In the realm of DIY innovation, Instructables user Holybaf stands out as a master of timekeeping ingenuity. His remarkable creation, a self-built rotary encoder clock, is a testament to the boundless possibilities of creative engineering.
Deconstructing Time: The Rotary Encoder’s Ingenuity
At the heart of Holybaf’s clock lies a self-built rotary encoder, a marvel of precision and functionality. This encoder boasts an impressive 60 degrees of resolution, enabling it to capture time’s passage with remarkable accuracy. Its secret weapon? A humble CD, transformed into a precise clock face, serves as the encoder’s foundation.
Illuminating the Path: Absolute Positioning Made Possible
To derive the absolute position of the clock’s hands, Holybaf devised an ingenious system. A circular track adorned with light and dark patterns, each corresponding to specific values, encircles the CD. Six infrared emitters and detectors, like vigilant sentinels, scan these patterns. By comparing current and previous readings, the clock’s absolute position is determined with unwavering accuracy.
A Symphony of Components: The Clock’s Inner Workings
Within the clock’s casing, a custom PCB orchestrates the intricate interplay of its components. IR detectors, like keen-eyed observers, monitor the circular track’s patterns. A PCF8574 I/O expander serves as the clock’s nerve center, facilitating communication between its various elements. Headers for an iRobota Uno and an OLED screen complete the ensemble, providing a clear display of the time and other pertinent information.
The Final Masterpiece: Assembly and Operation
With the clock’s components meticulously assembled, Holybaf attached a motor to set the mechanism in motion. The final touch came in the form of code, meticulously crafted to bring life to this horological masterpiece. The result? A fully functional clock, a testament to Holybaf’s ingenuity and unwavering dedication to precision timekeeping.
Witnessing Time’s Passage: A Glimpse into the Clock’s Operation
To fully appreciate the clock’s mesmerizing operation, one can delve into the video documentation or explore the detailed build log meticulously compiled by Holybaf on Instructables. These resources offer an immersive journey into the clock’s inner workings, providing an intimate understanding of its intricate mechanisms.
Bonus: A Timeless Legacy
Holybaf’s rotary encoder clock stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that time, though fleeting, can be captured and displayed with elegance and precision. Its existence serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity and the enduring allure of horological innovation.
As the clock’s hands gracefully sweep across the face, they weave a tapestry of moments, both ordinary and extraordinary. It is a reminder that time is a precious gift, one that should be cherished and celebrated.
Leave a Reply