Oregon Scientific RM313PNA Self-Setting Projection Clock

I even got one for myself. The clear model is a bit annoying at first. the whole thing glows red because case is clear & projection light shines though case. it works like a night light. Also, my clock does not receive signal as well as my daughter's. I have moved it to an exterior wall & it's doing better.


It's about time for a GREAT clock!   March 13, 2003
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Design and function collide in this so-very-cool little alarm clock. Available in several colors (red, blue, purple, clear), it's easy to find a clock to match the decor of whichever room its intended for - and with the modern curvy design, it looks almost as much like a decoration as it does an alarm clock. But it's no dust-catcher - this little clock (actual size, according to the manufacturer is 4.25" x 2.5" x 4.5") works 24/7 sending radio signals to the U.S. Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado - one of the world's most accurate timepieces. This allows the ExactSet clock to maintain the exact time, even going so far as to update itself for Daylight Savings Time!

Even with minimal instruction-reading, this clock is amazingly easy to program and use. The first thing to do is use the clearly-labeled 'ZONE' button on the clock's face to choose your time zone - Pacific, Mountain, Central or Eastern. A small map of the United States on the clock's LCD screen allows you to see the time zone that you have chosen, making the process error-proof (as long as you know where you live!)

The clock automatically synchronizes the time and date via radio wave to the U.S. Atomic Clock. A Signal Strength Indicator on the LCD screen shows how strong the clock's signal is at any given time. While the instruction manual maintains that complete synchronization may take up to 72 hours, my clock reached full signal strength in less than five minutes.

The ExactSet alarm clock comes equipped with two AA batteries as well as an AC power adapter.

The overall design of this clock makes for easy information retrieval and it will tell you whatever you want to know - the time, including seconds, the date and day of the week, and will even keep the time for which the alarm is set visible for future reference. Just a touch of a button allows you to choose what information you want displayed on the LCD screen at any given time.

The coolest feature of this clock, though, has to be the projection display. With the AC adapter in use, the time is projected in large, red numbers onto the ceiling above the clock. (I was worried at first that my husband would not be able to tolerate the projection feature as he requires total darkness in order to sleep well - however, the numbers are a very visible yet very muted color that doesn't light up the room at all.) Oregon Scientific thought of everything with this clock, and a prime example is the angled projection. Assuming that most people will place the clock beside a bed, the projection unit is angled so that the time doesn't appear directly above the clock. I found that, upon waking, I didn't have to strain and careen my neck to find the time - it was positioned directly above my head where I saw it first thing upon wakening. (If the AC adapter is not used, then the time is not projected continuously. More about that in a minute...

Before actually trusting the alarm to wake me up, I wanted to hear it - and what I heard made me a little nervous at first. The alarm is a series of short, repetitive 'beeps'. Well after using my 70's model alarm clock that sounded a loud, terrifying blast (and having slept through it on more than one occasion nonetheless), I thought there was no way this little beep was going to wake this bedhead. I set the alarm for 6:30 a.m. and then set my old behemoth for 6:45 - just in case. Well just imagine my surprise when I woke up at exactly 6:30 the next morning - and indeed, for the mornings after - to nothing more than a series of beeps! After just a few days, the decrepit blaring alarm clock was relegated to the guest room...

Like any good alarm clock, the ExactSet has a snooze button conveniently located on top of the unit. One tap and the offending alarm goes away for eight minutes before sounding again. Pressing the snooze button also activates a blue HiGlo backlight to illuminate the clock's LCD screen for about five seconds. (Were you *not* to be using the AC adapter, pressing the snooze button also causes the time to project on the ceiling - again, for about five seconds.)

Setting the wakeup time is also a snap with this clock - just a button here and a button there and the time is set. Another wonderful discovery on my part, since setting my old clock often took several attempts. The ExactSet clock is this user's epitome of "user-friendly".

The ExactSet is hands down the most easy to use yet technologically sophisticated timepiece I have ever had the pleasure to use. Cool enough in design to appeal to children and teenagers, it's every adult alarm clock user's dream come true.


Love this clock   November 9, 2006
CookieMonster (Atlanta, GA United States)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I got this clock to replace the last one, which was almost identical.
Some great things:
1. It projects on the cieling - I can't live without this anymore.
2. It's atomic, but you can set everything manually.
3. Battery operated, so it doesn't go off if power goes out, but plugs in so you never have to change the batteries.
4. It's very compact and the housing is very durable.
Less good -
1. Sometimes the radio signal takes a while to catch on, with the blinds shut and everything - may just be my area though
2. Last one died (after 3 years use) - it would reset it self every time you hit snooze. It had problems after a while.