Lathem 5000 and Acroprint AP175 Daylight Savings Time Setup Instructions

Adjusting Daylight Savings Time (DST) on mechanical time clocks like the Lathem 5000 and Acroprint AP175 ensures punches remain accurate when clocks shift forward or backward. While these instructions reference the 2010 DST rules, the same method works for any year by temporarily setting the date to January 1, 2010, applying the DST programming, and then returning the clock to the correct current date. These steps are commonly used on models from Lathem Time Corporation and Acroprint Time Recorder Company.

Programming Daylight Savings Time Settings

Begin by opening the clock and accessing the internal programming buttons.

Follow this process carefully:

• Remove the clock cover using the barrel key (key number 699)

• Locate the five internal buttons labeled left to right: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

• Press Button 5 (MODE) three times until the START DAYLIGHT SAVINGS arrow flashes

Set the DST start date:

• Press Button 3 until “3” flashes (March)

• Press Button 2 until “08” flashes (8th day)

• Press Button 1 (SET) Press Button 1 (SET) once more to confirm.

Set the DST end date:

• Press Button 5 four times until the END DAYLIGHT SAVINGS arrow flashes

• Press Button 4 until the year appears (it may default to 2008 — this is normal)

• Press SET to accept November

• Press SET again

• Press Button 2 until “08” appears (this cycles through dates)

• Press SET twice to complete programming

Once finished, reset the clock back to the correct current date.

Manually Setting the Time After Programming

After DST settings are programmed, the time should be adjusted to ensure accuracy.

Steps to set the time:

• Press Button 5 once until the Hour/Minute arrow flashes

• Press Button 3 to adjust the hour (seconds reset automatically)

• Press Button 2 to adjust the minutes

•Press SET

• Press SET again to save

The clock is now fully updated.

Conclusion or Operational Takeaway

Programming Daylight Savings Time on Lathem 5000 and Acroprint AP175 time clocks is a one-time setup that ensures automatic seasonal time changes going forward. By temporarily setting the date to January 1, 2010, applying the DST rules, and restoring the correct date afterward, businesses can keep punch records accurate year after year. Taking a few minutes to program DST correctly prevents payroll discrepancies, missed punches, and manual time corrections — keeping timekeeping simple, reliable, and compliant.