Summary of CLOCK-OF-CLOCKS ADDS LIGHT-PIPE HANDS FOR BEAUTY AND FUNCTION
Parts used in the MetaClockClock:
- Dual-shaft stepper motors
- Custom PCBs for motors
- Ring-shaped PCBs for LEDs
- RGB LED strips
- Clear acrylic hands
- Walnut panel
We’ve gotten used to seeing “meta clocks,” clocks that use an array of analog clock faces and piece together characters using the hands of the clocks. They’re very clever, and we always like to see them, especially when they come with detailed build instructions like this one does.
What’s also nice about [Erich Styger]’s “MetaClockClock” display is the twist on the original concept. Where most clock-of-clocks depend on the contrast between the hands and the faces of the analog movements, [Erich] added light to the mix. Hidden inside the bezel of each clock is a strip of RGB LEDs; coupled with the clear acrylic hands of the clock, which act as light pipes, each clock can contribute different shapes of different colors to the display. Each clock is built around a dual-shaft stepper motor of the kind used in car dashboard gauges; the motors each live on a custom PCB, while the LEDs are mounted on a ring-shaped PCB of their own. Twenty-four of the clocks are mounted in a very nice walnut panel, which works really well with the light-pipe hands. The video below shows just some of the display possibilities.
[Erich] has documented his build process in extreme detail, and has all the design files up on GitHub. We won’t say that recreating his build will be easy — there are a lot of skills needed here, from electronics to woodworking — but at least all the information is there. We think this is a beautiful upgrade to [Erich]’s earlier version, and we’d love to see more of these built.
Source: CLOCK-OF-CLOCKS ADDS LIGHT-PIPE HANDS FOR BEAUTY AND FUNCTION
- What is the unique feature of Erich Styger's MetaClockClock display?
The display uses hidden RGB LEDs inside each clock bezel coupled with clear acrylic hands that act as light pipes. - How do the clocks contribute different shapes and colors?
Hidden RGB LEDs illuminate clear acrylic hands which function as light pipes to create various colored shapes. - What type of motors are used in each clock?
Each clock is built around a dual-shaft stepper motor typically found in car dashboard gauges. - Where are the LEDs mounted?
The LEDs are mounted on a ring-shaped PCB separate from the custom PCBs holding the motors. - How many clocks are mounted in the final assembly?
Twenty-four clocks are mounted in a walnut panel. - What skills are needed to recreate this build?
Recreating the build requires skills ranging from electronics to woodworking. - Are the design files available for download?
Yes, all design files and the detailed build process documentation are available on GitHub. - Does this project improve upon an earlier version?
This build is considered a beautiful upgrade to Erich's earlier version of the clock-of-clocks.
