Pulsar Big Time

[Clive]

Chaps I've purchased a big time that doesn't appear to want to set. There are two recesses on the back left hand side that I presume I should hold the magnet against, I've tried putting the magnet all ways round but nothing seems to work, before I get in touch with the seller am I doing anything wrong?

[charger105]

It's probably an auto-set module. Tap the top or bottom buttons 3 times in quick succession to enter setting mode. Full description is in the jewellers manual which can be downloaded from this site.

Rgds,
Andrew.

[Clive]

Thanks for the info, I had a look at the manual and tried tapping but no joy:-(

[bruce wegmann]

You can't be leisurely about the tapping; three taps must occur within 1.5 seconds, or you do not enter setting mode. You might also check to see if there is a little silver label on the back of the module [usually stuck to the quartz crystal]. 401=magnet set, 402=Auto-Set, 403=DOW, Auto-Set, 406=24HR display [Time Computer never put a 24-hr module in a Big Time or Classic, but I have one or two, probably replaced some time after it left the factory]. Finally, you could pull the module out of the case and look for a pair of switches on the left side [with module facing you]; those would be setting switches. Shorting across those with a pair of tweezers should activate setting functions even if the switches themselves are damaged [top switch for minutes, bottom for hours].

[Clive]

Thanks for the hlep chaps, I've spoken to the seller who confirms it sets with a magnet, they also said I might need a stronger magnet although the one I'm using sets my other pulsars with no problem. Do we think it's bull or do they have a point?

This is the second Big Time I've bought from the states and the second one that doesn't set properly, I sent the other one off to a couple of people to fix but it came back dead, can you get a replacement module for these, I asked strikes and spares but they don't do new replacements?

[Handy]

A stronger magnet may work.

[azimuth_pl]

if the magnet works on other Pulsars it should be strong enough but try any other fridge magnet.
it is possible that the reeds are dead and a swap would be suggested.
it should be fairly easy if you know how to do basic repairs.
new sensitive reed switches are offered by me in another thread in the digital workbench or eBay. if you're in Europe I can have a look at it as well, return shipping only if there is no success.

Strikes&Spares is still troubleshooting the prototype P4 module so it's not yet available for sale.

[bruce wegmann]

I have original replacement magnets for these [which work on all magnet-set P4s and the Ladies' Pulsar models...these all use the same setting switches]. If you're anywhere in the EU, I can get it to you for $25, including shipping. I'd definitely try a new magnet before starting to swap out switches. If you need more than one magnet, mot a problem [it's good to have a spare]. PM me if interested.