Yaesu World Clocks — Tick Tock!
World Clock QTR-24
Operating Instructions
QTR-24D
A second version of the clock was later introduced as the QTR-24D.
World Clock QTR-24D
Restoring Your QTR-24
We receive many letters and emails at Fox Tango asking how to fix Yaesu products of all types. One of the least understood Yaesu accessories is the QTR-24 clock. If you’re brave and care to venture beyond vacuum tubes and transistors, you might try fixing your own QTR-24. If you still can’t keep it running properly, email ClocksRus or visit clocksrus.org for service.
Most hams put in a new battery and crank the speed adjustment on the rear. As these clocks are now 30+ years old, that alone often won’t fix an inoperative movement. More often than not, a proper cleaning brings the clock back to life.
The QTR-24 is powered by a pulsating magnetic movement running on a single 1.5 VDC “C” cell. Power builds in a small coil, pulsed on and off by a single transistor circuit. The magnetic field moves a one-jeweled movement one direction; a small spring returns it — delivering power to the escapement like a pendulum in a wind-up clock.
Bench Testing & Cleaning
Test the movement on the bench at 1.5 VDC like any other piece of equipment. When operating properly, the one-jeweled movement should move freely and fast, driving the small pink escapement gear. After 30–35 years, dirt accumulates and the movement slows or stops. Little lubrication is recommended — most gears are plastic.
Careful disassembly, cleaning with mild solvent, and reassembly will often yield a properly working mechanism. Inspect all gears and shafts for wear and dirt on both sides of the movement case.
24-Hour GMT Ring
Remove hands carefully (lift straight up). Lift the face by carefully bending tabs inside — too much bending breaks them. The 24-hour plastic indicator is held by a “C” clamp; cover it when removing so it doesn’t fly away. Sunlight often yellows the dial plate over decades.
Clean white plastic residue from the shaft with lacquer thinner. Use lubricants in moderation. For plastic gears and the 24-hour plate, synthetic Super Lube is preferred (Merritt’s Clock Supply). Do not use 3-in-1 oil. A thin oil like Kroil can substitute. Less is more — too much or too little can stop the movement.
24-Hour Ring Not Turning
Another problem that commonly shows up in a second-hand QTR-24: the outer 24-hour dial ring will not show proper GMT time.
Remove the silver trim ring by twisting tabs behind the ring and face — very slowly. A broken red fiber washer lets the drive gear flop loose and won’t mesh with the 24-hour ring. When plastic can’t be easily repaired, a tiny soldering-iron tip can bore into the remains of the old shaft; a trimmed plastic piece plus a tiny amount of JB Weld overnight can restore the retainer.
Corrosion at the battery ground point can be cleaned with a Dremel and treated with Deoxit contact cleaner to restore conductivity.
Fixing a Noisy QTR-24
That constant tick, tick, tick echoing in the plastic case!
Use very thin styrofoam packing material: wrap the movement lightly (leave openings for adjustments), line the inner plastic case with about 2¼″ of packing material. Success — noise cut by nearly 75%.
Custom Mounting
One QTR-24 movement was mounted in a wooden clock case — no longer totally original Yaesu tick-tock, but smooth and keeps perfect time. Contact the club if interested in a custom build; you would provide the QTR-24 movement.
Parts & Professional Repair
The clock movement was made by Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd. of Japan (est. 1950). They no longer stock older movements or replacement parts for this clock.
If you still cannot fix your QTR-24, send it to ClocksRus.org or email info@clocksrus.org.
I hope this information proves helpful if you own the QTR-24.
Carol L. Maher W4CLM