Food Living Outside Play Technology Workshop

Digital/Analog Clock - Arduino + PaperCraft

by alstroemeria on August 5, 2013

Table of Contents

Digital/Analog Clock - Arduino + PaperCraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro: Digital/Analog Clock - Arduino + PaperCraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1: Gather your materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 2: Test the electronic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 3: Design the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 4: Cut out the pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 5: Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 6: Add the digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Step 7: Add the servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 8: Finish contruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Step 9: Wire up electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 10: Programing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Step 11: Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Intro: Digital/Analog Clock - Arduino + PaperCraft
In this instructable we will be recreating a clock inspired by Alvin Aronson's original design. When I first saw this clock I was very impressed by how clean an elegant the
design was I immediately wanted to recreate this effect. I hope some of you feel the same and use this as a guide to be one-step closer to having one of your own

Essentially, we have a seven segment clock where instead of LED's we have digits moving in and out of the pane, the shadow created by these digits will allow the user
to read the time against the white on white digits. By using 28 servos, we can use a arduino to first process the current time and then push the digits out accordingly
through the motor controller. more will be explained in the later pages.

I've tried to keep the parts as simple as possible, using readily available parts without a deep knowledge of electronics one can begin to explore creating their own clock.
I do not have 3D printer so construction will be done by way of papercrafting.

Step 1: Gather your materials

Here are the things you'll need. I intended to fit this in the "kit contest" category so i've limited the build to simple parts without need for soldering. Alternatively. Arduino
Uno and motor-controller can be replaces with Arduino Mega which wall allow direct control of up to 64 servos. The build costs cost me around $130 in parts. Keep in
mind you can reuses the parts to create other great projects like a Hexapod!

The Electronics Kit :

Arduino Uno
DS1307 or RTC clock breakout- keeps track of time
Servo motor controller - controls servo motors
28 Servos - they rotate 180 degrees

Construction:
Cardstock
Hobby aluminum tubing* - To allow digits to slide smoothly ; need a inner and outer tube
Double sided tape
Sticky Pads
Paper Clip

*Or use a pack of cheap lead pencils

Tools:
Papercutter - Shiloutte Portrait (optional)
Glue Gun
Dremel - to cut tubing (optional)
Knife (optional)

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 2: Test the electronic parts
Servos
So you have a lovely ball of servos now. Better test them first. (One of mine were defective)

Connect the SSC-32 to the arduino using the attached picture as a guide
http://marc-tetrapod.blogspot.ca/2012/10/arduino-ssc-32-servo.html

RTC
What the RTC allows you to do is keep track of time using a small lithium battery. Any system [Your computer and your phone] with a clock will have one. This is the most
used way to keep track of time when things are powered on/off constantly. We will hook up this circuit later on in this instructable

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 3: Design the clock
The following pieces were designed in Adobe illustrator. With the intention of being cut onto paper. If you're using a 3D printer you'll likely have to use different methods
but the basic idea will be the same. Also please share your designs:)

We have 6 layers:
[01] Front Face - Clock Face
[01] Front Face - Segment face
[02] Front Shield - Holds Tubing
[03] Base - Holds Servo + Tubing
[03] Base - Holds Servo + Tubing
[04] Back Shield - Holds Servo

Note: some files will need to be cut twice. see above for ordering details

File Downloads

backshield_04.pdf (190 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'backshield_04.pdf']

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
 base_01.pdf (191 KB)
[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'base_01.pdf']

body_03.pdf (188 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'body_03.pdf']

shield_02.pdf (190 KB)

[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'shield_02.pdf']
Step 4: Cut out the pieces
The following pieces were designed in Adobe illustrator and cut with a Shiloutte Portrait. If you feel like you have the time you may want too cut out these layers by hand.

The metal rods were cut using a dremel. I cut the bigger tube 1cm and the one that slides inside it to 2cm

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 5: Construction
In this step you will put the layers together using a padded double sided adhesive to construct the body. Use the images to guide you through this process

Note: Metal tubing is inserted into each segment

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 6: Add the digits
Front Steps:
-Place inner tubing in outer tubing
-Apply Glue
-Place front facing piece
-Repeat

Back Steps :
-Cut and bend paperclip as shown in pictures
-Apply Glue
-Insert
-Bend
-Repeat

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 7: Add the servos
Attach servos to the paperclips we added in the previous step. the frame will ensure that the servos wont slip. You may use glue if you wish.

Step 8: Finish contruction

Add the last layer (the back shield)

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 9: Wire up electronics
Servo Controller

1. There are 32 pins on the SSC-32 controller, plug your 28 servos in make sure you go in order.
2. Connect the RX pin to the TX pint on the Arduino
3. Connect the ground pin to Arduino Ground pin

RTC [DS1307]
For more information http://learn.adafruit.com/ds1307-real-time-clock-breakout-board-kit/overview

1. Connect 5V to Arduino 5V
2. Connect GND to Arduino GND
3. Connect SDA to Arduino analog pin 4.
4. Connect SCL Arduino analog pin 5.

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
Step 10: Programing
Algorithm

Main Loop
1. Retrieve time from RTC module (in Hour and Minutes)
2. If time is different Display Time
3. Repeat

Display Time

1. Split time into four digits. (using modulo/div 10)

2. For each seven segment display, Move segments out to display digit

Display Digit

1. Place decoder logic. Translate int into seven segment ordering.

2. Move needed servos from X degree. Move unneeded servos Y degrees ( Where X is the out position and Y is the position of the plane.

Source code will be coming soon. Needs to be refactored and modified.

Other
You will also need to set you RTC clock the first time. this will give it a starting time equal to the one on your computer. YOu will need the RTC library to run the following
code.

#include <Wire.h>
#include "RTClib.h"

RTC_DS1307 RTC;

void setup () {
Serial.begin(57600);

Wire.begin();

RTC.begin();

if (! RTC.isrunning()) {
Serial.println("RTC is NOT running!");
RTC.adjust(DateTime(__DATE__, __TIME__));
}
}

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/
 Step 11: Finish
So that's it. I hope you've learned a lot through the process and that your clock turned out well. I will be updating this instructable as I make minor adjustments that will
show digits more cleanly. Video will becoming shortly .

If you like me please support this instructable by voting. Thank you for reading!

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Comments
4 comments Add Comment

Kiteman says: Aug 6, 2013. 12:20 AM REPLY

So, it's built and working, just not displying time yet?

alstroemeria says: Aug 6, 2013. 12:33 AM REPLY

Sometimes the time is hard to read because of segments being slightly too shallow or too deep. i'll need to adjust a little bit to make the shadows it casts
well defined. (maybe just push them out more) . Other than that Its working like a normal clock. :)

Kiteman says: Aug 6, 2013. 1:38 AM REPLY

Cool.

(Maybe side illumination would help show up the segments better?)

artworker says: Aug 6, 2013. 12:42 AM REPLY

most beautiful use of arduino ever!

http://www.instructables.com/id/DigitalAnalog-Clock-Arduino-PaperCraft/