My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham
'48/33 M B+ G++ A L(-) I S-- CH0(--)(p) Ar- T+ H0 ?Q

Plant amazing Acers.

It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

"Simon Mason" wrote in message
...
It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

I suspect that fails the "easily read at night" test

tim

On Wednesday, 4 January 2017 10:53:49 UTC, tim... wrote:
"Simon Mason" wrote in message
...
It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

I suspect that fails the "easily read at night" test

tim

Seems very visible to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILtFAGSTPqA

On 04/01/2017 10:53, tim... wrote:


"Simon Mason" wrote in message
...
It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

I suspect that fails the "easily read at night" test

tim



It will also probably fail completely after about
a year. Morphy Richards is just an old obsolete
brand name on a bit if chinese tat. Ditto Goodmans.

Try the Roberts Radio Website

On Friday, 6 January 2017 00:13:41 UTC, Andrew wrote:
On 04/01/2017 10:53, tim... wrote:


"Simon Mason" wrote in message
...
It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

I suspect that fails the "easily read at night" test

tim



It will also probably fail completely after about
a year. Morphy Richards is just an old obsolete
brand name on a bit if chinese tat. Ditto Goodmans.


It is still working in my garage right now as you can see here and it is -5C.

https://youtu.be/-eAMeC6FG3s

On Thu, 5 Jan 2017 20:49:33 -0800 (PST), Simon Mason
wrote:

snip

It is still working in my garage right now as you can see here and it is -5C.

It's -5C in your garage???

Bloody hell - what is it outside?

In article ,
Andrew wrote:
On 04/01/2017 10:53, tim... wrote:


"Simon Mason" wrote in message
...
It even has DRM!

http://amzn.to/2hPfDXS

I suspect that fails the "easily read at night" test

tim



It will also probably fail completely after about
a year. Morphy Richards is just an old obsolete
brand name on a bit if chinese tat. Ditto Goodmans.

Try the Roberts Radio Website

aren't they Far Eastern as well?

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England

In article ,
charles wrote:
It will also probably fail completely after about
a year. Morphy Richards is just an old obsolete
brand name on a bit if chinese tat. Ditto Goodmans.

Try the Roberts Radio Website

aren't they Far Eastern as well?

Yes. They can buy in chassis for a fraction of what they could make them
for themselves. So just concentrate on the cabinet and looks.

--
*Why is a boxing ring square?

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Chris J Dixon" wrote in message
...
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?


Have a look at some of the own brand from John Lewis - they will meet
most of your needs, just be careful about illumination levels and
space needed behind for power connection.
The Sony 'cube' is quite good but make sure to get the more expensive
version that has two alarms and digital (as against analogue) tuning.
I bought a Pure Sienna Mk2 which on the face of it was a good radio
but had to return it as - like most Pure radios - it seems to have a
very limited HF cut-off and so sounds unnaturally muffled.
Roberts do a quite nice unit with large digits and a curved front but
at £70 it is expensive.
We faced the problem of not being able to see the clock at night so I
bought a clock radio of Sainsburys own brand (£13) which has red LED
digits about 2.5" high and put it on the other side of the room just
as a clock. Surprisingly the digits are not too bright and it is
very easy to read.
Most importantly look for a unit with a comparatively large speaker -
some are less than 2" across and distirt easily.

I would suggest that as you live in Nottingham, Jessops would be a
good browsing point.


--
Woody

harrogate3 at ntlworld dot com

On 04/01/2017 09:21, Woody wrote:

We faced the problem of not being able to see the clock at night so I
bought a clock radio of Sainsburys own brand (£13) which has red LED
digits about 2.5" high and put it on the other side of the room just
as a clock. Surprisingly the digits are not too bright and it is
very easy to read.

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my bedroom
ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.




--
mailto: news {at} admac {dot] myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

On 10/01/2017 23:27, alan_m wrote:
On 04/01/2017 09:21, Woody wrote:

We faced the problem of not being able to see the clock at night so I
bought a clock radio of Sainsburys own brand (£13) which has red LED
digits about 2.5" high and put it on the other side of the room just
as a clock. Surprisingly the digits are not too bright and it is
very easy to read.

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my bedroom
ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

I have a speaking watch which I wear 24 hours a day during my work week.
At weekends, I don't care what time it is. :-)

--
Tciao for Now!

John.

alan_m wrote:

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my bedroom
ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

That very much depends upon your eyesight.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK


Plant amazing Acers.

In article ,
Chris J Dixon wrote:
alan_m wrote:

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my
bedroom ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

That very much depends upon your eyesight.

Very true. The intensity of the characters is very much less than decent
LED - even on a white wall.

--
*Confession is good for the soul, but bad for your career.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Chris J Dixon wrote:
alan_m wrote:

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my
bedroom ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

That very much depends upon your eyesight.

Very true. The intensity of the characters is very much less than decent
LED - even on a white wall.

I suspect focus might be more of a problem

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England

On Wed, 11 Jan 2017 07:19:19 +0000, Chris J Dixon
wrote:
alan_m wrote:

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my
bedroom
ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

That very much depends upon your eyesight.

I used to have one, but the hassle of having to put on my glasses (to
correct short sight) to see the time removed most of the convenience.
Fortunately I sleep wearing a watch with luminous hands.

--
Max Demian

In article ,
Max Demian wrote:
On Wed, 11 Jan 2017 07:19:19 +0000, Chris J Dixon
wrote:
alan_m wrote:

I have a projection (Red LED) clock that displays the time on my
bedroom
ceiling. Its much easier to see than a bedside clock.

That very much depends upon your eyesight.

I used to have one, but the hassle of having to put on my glasses (to
correct short sight) to see the time removed most of the convenience.
Fortunately I sleep wearing a watch with luminous hands.

Quite. I wear contact lenses to correct 'long' sight and astigmatism, and
the only thing that works for me is nice large characters on the alarm at
night. Even a well lit analogue alarm isn't much use as a hand can (near)
disappear due to the astigmatism. ;-)

Those with 'short' sight are actually lucky. At least there are still some
things in focus without correction. ;-)

--
*Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 04/01/17 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

Gut an old clock radio and build in all your required functionality with
a Raspberry Pi.

Been one of my 'tuit projects for years ...
--
Adrian C

"Adrian Caspersz" wrote in message
...
On 04/01/17 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

Gut an old clock radio and build in all your required functionality with a
Raspberry Pi.

Lot less effort to use a decent smartphone.

Been one of my 'tuit projects for years ...

On 04/01/17 09:44, Adrian Caspersz wrote:

Gut an old clock radio and build in all your required functionality with
a Raspberry Pi.

Been one of my 'tuit projects for years ...

I think a Pi would be a good start.

You've got sound and I reckon some RGB(W) "pixel" matrix LED panels
would make a super display.

In message , Chris J Dixon
writes
Any suggestions?

As a regular browser of the remainder areas of Aldi, I am very happy
with the projection alarm clock that I got there. It projects onto the
wall just as a clock and the only possible problem is that it isn't
visible during sun-streaming days. It sets itself when the clocks
change.

I use this in combination with various tablets and mobile phones,
usually leaving them playing radio from around the world, and using the
very flexible and easy to set alarms. Often I leave the radio playing
while I sleep and set the alarm to wake me on the Blackberry Playbook,
but both the Windows 8 and cheapo Android 6 phones have flexible alarms
and adequate audio quality.

I always found clock radios a nightmare to set to different alarm times
and for summertime etc.
--
Bill

"Bill" wrote in message
...
In message , Chris J Dixon
writes
Any suggestions?

As a regular browser of the remainder areas of Aldi, I am very happy with
the projection alarm clock that I got there. It projects onto the wall
just as a clock and the only possible problem is that it isn't visible
during sun-streaming days. It sets itself when the clocks change.

I use this in combination with various tablets and mobile phones, usually
leaving them playing radio from around the world, and using the very
flexible and easy to set alarms. Often I leave the radio playing while I
sleep and set the alarm to wake me on the Blackberry Playbook, but both
the Windows 8 and cheapo Android 6 phones have flexible alarms and
adequate audio quality.

I always found clock radios a nightmare to set to different alarm times
and for summertime etc.

I found this one quite good ~30 years back -
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8449/7...3c1f395f_b.jpg
All controls on the front so I built it into a headboard.

On Wed, 04 Jan 2017 09:03:03 +0000, Chris J Dixon
wrote:

My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

Hehe. Funnily we were / are looking at replacing our ~30 year old
Binatone Telephone [1] / LED alarm clock / radio (complete with string
g) but haven't seen anything suitable (but not looked that hard).

Considering it was probably cheap (Binatone) I'm amazed it has lasted
so well!

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

The biggest issue I've founds is that they don't seem to take as much
care to make the UI as good as it was in the 'old days'. Easy to find
in the dark analogue knobs and chunky switches may not look 'swish'
(and be expensive to build) but there were / are very easy to use. Now
everything is based on a microprocessor of some sort, all the controls
tend to be Up / Down pushbuttons (with or without a screen and menu)
which whilst being cheap and flexible, aren't generally so easy to
use.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

(As per our Binatone)

At least two easily selectable alarms.

(As per our Binatone)

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

(As per our Binatone)

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

(As on our Binatone)

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Sleep timer but no adjustment.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

The Binatone is mains powered and clocked synched to the AC (if that's
what you meant)?

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

(As on our Binatone)

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

I've not really used DAB much as most of our radios are still AM/FM
but for the Alarm clock / radio the radio just needs to output a radio
station of some sort to be better than the built in buzzer (although
if the string gets moved all you get is a buzzer or white noise
anyway). ;-)

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Again, we have not looked hard but those we have seen when browsing
generally seem to fail on some basic point pretty quickly.

Any suggestions?

Sorry no, but I'll be interested to see how you get on. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[1] Pushbutton phone but only LD. ;-)

On Wednesday, 4 January 2017 10:18:11 UTC, T i m wrote:
On Wed, 04 Jan 2017 09:03:03 +0000, Chris J Dixon
wrote:

My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

Hehe. Funnily we were / are looking at replacing our ~30 year old
Binatone Telephone [1] / LED alarm clock / radio (complete with string
g) but haven't seen anything suitable (but not looked that hard).

Considering it was probably cheap (Binatone) I'm amazed it has lasted
so well!

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

The biggest issue I've founds is that they don't seem to take as much
care to make the UI as good as it was in the 'old days'. Easy to find
in the dark analogue knobs and chunky switches may not look 'swish'
(and be expensive to build) but there were / are very easy to use. Now
everything is based on a microprocessor of some sort, all the controls
tend to be Up / Down pushbuttons (with or without a screen and menu)
which whilst being cheap and flexible, aren't generally so easy to
use.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

(As per our Binatone)

At least two easily selectable alarms.

(As per our Binatone)

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

(As per our Binatone)

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

(As on our Binatone)

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Sleep timer but no adjustment.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

The Binatone is mains powered and clocked synched to the AC (if that's
what you meant)?

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

(As on our Binatone)

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

I've not really used DAB much as most of our radios are still AM/FM
but for the Alarm clock / radio the radio just needs to output a radio
station of some sort to be better than the built in buzzer (although
if the string gets moved all you get is a buzzer or white noise
anyway). ;-)

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Again, we have not looked hard but those we have seen when browsing
generally seem to fail on some basic point pretty quickly.

Any suggestions?

Sorry no, but I'll be interested to see how you get on. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[1] Pushbutton phone but only LD. ;-)

Maybe someone should set up a website with feature grids for appliances.

Why have Binatone never realised the brand name is a disaster and changed it?


NT

On Wed, 4 Jan 2017 10:10:56 -0800 (PST), wrote:

snip

Maybe someone should set up a website with feature grids for appliances.

Some places do don't they ... where you tick the devices you want to
compare ... but there isn't a big single site for most of the
appliances that I know of though.

Why have Binatone never realised the brand name is a disaster and changed it?

Good question ... but it's a bit like Bush or even Sony where you got
the good stuff and also the budget / rebranded stuff (and now Bush is
*just* a name I believe).

"In 1959 Binatone started importing transistor radios into the UK.
Over the years the brothers grew the audio based product selection
from radios to a wide range of audio products including world
receivers, clock radios, cassette players and audio towers."

"Dino Lalvani's Binatone Communications Group is headquartered Hong
Kong and has offices in London, Lummen, Indianapolis, New Delhi,
Bangalore and Shenzhen. Main product categories are communication
(landline, mobile), baby monitors, home monitors, pet training systems
and multimedia (tablets, e-readers, GPS sat Nav).[1] These products
are sold under the brands Binatone, iDECT and Voxtel and the licensed
brands Motorola and AEG."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binatone

I wonder if it's one of those things were the older people know the
Binatone name and know what it is (and mostly don't care as long as it
does what they want) and many of the youngsters wouldn't buy it if it
wasn't a big brand in any case (and probably wouldn't appeal to them
either)?

Cheers, T i m

On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

Push button tuning was fairly common even 20 years ago.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Usually on the top.


Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

DAB does this automagically (on a good day) signal permitting.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

That is the one you will probably struggle with when setting one up.
Most consumer goods GUIs these days are a tangle of random menus that
made sense to the guy who designed it but no-one else.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

If cost is no object Pure have one that should be ok

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Siesta...dp/B016L0RWYE/

Avoid Roberts ones - over priced under performing and sound like the
small box they are in with a peg on nose Brummy accent announcers.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown

In article ,
Martin Brown wrote:
On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

Push button tuning was fairly common even 20 years ago.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Usually on the top.


Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

DAB does this automagically (on a good day) signal permitting.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

That is the one you will probably struggle with when setting one up.
Most consumer goods GUIs these days are a tangle of random menus that
made sense to the guy who designed it but no-one else.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

If cost is no object Pure have one that should be ok

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Siesta...dp/B016L0RWYE/

Avoid Roberts ones - over priced under performing and sound like the
small box they are in with a peg on nose Brummy accent announcers.

Try Revo - another UK firm - they sell factory reconditioned ones on ebay,
too.

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England

In article ,
Chris J Dixon wrote:
Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

If you find one, let me know. The problem here was finding one with a
large enough display for me to read easily without glasses. Really needs
to be about 2" high. Which I did once have - but that failed beyond
repair.

All I could find after much searching was an alarm only, which I modified
to switch on the sound system in the bedroom. It is mains locked, so at
least keeps to time on average. A radio controlled one would be better so
you don't need to set it when the hour changes.

Only thing it lacks in practice is a sleep timer.

--
*The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Chris J Dixon wrote

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap
anything), also displayed when the radio is on, but not
so bright that they light the whole bedroom.

I prefer to do that a different way, use the iphone, just
say 'hey siri time' and have it tell you the time. That
way don’t even have to roll over and look at the clock.
It does light the screen with the time displayed when
you do that too.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Best done with a smartphone app IMO. Much more control
over the alarm detail and multiple preprogramed alarms
for the sort of thing you want alarms for.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as
when last listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Automatic with any decent smartphone.

Control buttons easily located and operated without
my head leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

IMO best done by voice, see above.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

See above on alarms.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Automatic with smartphones.

Rod Speed wrote:

I prefer to do that a different way, use the iphone, just
say 'hey siri time' and have it tell you the time. That
way don’t even have to roll over and look at the clock.
It does light the screen with the time displayed when
you do that too.

I'm not sure my partner would be impressed!

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Best done with a smartphone app IMO. Much more control
over the alarm detail and multiple preprogramed alarms
for the sort of thing you want alarms for.

Did you forget

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK


Plant amazing Acers.

Chris J Dixon wrote
Rod Speed wrote

I prefer to do that a different way, use the iphone,
just say 'hey siri time' and have it tell you the time.
That way don't even have to roll over and look at
the clock. It does light the screen with the time
displayed when you do that too.

I'm not sure my partner would be impressed!

Surely the alarm wakes her, Shirley.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Best done with a smartphone app IMO. Much more
control over the alarm detail and multiple preprogramed
alarms for the sort of thing you want alarms for.

Did you forget

Control buttons easily located and operated without
my head leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Nope, voice control leaves that for dead, Shirley.

Rod Speed wrote:

Chris J Dixon wrote
Rod Speed wrote

I prefer to do that a different way, use the iphone,
just say 'hey siri time' and have it tell you the time.
That way don't even have to roll over and look at
the clock. It does light the screen with the time
displayed when you do that too.

I'm not sure my partner would be impressed!

Surely the alarm wakes her, Shirley.

I suppose that I could separate the functions of displaying the
time, whenever I want to know it, from waking me with the radio.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK


Plant amazing Acers.

On 2017-01-04 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?

Chris


I have been through a very similar experience. The problem appears to be
that the control boards (?) that support DAB or even digital FM tuning
are designed to have LCD displays. So if you want an LED display you
struggle to get "digital" features..

Nowadays, I have a LED clock and use an old phone with a blue-tooth
speaker and run the BBC radio app (it has an alarm).

However, I recently bought a new clock radio and it may press the right
buttons for you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B018M0D9UW

I bought it as a small radio for the bathroom.

Big LED, proper aerial - but short, could be upgraded maybe.

No DAB (a good thing imo).

2p

In article ,
pamela wrote:
On 12:32 4 Jan 2017, WeeBob wrote:

However, I recently bought a new clock radio and it may press
the right buttons for you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B018M0D9UW


That's different. Quite an interesting look!

Doesn't give any dimensions I can find. For some, large enough to be read
easily at night without glasses may be the most important thing.

If the 'normal' 1" or so display is OK, the choice is vast.

--
*No sentence fragments *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 2017-01-04 14:18, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
pamela wrote:
On 12:32 4 Jan 2017, WeeBob wrote:

However, I recently bought a new clock radio and it may press
the right buttons for you

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B018M0D9UW


That's different. Quite an interesting look!

Doesn't give any dimensions I can find. For some, large enough to be read
easily at night without glasses may be the most important thing.

If the 'normal' 1" or so display is OK, the choice is vast.


The dimensions are on the linked page:

Size:11.4*6.8*2.2cm

The LEDs are ~34mm high.

On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?


I was looking for one today funnily enough. Saw one of these in John
Lewis that might fit the bill:

https://www.robertsradio.com/uk/prod...dio/blutune-50

Bit more than I am willing to pay, but I see they're available cheaper
online. Not that impressed with the sound - but a decent name ;-)


--
Cheers, Rob

On 04/01/2017 17:13, RJH wrote:
On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:

Any suggestions?


I was looking for one today funnily enough. Saw one of these in John
Lewis that might fit the bill:

https://www.robertsradio.com/uk/prod...dio/blutune-50

Bit more than I am willing to pay, but I see they're available cheaper
online. Not that impressed with the sound - but a decent name ;-)

Dunno about you but I choose sound systems based on how they *sound*
rather than the brand name. Even in their heyday Roberts were just
putting together Ferranti made building blocks in a half wooded case.

Back then they didn't try so hard to boost the base response which is
what leads to the excessive boxiness of their current offerings.

--
Regards,
Martin Brown

On 04/01/2017 17:40, Martin Brown wrote:
On 04/01/2017 17:13, RJH wrote:
On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:

Any suggestions?


I was looking for one today funnily enough. Saw one of these in John
Lewis that might fit the bill:

https://www.robertsradio.com/uk/prod...dio/blutune-50

Bit more than I am willing to pay, but I see they're available cheaper
online. Not that impressed with the sound - but a decent name ;-)

Dunno about you but I choose sound systems based on how they *sound*
rather than the brand name. Even in their heyday Roberts were just
putting together Ferranti made building blocks in a half wooded case.


Bit of a whoosh situation there :-)

I find Roberts tend to trade on a name too much - bit like Hoover and
Dyson perhaps. I tried one of their internet radios while I was there.
Crashed/locked solid.

Back then they didn't try so hard to boost the base response which is
what leads to the excessive boxiness of their current offerings.


Yes, that's what I thought about the sound, very boomy and overbearing
bass, dull treble.

I do have a Stream 83i - had it for some years now and use it every day.
That's pretty good.

--
Cheers, Rob

In article ,
Martin Brown wrote:
Dunno about you but I choose sound systems based on how they *sound*
rather than the brand name. Even in their heyday Roberts were just
putting together Ferranti made building blocks in a half wooded case.

With a portable radio it's likely the speaker and cabinet which have the
major effect on the sound rather than the electronics. Pretty well the
same as with anything using speakers.

Back then they didn't try so hard to boost the base response which is
what leads to the excessive boxiness of their current offerings.

Ah. The Bose sound. ;-)

--
*Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off NOW.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"RJH" wrote in message
news
On 04/01/2017 09:03, Chris J Dixon wrote:
My present device is now approaching 20 years old, and I am
wondering about getting one which does its tuning using something
more sophisticated than the traditional knob and length of
string.

As ever, my life on the edge of the bell curve seems to mean that
designers have priorities different from mine.

Amongst the desirable attributes I wish to retain a

Large clear LED digits easily read by the short-sighted,
permanently illuminated (no need to reach out and tap anything),
also displayed when the radio is on, but not so bright that they
light the whole bedroom.

At least two easily selectable alarms.

Radio when used as alarm to be the same volume as when last
listened, which can be set as low as I want.

Control buttons easily located and operated without my head
leaving the pillow, ideally on the front.

Sleep timer with adjustable duration.

Mains operated, with automatic clock synchronisation.

Setting not requiring navigation through lengthy menus.

I guess for future-proofing DAB should be included.

Reading reviews, many seem to fail on several of my requirements.

Any suggestions?


I was looking for one today funnily enough. Saw one of these in John
Lewis that might fit the bill:

https://www.robertsradio.com/uk/prod...dio/blutune-50

Bit more than I am willing to pay, but I see they're available
cheaper online. Not that impressed with the sound - but a decent
name ;-)



Click on the above link, then on refurbished at the top of the page
and you will find more much cheaper.


--
Woody

harrogate3 at ntlworld dot com