DAB's Clocks is a collection of hand made, one of a kind devices that each display time in unconventional and interesting ways. For many of these clocks I have been fortunate to work collaboratively with several creative and skilled individuals. I'll typically build a mock up to confirm feasibility and essential design features and then create a simple rendering. These renderings become the basis for the fabrication.
Dome UV Clock
(2025)
9:20
9:25
The 12 o:clock position is opposite the rotating axis of the LED arm.
Engineered and built by my friend and woodworker Joe Carr this clock is an extension of my first UV clock (Mom's Clock). Dome Clock tells time by exposing a UV sensitive heat transfer film (attached to a clear 4" acrylic disc) to brief pulses of light from 2 UV emitting LEDs (Outer LED ring marks 5 minutes intervals and the inner LED ring marks hours). The film's color change is completely reversible and fleeting.
Touching the top of the bowl activates the arm to rotate into position. This is followed by a brief pulse of LED light. The disc then rotates 30 degrees, pauses, and the next pulse occurs. When the LEDs are done pulsing the arm rotates to enable viewing of the entire disc.
The battery is recharged on the recharging base. Under normal use, the battery is estimated to go more than 6 months between charges. We'll find out.
The segmented hemisphere bowl, made of sapele wood, was crafted and generously gifted by Charlie Stickney of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Guy Marsden kindly took part in early discussions as I developed the case form of this clock.