Introduction: Analog Talking Glow in the Dark 3D Printed Clock
The clock will display the time using 4 analog meters. I have seen these type of clocks in various incarnations but I never saw an analog clock in this format that talked. This clock announces the time at half hour intervals and plays a message whenever the clock is first powered on. Many of these types of clocks use a real time clock module such as this one. The coin cell battery keeps the time when power is removed so the clock will always retain the current time. Most clocks of this type allow the time to be set when the Arduino program is compiled. This is fine except when you have to account for daylight savings time. You must advance or retard the time by one hour twice a year. Recompiling the program is a hassle so I decided to add time set capability to the clock via a rocker switch and pushbutton interface.
The analog meter gauge plates and pushbutton panel are 3D printed in glow in the dark material so they are always visible. I added ultraviolet LEDs to the gauges and the pushbutton panel that will provide a nice purple lighting effect and charge the glow in the dark material.
The power on message and time announce files are provided but can be changed simply by recording new .mp3 files and putting them on the music maker board micro SD card.
The clock is 3D printed and utilizes one Arduino Mega 2560, one Music Maker MP3 shield, one DS1307 real time clock, four rocker switches, one up/down momentary pushbutton switch and 12 3mm ultraviolet LEDs..
The .stl files for printing the clock parts, Arduino code, Meter faceplate template, wiring diagram and the audio files are located here. The files can also be found at www.guarnero.com. The clock was printed on a Lulzbot mini which has a print bed size of 150 mm x 150 mm.
The entire clock was printed with HIPS filament with the exception of the pushbutton panel and the meter scale plates. These items were printed with glow in the dark ABS.
A complete parts list along is provided at the end of this “Instructable”.
Warning:
Once the clock has been constructed, people are often mistaken that they may have had a supernatural experience once they bask in the warm glow of the clock and the sound of the angelic voice announcing the time. I assure you, the warm glow is just the ultraviolet LEDs and the angelic voice is my wife.
Step 1: Components - Arduino Mega 2560 Controller
Step 2: Components - DS1307 Real Time Clock
Step 3: Components - Music Maker MP3 Shield
Step 4: Components - Audio Speakers
Step 5: Components - Clock Meters
Step 6: Components - Extra-Long .1” Header Pins & Socket Cable
Step 7: Ultraviolet LEDs
Step 8: Power Supply
Step 9: Ring Terminals
Step 10: Filament
Step 11: Wire
Step 12: Pushbuttons
Step 13: Paint
Step 14: Screws
Step 15: Meter Gauge Decals
Step 16: Decals Mter Plate
Step 17: Decals Design
Step 18: 3D Printing - Meter_Dial_Plate.stl
Step 19: 3D Printing - Meter_Front.stl
Step 20: 3D Printing - Meter_Right.stl
Step 21: 3D Printing - Meter_Left.stl
Step 22: 3D Printing - Meter_Back.stl
Step 23: 3D Printing - Meter_Speaker_Covers.stl
Step 24: 3D Printing - Meter_Bottom.stl
Step 25: 3D Printing - Meter_Top.stl
Step 26: 3D Printing - Meter_Top_Pushbutton Plate.stl
Step 27: 3D Printing - Meter_Top_LED_Holder.stl
Step 28: Assembly View 1
Step 29: Assembly View 2
Step 30: Assembly View 3
Step 31: Assembly View 4
Step 32: Assembly View 5
Step 33: Construction - Layout the Left and Right Sides
Step 34: Construction - Insert the Speaker Covers
Step 35: Construction - Insert the Speakers
Step 36: Assemble the Enclosure
Step 37: Glue the Enclosure
Step 38: Attach the Enclosure Bottom
Step 39: Prepare the Enclosure for Painting
Step 40: Paint Enclosure
Step 41: Prepare the Meters – Decals
Step 42: Prepare the Meters – Spray Lacquer
Step 43: Meter Disassembly
Step 44: Drill LED Holes
Step 45: Check Needle Movement / Clearance
DescriptionPurchased
Step 46: Epoxy Two LEDs to Each Meter
Step 47: Identify Meter Polarity
Step 48: Prewire the Meters
Step 49: Prepare the Pushbutton Panel
Step 50: Install Devices on Pushbutton Panel
Step 51: Wire the Pushbutton Panel
Step 52: Epoxy the LEDs to the Pushbutton Panel LED Holder
Step 53: Solder the Ultraviolet LED Leads
Step 54: Assemble Music Maker
Step 55: Assemble DS1307
Step 56: Make Arduino Wire Connections
Step 57: Wiring Diagram
Step 58: Program Arduino and Attach Base / Bumpers
Step 59: Example Time Display
Step 60: Variations
Step 61: Parts Listing
Links
6 conductor cable 6x1 F-F 12" Cable for ShiftBrites and ShiftBars - https://www.pololu.com/product/1239
Direct Current 0-5 V White Voltmeter Analog Panel Meter - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051E8ONA/ref=pe_1763890_145073580_tnp_emaildp_1
Papilio Laser Clear Waterslide Decal Paper 10 sheets - http://www.amazon.com/Papilio-Laser-Clear-Waterslide-sheets/dp/B005DFLVOG
Glue (SCIGRIP Weld-On 3 Cement) - http://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/weld_on_3_cement/131
Glue Applicators - http://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/hypo_type_solvent_cement_applicator/409
I forgot to put links to the rocker switches http://www.ebay.com/itm/291316699979
and the up/down switch http://www.ebay.com/itm/380847458610
The switches come from China say they take a few weeks to get delivered.