Is there like a programmable #clock, like an analog one with servo-motor-controlled hands or something? Think Fossil smartwatch, but clock-sized (and cheaper!). Actually, just the hands are fine and I can take care of the microcontroller myself

When I search for "clock", all I find are digital clocks or microchips that keep time but don't actually have hands that move around ⏰

#DIY #Electronics #AskFedi

@badrihippo
servos (at least the "cheap" ones I think you are talking about) are not really a good match in this case because they normally cannot do full rotations (360°).
Steppers on the other hand work quite well... here is a sample project (if you happen to have access to a 3D-printer) https://mcuoneclipse.com/2019/08/25/diy-stepper-motor-clock-with-nxp-lpc845-brk/

RE: https://fosstodon.org/@badrihippo/116101462191775700

@hanser thank you! By "cheap" I just meant "not as expensive as the Fossil smartwatch" haha. Now that I think of it, it's probably the gears (to move the hands independently around the same point) that I was having trouble conceptualising 🕡

I don't have a 3D printer handy *yet* but allow me to introduce you to another recent post of mine 😉

(Actually, I do know of a "3D printing as a service" option I can use as well if it comes to that)

RT: https://fosstodon.org/users/badrihippo/statuses/116101462191775700

@badrihippo There was a project like that on hackaday recently

Edit: found it
https://masto.ai/@hackaday/116073179670603668

Thanks @brulzki and @disaster2life (crazy you both found the same link!!) I should have guessed it's possible to drive an existing clock mechanism (even if the wiring and logic is a little janky)

I'll probably start with this as a "cheap thing to experiment on" until I graduate to designing my own custom stuff with more fine control as @hanser shared 😇

@badrihippo true, but by expensive I meant the industrial grade servos that cost a central 3-figure fortune ;)
the selfmade clock can probably be built fur 10-20 bucks depending on where you buy the electronics – and you would have the possibility to move the hands independently like a SW

I'd recommend visiting a nearby makerspace/hackspace/fablab if you happen to have one around. they normally have all the materials and machines (3D-printers, lasercutters) at hand to help you out. have fun! :)