American Time Blog

We get calls every day from folks searching for Synchron Motors, sometimes also known as Hanson motors or movement motors.

Synchron motors can show up in lots of places.  They're frequently encountered in mechanically animated advertising signs, damper controls on HVAC, water heaters and other electrical equipment. 

These motors were also commonly used in synchronized clocks, particularly those tied to legacy wired clock systems from companies like Cincinnati, Faraday, Edwards, Simplex, and American Time.

While many of the complete clock movements using Synchron motors are now obsolete, we are still able to provide the motors themselves in some cases.

But, for those clocks where movements just aren't available anymore, there are still options.

Whether it's for a clock or something else using a Synchron motor, let's take a look at how we can find the parts you need.

Is your internet router in a place that can be bumped by people in the office? Do you see students jump up to slap that exit sign above the door?

Guards for clocks and other pieces of vital equipment protect your investment from damage, vandalism, and theft. After all, it's not just the equipment you have to think about, but the environment that surrounds it.

• In schools, clocks, exit signs and other assets are magnets for students goofing around or the errant gym ball.
• On shop floors, debris, sprays and dust can coat your equipment and impact their ability to operate. Lots of moving people and equipment can also easily damage an asset.
• Theft or accidental damage is possible in any building. Guards keep your assets protected, clean, and optimized.

There are even more environments where protective guards can save time, money and headaches. Here’s a look at the types of equipment guards available, why they're important, and the best environments for them.

In rare cases, clocks that are supposed to display precise time and synchronize with each other may fall out of time. Here are a few quick and easy ways to troubleshoot and keep them ticking on the right time.

We know there are a lot of factors when it comes to choosing the right clocks or clock technology for your building. That’s why we created our
Clock School On-Demand Webinar Series.

How long will you let the clock in your car show the wrong digits after Daylight Saving Time kicks-in on March 11? A day? A month? Do you just ride it out and wait for the time to switch back?

You might be able to get away with such a carefree approach in your personal vehicle, but it's different if it's your job to keep a facility running smoothly – be it a school, hospital or factory. So, if you need to make sure your clocks are on time all the time, here are a few ways you can prepare to spring forward.

Remember the days when you would go to a place called a TV repair shop if your TV stopped working? A friendly technician would survey the damage, diagnose the problem, maybe order a new part or two, and make it as good as new.

Now, most consumer goods are disposable, but people do still fix some things. For example, the kind of clocks that are on the walls of schools, hospitals and other facilities around the world.

If one of the clocks on your clock system stops working, you have the option to either replace the broken part or replace the clock altogether. In either case, you can use American Time's AllSync, which is designed to work with most major clock systems - even the brands that are no longer manufactured.

Machines are as reliable as ever these days, but from time to time, they break down or have minor problems. How do you tackle repairs on a clock that isn't working correctly? First, you need to identify the model number and then diagnose the problem.

If you've repaired or refurbished anything, you know that having the right tools can make any job easier. Whether it's home improvement or fixing your vehicle, the correct tool can save you a lot of time, money and angst. The same can be said for clock repair, as a few tools can help you get a job done in no time.

Some people say there's no satisfaction like that of tackling a job by yourself and getting it done right. Whether it's fixing your vehicle or finishing a home improvement project, the idea of doing a task correctly...and saving some money can be a great feeling. In the spirit of doing-it-yourself, clock repair can also be completed efficiently and inexpensively. Here is a quick guide to the most common parts you can find from a supplier that can help you fix your clock.

There have been many spectacular advancements in technology during the 21st century — obviously there are too many to list. However, one form of technology has remained relatively unchanged over the decades: battery power. Batteries are a reliable source of power and energy for innumerable devices we use every day, including clocks. As reliable as batteries are, they do eventually expire and need replacement. Here is a quick rundown on what to do, when batteries....run down.