Auto/Command

[Lillegutt]

I just received my P4 Executive from Led-Land. A wonderful piece, but I was actually surprised of how small it was... But anyway, I just love the Auto/Command function! Besides the P4 series, there's said to be some of the 503 modules in the mens dress TC that are equipped with the Auto/Command.

Are there possibly any others Pulsars equipped with a AC function?


I also found this thread about a similar function on a Gillette reflex. Are there possibly any other watches with similar functions?


JHH

[bruce wegmann]

The Auto-Command function is found on all P4s [Big Time, Classic, and Executive], the 5503 Limited Edition Dress [about one in three or four], the 5302 Sport [about one in ten], and all Calculators with 902 modules. There were perhaps half a dozen other manufacturers that experimented with this feature, with varying degrees of success.

[retroleds]

This thread isn't clear guys - the discussion jumped between auto-set and auto-command.

Lilligut - "auto-set" is a feature where one sets the time and date using only the two command buttons - no magnet is needed as on other Pulsars. "Auto-command" is also known as "flick" or "flick wrist".

"Flick wrist"/"Auto-command" is where you can wiggle or tip your wrist and display the time(and in some cases date and even seconds).

Some Pulsars with auto-set had "flick wrist" and some did not. Some with magnet-set had "flick wrist", some did not. Some Pulsars had neither "auto" feature. Most(all?) other brands that had a "flick wrist" feature didn't have an "auto-set" feature.

Let's figure out what exactly is being dicussed here, and I will [possibly] edit the thread for clarity....with rare exception will I edit someone else's post.
OR maybe we leave it alone but just clarify what is being discussed.

The terms "Auto-set" & "auto-command" are often mis-used....I started writing this reply(and posted ) and then realized that I too had screwed it all up. I think the problem stems from the fact that one uses the command buttons to "auto-set". Ah, the clarity of it all.

[Lillegutt]

Well... The Auto-set functionality doesn't thrill me that much. Only the Auto/Command...

I also found that Birks is mentioned to have a similar kind of function.

The problem is that pictures seldom show what functions are added to the watch, that's why I need some help from you who have years of hands-on experience.


JHH

[azimuth_pl]

I see that you are becoming a real addict like we are
if you're interested in the functions then oldpulsars.com lists all the functions for every possible Pulsar LED made.
Both Gillette and Pulsar Auto-Command used a mercury switch but Pulsar is far more sophisticated and works better. watches that haven't been used for years will usually require a warm-up and afterwards they should flick easily.

[retroleds]

Both Gillette and Pulsar Auto-Command used a mercury switch but Pulsar is far more sophisticated and works better.

Huh,I alway thought the action of a Gilette is the sophisticated one - a nice smooth turn and BAMM! it's on. That back & forth motion of a Pulsar makes me feel like I am trying to shake it awake. like a drunk friend. But seriously, both are nice.

Lillegutt - I'm surprised you aren't more geeked(excited) by the "auto-set" feature, but maybe you haven't had a magnet-set Pulsar, so you don't have a basis for comparision. I imagine some like the mechanics of using the magnet, like manual transmission vs. automatic on a car... I'm a stick-shift" man myself.

[azimuth_pl]

ha, in my technical opinion the Gillette was made the easy way because you can activate it more easily without any intention. but yes, the Pulsar feature sometimes requires an unbehavioral degree of shaking your wrist

[Lillegutt]

Lillegutt - I'm surprised you aren't more geeked(excited) by the "auto-set" feature, but maybe you haven't had a magnet-set Pulsar, so you don't have a basis for comparision. I imagine some like the mechanics of using the magnet, like manual transmission vs. automatic on a car... I'm a stick-shift" man myself.

Well, fact is, I haven't tried the Auto-set yet, only the magnet-set. So potentially I'm in for another thrill...

But look at it this way: The Auto-set is nice once a year when I change the batteries. The Auto/Command is nice 28 times a day.

Technologically the Auto-set is probably more genious than the Auto/Command, and more of a challenge to achieve, so I definitely see your point, and agree with you.

....How hard is it to "implement" a similar feature on other modules (not necessarily Pulsar since there are already too few working originals out there)? I understand that the hardcoded rules for signal-treatment is not possible to put into the "brain" of a module, but something put in parallel with the time-button, and serial to a mercury switch should be possible???

Hmmm... This thread might be working its way down to the 'Workbench' sector...

Anyone feeling "The Call of The Wild"??



JHH

[Lillegutt]

if you're interested in the functions then oldpulsars.com lists all the functions for every possible Pulsar LED made.

I've already memorized all models...

I see that you are becoming a real addict like we are

I do have the symptoms, don't I...??


JHH

[Higgie]

This was my modified Synchronar with wrist 'o flick added.
The watch had a sanyo module with a 8G's shock-sensor. Worked perfectly.
( sorry, sold the watch years ago )

[retroleds]

something put in parallel with the time-button, and serial to a mercury switch should be possible???
JHH

That's about all it really works out to

[rewolf]

....How hard is it to "implement" a similar feature on other modules (not necessarily Pulsar since there are already too few working originals out there)? I understand that the hardcoded rules for signal-treatment is not possible to put into the "brain" of a module, but something put in parallel with the time-button, and serial to a mercury switch should be possible???

A "tilt switch" in parallel with the time-button is all you need. The challenge is to find a place for it inside the watch. There are some modern watches with this type of switch (e.g. "The Duke"). It's not mercury but a tiny metal ball inside a tube, you can hear it "click" when it moves.