A hacksmith has just created a new project which took digital concepts from a desk flip calendar from the 1900s to create a cyclotron calendar. The vintage project took old technology with new techniques but made sure to make the results look as vintage as possible.
New Project Makes a Cyclotron Clock Using Concepts from a 1900s Desk Flip Calendar
According to the story by Hackaday, clocks are "a mainstay of hackers and makers" since they give way for people to explore their creative designs while trying to maintain the functionality of the project they are working on.
A new project by Brett Oliver was spotted wherein he was able to create a cyclotron clock that comes with a unique design and functionality. The cyclotron clock uses a perpetual rotating digital concept taken straight from a desk flip calendar of the 1900s.
How the Rotating Chamber Worked
Every single digit of the clock came with its very own rotating chamber. The rotating chamber's size is good enough for a group of tiles to fit inside, and it has digits printed on two sides of its face.
The tiles were also measured and stacked to ensure that they fit together perfectly and that the chamber's rotation would allow the next tile to slide in front of the previous one simply. Specific digits are shown through the rotating chamber several times whenever movement happens.
The Components Needed to Make the Clock Function Properly
Every four digits position has its stepper motor, a 28BYJ-48, to help it rotate in the chamber. Each motor also uses a ULN2003 driver module to push its movement.
The project uses an ESP32 WROOM as its main microcontroller and an I2C-compatible DS3231 real-time clock (RTC) to ensure that the clock still follows standard time at the end of the day and is not just for show.
Other Components of the Cyclotron Clock that are Needed for It to Function
An LM2596 provides 7 V to drive all motors, while a USB connector is used to power the ESP32 and RTC. The project practically ensured that each part of the clock would be powered and functional.
As per the article by Hackaday, the different modes, as well as the ability to set time, are done with the help of a panel that has different buttons and knobs. The entire clock is also mounted on a wooden case with cutouts for the cabling and panels.
Read Also: This Clock is Capable of Detecting Electrons Traveling at Quintillions of a Second!
Video Shows How the Cyclotron Clock Functions and Key Concepts Behind How It Works
Brett Oliver was able to document the full process and even went into detail regarding the mechanics and electronics of the project. The hacksmith also provided a video for interested people to follow to check how the project works.
The STLs and design files can be downloaded on Brett Oliver for interested enthusiasts who want to try their luck at making this cyclotron clock.
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Written by Urian B.
