The One Clock

myminifactory

A Timekeeping Innovation Update: I designed and printed a new lower shaft! See below. I aimed to create a simple yet functional clock with seconds, minutes, and hours. It's now complete and ready for viewing at: https://youtu.be/d-00D2zM44A https://youtu.be/jO_ufFYulA0 The Arduino timekeeping is not highly accurate, as it varies between boards. I get up to 20 minutes difference per week, but that's beside the point. This project is more about learning and having fun. I sourced the motor from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-28BYJ-48-ULN2003-Stepper-Arduino/dp/B01CP18J4A It's marketed as a 64-step motor, but in reality, it's a 32-step motor due to how I powered it with the L293D IC. To create a clock, I designed a 16-tooth gear that drives a 15-tooth gear to achieve a 1/60 gear ratio from the motor to the second shaft. The math is straightforward: 1/64 x 16/15 = 1/60. The motor moves 32 steps per revolution every second. From there, a 1/60 ratio is achieved through four sets of gears: 1/2 x 1/3 x 1/2 x 1/5 = 1/60 Finally, another 1/12 reduction brings the hour hand: 1/3 x 1/4 = 1/12 All the gears are Module 1,2 with a lot of backlash (1mm) to avoid binding. I printed all parts on an AnetA8 in PLA with a 0.2 mm layer and 20% infill. No support was needed, but some post-printing adjustments were required for assembly. For the two-color face, I started printing black, then paused and switched to grey. If you're unsure about buying the files, try this free set: https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-simple-arduino-3d-printed-clock-84138 The electronics are the same; the motor is a 28BYJ-48 5VDC. Here's the program: https://create.arduino.cc/editor/jaconline/80a6f09e-1c57-4c15-8cf4-e380986c9b09/preview Please share your thoughts or feedback. UPDATE: I designed and printed a new lower shaft! I'm aware that sourcing some of the hardware might be a deal-breaker. To improve my project, I've been thinking about what I can do to make it more accessible. I've added a file for the lower shaft that you can print out – it's called halfshaft, and you'll need two of them to complete one shaft! It requires some sanding to get it working, but it's easy enough. Jacques