September 30, 2014

Build a "Topsy Turvy" clock

Time for another interesting clock project, and this week we have the latest effort by Andy Clark which is his "Topsy Turvy" clock. Imagine a normal analogue clock - but with the numbers around the dial not in the correct order. However the hands still point to the correct digits to match the real time  - and thus a different and amusing clock style.

Two stepper motors are used to drive the hands, and with some clever gears can turn the original hands of the older clock used in the project. The time is kept with a DS1307 real-time clock IC, and a simple user interfacer is available via a serial monitor or terminal to set the time. A run through of the clock is shown in the following video:

Kudos to Andy for such a different and amusing timepiece, of which you can learn about from his website. And for more, we're on facebook, twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.

 There's so much you can do with an Arduino and motors - and the base of any project is a solid motor shield - such as our HBRIDGE: DC/stepper motor shield. Based around the powerful Allegro A4954 H-bridge driver IC you can control two DC motors with complete ease, or one bipolar stepper motor. With connections for external power management, a complete beginners' guide and documentation - motor control couldn't be any easier. For more information and to order, visit the HBRIDGE: page.

Leave a comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up.