User Guide for Tide clocks
Sanderling / Horizon Tide Clocks
Quick Setup Guide · CTLight Firmware
Connect to WiFi
Welcome, and congratulations on your new tide clock! Follow these steps to get connected and tracking tides within a few minutes.
Your clock needs internet to fetch the current time and tide predictions.
First-time setup
- Plug in your clock and wait 20 seconds to start up.
- On your phone or computer, find the WiFi network called "Tideclock-Setup-xxxx"
- Connect to it — no password needed.
- Your browser should open the setup page automatically.
- If it doesn't, open a browser and go to: 192.168.4.1
- Expand a slot and tap Scan to find nearby networks.
- Select your home WiFi, enter the password, and tap Save.
- The clock reboots and connects automatically.
Once connected, the clock shows current time and tide predictions.
- Blue bars = high tide
- Green bars = low tide
Note: "Tideclock-Setup-xxxx" stays visible even after connecting — this is normal. Use it anytime to update settings or switch networks without a reset.
Reaching Settings Later
Three ways to access settings after initial setup:
| By name | http://ctlight.local (iPhone, Mac, Windows) |
| By IP | Shown on success screen after setup — bookmark it |
| Via hotspot | Connect to Tideclock-Setup-xxxx → visit 192.168.4.1 — works on any device |
Note: If the IP changes, the clock flashes the last digits of its address at startup (12 o'clock position = zero). Try http://192.168.1.x, 192.168.0.x, or 192.168.68.x. If unsure, use Tideclock-Setup-xxxx.
Print a QR Access Card (optional convenience)
- Open settings → tap Print QR Code Access Card
- Post it near the clock — scan anytime to jump straight to settings without hunting for the IP or URL
Select Your Tide Station
Tell your clock which beach or harbor to track.
Find your station
- Open settings — the Tide & Schedule tab appears.
- Find the NOAA Station ID field and tap Change Station.
- Tap Find Nearest to auto-pick, or type a city or station name to search.
- Tap your station — the clock fetches tide data immediately.
The Tide & Schedule Tab
- Timezone — make sure this matches your location.
- NOAA Station — the beach or harbor your clock tracks.
- Day/Night Schedule — choose a fixed hour or track local dusk/dawn. Enter your ZIP code in the field below to enable dusk/dawn options.
Note: Settings take effect immediately — there is no Save button.
Tide & Schedule tab
Display Settings
Customize how your clock looks day and night.
Day & Night Mode
The clock automatically switches between Day and Night colors on a schedule you control.
| Day Mode | Shows tide bars and a flashing "Now" indicator at the current time |
| Night Mode | Hides tide bars, shows subtle hour markers, changes "Now" to a steady or slow-pulse dot |
Colors and brightness are fully adjustable on both tabs — the defaults work great.
Note: "Restore Factory Settings" resets colors and brightness only — your timezone and NOAA station are never touched.
Day Colors tab
Night Colors tab
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Maintenance Buttons
Found at the bottom of each settings tab:
- Firmware updates — new features and bug fixes
- Print 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.
Diagnostics: Your clock periodically sends anonymous data (firmware version, uptime, WiFi signal strength, UI access count) so we can deliver firmware updates and troubleshoot issues remotely. No personal information is ever transmitted.
Startup Light Sequence
When first powered on, the LED strip shows a startup sequence. Each section pulses while working and flashes twice when done. Red = failed step (usually WiFi or no internet).
Magenta — Starting web server Orange — Syncing time
Teal — Fetching tide data
The sequence takes 15–30 seconds; the clock starts displaying normally once all sections complete.
Hiding the Power Cord
We include cord concealers for a neat and professional installation.
- Thoroughly clean the wall mounting area.
- Measure and draw a line where you plan to install the channel.
- Cut the channel to length with sharp scissors or a utility knife.
- Place connectors end-to-end to increase length as needed.
- Cut ends at 45° angles for right-angle turns at corners.
- Peel the adhesive cover and press firmly to the wall for 10 seconds.
- Run the wire down the channel and snap the cover on. Paint to match wall if desired.
More cord covers: ebay.com/itm/277652418630
Need Help?
Questions, problems, or ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Quick Reference
| Settings (name) | http://ctlight.local |
| Settings (hotspot): use WiFi | "Tideclock-Setup-xxxx" → 192.168.4.1 |
| Support | now@linearclockworks.com |
| Tide station map | tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov |