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.
Mom's Clock
(2025)
I wanted to do two unique things with this clock: 1) Have it powered by a rechargeable battery and 2) Use a family heirloom as the case-a vase of my Mom's. After that it was just a matter of letting the creative juices flow.
This is the first time I'm working with UV light and UV sensitive film as the clock face. Mom's Clock tells time by exposing a UV sensitive heat transfer film (attached to a clear 4" acrylic disc) to brief pulses of light from UV emitting LEDs. The cool thing about this film is that the color change is fleeting. Follow this link to the YouTube Video and see how 9:15 is depicted. If you have an extra minute to spare you are invited to watch the film fade back towards white.
Lifting the lid first activates 13 LEDs- A single LED marking 12:00 for reference and 12 LEDs around the outer ring that mark the 12 positions of an analog clock face. Next two brighter pulses mark the time- an LED for the hour and an LED for the nearest 5 minute interval. Immediately after the film is exposed the motor lifts the disc for convenient removal and then retracts. Telling time requires turning the disc over and orienting the 12:00 spot at the vertical position. The image below shows the black, rigid disc with holes in which the LEDs are mounted from below.
The battery is recharged by placing the vase on the recharging base. Under normal use, the battery is estimated to go more than 6 months between charges. We'll find out.
Acknowledgements
The mechanics of the clock were built by Guy Marsden, my friend and collaborator on over a dozen clocks. In addition Joe Carr, a friend and fortunately for me also a neighbor, helped with the electronics and wrote the code. Joe is known for his artistic wood creations that include clocks, furniture and art.
