Introduction: Analog Talking Glow in the Dark 3D Printed Clock

The clock will display the time using 4 analog meters. I have seen these type of clocks in various incarnations but I never saw an analog clock in this format that talked. This clock announces the time at half hour intervals and plays a message whenever the clock is first powered on. Many of these types of clocks use a real time clock module such as this one. The coin cell battery keeps the time when power is removed so the clock will always retain the current time. Most clocks of this type allow the time to be set when the Arduino program is compiled. This is fine except when you have to account for daylight savings time. You must advance or retard the time by one hour twice a year. Recompiling the program is a hassle so I decided to add time set capability to the clock via a rocker switch and pushbutton interface.

The analog meter gauge plates and pushbutton panel are 3D printed in glow in the dark material so they are always visible. I added ultraviolet LEDs to the gauges and the pushbutton panel that will provide a nice purple lighting effect and charge the glow in the dark material.

The power on message and time announce files are provided but can be changed simply by recording new .mp3 files and putting them on the music maker board micro SD card.

The clock is 3D printed and utilizes one Arduino Mega 2560, one Music Maker MP3 shield, one DS1307 real time clock, four rocker switches, one up/down momentary pushbutton switch and 12 3mm ultraviolet LEDs..

The .stl files for printing the clock parts, Arduino code, Meter faceplate template, wiring diagram and the audio files are located here. The files can also be found at www.guarnero.com. The clock was printed on a Lulzbot mini which has a print bed size of 150 mm x 150 mm.

The entire clock was printed with HIPS filament with the exception of the pushbutton panel and the meter scale plates. These items were printed with glow in the dark ABS.

A complete parts list along is provided at the end of this “Instructable”.

Warning:

Once the clock has been constructed, people are often mistaken that they may have had a supernatural experience once they bask in the warm glow of the clock and the sound of the angelic voice announcing the time. I assure you, the warm glow is just the ultraviolet LEDs and the angelic voice is my wife.

Step 1: Components - Arduino Mega 2560 Controller

Step 2: Components - DS1307 Real Time Clock

Step 3: Components - Music Maker MP3 Shield

Step 4: Components - Audio Speakers

Step 5: Components - Clock Meters

Step 6: Components - Extra-Long .1” Header Pins & Socket Cable

Step 7: Ultraviolet LEDs

Step 8: Power Supply

Step 9: Ring Terminals

Step 10: Filament

Step 11: Wire

Step 12: Pushbuttons

Step 13: Paint

Step 14: Screws

Step 15: Meter Gauge Decals

Step 16: Decals Mter Plate

Step 17: Decals Design

Step 18: 3D Printing - Meter_Dial_Plate.stl

Step 19: 3D Printing - Meter_Front.stl

Step 20: 3D Printing - Meter_Right.stl

Step 21: 3D Printing - Meter_Left.stl

Step 22: 3D Printing - Meter_Back.stl

Step 23: 3D Printing - Meter_Speaker_Covers.stl

Step 24: 3D Printing - Meter_Bottom.stl

Step 25: 3D Printing - Meter_Top.stl

Step 26: 3D Printing - Meter_Top_Pushbutton Plate.stl

Step 27: 3D Printing - Meter_Top_LED_Holder.stl

Step 28: Assembly View 1

Step 29: Assembly View 2

Step 30: Assembly View 3

Step 31: Assembly View 4

Step 32: Assembly View 5

Step 33: Construction - Layout the Left and Right Sides

Step 34: Construction - Insert the Speaker Covers

Step 35: Construction - Insert the Speakers

Step 36: Assemble the Enclosure

Step 37: Glue the Enclosure

Step 38: Attach the Enclosure Bottom

Step 39: Prepare the Enclosure for Painting

Step 40: Paint Enclosure

Step 41: Prepare the Meters – Decals

Step 42: Prepare the Meters – Spray Lacquer

Step 43: Meter Disassembly

Step 44: Drill LED Holes

Step 45: Check Needle Movement / Clearance

DescriptionPurchased

Step 46: Epoxy Two LEDs to Each Meter

Step 47: Identify Meter Polarity

Step 48: Prewire the Meters

Step 49: Prepare the Pushbutton Panel

Step 50: Install Devices on Pushbutton Panel

Step 51: Wire the Pushbutton Panel

Step 52: Epoxy the LEDs to the Pushbutton Panel LED Holder

Step 53: Solder the Ultraviolet LED Leads

Step 54: Assemble Music Maker

Step 55: Assemble DS1307

Step 56: Make Arduino Wire Connections

Step 57: Wiring Diagram

Step 58: Program Arduino and Attach Base / Bumpers

Step 59: Example Time Display

Step 60: Variations

Step 61: Parts Listing

Links

6 conductor cable 6x1 F-F 12" Cable for ShiftBrites and ShiftBars - https://www.pololu.com/product/1239

Direct Current 0-5 V White Voltmeter Analog Panel Meter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051E8ONA/ref=pe_1763890_145073580_tnp_emaildp_1

Papilio Laser Clear Waterslide Decal Paper 10 sheets - http://www.amazon.com/Papilio-Laser-Clear-Waterslide-sheets/dp/B005DFLVOG

Glue (SCIGRIP Weld-On 3 Cement) - http://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/weld_on_3_cement/131

Glue Applicators - http://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/hypo_type_solvent_cement_applicator/409

I forgot to put links to the rocker switches http://www.ebay.com/itm/291316699979

and the up/down switch http://www.ebay.com/itm/380847458610

The switches come from China say they take a few weeks to get delivered.

Time Contest

Participated in the
Time Contest