"The Time Cup" - a Steampunk Timer/Clock With Westminster Sound

We begin ;)

Step 1: The Time-Cup - a Steampunk Timer / Clock

Hi all,

the Time-Cup is a new Invention from me. A Steampunk Timer/Clock completely without a pointer or display.

The time is indicated by Soundsticks from an old Wall Clock with Westminster Sound.

We need:

Soundsticks from a Wall Clock

Holder from a Brass Mirror

Threaded Rod

Brass Parts ( Brass Cup, Tubes, Ornaments.... )

Arduino Nano

Solenoids ( for every Soundstick 1 pc ) 6V found on Ebay

Thin Cables

Stepdown Converters

Coldlight inverter for the Neon Tube

Switches

Popplar Wood and Colour

Led´s with the Colour you like

2 Component Adhesives or Resin

TIP120 Transistor

2.2K Resistor

1N4007 Diodes

Step 2: Parts and First Compilation

First we solder two holders for the cup. To do this, we take the old screws from the mirror and simply lengthen them by threaded.

Then we cut a thread right and left into the cup.

Now we solder or bend a brass pipe through which then the cables go. Please choose the diameter large enough because it must fit 20 cables.

Step 3: The Stand

I was lucky to own a ring ring from brass. I could use it very well.

Of course, something else can be used for this.

I then saw a disk of poplar wood and attached these with Hotglue in the Ring.

Step 4: The Soundsticks

Now we paste the sound sticks into the cup. Please pay attention that the sticks are sitting exactly vertical.

It is best to glue with resin adhesive as no vibrations can occur.

Allow the adhesives to cure completely !

Now we add a slice for the solenoids and also completely cure them.

If everything is cured we can glue the solenoids. The solenoids have to hit the center of the rods exactly in the middle.Check the exact stroke of the magnets beforehand, because they may only strike the rods very short.

I have the solenoids briefly with seconds adhesive stapled and then glued with resin completely.

A small board serves as a common minuspol for all solenoids

Step 5: Electronics

As a basic voltage I used a 12V and 2 amp power supply.

The solenoids operate with 6 volts and the arduino with 9 volts. For these voltages, I used step-down converters.

But since the solenoids now need almost 400ma in operation and the arduino can switch only 40ma per output, had to be amplified with power transistors.

I have found a very good circuit in the internet. Here ;)

This circuit is required for each individual solenoid and we make a small Pcb.

The lighting with the neon tube or leds is of course left to everyone. ( Pic 5 and 6 ) The small Neon Tube is driven with a Coldcathode Inverter. Please be carefull with this Inverters. They have 600-800 Volt and can bite you ;) I still wanted something light and neon. For this, of course, connections, cables and switches must be provided. Also the colouring of the Brass parts. I coloured them with Nitric Acid and Sulfur Liver.

Step 6: The Timecode and the Result

As a timer, I deliberately omitted the internal timer of the arduino. It is a very simple code that simply counts the seconds from the time of power on.

It does not always have to go 100% and above all it should remain synonymous for arduino beginners understandable. ;)

After turning on the arduino counts the past time. ( It works as a Timer ) After the first hour he then proposes the Soundsticks with the westminster sound and the number of hours elapsed.But when you turn on the device exactly at 12 o'clock it works as a normal clock.

I hope I could give you a little bit of inspiration again and wish a lot of fun with the reconstructing. Of course with your own ideas ;)

If you wish- look on my Website : http://www.kupferkeller.de or soon my new Site : http://www.steampunk-inventions.com

Your Leander Lavendel