The idea of a binary clock is very simple. Instead of showing numbers, binary clocks display rows or columns of lights that correspond to numbers. You just need to remember which numbers correspond to certain rows and columns to read the time using a binary clock or watch.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Binary Codes in Decimal Mode
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the binary clock function
Of the 6 columns in a binary clock, the 2 on the left show the hour, the 2 in the middle show the minutes, and the 2 on the right show the seconds. Of the 4 rows on a binary clock, the bottom row represents the number 1, the next row represents the number 2, the next row represents the number 4, and the top row represents the number 8.
- Remember that the columns are arranged vertically, while the rows are horizontal. You can mark columns with numbers 1-6 from left to right to help remember them.
- The column on the left represents the tens digit, while the one on the right shows the units of each set.
- The number of each row is derived from the power of 2. The first row represents 20 (1), the second line represents 21 (2), the third row is 22 (4), and the top row represents 23 (8).
Step 2. Read the clock by interpreting the first 2 columns
Match the lights that are on with the number represented by the row, then put the numbers from the two columns together.
For example, the clock shows 10 o'clock if the lights in the bottom row of the first column are on and those in the second column are empty, because the first row represents the number 1 and the lights that are off represent the number 0
Step 3. Find the minutes through the same process in the 2 columns in the middle
Match the lights that are on with the number on each line.
For example, the minute shown by the hour is 37 if the two lights from the bottom in the first column (tens) are on and the bottom 3 lights in the second column (the ones) are on
Step 4. Read the seconds in the last 2 columns in the same way
This step is sometimes difficult to perform on an active binary clock because the seconds shown are always changing.
For example, if the third light in the first column (tens column) and the fourth and first lights in the second column (ones column) are lit, the clock shows forty-ninth seconds
Step 5. Match the numbers to read the time
Put a colon between the hours, minutes and seconds. For example, using the example above, the time is 10:37:49.
Step 6. Change the time from military to traditional mode
The binary clock displays the time in military or 24-hour mode. If the hour number exceeds 12, subtract 12 to get the time after noon.
For example, suppose you find the time is 18:30:07. Subtract 18 by 12 to find the hour in traditional mode. The time will show at 6:30:07 p.m (afternoon)
Method 2 of 3: Reading the Watch in True Binary Mode
Step 1. Find the hour on the top row and the minute on the bottom row
There are 4 lights on the top row that show the time. There are 6 lights on the bottom row that show the minutes.
Binary watches generally don't show the time in seconds
Step 2. Memorize the numbers indicated by the flashing lights
The lights on the top row show the numbers 8, 4, 2, and 1 from left to right. The lights on the bottom row show the numbers 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, and 1 from left to right.
The numbers are derived from the power of 2. The top row represents 23 (8), 22 (4), 21 (2), and 20 (1) from left to right. The bottom row represents 25 (32), 24 (16), 23 (8), 22 (4), 21 (2), and 20 (1) from left to right.
Step 3. Add the numbers that light up on each line to determine the hours and minutes
If there is more than 1 light on in a row, add the corresponding numbers to determine the time shown.
For example, you must add up the numbers 8 and 4 if the two leftmost lights in the top row are on, which will give you 12. Add up 4, 2, and 1 to make 7 if the three rightmost lights in the bottom row are on. In this case, the clock is 12:07
Step 4. Change the time from 24-hour format to traditional mode
Binary watches display the time in military mode or 24-hour format. If the clock shown exceeds 12, you can easily change it from military to traditional mode. Just subtract 12 from the clock. For example, if the time is 8:15 p.m., just subtract 20 from 12. The time will be 8:15 p.m. (evening).
Method 3 of 3: Become the Expert
Step 1. Memorize the value of each lamp
Spend some time studying the numbers and the lines they represent to help you read time more quickly and easily. No need to think about math! You just need to remember the value each lamp represents. As a reminder:
- The first two columns of lights represent the hours.
- The next two columns represent the minutes.
- The last two columns represent seconds.
- The first column in each pair represents the tens number, and the next column represents the ones number.
- The first row is worth 1, the second row is worth 2, the third row is worth 4, and the top row is worth 8.
Step 2. Count together the seconds in actual time for the exercise
You can observe the second column and count at the same time to improve your ability to remember light combinations. This method can get you used to the combination of lights so that reading the time will be easy!
Step 3. Keep practicing
Can do it because used to! Binary clocks can be difficult to read, so keep practicing! Avoid using an analog or digital clock while learning to use a binary clock. Instead, practice reading the time in binary mode!
