Time-Based Competition in 2025: Transforming Clocks with Flip Discs
In the realm of DIY electronics, David Plass has created a captivating piece that is not only visually appealing but also a fine entry to the 2025 One-Hertz Challenge. The flip-disc clock, assembled within a kitchen storage tub, showcases four seven-segment flip-disc display modules from Flipo.io.
Each module in this clock features small discs that flip between fluorescent and black sides, thanks to a strong magnetic field generated by coils placed underneath the flip-dots. These flips require a significant pulse of current, approximately 0.5 amps, to function.
The heart of this clock is a Wemos D1 microcontroller, which connects via Wi-Fi to an NTP server to retrieve accurate time. The Wemos D1 then controls the modules, activating the necessary segments to display the current time on the flip-disc displays.
To make the clock's operation more apparent, it flips a couple of dots every second, meeting the One-Hertz Challenge requirements. However, this feature can be disabled to reduce noise if desired.
The clock's design and execution are noteworthy, with the dynamic flipping of dots making it visually striking. The magnetic field, while strong, is carefully managed to ensure smooth operation.
For those interested in repurposing other mechanical display technologies, the article encourages readers to share their experiences and creations. After all, the world of DIY electronics thrives on the sharing of ideas and innovations.
[1] Source for the assembly information [2] Source for the One-Hertz Challenge information
The captivating flip-disc clock, a creation by David Plass, is not just a visual masterpiece, but also a testament to technology's integration with data-and-cloud-computing, as it connects via Wi-Fi to retrieve accurate time. This DIY electronics project showcases the use of modern gadgets like the Wemos D1 microcontroller and flip-disc display modules, contributing to the growing community that repurposes various display technologies.
