Delta Robot Clock

A delta robot is a simple robot that uses three servos to move an end effector. The end effector stays in a fixed orientation relative to the base but is free to move in three dimesions.

In this project I have mounted a digital clock face (composed of four 7-segment LEDs) to the end effector of the robot. This means the clock face can be moved in a circle to represent the passing seconds but it remains in a fixed orientation relative to the case.

I know it's not very interesting to watch a clock tick off the seconds, but if you watch 'til the end of the video the alarm is kind of interesting.

Step 1 Parts

Delta Robot

Case - basketball display case - http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10001589&N=&Ntt=basketball
Servo mounts - purchase or make your own
Servos - Futaba 3003 or similar - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXH288&P=ML
Servo horns (a selection usually come with the servos)
Brass rectangle section - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXR851&P=7
4-40 threaded rods - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD872&P=ML
4-40 ball joints (12) - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LX2546&P=7
Scrap aluminium
Epoxy
Solder (optional)

Clock and control

STM32 Discovery Board
7805 Regulator (2)
7 Segment Display (4)
SAA1064 LED Driver
LM386N Audio Amplifier
8Ohm Speaker
Push Button Switch (5)
10K Trimpot (4)
4.7KOhm Resistor (2)
10Ohm Resistor
220uF 25V Capacitor
100uF 25V Capacitor (4)
10uF 25V Capacitor (2)
1uF Capacitor
0.047uF Capacitor
0.001uF Capacitor (2)
2N2222A Transistor (2)

Comments

[saxmaster765]

This is . . . original. I like it! Good work.

[johnpoole]

over the top. great servo work.. i don't know what kind of a mind would dream that one up.. but it's killer

[wilgubeast]

That's like the nerdiest, awesomest cuckoo clock I've ever seen. Plus, using a basketball display case was just an inspired reuse.

[freethetech]

While I have no need for a clock like this, it is an amazing idea. I'd love to see you develop it even further. Best of luck!