Just ran across this post on CiboMahto’s blog detailing how to control an inexpensive analog clock mechanism with an Arduino.
The mechanical bit is quite simple. The clock functions in a similar fashion to a stepper motor, in the sense that you charge an electric coil to get the mechanical bit to move forward a precise amount. In this case, each firing moves the second hand one second position forward (and makes the familiar tick noise). To ‘fire’ the electric coil, you simply put a voltage across it. The only complicated bit is that you actually have to reverse this voltage to advance the clock to the next step.
Making a ‘totally crazy’ slow/fast/backwards clock could be a great way for newcomers to get their feet wet with microcontrollers. And for those feeling a bit less wacky, Info for accurate timely control is also provided on the project page.
7 thoughts on “How-To: Control a clock mechanism with Arduino”
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I love this. It’s a nice blend of digital and analog and a fun way to mess with a micro controller. :) Nice work!
I’ve got the Arduino (Pro) working, now where is the clock mechanism?
ive bought 2 clocks but both fell apart the minute i opened them, can someone recomend a easy modiefiable model?
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[…] PoD second Year Richard Clarkson hacking a clock mechanism. Turn’s out the thing that drives the clock is very similar to a tiny we motor, so you can use small alternating pulses to speed up, slow down or stop the hands of the clock. Code and more documentation here: https://makezine.com/2009/06/05/how-to-control-a-clock-mechanism-wi/ […]
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