Introduction: Analog Binary Clock

About: Open source enthusiast

I've seen many binary clock instructables, and one day I was trying to create an original clock based on this idea.

So, when my brother and I were figuring out our some original equations, he said to me "why not do it in binary?"

GENIUS.

So here it is, my (analog) binary clock.

Step 1: You Will Need

1. Flat piece of wood
2. Coping saw
3. Printer
4. Paper
5. Spray Mount
6. Spray Paint
7. Clock Movement (inexpensive off the ol' eBay)
8. Drill
9. Plate or similar circle to trace around
10. Stanley Knife

Step 2: Cut the Wood Into a Circle

I didn't get a picture of this step, as I only decided to make an instructable later on in the process.

What I did (although there are more ways to cut circles), was to drill a hole in the centre of the square piece of wood then used a piece of string tied in the centre to trace a large circle 30cm in diameter.

You could use a plate or a compass to trace the circle also.

I then cut it out with the coping saw and used sand paper to make it look roughly circular. I say roughly it didn't really go my way. I am also slightly impatient and a rough job is good enough for me.

As i didn't have a picture of this step, I have given you one of the step after, where I have just painted it.

Step 3: Design Stencil

In photo shop, create a to scale size template for your clock face.

I superimposed an existing clock template on the top most layer and created the numbers beneath them so as to have a nice even spacing. Though it is tricky as the numbers keep getting longer heh.

If you aren't familiar with the binary numeral system may i redirect you to the Wikipedia article.

Next, invert the colours (so you don't use up all of your black ink), and print out, remembering to turn off any scaling.

I used four sheets to make my stencil. This depends on the size of your clock face.

Step 4: Cut Out Stencil and Paste Together

Using a SHARP blade on a suitable cutting surface, cut out all of the numbers that were printed out.

Be sure to leave a "tag" holding the centre of the '0' to the stencil as if you don't, you'll just have a blob.

you can see in the last picture I had a few lapses of concentration and just cut straight through them, but I resolved it with a little bit of electrical tape.

It may be easier to just cut one '1' stencil and one '0' stencil and just use those, but I wanted to make sure that I got the spacings roughly accurate.

Once all the numbers are cut out, paste the 4 sheets together into one large stencil.

Step 5: Apply Stencil to Clock Face

Using the Spray Mount,  temporarily stick the stencil to the clock face,

Apply lots of White Spray Paint.

Then peel off stencil.

Do this right the first time because I took two attempts and when I peeled off the stencil the second time loads of bubbles appeared in the paint. But I'm not going to lose much sleep over it.

See images.

Step 6: Insert and Tighten Clock Movement and Mount to Wall

Enjoy your new clock!

and let me know if you made one, I'd love to hear about it and see a picture.

Thanks for reading.

Holiday Gifts Challenge

Participated in the
Holiday Gifts Challenge