Summary of BINARY WATCH LOOKS GOOD
The "Ultimate Binary Watch" by [APTechnologies] is a stylish homebrew project that avoids the typical Arduino aesthetic. It features a 3D printed case and surface mount LEDs for a refined look. The design process began with defining key requirements, including binary RGB interface, precise timekeeping, date display, stopwatch, alarm, long battery life, USB charging, user-customizable software, and a clean design. The PCB was created using Altium Designer or CircuitMaker.
Parts used in the Ultimate Binary Watch:
- 3D printed case
- Surface mount LEDs
- PCB designed in Altium Designer or CircuitMaker
- Battery
- USB charging module
Nothing says tech addict quite like the wearing of a binary watch — and we say that as tech addicts ourselves. However, many of the homebrew binary watches we’ve seen don’t just look nerdy because they are showing the time in binary. They are nerdy because it looks like someone strapped an Arduino to their wrist. Not so with [APTechnologies] “Ultimate Binary Watch.”
While creating a binary clock is not amazing in of itself, we were highly impressed with the look of this watch. The 3D printed case and the use of surface mount LEDs makes a great looking package. We wondered how it would look with a colored plastic cover like you’d find over an old LED clock. On the other hand, the exposed LEDs do have a certain charm to them.
In addition to liking the aesthetics of the watch, we also liked the design process. The first order of business was defining the requirements:
- Binary RGB interface
- Time display (with very accurate timekeeping)
- Date display
- Stopwatch functionality
- Alarm functionality
- Long battery life
- USB charging
- Software easily customizable by the user
- A clean and simple design
The PCB is in Altium Designer, which is a bit pricey. You might be able to open it in CircuitMaker, though which is a little easier to obtain.
We are more accustomed to watches that look like [Parker’s]. No offense — that watch was optimized for low cost and a fast turn around design, so it has its own, but different, kind of charm. If you are tired of binary watches, try building a smartwatch.
Source: BINARY WATCH LOOKS GOOD
- What makes this watch different from other homebrew binary watches?
It avoids the typical Arduino aesthetic by using a 3D printed case and surface mount LEDs for a refined look. - Can the software be customized by the user?
Yes, the article states the software is easily customizable by the user as a key requirement. - Does the watch support date display?
Yes, date display is listed as one of the defined requirements for the device. - How does the watch handle power?
The design includes long battery life and USB charging functionality. - What tools were used to design the PCB?
The PCB was designed using Altium Designer, though CircuitMaker is mentioned as an alternative. - Does the watch have an alarm feature?
Yes, alarm functionality is included in the list of requirements. - Is there a stopwatch function on this watch?
Yes, the watch includes stopwatch functionality as part of its design. - What kind of interface does the watch use?
The watch uses a binary RGB interface. - Why did the creators choose exposed LEDs?
Exposed LEDs were chosen because they have a certain charm compared to colored plastic covers. - What is the primary goal regarding the design?
The goal was to achieve a clean and simple design while meeting all functional requirements.
