:
activate the command 2 or more times at the same
time (copying the event) or a second time on the next
minute.
• Exit PLANOTIME from any programming or
operating mode: press key
text "Auto" starts flashing, after which press key
select the required operating mode.
• Measure the difference between the time
shown on the clock and the real solar time:
the value required by the special command "planetary
time" is, in practice, the difference between the mid-
day indicated by the clock and the actual midday of
the location. A very simple method to measure this
value is to observe the shadow made by the sun on
an object (preferably perfectly vertical and pointed,
8.1) Error list
On vary rare occasions there may be a PLANOTIME malfunction; if this occurs the cause of the error is always spec-
ified. The following table lists the errors and possible solutions.
Table 31:
error list
Error N°
Err1
Memory full
Communication error between internal
Err2
components of PLANOTIME
Err3
Error in parameters of one or more
events
The special "holiday" command
parameters have been changed after
Err4
some events were calculated with the
previous parameters.
The special "planetary time" command
parameters have been changed after
Err5
some events were calculated with the
previous parameters
20
repeatedly until the
to
Description
such as a pole); the shadow shortens until midday
(solar time) and then lengthens again in the afternoon.
The solar midday occurs when the shadow reaches
the shortest length with respect to the base of the
object. When this happens, at the time indicated by
the clock, subtract one hour if in summer time (legal
time) and then calculate the different in minutes with
respect to the time 12.00; the result is the value to be
entered in PLANOTIME. For example, if the actual
solar midday occurs at 12.25 the value 25 should be
entered; if it occurs at 11.47 the value-13 should be
entered.
Note: the method described does not take into account
a number of astronomical phenomena but the possible
error margin is irrelevant for operation of PLANOTIME
Over 100 events have already been programmed and
there is no more space for others. No solution; the last
event will not be memorised.
Very specific fault; remove and refit the battery and check.
Some parameters of memorised events are not correct;
this may be a communication error between internal
components of PLANOTIME; remove and refit the battery
and check. If the error persists, enter event modification
mode and check the parameters of all events.
Nothing serious, but bear in mind that the next events
have been calculated on the basis of the old parameters;
the new parameters will be used by the next execution of
the event onwards.
The parameters should not be changed after
programming events; in this case ensure correctness of
events after modifications.
Solution