Step clock

myminifactory

I have been wanting to design a clock using stepper motors for a long time, and finally I got the chance. This project uses two steppers to move hour and minute hands independently with 3D printed concentric shafts, while one Arduino board controls everything. For me, designing the concentric shafts and position detection system were the biggest challenges. I spent quite some time thinking about the design before making my first attempt. Then, when I printed the first version, I decided to change a few major things to make it easier to assemble. After several prints and tests, I am very satisfied with this final version. It uses two hall sensors to determine where the initial position is and a concentric shaft system with bearings. It also uses a real-time clock module to keep track of time when power is lost, so you only have to set it once or when changing batteries. You'll find different "faces" (covers) available, allowing you to choose your favorite one or swap them out depending on the occasion. Additionally, they are stackable, enabling you to print a couple and create unique layouts while tracking different time zones! Printing Settings All parts can be printed without supports. The body is a long print that takes about 6-7 hours. I decided to design it with a 1.6mm wall thickness so it prints with 4 perimeters (on 0.4mm nozzles). I used PLA and printed all parts except the body with a 0.2mm layer height and "standard" settings (3-4 perimeters and around 20% infill). For the cover, there are two versions: the "normal" cover is meant to be printed at 100% infill, while the cover_infill part is designed for different infill patterns and no top layers. You can get some amazing original designs by tinkering with slicer settings! Parts and Components In addition to the printed parts, you will need: * 2x steppers with drivers (5 pack) * Any Arduino UNO or MEGA board will work, but I recommend using this Arduino compatible board due to its extra SVG pins and high quality. * 2x A1302 hall sensors * RTC clock module like this one or this one * Dupont cables: Male to male, male to female * 4x Neodymium magnets (4mm x 2mm round) * Hot glue * M3 screws and nuts (some countersunk and some button head) * 2x bearings (18x12x4mm outer x inner x thickness) * 2x bearings (16x8x5mm outer x inner x thickness) Code Please note that the code is in beta version at the time of release. It works but may have some bugs or errors. Visit my github for latest updates. The Arduino program can be downloaded from my github repository. You will need three libraries: RTClib, Accelstepper, and wire.h which is already included with Arduino IDE. If you like it, please click "like" to support my work and don't forget to post some pictures of your print!