Expert: Martin Meyer - 1/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a Howard Miller quartz movement mantle clock.  The volume on the chime is nearly inaudible.  I have checked the setting and the batteries.  Being a novice I am unclear as to the symbols on the case of the movement.  Can you give me some direction in looking for a solution to my problem?  Thanks, Cheryl

ANSWER: Hi Cheryl,
    Most Hermle quartz movements have a volume control on the back. This is a small knob marked with an arc, sort of a curved and elongated triangle. The loudest setting is to turn the dial in the direction of the wide end of the arc, the softest is in the direction of the point.
    If this is a model 2214 movement, there are also other setting switches for night off, night mute, and selection of Westminster chime, Bim-Bam strike, or chime off.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  You did answer one question I had about the  "b" setting. Bim-Bam

I have checked the setting that you mentioned.  The setting is at the larger end and when I turned it to the smaller end while the clock was chiming, it went silent. The batteries are new.  The movement is a model 2114.  Could you tell me more about the difference between the night off and the night mute? Maybe my problem is there.

Answer
Hi again Cheryl,
    The night mute is a three position switch. When set to the position with the image of a sun it will chime and strike 24 hours a day. When set to the Moon symbol, the chime will shut off for 8 hours from the time you set the switch; in other words, if you want it to shut off from 11pm to 7am, turn the switch to the moon position when the clock is reading between 10:45pm and 11pm. The night mute position uses the same setting method, but the chime will become very soft for that time period, rather than silent altogether.
    If you have the volume turned to high, the night mute set to the sun image, and two fresh alkaline batteries in the clock in the right direction, you have covered all the possibilities. If the clock is still very quiet, there is a problem with the movement, and it will need to be replaced. When turned to high volume, this movement should be very noticeably loud.