Timepiece Crafted from LED Filaments Sparks Interest
Going Traditional with a Twist: FilamenTIME!
Let's talk about making a clock, but not just any clock. [sjm4306] decided to stick to the basics, creating a design that resembles a traditional analog timepiece with a captivating twist. He turned to LED filaments, a relatively new and exciting innovation, to give his clock a unique vibe. Ta-da! Welcome to FilamenTIME!
LED filaments, making their entry into the market, are nothing but twinkling clusters of minuscule LEDs, neatly tucked into one package to deliver a seamless, continuous stream of light. Perfect for creating inky bars of light without fiddling with a mess of parts and dealing with diffusion issues on your own.
[sjm4306] thought, "Why not?" and used these babies to craft luminescent strip elements for his clock. The outer ring boasts 60 little warriors to encapsulate the 60 minutes in an hour, while the inner ring shines bright with 12, symbolizing the hours themselves. With 9 shift registers holding down the fort, it's no surprise that an ATmega328P microcontroller takes the reins, running the clock show, while a DS3232MZ real-time clock chip is there to keep tabs on time. Given the sheer size of this circular clock, a large PCB (around a square foot) was unavoidable. Luckily, our friend [sjm4306] had some sponsorship to cover the costs. But he's not done yet; he plans to devise a more compact version for budget-friendly applications.
Take a peek at this eye-catching timepiece in the video below. We've seen our fair share of clocks around here, and this one doesn't disappoint.
Now, let's ponder the benefits and drawbacks of LED filaments when it comes to timekeeping. On the upside, they are considerably more energy-efficient, potentially beneficial for battery-powered clocks. LEDs offer a longer lifespan too, reducing the need for maintenance and frequent replacements. Moreover, they can endure shock and vibration better than their incandescent counterparts.
But there are catch-ups. For one, they can be costly compared to traditional filaments initially. Also, temperature sensitivity can be a touchy subject, requiring thoughtful thermal management to ensure longevity. Lastly, while they provide lots of creative design opportunities, their appearance may not be a match for traditional clock designs. As always, it's a fine balancing act between function and form.
This project by [sjm4306] utilizes LED filaments, a modern technology, to create an intriguing twist for his traditional timepiece. Instead of using conventional filaments, this design leapfrogs into the future, offering a unique blend of LED gadgets and early tech in the form of a large PCB.
