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.
-Dots-
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You can jump down to Instructions for Assembly and Setting the Time
I've wanted to make clocks for each kid since 2015 when I first began to design and build clocks. But it wasn't easy coming up with a clock design that I thought they would all like. Dots has been fabricated using 4 different materials for the base and top. I've kept the clock made from aluminum and Z, K and E get the clocks made from cherry, maple and walnut respectively.
@ E's and T's
@ K's
@ Z's and M's
To Be Added
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Dots, is another clock that tells time to the nearest 5 minutes and this is explained in the video and animation below. Below are instructions for assembly and telling time and relevant documentation.
How to Tell the Time
At rest the clock "beats" slowly with a single pulsing light as shown in the animation, below [note: in the animation the pulsing LED is show higher up than in the final design]. Dots tells time in 5 minute intervals. Lets assume it's 3:30. To tell time start by waving your hand near the touch sensor (the brass circle on top). Because this sensor behaves more like a proximity sensor you may find that it "triggers" even when your hand comes near the sides/rear of the white acrylic cylinder. Dots starts displaying the hour by sequentially lighting LEDs from the bottom up to the top until 3 LEDs are lit. Once all lit the LEDs soon all darken. Following a brief pause 6 LEDS sequentially light up to display minutes (6x5=30 minutes). These 6 LEDs then all fade and the clock goes back to slowly pulsing with a single dot until the next time it is activated with the touch sensor.
The Animation Shows the Time at 3:30
Assembly Instructions
Start by laying out the parts. Turn the base upside-down and screw the base plate in with 3 screws. Note the alignment marks, and be careful dressing the wires inside as you lower the electronics in.
Connect the LEDs – the connector is color coded and polarized. Be careful not to pull on the connector after it is attached.
Feed the white sensor wire through the white cylinder and pull it out the far end
Connect the light cylinder to the base. Be sure that the LEDs are opposite the buttons on the back.You can adjust the height of the LED assembly by reaching in from the top. You may need to align the LED assembly so it is vertical. The parts should fit together very snug.
Hook the sensor lug under the screw in the top and tighten it by hand, or gently with a Phillips screwdriver. Be careful not to pull on this wire at either end.
Install the cap– it's a snug fit.
Carefully lift the lid off so that you can adjust the height and placement of the LEDs inside the cylinder. BE VERY CAREFUL when you remove the top because the sensor wire is attached.
The touch sensor is actually more of a proximity sensor so if your hand comes anywhere near the wire that feeds up to the top you can trigger it that way too, i.e., you can wave your hand along the side or within 1.5 inches of the top.