3D printed digital clock contains 24 analog clocks
Clocks are fantastic means of creative expression, as they serve a practical purpose and therefore have a reason to exist, but are not limited to pure functionality. As such, we see many interesting clock designs. But ihart's 3D-printed digital clock made up of 24 individual analog clocks takes the proverbial cake.
Viewed from afar, this clock appears to contain large seven-segment displays. But it actually displays the digital numerals of the hour using the two hands of 24 individual analog clocks. These analog clocks do not display the time, but rather form the segments that make up the "digital" digits. The choreographed dance of the clock hands as the time changes is mesmerizing, and the sheer complexity of the system should excite even the most stoic engineers in our audience.
Each of the 24 analog clocks has two independently moving hands, so this clock requires a total of 48 stepper motors. Each hand also requires a hall effect sensor to find its home position. Although there are many other potential solutions, ihart chose to use an Arduino Nano board for each analog clock. This means that each Arduino controls two stepper motors. To simplify wiring and power distribution, ihart designed a custom PCB to house each of these 24 Arduino boards. A 25th Arduino Nano, coupled with an RTC module (real time clock), coordinates the operation of the other 24.
All mechanical components of the clock were 3D printed. The design is somewhat modular to reduce the number of unique parts, which means it could be extended to a larger screen. But even as it is, the clock is very impressive.
Clocks are fantastic means of creative expression, as they serve a practical purpose and therefore have a reason to exist, but are not limited to pure functionality. As such, we see many interesting clock designs. But ihart's 3D-printed digital clock made up of 24 individual analog clocks takes the proverbial cake.
Viewed from afar, this clock appears to contain large seven-segment displays. But it actually displays the digital numerals of the hour using the two hands of 24 individual analog clocks. These analog clocks do not display the time, but rather form the segments that make up the "digital" digits. The choreographed dance of the clock hands as the time changes is mesmerizing, and the sheer complexity of the system should excite even the most stoic engineers in our audience.
Each of the 24 analog clocks has two independently moving hands, so this clock requires a total of 48 stepper motors. Each hand also requires a hall effect sensor to find its home position. Although there are many other potential solutions, ihart chose to use an Arduino Nano board for each analog clock. This means that each Arduino controls two stepper motors. To simplify wiring and power distribution, ihart designed a custom PCB to house each of these 24 Arduino boards. A 25th Arduino Nano, coupled with an RTC module (real time clock), coordinates the operation of the other 24.
All mechanical components of the clock were 3D printed. The design is somewhat modular to reduce the number of unique parts, which means it could be extended to a larger screen. But even as it is, the clock is very impressive.
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