digital clock book

The Digital Zen Alarm Clock

for a progressive awakening

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Version 2.0

DZACbookletV.2.qxd 6/6/05 3:08 PM Page 1

The Digital Zen Alarm Clock V.2.0 by

Zen Clocks are the creation of Steve McIntoshUTILITY PATENT PENDING

Designed in Boulder and made in Shen Zhen, China by Now & Zen, Inc. P.O. Box 110, Boulder, CO 80306

(800) 779-6383 e-mail: [email protected]

www.now-zen.comThe names Digital Zen Alarm Clock, Zen Clock,

Now & Zen, and the phrase for a progressive awakening are trademarks of Now & Zen, Inc.

2005 Now & Zen, Inc.

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Now & Zenquality of thought, stillness of being

CONTENTS PAGEBalloon Help Diagram of Control Panel Functions 4

I. Instructions for Use 6Getting Started and Setting the Time 6Setting the Alarm Time 7Adjusting the Sound of the Chime 8Countdown Mode 10Repeat Mode 11Chime on the Hour Function 12Programming Times 12Alarm Terminal Cycle 13Power 13Clock Display Light 14Care of Your Digital Zen Alarm Clock 14

II. Suggested Uses and Design Principles 15Progressive Awakening 15Using the Clock for Dreamwork 16Using the Clock for Affirmations 19Using the Clock for Meditation 20Using the Clock for Yoga and Other Practices 23The Digital Zen Alarm Clocks Design Principles 24

III. Now & Zen Guarantee and Limited Warranty 29

IV. About Now & Zen 313


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Pressing the "SET" button oncecauses the programmable hourand minute numbers to beginflashing so they can be set tothe correct time (seconds canonly be programmed in thecountdown mode).

The "SET ALARMTIME" button allowsthe alarm time to be setto the minute. It alsoallows the chime strikeforce to be set at Hior Lo. Once thedesired alarm time andstrike force have beenset, pressing the "SETALARM TIME" a sec-ond time exits the setmode and sets thealarm time and strikeforce.

The "REPEAT MODE"button changes thecountdown function sothat the clock strikesonly once when thecountdown timerreaches zero and thenautomatically beginscounting down again atthe programmed count-down time.

The "COUNT-DOWN MODE"button changes theclock into a timer.

Chime on the HourFunction Icon.Activated by hold-ing down theSET button for 3seconds.

Alarm Time. A smallbell icon appears onthe left when activated.

The SECONDSON/OFF button turnsthe seconds display offand on when in theregular clock mode.

The SECOND/LIGHT ON/OFF sets theseconds in the CountdownSet mode, and turns theLCD light on and off whenthe clock is plugged-in.

Icons indicate activemode functions.

In the Clock mode this largebutton activates the alarm andturns it off, both before andafter the alarm is triggered.

In the Countdown andRepeat modes this largebutton begins and pausesthe timer when pressedonce. Resets timer whenheld down for 3 seconds.

Indicates whether the chimestrike force is set to strike thechime on the Hi or Lo set-ting. This feature is only visi-ble when the "SET ALARMTIME" button is pressed.


When the batteries are installed or the AC jack isplugged in, the clock powers up displaying the time at12:00.00 PM. Pressing the SET button once causesthe programmable hour and minute numbers to beginflashing so they can be set to the correct time (secondscan only be programmed in the countdown mode).

Setting the Alarm TimeThe SET ALARM TIME button allows the alarmtime to be set to the minute. Once the desired alarmtime has been set, pressing the SET ALARM TIMEa second time exits the set mode and sets the alarmtime. The alarm is activated by pressing the largeALARM ON/OFF button once. When the alarm isactivated a small bell icon appears in the upper left cor-ner of the clocks display. When the clocks time reach-es the alarm time and activates the alarm, the chimestrikes begin their 10 minute progression by striking

I. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

There are three modes in which the clock can operate:

1) clock mode (default)2) countdown mode3) repeat mode

The clock can also be set to chime once exactly on thehour (when the alarm is not set).

Getting Started and Setting the TimeThe Digital Zen Alarm Clock is easy to operate. First,remove the phillips head screw securing the battery dooron the bottom of the clock and install 2 AA size 1.5 voltalkaline batteries (not included). Be sure to install thebatteries as shown on the inside of the battery case.

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ence in the sound is subtle. When you initially powerup the clock (either with batteries or with the ACadapter plug), the strike force setting is automaticallyset at Lo. To change the strike force to Hi, pressthe SET ALARM TIME button; you will then seethe letters Lo in the lower right corner of the displaywindow; then press the SECOND/LIGHT ON/OFFbutton to toggle the setting between Hi and Lo.

In addition to the high and low strike force options, thesound of the chime can be adjusted further by movingthe chimes position on the string relative to the tip ofthe striker. To adjust the chime to its sweet spot, setthe countdown timer in repeat mode so that it is strik-ing repeatedly every 10 seconds (see the balloon helpchart on pages 4-5 for more information on the repeatmode). As you listen to the continuous strikes, adjustthe position of the chime bar on the string by moving itforward or backward until the chime sound is opti-

once, then striking again in 3 minutes and 48 seconds,then in 2 minutes and 21 seconds, etc.however, theexact second of each strike in the progression may varyslightly. (The chart below shows the 10 minute chimeprogression.)

Adjusting the Sound of the ChimeThe clock includes both a high and a low setting for theforce of the chime strikethe Lo setting produces asofter strike than the Hi setting, although the differ-

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10 Minute Progressionof Chime Strikes

TerminalCycle

FirstStrike

Chime StrikeEvery5 SecondsIntervals between chime

strikes in minutes and seconds

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the countdown, pressed a third time, the countdownresumes. Holding the countdown button down for 3seconds resets the timer to the programmed countdowntime.

Repeat ModeWhen the clock is in the countdown mode, pressing theREPEAT MODE button changes the countdownfunction so that the clock strikes only once when thecountdown timer reaches zero seconds and then auto-matically begins counting down again at the pro-grammed countdown time. When in the repeat modethe clock will continuously countdown to zero seconds,strike once, and repeat the programmed countdown.As in the regular countdown mode, pressing theALARM ON/OFF button once pauses the the count-down, pressed a second time this large button resumesthe repeating countdown.

mized. The string is strong so you dont need to worryabout breaking it.

Countdown ModeThe COUNTDOWN MODE button changes theclock into a timer. Once in countdown mode, theSET button allows the countdown time to be set tothe second. When the countdown timer reaches zeroseconds, the clock strikes once and begins its pre-pro-grammed 10 minute gradual chime strike progression.That is, after the initial strike, the next strike occurs 3minutes and 48 seconds later, etc. Chime strikes thencontinue according to the Golden Mean progressioncharted at left. (See page 26 for an explanation of thesignificance of the Golden Mean.)

When in the countdown mode, pressing the largeALARM ON/OFF button once begins the count-down, pressing the large button a second time pauses

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increasing speed. Other buttons will do nothing untilthe SET button is pressed once again, which thencauses the programmed time, countdown interval, oralarm time to be entered into memory.

Alarm Terminal CycleWhen the alarm function is triggered in the clock orcountdown modes, the alarm progresses over ten min-utes until it is striking about every 6.5 seconds. Oncethe progression reaches the terminal cycle it continuesto chime every 6.5 seconds until it is shut off by press-ing the large ALARM ON/OFF button once. Theterminal cycle automatically ends after five minutes.

PowerIf the clock is unplugged, or there is an AC power fail-ure, the batteries automatically continue to power alloperations. If the batteries are removed when the clockis plugged in, all memory items are retained. Chimestrikes use power; we thus recommend that the chime

Chime on the Hour FunctionHolding down the SET button for three seconds(when the alarm is not set) will activate the hour chimefunction. This causes the chime to strike once on thehour, every hour. When the hour chime function isactivated, a small grandfather clock icon appears inthe upper left of the display. Holding down the SETbutton again for three seconds turns off the hour chimefunction and its icon (when the SET button is helddown, the digits will flash, this is normal). When thealarm is activated, the hour chime function is automati-cally turned off until the alarm is turned off (so you cansleep!).

Programming TimesIn any mode, pressing the SET or ALARM SETbutton once will cause the display to flash. The hour,minute, and second button will cause those digits to beadvanced forward. If the hour, minute or second but-tons are held down, the digits will change at a gradually

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with a dry cloth. Never use detergents, furniture pol-ishes, or oils on your clock as these liquids may comeinto contact with the clocks internal circuitry and causea malfunction.

II. SUGGESTED USES AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Progressive AwakeningIt would be nice if we could wake up every morningwithout an alarm. We fall asleep gradually, and itseems only natural that a gentle awakening is best forour physical and mental well-being. Some people wakeup naturally at the same time every morning withoutany outside stimulus. But for most of us, an alarmclock is essential. The natural desire for a gradualawakening accounts for the popularity of snooze but-tons on alarm clocks. But even the minimal effortrequired to push a snooze button can disrupt the expe-

on the hour function be used for long periods onlywhen the clock is plugged in. Alkaline batteries arerecommended.

Clock Display LightWhen powered by batteries the display light comes onfor 10 seconds when any of the clocks buttons arepressed. Under battery power only, the light automati-cally goes off to save power. When plugged-in the lightstays on continuously unless the SECOND/LIGHTON/OFF button is pressed to turn off the displaylight. In other words, the light is turned on or off bythe SECOND/LIGHT ON/OFF button whenplugged-in. This button also functions as the secondsset button for the countdown or repeat mode times.

Care of Your Digital Zen Alarm ClockThe Digital Zen Alarm Clock is designed for indoor useonly. Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight and freefrom excessive dust, dirt or moisture. Clean the clock

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dreaming mind to finish the dream; and secondly, bygiving you the time between chimes to lie in bed undis-turbed when you are first awakened, so you can recallyour dreams.

Depending on how deeply you are sleeping when theclock's alarm is triggered, it may take several chimes ofthe Digital Zen Alarm Clock to arouse you from adreaming state, or you may be awakened by the firstchime. But even if the first chime does wake you, it ispossible to resume or re-enter a dream from which youare marginally awakened if you are allowed to return tothe dream without further disturbance. The intervalbetween the first and second chimes can provide a peri-od of time for you to reach a cathartic conclusion toyour dream. Preventing the abrupt interruption of yourdreams acts to preserve your dream experiences, andmaximizes the psychic benefits to be derived fromimproved memory of your dreams.

rience of waking up gradually. The benefits of a morenatural progressive awakening include better dreamrecall, prolonged alpha brain wave activity (in whichyou can make powerful suggestions to your precon-scious mind), as well as a general feeling of beingrefreshed after a good nights rest.

The Digital Zen Alarm Clock can be used simply as apleasant way to wake up. However, the highly reso-nant sound of the pure tone acoustic chime and itsunique computerized progression, as well as its count-down and repeat functions, allow the clock to be usedin dreamwork, personal affirmations, meditation, yoga,and for group meetings. These suggested uses are dis-cussed below.

Using the Clock for Dreamwork The Digital Zen Alarm Clock can help you rememberand use your dreams in two basic ways: First, by notabruptly interrupting your dreams and allowing your

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Using the Clock for AffirmationsIn between the sleeping state and the waking state is astate of deep relaxation known as the Alpha State inwhich your subconscious or preconscious mind can bepositively influenced with affirmations, or positivestatements to yourself. An affirmation is a specializedtechnique of stating a goal to yourself in a way that re-programs your preconscious mind for improved perfor-mance. Affirmations are most effective when they areexpressed as statements of fact or convictions writtendown in your own language. Your affirmations should bepersonal, positive and in the present tense. If your goalis to become a better parent, for example, effective affir-mations may include: I am balanced in my expressionsof discipline and understanding toward my children. orWhen I demonstrate love and compassion to my kids,they learn to show love and warmth to each other.

There is general agreement among dream researchersthat natural awakening (as opposed to using a clockradio or buzzer alarm) aids in dream retention andunderstanding. The Digital Zen Alarm Clock comescloser to providing a natural awakening than practicallyany other wake-up aid. For best results, as you arefalling asleep at night, resolve that your first thoughtupon waking will be the recollection of your dream.Whether or not you are in the middle of a dream whenthe chime wakes you, your best dream memories will beavailable in your first moments of waking conscious-ness. Before opening your eyes or moving, lie quietlyand try to remember your dream. Recall the sequenceof events and the most vivid images. When you have aconscious memory of your dream, you are ready toopen your eyes and get up. Keeping a notebook byyour bed to write down your dream memories can alsobe helpful. Discovering the value of your dream lifecan be richly rewarding.

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self-improvement techniques of affirmations lies theancient and sacred practice of meditation. Some formof meditation is practiced in every major world religion.Yogis, Christian mystics, Zen Buddhists, Quakers,practitioners of the Kabbala, and Secular Humanists,all experience the benefits of meditation. The DigitalZen Alarm Clock is an accoutrement to meditation.It can be used in a variety of ways to aid your practiceand encourage you to make time to meditate. Thefirst and most basic use of the Digital Zen Alarm Clockin your meditation practice is as a signal of the end ofyour allotted meditation time. If you want to meditatefor 20 minutes, simply set the countdown timer for 20minutes, press the large nautilus shell button, and beginyour meditation. When the countdown timer reacheszero and the first chime strikes you can choose to endthere or continue your meditation for about three and ahalf minutes until the next chime, or even longer.Many meditators find that a three and a half minute

To use your Digital Zen Alarm Clock for affirmations,formulate and write down an affirmation that willimprove your life. Before you go to bed, read the affir-mation to yourself and resolve to remember it when youfirst wake up. When you are awakened by the DigitalZen Alarm Clocks chime, lie quietly in bed before mov-ing or opening your eyes and repeat your affirmation toyourself three times. The chances are good that yourbrain will be in an Alpha State during the first fewchimes of the clock. If you do nothing to disturb thisfreshly awakened state, your affirmations will be mosteffective and you should achieve your desired results.Like dreamwork, improving your life through alphawave techniques can be accomplished without the use ofthe Digital Zen Alarm Clock. But using the clock makesthe process easier and more fun.

Using the Clock for MeditationBeyond the psychological inquiry into dreams or the

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yantra. The clocks countdown mode repeat functionallows the chime to sound repeatedly at any set period sothat as the chime repeats, it brings you back to the focalpoint of concentration. Bells and chimes are used in bothEastern and Western meditation traditions. In theChristian monastic tradition, the ringing of the bell dur-ing meditation reminds the practitioners to return to theobject of worship. Similarly, Zen monks have usedgongs and mindfulness chimes to begin their medita-tions and during meditation to bring them out of theirmental processes back to the stillpoint of tranquility.

Using the Clock for Yoga and Other PracticesPractitioners of disciplines such as yoga, or reiki oftenfind that a periodic chiming timer is the perfect signal tochange positions (or phases of the practice) at a pre-setinterval. Using the Digital Zen Alarm Clocks count-down repeat function in such practices adds not only tothe precision and efficiency of the session, but also to its

warning is a perfect interval in which to gradually con-clude their longer meditations. The first chime signalsthe final phase of the meditation and the second chimeits conclusion. The beauty of the chime is that it com-pliments rather than disturbs the meditative state whileacting as an effective timer. No matter how you use it,the sonic clarity of the chime provides an appropriateconclusion to your stillness.

The Digital Zen Alarm Clock can also be more activelyincorporated into your meditation practice as a form ofmantra or yantra. Mantra is a sanskrit word whichmeans mental protection. In Eastern meditation tradi-tions, a mantra takes the form of a word or sound whichis chanted to occupy the mind and keep disturbingthoughts from distracting the meditator. A yantra is usedin Eastern meditation traditions as an image upon whichthe meditator concentrates until it disappears. Thechime can be used as a sort of external mantra or sonic

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Alarm Clocks chime sounds either a B note or andE note, both of which have been tuned according tothe method developed by the ancient Greek masterPythagoras. The Clocks B or E notes, however,vibrate at different frequencies than their equivalentnotes on a modern piano. Modern tuning methodsfacilitate musical composition, but they compromise theenchanting and therapeutic qualitythe purityof thenaturally occurring tones discovered by Pythagoras.As a result of its natural tuning, the Digital ZenAlarm Clocks tone reflects the vibrations of naturethe motion of the planets and the frequencies of life.Studies indicate that certain sounds can actually stimu-late our nervous systems and charge our brains.Gregorian chants, for example, have been shown toenergize the brains of both the chanting monks as wellas those who listen to the chants. Because of itsPythagorean tuning, the Digital Zen Alarm Clockschime may produce a subtle charging effect on your

aesthetic value. Because the Digital Zen Alarm Clockssoothing B tone chime has been tuned with the samePythagorean method as the specialized tuning forks usedby musical therapists (see the next section), its long-res-onating sound helps create a calm environment in whichpractitioners can get the most out of their discipline.Also, because the Digital Zen Alarm Clocks appearanceis aesthetically pleasing, it can be placed on an altar orother prominent location where it can add to the visualbeauty of the practice environment.

The Digital Zen Alarm Clocks Design PrinciplesThe Digital Zen Alarm Clock has been designedaccording to principles of universe harmony. Some ofthe esoteric design principles shall remain the secret ofthe Clocks creator. Others are discussed below.

The Chimes Pythagorean TuningDepending on which model you have, The Digital Zen

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the small segment of the line to the large segment of theline is in the same proportion as the relationship of thelarge segment to the line as a whole.

The Golden Mean has been used since ancient times byartists, architects and designers to express harmony andbalance. The beauty of the Golden Mean is that allthree partsthe small part, the large part, and thewholeare in perfect proportion with each other.Nature uses this divine proportion to grow from withinitself. Golden Mean relationships are everywhere innaturefrom the human body to the solar system. Theprogressive sequence of the Digital Zen Alarm Clocks

mind.

The Chimes Golden Mean ProgressionThe Digital Zen Alarm Clocks progressive chimingfunction (activated by either the alarm or the count-down timer) takes place over about 10 minutes. Thisprogression is measured from the first strike of thechime until the clock reaches its terminal cycle of con-tinuous chiming, about every 6.5 seconds. Thesequence of chime strikes within this initial 10 minutecycle is designed to approximate the Golden Mean.The Golden Mean, also known as the DivineProportion, is a special relationship between any givenwhole and a specific part thereof. Nature uses theGolden Mean as its formula for creation.

The simplest expression of the Golden Mean is in thedivision of a line: A line with a given length is dividedinto a small part and a large part. The relationship of

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III. NOW & ZEN GUARANTEE AND LIMITED WARRANTY

Your Digital Zen Alarm Clock is guaranteed againstmechanical defect for a period of 12 months from thedate of purchase provided the clock has not been mis-used. Now & Zen will repair or replace free of chargeany part found to be defective within the warranty peri-od. If your clock breaks during the warranty period,please call or write us for a return authorization num-ber (RA#) and return instructions. It is your responsi-bility to ensure it is properly packaged for return, as

chime expresses the Golden Mean by dividing the 10minute time line into smaller and smaller GoldenMean ratios. The first chime divides the line at 3 min-utes and 48 seconds. The next chime divides the largepart of the original division (the remaining 6 and a halfminutes of the 10 minute cycle) by the same ratio. Theprocess continues as illustrated below.The interval between chime strikes thus diminishesfrom within itself according to the Golden Mean. Theself-accumulating growth which is the essence of theGolden Mean finds its most elegant natural expressionin a golden spiral. Nautilus shells, galaxies,whirlpools, and even your fist are examples of goldenspirals. The progression of the Digital Zen AlarmClocks chime forms an audible golden spiral. Theclock thus echoes natures expression of universe har-mony as it provides for a progressive awakening.

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1st 2nd ...Chime Chime


IV. ABOUT NOW & ZEN

Now & Zen, Inc. is a company formed in 1995 with themission of providing beautiful and useful products thatmake a real difference in peoples lives. As a result ofcultural evolution, were becoming more discerningabout the real nature of quality. And this new apprecia-tion of quality leads to a preference for the naturalnatural foods, natural fibers, natural materials, and evennatural sounds. By replacing artificial speaker-drivensounds with natural acoustic sounds, Now & Zen prod-ucts contribute to a more natural lifestyle. Our short-hand way of describing this lifestyle is: "quality ofthought, stillness of being."

In addition to the Digital Zen Alarm Clock, Now & Zenalso makes a growing line of natural lifestyle products.

any damage suffered in return shipment is not coveredby this warranty. This warranty does not include dam-age due to unprotected power surges, dirt, moisture, ornegligent handling. This warranty is only valid whenaccompanied by a dated proof of purchase.

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDEDUNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS YOUREXCLUSIVE REMEDY. NOW & ZEN SHALLNOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES NOR FOR ANYDAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS ORIMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT.

For Warranty claims contact: Now & Zen, Inc.: (303) 530-9028, e-mail: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: NO RETURNS WILL BEACCEPTED WITHOUT AN RA#.

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You can see our full line by visiting our website ( www.now-zen.com ) which gives further informationon our products and mission.

For a catalog of current Now & Zen products, please callus at: (800) 779-6383 or (303) 530-9028, send us an e-mail at: [email protected], or write us at: P.O. Box110, Boulder, Colorado 80306.

And if you find yourself in Boulder, Colorado, pleasestop by our downtown headquarters store on PearlStreet. Thank you for your purchase and your appreciation.

Sincerely,

Steve McIntoshFounder and President

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