While time is continuous, most clocks display the time in a discrete way; even 'analogue clocks' often move their hands only once a second. In this instructable, I will show how to build a clock that shows the time continuously by smoothly cycling though the light spectrum. To allow for reading the clock with different levels of precision, we make multiple light cubes: one for which a second will have been passed after each cycle, one for a cycle of a minute, one for hour, one for day and one for a week.
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For this light spectrum clock you'll need:
- Arduino (I used a Nano but most will work; the wiring on at least the Nano, Uno and Duemilanove will be the same)
- TLC5940 PWM 16 channel (on ebay for around 1,50 pound or sparkfun for 4 pound each)
- DS1307 Real Time Clock module (sparkfun: 15 dollars) or one with even more precision (this one will be off one minute each week)
- 5 RGB LEDs, common anode (cheap on ebay if you buy a lot; I bought diffuse LEDs, but I don't think it makes a huge difference)
- Empty PCB or breadboard, some resistors (see Electronics), dip sockets, wires, etc.
- Foamboard (white, you won't need a lot) and glue
- Matte drafting film (diffuse foil; you won't need a lot)
- Some wood and nails for the frame
- USB-charger (or power by your computer; the RTC module will keep on counting if you turn off the computer)
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As mentioned in the text: "R1 is a pull-up resistor and has to be high (10kOhm or more), R2 sets the maximum amount of current for all the LEDs (typically around 2kOhm; test with a LED and power source before you start soldering)."
I think I used 27kOhm for R1 and 1.2kOhm for R2.
You can find more information in the TLC5940 datasheet, both resistors are there because of that chip.
I had the same idea, but never gotten in to it to build one. My design just uses hh:mm:ss and non-fading colors, better for readability, but worse for originality.