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Digital Clock Comparison

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Chronos,  DGT XL, and DGT Gametimer 2000 Comparison

Updated in January 2004

For some time now, there has been an ongoing debate on USENET concerning which is the ' best' digital chess clock. This review will look at several of the most popular digital clocks on the market. The original version of this review only looked at DGT's gametimer 2000. This updated review will also look at the brand new (as of 2003) DGT XL.

Because of some new rules that have come out of the USCF, digital clocks are becoming more and more popular ( see http://www.uschess.org/tds/clockrules.html). Unfortunately, these new clocks are causing some confusion among tournament directors because of the delay feature, which can be implemented in a couple of different ways (Bronstein or Fischer). This confusion is compounded by the fact that some tournament directors (and users) are unsure of how to operate some of the new clocks.

My previous clock was a USCF master quartz, which was extremely reliable and easy to use. So, I found myself unconsciously making comparisons to my 'old faithful' clock when looking at these new digital units. None of the digital clocks can compare to an analog one for ease of use. However, they do compensate for that by offering many more timing options (as well as offering the delay feature, which is simply not possible with an analog model). Furthermore, a digital clock should be more reliable than an analog unit, since the only moving parts are switches.

Ok, now on to the comparison.

The DGT Gametimer 2000

This clock comes in a compact ABS(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) case with rubber feet. It has a low center of gravity, and is difficult to tip over. A large rocker bar is used instead of the usual buttons. This bar provides very good feedback - in other words, you know when you've punched the clock because it makes noise, and you feel a ' click'. The rocker bar on the DGT has about the same visibility as the buttons on the USCF master quartz. If you want extra visibility, then get the black clock body, because the buttons will show up better against it.

The clock stresses ease of use, with three buttons on the front panel labeled ' ok', ' +1' and ' start/stop'. The ' ok' button is used when you wish to confirm a time setting, while the ' +1' button is used to change the time. The ' start/stop' button is used to start and stop the clock, since the rocker bar has no ' middle' position (i.e. you can't press both ends down at once). The instructions that come with the clock are clear and succinct, and there is a summary of the various timing modes on the bottom of the clock.

I only have one complaint about this clock - I think that the digits are a bit on the small side. My corrected vision is very bad (probably much worse than anyone reading this review), so this is a factor for me. Others with more normal vision will not find it to be problem. In either case, I have measured the digit sizes and put them in the table at the end of this review, so that you can judge for yourself.

While this clock is not as easy to use as an analog model, anyone that can program a VCR can program and use this clock. You will probably not need to refer to the manual once you use the clock a few times.

One more thing - the DGT 2000 can interface to the DGT autosensory board.

The DGT XL

This clock shares much of its heritage with its ancestor. Thus, it is very easy to use - while there are more buttons, each has an icon next to it that explains its use, and the clock has a summary of modes and functions printed on the bottom of the case. There are also a number of very easily understood icons on the LCD display that show the side to move, and when a player's flag had fallen (e.g. a flag appears). These buttons and icons address a common deficiency in the design of many consumer electronics items - they provide the necessary visual feedback that indicates in very clear terms, what the clock is doing at all times.

There are also five user-programmable time controls now, which are retained after the clock shuts off. These modes are incredibly customizable, and in fact allow you to program any combination of timing modes that the clock supports. I think this mode was inserted to address competition from clocks like the Chronos. Frankly, I think that the addition of these modes destroys almost any competitive advantage the Chronos had. Programming of these modes is fairly easy, with visual icons used for instruction along the way.

The rocker bar has also changed - the DGT Gametimer 2000 had a bar with a very heavy, yet positive feel. The downside was that hitting the bar on the older clock made a fair amount of noise. The bar on the new clock has a much lighter feel, and makes much less noise. There is enough tactile feedback to the bar, so you know when you've hit the clock.

My overall impression is that the new DGT is an incremental improvement over the old. The older model was a good design to begin with, so I don't think much change should be expected. The biggest improvement in the newer model is the addition of sound, a visible move counter and the bigger digits. On the flip side, the contrast of the digits is not as good as the old model, and they are a bit thinner. However, even in light of this, I think they are easier to read at a distance.

Incidentally, I recently received a copy of a letter written by an official at FIDE. It certifies that this clock completely meets FIDE standards.

The Chronos

This clock is built like a tank. If you are the kind of person that likes to deal out physical beatings over the board, then this is definitely your clock (ha ha, that's a joke).

But seriously, this clock has a large, easily read display along with quite a few features. You can have beeps (of user selectable pitch) after every move, or at the end of the time control. You can turn these beeps off if you so desire. There are also LEDs that can be enabled or disabled, that show the side to move. Or course, enabling the LEDs costs battery life. If you are the sort that likes to walk around the tournament hall (like me), then you should probably leave these LEDs on. Otherwise, there is no other visual indication (besides the clock digits) that the clock is running.

When using the clock, you hit one of the three buttons on the top of the unit. The buttons do not stay in the down position (like an analog clock), and your opponent's button will not rise when you press yours. There is little tactile, and audio feedback (unless beeps are enabled) when you press the button. I found myself frequently checking the clock to see if in fact I had pressed the button properly.

Because it is somewhat large, the clock just sorta kinda fits in some of the chess bags sold by the USCF. Therefore, you might want to buy a carrying bag for the Chronos (an optional accessory).

While this clock has a ton of features and is extremely durable, it is not easy enough to use. In fact, this is my major complaint. Because I go to relatively few tournaments, I have to re-familiarize myself with this clock each time I want to use it! With all due respect, this is nuts. For instance - if you want to turn the clock off, you need to hold the center button down, and press the right button five times. With the DGT, you press the on/off button on the bottom of the clock. Furthermore, the manual, while comprehensive, is not very well typeset, and is poorly organized.

Summary and Final Comparison

In my original digital clock review, I looked at the DGT Gametimer 2000 and the Chronos. My conclusion at that time was that the DGT was the easier clock to use, while the Chronos was very sturdily built, and had more features, but was much more difficult to use. I still stick by these same general recommendations. I've had the DGT Gametimer 2000 and the Chronos for about four years now (maybe more), and I always end up taking the DGT to tournaments. The simple fact is that I don't play OTB that often, and I don't like having to relearn how to use the clock each time. I haven't really had the new DGT XL long enough to know whether I like it much more than the old one. I think the feature that might tip the judgment in favor of the new clock is the easily accessible move counter and bigger digits, the former of which can be very important when you are nearing a time control.

The ease of learning the functionality of the clock is no small thing. If you do get the Chronos, I would strongly suggest that you print up a short summary of the important commands and modes, and keep this with the clock. Also, guard the manual well, because it is unlikely that you'll figure the clock out if you don't have it. And don't forget that you're not the only one that might have to use this clock. If a tournament director has to adjust the time on it, then you better make sure you can explain how to do it. With all due respect, I like the Chronos for its wide functionality and sturdy heft, but I think it's an ergonomic disaster.

I also think that the Rocker switch assembly that the DGT's employ is superior to the Chronos, which simply uses a pushbutton switch. Once again, the primary reason is feedback. The rocker switches provide both an audible click, and force feedback, which are unambiguous signals that the clock is now running for your opponent. In general, this is quite consistent with the whole design philosophy of the DGT, which is greatly concerned with ergonomics, and providing the necessary feedback to the user.

There is one area that I believe the Chronos still has an edge. Its display, while not the largest, has very good contrast. So even though the DGT XL has the largest digits, they are not quite as readable as the DGT's (your mileage may vary). But I will say that the DGT XL has the more sophisticated display, with it's use of icons and visual flags.

Finally, I think that users looking at purchasing the Chronos because of the wide number of different timing modes should also look at the DGT XL. The user programming modes on this clock allow incredible flexibility, and allow it to handle virtually any combination of different timing modes.

In addition to the two sites that I mentioned previously in this review, I would also recommend that you go to www.icdchess.com and www.dgtprojects.com for more information on these two clocks.

Feature

DGT Top Match

Chronos

DGT XL

Size of digits

5 x 7mm

9 x 12mm

9 x 18mm

Dimensions (maximum)

20 x 11 x 5.4 cm

22.5  x 7 x 7 cm

15.5 x 11.5 x 5.8 cm

Case material

ABS

Steel (other sites say aluminum, but mine looks like steel)

ABS

Batteries/life

4 AA, 5000 hrs.

3 AA 600-900 hrs.

2 AA , Unknown

Warranty

1 yr

1 yr

1 yr

Speaker

No

Yes, can be disabled

Yes, can be disabled 

Indicator for side to move

Large rocker bar. One end sticks up farther than the other, depending on the side to move. The bar makes a loud clack when hit.

Two LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Can be disabled.

Large rocker bar, plus small icons on LCD display. Bar is fairly quiet when hit (more on par with an analog clock).

Preset Timing methods

Rapid/Blitz, 1 period+guillotine, 2 periods+guillotine, Repeated 2nd time period, FIDE Rapid, FIDE tournament, Bronstein, Fischer rapid, Fischer tournament, Go with byo-yomi, Overtime Canadian byo-yomi, Hourglass, Gong

Rapid/Blitz, Bronstein tournament with up to six time controls, Hourglass, 1-3 periods+guillotine, Bronstein Go modes, Go with Canadian byo-yomi method, Count up/down method, 1-3 time controls+move counter, Fide , Shogi, FIDE Rapid and Tournament, Unlimited time controls.

Rapid/Blitz, 1 period+guillotine, 2 periods+guillotine, 3 periods+guillotine,  FIDE Blitz Rapid and slow, FIDE tournament, Bronstein blitz rapid and slow, Fischer blitz rapid and slow, Fischer tournament, Go with Canadian byo-yomi method, Scrabble+upcount, Hourglass

Number of custom time controls that can be stored

Existing time controls can be modified, but no explicit user storage

12

5 highly customizable stored time controls. Any combination or Fischer/Bronstein, guillotine, tournament, byo-yomi, hourglass, and Scrabble.

Generates Fisher/Shuffle Chess Positions

No

Yes

No

Can set different time controls for each opponent

Yes

Yes

Yes

Players can check move counter

No

Yes

Yes

Low battery indication

Yes

Display will dim before batteries fail, battery check mode.

Yes

Battery replacement

Remove screws

Remove screws

Tool-less

Extra

Interfaces to DGT board

Electronically serialized for theft protection, Modify beeper pitch, many different timing modes. Newer models of this clock may have more timing modes (for example, Fischer)

Interfaces to DGT board and Fritz. Note that version 1.4 of this clock (which was recalled) may not work properly in this mode.

Notes:

Guillotine is DGT's way of referring to sudden death-type controls after the first time control. For example, the 1 period+guillotine mode is what is normally used in many US tournaments, where you get say 40 moves in 60 minutes, and then an hour to finish the game after that.

In Bronstein time controls, there is a delay before the clock starts to run, if you move before the delay is up, then you don't use any time for that move. However, any unused time is not added on to the player's total time.

Fischer time controls are normally what is used for internet play. Here, you get a fixed amount of time added to the clock for each move you complete.

Go and Shogi time controls are not well explained in this table. If you're interested in these, I would suggest you check out other sources of information.

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