Questions? Speak with us Toll-Free at 1-800-645-4710 or send us E-Mail.

CV Digital Chess Clock

by John LeVasseur

12/12/00

Introduction

There are many digital chess clocks available in the chess market. Most are relatively expensive compared to their analog counterparts. A new digital clock has just become available called the CV Digital Chess Clock. This clock shows the potential of being an excellent choice for the club and scholastic player, with its ease of use and low cost. In fact, it looks like it will be the lowest priced (Your Move price: $59.95) digital clock on the market.

Mechanical Specifications

This clock, manufactured in Spain, is very similar in function to the FIDE clock, but also shows some simple differences making it unique. The clock is constructed from a lightweight, tough ABS black plastic housing. The surface itself is a textured finish to resist finger prints and smudges, and also to reduce glare. The displays are large, measuring 2" x .75". They are nicely angled and are exceptionally easy to view from the side, which is important during a game. Some displays do not view clearly from the side on competing clocks.

The clock itself measures 6.4" wide, 4.25" deep and rises only a miniscule 2" maximum, above the table. All corners and edges are smoothly rounded. There are four rubber feet on the bottom to keep the clock from creeping across the surface. One nice touch with these is that they are not glued to the bottom like so many rubber feet found on electronic components these days. They are tightly fitted mechanically into little holes. No more of that glue turning into goo and the feet falling off the clock. The simple design, all black textured matte finish, and low profile chassis lend itself to being a clock that offers no distractions to any player during a game or match.

On the topside, there are two large oval shaped buttons setup in the accepted analog toggle switch arrangement, preferred by many players. The toggled buttons are large enough to allow players to easily see whose turn it is, even from a distance, from all directions.

The power on/off switch is located on the bottom of the unit and the control buttons are located as far away as possible from the toggle buttons. This arrangement helps prevent players from accidentally changing the clock parameters or shutting off the clock when "smacking" the clock during a game, especially in those fast and furious blitz or speed chess games.

A battery compartment is located underneath holding the four AA type batteries (not included). The battery life appears to be about 500 hrs.

Clock Functions

The clock has thirty presets, of 10 different types, including:

• 6 Blitz
• 3 FIDE Rapid
• 5 Guillotine
• 2 Repeating 2· Period
• 3 FIDE Tournament
• 3 Fischer Rapid
• 2 Fischer Tournament
• 2 Bronstein
• 2 Gong
• 2 Hour Glass

Each one of the 10 different types listed above has a manual setting capability so you can set-up a game the way you like, if it doesn't exist in the presets. The only real flaw here is the lack of storage of any custom settings. All the presets and there corresponding memory number, is clearly silk screened onto the bottom of the clock.

There are only three function buttons on the unit, excluding the power button on the bottom. From left to right, you have the "Levels/+1" button. This allows you to select the presets. The next button is the "Accept" button, which allows you to accept the preset and activate it. These two buttons are also used to set the clocks manual settings. The last button is the "Start/Pause" button, which allows you to start the game, or pause the clock. That's it! Very simple and elegant design.

The clock is available with english instructions and Spanish instructions are available upon request.

If you are looking for digital clock, but don't want to spend the big bucks, you should give this clock a try. It is lightweight, well thought-out and nicely constructed, and will not break the bank. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it certainly has functional features and ease of use. The CV Digital Chess Clock is a great buy!

Rating: A-

Want to buy it now? ... Click Here.

[ Return to Review Table of Contents ]

[ Your Move Chess & Games Homepage ]
[ Enter Our Store ] [ Our eBay Auctions ] [ Chess Message Boards ] [ About Your Move ]