Oregon Scientific BAR338PA ExactSet Projection Clock with Cable-Free Weather Forecaster

This clock is fun to watch during the night to display the time and outside temperature on the ceiling, but forget about it if you have to rely on it to wake you up. I set the alarm three weeks ago and it has yet to wake me, and it goes off every morning. I heard it once as I walked by it. I read previous reviews and knew what to expect, so it did not disappoint me. I bought it for the display and atomic clock features only.
As usual ordering and shipping from AMAZON.COM was great!

This is my second projection alarm clock, replacing a less expensive model that suddenly stopped projecting and transmitting the outside temperature. My parents had purchased our first clock, and they are already on their second, and the consensus among us is that they are a great idea, but prone to being complex to use/set up, and prone to failures. While I haven't owned this model long enough to know how it will hold up- I can tell you that it is much better made than any other I have seen. Being able to move the projection angle so much, focus it in, rotate it and sharpen it's focus makes it the most functional projection I have seen. The external temperature sensor also includes a readout so depending on where you mount it, it has a dual benefit. The screen is very clear and a good size (allowing me to read it from a few feet away), and so are the directions. Having the ability to change the content of the projection and turn it on and off with a button (rather than a complex series of buttons) is very nice. Overall, definately the best projection alarm I have found!

Because of a bad past experience, I've been suspicious of "cable-free weather forcasters" that required a battery powered unit placed outside. The month of December 2008 has had temperatures as cold as -10 degrees Farenheit, in Minneapolis, and this Oregon Scientific unit has been working flawlessly and accurately since I installed it the first of this month. I don't know how long the batteries in the outside unit are supposed to last, but so far, so good!

I got one of these for Christmas last year. It worked for about a week and then lost the ability to communicate with the temperature sensing remote. Tried everything in the manual and web site to get it going again, have emailed customer service a half dozen times with no response at all. It was great while it lasted, but the complete absence of customer support scores a big fat zero in my book.

I had an Oregon Scientific clock for 10 years so when it needed replacing, I ordered another one that was similar but it was supposed to be a better model. The temperature on the sending unit is 6-8 degrees off all the time. The company has been great about support, but we couldn't get it working properly. They are taking it back and sending a new one (the manufacturer, not the seller. I never contacted the seller) I'm hoping when the new one arrives, it will be accurate. If so, I will rewrite my review.