Introduction: Analog Clock

Hello, this is Team 18 of ECET 38001 class at Purdue University. Our goal for this class is to deliver an Instructable aimed towards high school students to make a project that incorporates various knowledge ranging from electrical to mechanical engineering technology. The budget for this project is $100.

An analog / digital clock is what we chose to teach these skills.

Supplies

Step 1: Lay Everything Out

The first step to starting out any project is getting organized. Laying everything out is a great way to do this. With everything in clear view it will help you increase the efficiency of your workflow.

Step 2: Wiring

The wiring begins with gathering the wires necessary and having a pinout/wiring digram that is provide to start wiring the circuit correctly. First wire the first stepper motor to PORT A. Then wire the second stepper motor to PORT C. Lastly wire the last stepper motor to PORT K.

Step 3: Programming

The third step is programming. We have included a .hex file and AVRdude program in order to upload the code to microcontroller. First download the two included files then move it to a folder. Connect the microcontroller to the PC. Check which COM port the micro is connected to by opening Device Manager. Then open Command Prompt.


The link to download avrdude files are: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pxs1oPC4CoeqdNeZ-BwSxidb2WCSw5HL/view


Type in this command:

c:\>avrdude -P COM[Change this to the correct port number] -b 19200 -c avrisp -p m2560 -u -U flash:w:”clock.hex”:i


Then you should see that the program has been updated successfully and all the functions should work accordingly.

Attachments

Step 4: Building the Frame

The fourth step is taking your working stepper motors and adding to the cardboard to have an almost complete project. The first thing is printing off the clock faces with the provide link in the supplies. Attach the clock face printout on the front facing cardboard piece and draw a dot in the center point of each clock face. Use the boxcutter carefully to cut a small enough hole in the center of the clock faces for the stepper motors to go through. Secure the motor with tape to hold them in the newly created holes. Next take the wall pieces of cardboard and take three pieces of tape in a L-bracket formation to hold the corners of the walls together to the clock face. Then tape the back wall in the same way the walls were taped. Lastly add the bottom piece and top piece of card board with tape with the bell on top with the motor that hits the bell when desired.

Step 5: Get Creative

Once your clock is fully built add designs and customize to your liking. The clock is a blank canvas of cardboard to match whatever atmosphere you are going to put your clock into. Then place the clock where you most enjoy looking at it and where others can enjoy you masterpiece.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Masterpiece

Step 7: References

[1] 04jets15, “Weight & Diameter | The Big Clock Store.” https://thebigclockstore.com/weight/ (accessed Feb. 17, 2023).

[2] “Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3,” Arduino Online Shop. https://store-usa.arduino.cc/products/arduino-mega-2560-rev3 (accessed Feb. 15, 2023).

[3] J. E. published, “5 of the Most Precise Clocks Ever Made,” livescience.com, Mar. 20, 2015. https://www.livescience.com/50195-most-precise-clocks-ever-made.html (accessed Feb. 17, 2023).

[4] D. Huston and J. Garcia, “Project Description - Spring 2023 ECET 38001-001 LEC,” Brightspce, Jan. 09, 2023. https://purdue.brightspace.com/d2l/le/content/704478/viewContent/11560738/View (accessed Feb. 15, 2023).

[5] Paul, “Our Guide to Extra Loud Alarm Clocks | Health and Care,” Apr. 03, 2019. https://www.healthandcare.co.uk/blog/our-guide-to-extra-loud-alarm-clocks.html (accessed Feb. 15, 2023).

[6] “IS A GLOW-IN-THE-DARK CLOCK ANY CAUSE FOR ALARM?,” Chicago Tribune, May 17, 1987. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-05-17-8702060613-story.html (accessed Feb. 17, 2023).