Expert: Michael Radi - 7/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have in my posession a 25-30 year old Schatz swinging quartz clock. This is similar to the modern swinging arm quartz clocks now available. The clock works fine but the swinging aspect does not. I've looked at the circuit board and noticed that the coil wires are hanging free. Where do they attach? Is it possible to get a replacement circuit board? Also, I'm going to check out the transistor and make sure that is okay. The customer said that it ran for the first 10 years and then pooped out.
Please advise where you can.

Thank you,
Daryl Anderson

ANSWER: I'm sorry, I don't know where the wires go. I know a little bit about how they work though.
Schatz has been out of business for some time now and no parts are available. If you would like I can explain how the repulsion coil works.

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

QUESTION: That would help. Yes, please.

Answer
These clock use a repulsion coil. There is a magnet in the swinging arm. The coil is actually two coils so there should be 4 wires. As the magnet passes through the coil a small electrical pulse is created and sent to the circuit. This pulse energizes the circuit putting voltage into the repulsion coil pushing the pendulum away from the coil.
Michael
www.norkro.com
clock parts and repair