User Guide for Tide clocks

Getting Started: Connect Your Clock to WiFi

Your clock needs internet to fetch the current time and tide predictions.

First-time setup:

1. Plug in your clock and wait 20 seconds for it to start up.
2. On your phone or computer, look for a WiFi network called Tideclock-Setup
3. Connect to it — no password needed
4. Your browser should open the setup page automatically
   • If it doesn't, open a browser and go to: 192.168.4.1
5. On the setup page, expand a slot and tap Scan to find nearby networks
6. Select your home WiFi network, enter the password, and tap Save
7. The clock will reboot and connect automatically

Once connected, it will begin showing the current time and tide predictions (blue = high tide, green = low tide).

Note: The Tideclock-Setup network stays visible even after your clock is connected — this is normal. It lets you update settings or switch networks any time without a reset.

Tell Your Clock Which Beach to Track

Your clock needs a NOAA tide station to show tide predictions.

Accessing settings

Once your clock is on your home WiFi, you have three ways to reach settings:

• By name — bookmark http://ctlight.local on iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC (doesn't work on Android)
• By IP — use the address shown on the success screen after first saving your WiFi password; bookmark it
• Via hotspot — connect to Tideclock-Setup and visit 192.168.4.1 — works anytime, any device, no IP needed

Print a QR access card

1. Open your clock's settings page
2. Tap Print QR Code Access Card (under Setup & Maintenance)
3. Scan the QR code anytime to jump straight to settings

If the IP ever changes, the clock shows the last part of its address at startup (12 o'clock position = zero). Your URL is http://192.168.x.[that number] — the prefix is usually 192.168.1, 192.168.0, or 192.168.68 depending on your router. If none work, connect to Tideclock-Setup instead.

Select your tide station

1. Open settings — the Tide & Schedule tab is shown by default
2. Find the NOAA Station ID field and tap Change Station
3. Tap Find Nearest to automatically pick the closest station to you, or type a station name to search
4. Tap your station from the list — the clock fetches tide data immediately

To browse stations on a map, tap the ⓘ icon next to the field for a link to the NOAA tide station map.

Understanding the Settings Page

The settings page has 3 tabs: Tide & Schedule, Day Mode, and Night Mode.

The Tide & Schedule Tab

What to check:

• Timezone — make sure this matches your location
• NOAA Station — this is the beach or harbor your clock tracks
  • Tap Change Station, then Find nearest to see the closest stations to you — tap one and watch the tide bars update immediately. (Requires your ZIP code to be set — see the ZIP Code field on this same tab).
  • Need a different one? Type a city or station name in the search box instead.
  • Can't find it? Tap the ⓘ icon for a link to the NOAA tide station map — find your station there, note its 7-digit ID, and type it in the search box.
• Day/Night Schedule — the clock automatically switches between Day and Night colors. The dropdown lets you choose a fixed hour or track local dusk/dawn. To use dusk/dawn, enter your ZIP code in the field just below; then check the dropdown again for dusk/dawn options.

Settings take effect immediately — there's no Save button.

The Day and Night Mode Tabs

Day Mode: Shows tide bars and a flashing "Now" indicator at the current time.

Night Mode: Hides tide bars, shows subtle hour markers, and changes the "Now" indicator to a steady, calm dot.

The defaults work great, but feel free to adjust colors and brightness — or even bring the tide bars back at night if you prefer.

Note: "Restore Factory Settings" only resets colors and brightness — your timezone and NOAA station are never touched.

Setup and Maintenance Buttons

At the bottom of each tab, you'll find buttons to:

• Get firmware updates — new features and bug fixes
• Print a QR code — for easy access to settings
• Restore factory settings — resets colors/brightness only
• Manage WiFi networks — add multiple networks so your clock can roam between home, office, vacation house, etc.

Note: your clock will send anonymous diagnostic data (firmware version, device uptime, WiFi signal strength, and UI access count) to help us provide firmware updates and support. No browsing data or personal information is transmitted.