Digital/Analog Clock – Arduino + PaperCraft

In this instructable we will be recreating a clock inspired by Alvin Aronson’s original design. When I first saw this clock I was very impressed by how clean an elegant the design was I immediately wanted to recreate this effect.

I hope some of you feel the same and use this as a guide to be one-step closer to having one of your own

Essentially, we have a seven segment clock where instead of LED’s we have digits moving in and out of the pane, the shadow created by these digits will allow the user to read the time against the white on white digits. By using 28 servos, we can use a arduino to first process the current time and then push the digits out accordingly through the motor controller. more will be explained in the later pages.

I’ve tried to keep the parts as simple as possible, using readily available parts without a deep knowledge of electronics one can begin to explore creating their own clock. I do not have 3D printer so construction will be done by way of papercrafting.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Here are the things you’ll need. I intended to fit this in the “kit contest” category so i’ve limited the build to simple parts without need for soldering. Alternatively. Arduino Uno and motor-controller can be replaces with Arduino Mega which wall allow direct control of up to 64 servos. The build costs cost me around $130 in parts. Keep in mind you can reuses the parts to create other great projects like a Hexapod!

The Electronics Kit :
Arduino Uno
DS1307 or RTC clock breakout- keeps track of time
Servo motor controller – controls servo motors
28 Servos – they rotate 180 degrees

Construction:
Cardstock
Hobby aluminum tubing* – To allow digits to slide smoothly ; need a inner and outer tube
Double sided tape
Sticky Pads
Paper Clip

*Or use a pack of cheap lead pencils

Tools:
Papercutter – Shiloutte Portrait (optional)
Glue Gun
Dremel – to cut tubing (optional)
Knife (optional)

Step 2: Test the electronic parts

Servos
So you have a lovely ball of servos now. Better test them first. (One of mine were defective)

Connect the SSC-32 to the arduino using the attached picture as a guide
http://marc-tetrapod.blogspot.ca/2012/10/arduino-ssc-32-servo.html

RTC
What the RTC allows you to do is keep track of time using a  small lithium battery. Any system [Your computer and your phone] with a clock will have one. This is the most used way to keep track of time when things are powered on/off constantly. We will hook up this circuit later on in this instructable

Step 3: Design the clock

The following pieces were designed in Adobe illustrator. With the intention of being cut onto paper. If you’re using a 3D printer you’ll likely have to use different methods but the basic idea will be the same. Also please share your designs:)

We have 6 layers:
[01] Front Face – Clock Face
[01] Front Face – Segment face
[02] Front Shield – Holds Tubing
[03] Base – Holds Servo + Tubing
[03] Base – Holds Servo + Tubing
[04] Back Shield – Holds Servo

Note: some files will need to be cut twice. see above for ordering details

Step 4: Cut out the pieces

The following pieces were designed in Adobe illustrator and cut with a Shiloutte Portrait. If you feel like you have the time you may want too cut out these layers by hand.

The metal rods were cut using a dremel. I cut the bigger tube 1cm and the one that slides inside it to 2cm

Step 5: Construction

In this step you will put the layers together using a padded double sided adhesive to construct the body. Use the images to guide you through this process

Note: Metal tubing is inserted into each segment

Step 6: Add the digits

Front Steps:
-Place inner tubing in outer tubing
-Apply Glue
-Place front facing piece
-Repeat

Back Steps:
-Cut and bend paperclip as shown in pictures
-Apply Glue
-Insert
-Bend
-Repeat

Step 7: Add the servos

Attach servos to the paperclips we added in the previous step. the frame will ensure that the servos wont slip. You may use glue if you wish.

For more detail: Digital/Analog Clock – Arduino + PaperCraft