Move indicator on digital chess clocks

I'm shopping for a chess clock for my return to OTB chess. I had narrowed my search down to two clocks: ZMF Fun II and the (ZMF) Tap n Set (button). Both clocks have move indicator LED lights, that can be turned off or on. For such a clock, this indicator would be the only way to know whose move it was from a distance. In the old days with analog clocks, you could see which button was higher (and I think that still works for many digital clicks now like DGT 3000 and Leap.) My question is: for USCF and FIDE tournament play, would the LED indicator on the Fun II and Tap n Set need to be enabled? I tried reading all the clock related USCF rules but didn't see anything. I guess it would be useful (remembering my tournaments from way back, when walking away from the board.) My only concern is, some of the lights look really bright, and I'm sensitive to bright light..I haven't seen any of the clocks in real life. I'm also attracted to the Chronos clock, but no colors are available now and perhaps it's not a good idea to buy them when the company is no longer there? I'm a fan of mechanical keyboards, so I think it's really cool that clocks like the Tap n Set and Chronos have buttons with mechanical switches.

I am not sure why you think the LED lights are bright. You can see the light.But you are not lighting up even a drak room with the light.

And do you know what is even brighter then the LED move indicator. The LED screen itself showing the clock time. From the ZMF II for example.

If you are that sensitive to light you would want a clock with only a LCD screen. That uses reflective light to display the clock times.

And I am sorry you do not own the clock. I do and he needs to know the clock is LED. And is much brighter then the move indicator. If he is light sensitive.

And his post was up for hours. And you were no help then or now.

We got the picture. You have never used a chess clock, or played OTB tournaments.

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@schlechter_2020 I definitely have to agree with you that some of the ZMF-II clocks have very bright move indicator LEDs and may be distracting.

It doesn't seem the rules directly addresses your question of whether you can turn this light off, however at the very least you would need agreement from your opponent to turn it off. If your opponent disagrees and appeals to the TD, I'm pretty sure you would need to leave it on.

Of the different color or lights, it seems that blue or red is the least offensive, even though it's slightly brighter than the display, so maybe you can choose a clock with the blue or red indicator. You can try to cover that led with a frosted diffuser to reduce the pinpoint intensity (probably should be designed that way anyway). Good luck.

The light is not needed or required as a move indicator. As the display itself also acts as the move indicator.

@schlechter_2020 Seeing as Desperate has been wrong on everything here so far, I advise you should get your opponents' approval prior to starting the game.

I reached out to ZMF and asked them the same question. They said the lights need to be enabled for tournament play. Unfortunately I haven't been able to see either clock in real life, but in some videos they did seem bright. Would like input too from anyone who knows about the Tap N Set button clock.

Must be some unclear rule then that most do not know about. Including the tournament directors and players. As we turn off the lights and sound in tournament play.

Do you have the rule number from the USCF rules.?

Interesting question....

Here is the Fide definition of a "chess clock." There is no mention of a move indicator in USCF or FIde rules.

Article 6: The Chessclock

6.1 ‘Chessclock’ means a clock with two time displays, connected to each other in such a way that only one of them can run at a time. ‘Clock’ in the Laws of Chess means one of the two time displays. Each time display has a ‘flag’.

‘Flag-fall’ means the expiration of the allotted time for a player.

I read the USCF rules, and similarly there was no mention of a move indicator. For many clocks like Leaf or DGT it is of course unnecessary, because you can see the position of the button from a distance to see who is on move. But my question deals with clocks with sensors or buttons. So @RandomKingWalk you use the Fun II in USCF tournaments with the move indicator light disabled?

I have always turned off the lights and sound. And have never had a issue with a player or tournament director. Or have I ever raised a issue with the others players clock. With the move indicator off. I have never heard of such a rule, or has it been enforced if the rule exist.

And many times playing most players do not even have a clock or pieces. So many times either playing black or white. We will use my chess set, and clock.

@schlechter_2020 Ok this guy apparently can't read either since nobody said there was a rule. I even said that your question wasn't directly addressed by the rules. But...just know that if your opponent objects to your chess clock not having some sort of visual move indicator (seems all chess clocks do) and calls for arbitration, you will very most likely be forced to turn that light on. The TD knows that if they overrule the objection, and somebody loses due to time, then that would be valid grounds to contest the results. (Just imagine someone who just can't accept a major loss, and that was the scenario)

That's why I say you will need your opponents' agreement before starting the game. If they agree, before the game starts, they cannot go back and protest later.

If it is not a tournament, USCF, or Fide rule. This should never be a issue. As the lights or sound is not the only move indicator on the chess clock.