DABs Clocks is a collection of hand made, one of a kind devices that each display time in unconventional and interesting ways. These time pieces are both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. I design and build some of my clocks without any assistance. For others I turn to Guy Marsden for the engineering and fabrication phase. In these situations I bring a concept to Guy and through an iterative and collaborative process I'll eventually create a 3D representation of the clock that Guy will build.
Cyclops is the 12th original design clock done in collaboration with Guy Marsden. It's pulsing electromagnet produces an image on magnetic field film. By counting the pulses the clock tells time to the nearest 5 minutes. Hours and 5-minute intervals are distinguished by different magnetic field patterns on the film. See video, below, for instructions on setting and telling the time.
Assembly
Case is made from a 4" PVC 45 degree street elbow. It was sanded
smooth and painted with Krylon Hammered Matte Cast Iron. Black acrylic is used for the base and ring that surrounds the film.
The complex flower like pattern was created by inserting a custom machined ferromagnetic disc (with 12 holes) in the space between the center and outer edge of the electromagnet.
Materials
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Magnetic viewing film (4"x4") was obtained from Amazon https://a.co/d/8e2i2AW
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Magnet (24V, 3.15" OD) was purchased from Amazon (LS-P80/38, i.e. 3.15"/1.5")
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Krylon Hammered Matte Cast Iron Spray Paint