DAB's 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've collaborated with Guy Marsden and relied upon him for all the engineering and fabrication. In these situations I'll typically build a mock up to confirm feasibility and essential design features. Through an iterative process with Guy I'll ultimately create a 3D representation that Guy will reference during the build.
Hands
An Edge Lit Acrylic Analog Clock
Traditionally, NIXIE tubes and their Edge Lit Acrylic counterparts use digits to represent time. Here, the hour is displayed in an analog fashion by placing an hour hand on each of 12 acrylic sheets that are independently edge lit from below. The clock tells time to the nearest minute by viewing the two LED rings installed in the walnut base. Time to the nearest 5-minutes is displayed on the left ring. The right ring displays time to the nearest minute as follows. When the time is exactly an integral number of 5 minute intervals all the LEDs on the minute ring are dimly lit. For each additional minute a single LED on the ring turns bright blue. The 12, 3, 6 and 9 positions around the ring correspond to an additional 1, 2, 3 and 4 minutes, respectively, that are to be added to the left ring's time.
The time is set using a magnet that opens and closes reed switches that are built into the case.