Linear Clock (2021)

engineer.john-whittington.co.uk

74 points·wonger_··10 comments

This reminded me of digital microfluidics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncfZWqPm7-4

Perhaps someone can make a clock using this principle.

Cool! I wonder if offsetting the coils on the different layers would allow a clock with finer steps, or even stepless.

I would rather prefer a round clock design: mathematically it’s linear but more stylish and simpler to implement (no reverse movement needed). But then you’d probably want to mount it vertically))

Nice. Very nice! And I mean the idea, process, electronics and all that. The visual end result isn't quite my thing but that's really just nitpicking.

Very very nice!

> …the PCBs fabricated in China … waiting for the delivery

Is it that bad already? Last time I’ve checked there were a lot of US options for 3d printing. No for PCB fabrication?

There are definitely companies in the US that would do a prototype PCB for you, but at a 5x premium over the large scale operations in China and not much faster (or as fast as you want in exchange for a blank check). For a hobby project that is often not worth it.

Seems like he dealt with supply chain issues from the pandemic. Mentioned in the first minute of his video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/_xnCBslNjTs

When I used to work at a modular synth company (and was also building/designing lots of DIY synths) we would usually use OshPark, which are domestic, but it was certainly cheaper and quicker to use a service like JLCPCB from china.

Super neat, love the design.

Looks very black magic-ish to me! Fascinating project!

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