Intromission: BigBit Binary Clock Presentation

In a premature Instructable (Microbit Binary Time), the project was ideal as a portable desktop appliance as the display was quite an small.

It thence seemed appropriate that the next version should be a mantel or wall mounted version only much bigger.

On that point would cost no need to reconstruct some other accountant but to use the existing clock and add an port for the display.

This Instructable inside information the unconscious process of creating the BigBit display and the software updates to the alive clock.

Supplies

Perspex Sticky

Black Perspex Sheet 21.5cm x 21.5cm x 5mm

3D Printer for plaques & nut holder (optional), as these could glucinium created by other agency.

BlocksCAD

2 part Epoxy

M2.5/8mm screws * 13 qty

M2.5 washers * 13 qty

WS2812Neopixel Button LED's * 25 qty.

Enamelled Fuzz Wire 21 AWG or other insulated telegraph.

2mm drill bit

2.5mm exercise bit

8mm drilling bit

30mm Forstner drill bit

Jumpers M/F

Transparent pin headers

Hemispherical Silicone polymer moulds 28mm

Ill-use 1: Design

The aim would be modelled on the present Microbit display using Neopixel LED's serially connected and arranged in a 5 x 5 intercellular substance.

Labels would be enclosed to identify Hour, Minutes, Binary weighting and Status indicators.

These labels would be created equally 3 plaques, that will be 3D written and decorated with coloured rosin fixed with screws, allowing customisation as required.

The main time display area would have lenses fitted to accent from each one time bit and improve angular viewing.

Sooner than creating a project from the ground astir, the antecedently created Microbit Binary Clock wish beryllium wont to drive the display.

This required an update to the existing software program to comprise the Neopixel extension and coding to replicate the display functionality connected the Microbit display.

Capability to wall or mantel/table mountain.

Step 2: Computer software

The computer software is supported the previous Microbit Binary Time with additions for the Neopixel Light-emitting diode's.

Step out 3: Main Control board

The main panel would be made from black Lucite of 21.5cm x 21.5cmm x 5mm.

Into this would make up drilled holes for the Neopixel LED's and the recesses for the lenses.

The display matrix area occupies and area of 18cm x 18cm from the top right with the LED's space at 35mm

The recesses for the lenses would be 3cm in diameter by 1mm deep.

The Perspex main control panel was undercut from a larger piece past the centres for the pilot holes conspicuous connected the protective theme.

Hole centres marked these were than trained with a 2mm bit.

These were than used to ordinate the 30mm Forstner drill bit which was accustomed gelded the recesses for the lenses.

During the unconscious process of drilling the recesses for the lenses a warp began to develop in the panel due to the front to back temperature differential.

However, this was non a show stopper just happening minor hiccup along the way.

Ready to remove the heave it required placing the panel into a preheated oven at 80 degrees C for1Hr.

It was placed on a flat metallic tray with hot sheets on the in advance and back faces to prevent the likeliness of sticking.

A bronze tray was placed on the top and a weight applied to this.

After the hour the oven was revolved off and IT was left cool to room temperature.

The centre holes where then cut from the plump for with a stepped drill for an 8mm centre hole with a 10mm countersink, this is were the LED's would sit.

Step 4: Plaques

While the Main jury was being drilled the Label plaques were being printed.

These were planned victimization BlocksCAD

Two of the plaques (Binary Weighting & Time Units), would have sunken text to allow coloured rosin infill.

Whilst the remaining Condition plaque would have open lettering to allow lightheaded to pass through.

The Binary Weighting and Position plaques would be mounted vertically, Weighting on the left and Condition on the precise.

The Time units would be mounted horizontally on the bottom.

Totally plaques would follow orientated so that the text aligns with its designated row/column.

Once written an rosin infill was applied to the Weighting and Time units plaques.

Step 5: Fitting the LED's

The LED's would be joined together in a string of 5 each on an individual basi soldered to its neighbour aside 3 wires of 21 AWG enamelled cop wire then for each one grouping of 5 would then embody joined together with a jumper.

Each LED was spaced to sit in to the antecedently drilled cavity.

Each radical of 5 LED's would glucinium tested with the previous Instructable Neopixel Examiner.

Once 5 x 5 groups of LED's are completed they are jointed conjointly and tried with the Neopixel Examiner.

The LED's were latched to the main empanel with hot mucilage.

Step 6: Lenses

The hemispherical lenses were successful from a 2 part exculpate epoxy mix.

This was poured into 28mm diam silicone moulds and allowed to cure for 12hrs.

Once cured they were popped out of the moulds and the noncurrent savourless base was ground with sanding paper and so the back was cleaned with wipe of Methylated Spirit to transfer grease and gritrock.

The recessed were cleaned with Methylated Spirit and a toothbrush.

Once dry, apiece genus Lens was glued into the recesses

The plaques at this stage were positioned for hole marking preceding to drilling.

Step 7: Neopixel Connections

The RTC used in the previous Microbit Clock required the addition of pin headers on +3V and GND and a connection to P0.

These were then connected to the Condenser (1000uF/6V3 min), Resistor (470R), circuit mounted on the stripboard which is connected between the RTC and the BigBit Display.

Step 8: Time to Show

The BigBit Positional representation system clock can be hung past attaching anchor rin terminals to the top screws and fitting a wire or string 'tween the two or by the try-on of a concealed bracket which can be utilised for both hanging or standing.

The surreptitious bracket is cowl-shaped from a distance of aluminium that is bent to shape and drilled with both an M2.5 (attaching to the panel) and M5 (to bind the tie-up) holes.

Behind the bracket a 3D printed junkie holder is fitted which both holds the nut and prevents IT spinning behind the bracket out. Into the crackpot in the bracket is screwed a threaded rod or bolt which acts as a stand.

Step 9: Last

From an appropriate power source insert the USB connector into the Microbit Beaver State the RTC and sic the time.

Your do work is done, time to admire your work.

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