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This instructable will show how to redesign a defected radio clock, which LED display is replaced by small LED light organ, making in this way the device more attractive to use only as radio.
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Signing UpStep 1Problems with the clock
I bought a radio clock produced by Scott. ( http://www.audioscott.com ) .
The visual design is not bad, but the quality was terrible. (something usual for products "Made in China")
The clock was not going, some segments of the LED display were not working.
I opened it to see what is the reason, breaking up the warranty.
First observations:
1) the PCB of the LED display was curved and the contacts to the between corresponding pads on the PCB and the LED display were bad
2) For the clock the LM8560 chip was used, which doesn't use a quartz generator, but is synchronized with the frequency of the AC power net (can be chosen 50 or 60 Hz) - that means bad time accuracy.
3) The PCB of the clock is done with extremely bad quality - it is impossibly practically to solder something on it without destroying the soldering pad or the corresponding track - they simply fall down from the PCB.
4) The flat cables used there were something exceptional - it was possible to split and strip them only by fingers.
5) In the clock was used a Chinese analog of the TA2003 AM/FM radio chip, but only the FM option was used, because it doesn't need ferrite antenna.
My attempt to repair the clock failed - it was not working. The only functioning thing was the FM radio. I decided to use the clock only as radio, but to make it more interesting and attractive. So, I decided to mount inside the clock a small LED light organ on the place of the digital clock display.
The visual design is not bad, but the quality was terrible. (something usual for products "Made in China")
The clock was not going, some segments of the LED display were not working.
I opened it to see what is the reason, breaking up the warranty.
First observations:
1) the PCB of the LED display was curved and the contacts to the between corresponding pads on the PCB and the LED display were bad
2) For the clock the LM8560 chip was used, which doesn't use a quartz generator, but is synchronized with the frequency of the AC power net (can be chosen 50 or 60 Hz) - that means bad time accuracy.
3) The PCB of the clock is done with extremely bad quality - it is impossibly practically to solder something on it without destroying the soldering pad or the corresponding track - they simply fall down from the PCB.
4) The flat cables used there were something exceptional - it was possible to split and strip them only by fingers.
5) In the clock was used a Chinese analog of the TA2003 AM/FM radio chip, but only the FM option was used, because it doesn't need ferrite antenna.
My attempt to repair the clock failed - it was not working. The only functioning thing was the FM radio. I decided to use the clock only as radio, but to make it more interesting and attractive. So, I decided to mount inside the clock a small LED light organ on the place of the digital clock display.
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3
Sep 15, 2009. 1:43 PMandrewmystery
says:
Looks nice, but I won't be buying one of those clocks. ;) :P
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2
Sep 15, 2009. 10:49 PMMilen (author)
says:
If I knew what I buy, I won't buy it, but sometimes it looks nice, you need it, but inside is a hidden sh!t :-)
Reply
1
Jul 13, 2010. 2:07 AMIrwind Kee
says:
ya, mostly china made are su**. in my country you can get many item that made from china. even branded things full with what you call hidden sh!t inside...
Reply
Oct 12, 2010. 8:04 AMsuperMacaroni
says:
Same in USA.
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