How Numbers On The Binary Clock Are Represented

The Powers of 2™" BCD Binary Clock is based on the binary number system, the language of computers.

In the decimal numbering system, six digits are required to indicate the time. For example: At 48 minutes and 36 seconds past 10 o'clock, we write 10:48:36.

This clock has 6 columns of lights, corresponding - left to right - to "tens of hours," hours, "tens of minutes," minutes, and "tens of seconds," seconds, the six digits required to display the time.

Each column represents a decimal number value from 0 to 9.

The value of the decimal number represented in each column is determined by which lights in that column are ON i.e. which ones are lit:

The bottom light, if lit, is worth "1."

The one above it, if lit, is worth " 2."

The third one from the bottom, if lit, is worth "4."

The fourth one from the bottom, if lit, is worth "8".

=> You add the values of the ON light positions to get the final decimal value. All 10 possible values are shown in the diagram at the bottom of this page.

* * Hint: Remember the sequence: 1, 2, 4, 8 - bottom to top * *

Note: The third (value = "4") and fourth (value="8") lights in a given column may not be there, depending on the maximum decimal value that column may have. For instance, after "59" seconds, the seconds counter cycles back to "00." Thus, the "tens of seconds" value never goes above "5." Since the maximum value -"5" - can be displayed as the sum of 4 and 1, only the "1" light and the "4" light are needed to display "5." No "8" light is needed for any "tens of seconds" number value.

To see an example of how to read the clock, go to: How To Read The Powers of 2™" BCD Binary Clock.