Progress as of 4/12/15

  • Processor was placed on PCB board, and the digits were successfully tested
  • Plug for remote control was mounted, and control mostly works. There are some issues with the guage of wire used that need to be corrected.
  • Power system seems to run the clock off of batteries and wall power, and more testing will be done on it
  • Preliminary testing of timing shows that it is spot on, but more testests in differing conditions need to be done

Progress as of 3/27/15

  • PCB board was ordered and received. Testing has found that it works, with few errors.
  • With the exception of a few bugs, the major functions of the clock work
  • Timing is bring corrected to bring drift down to less than one second per hour
  • The batteries can charge, with a charging circuit built and an ac-dc converter
  • Clock can run on batteries, final run time will be determined soon.
As of 11/26/14
  • 2 pairs of digits are able to be changed automatically by the microcontroller.
  • All digits are mapped in the microcontroller and can be easily pushed to clock display
  • Reset Function works
  • Count up feature is in progress, to be quickly followed by the count down
  • Keypad is being pinned out
  • A full 3rd of the clock display is operational, only slowed by lack of more driver chips
  • Code has been set up to control any segment on any digit easily
  • Segment flip time has been tested between 25ms and 75 ms
  • Segment flips are likely not efficient. New algorithm is being tweaked as errors were present when implemented.
  • Board is being designed for final product
  • Power supply is in the works
  • The keypad has been found to have 32 buttons, 5 of which are not shown, but are likely functional.
As of 9/30/14
  • Pinned out connector.
  • Tested all segments. All segments on all digits are working.
  • Driver chips are micrel MIC5801BN, These are available for about $4.41 each on digikey. MIC5801YN are the same part but lead free
As of 9/23/14
  • Clock was received this week
  • Screws on left side are badly stripped and will need replaced
  • Manufacturing tags date manufacture as 1990.
  • Someone has worked on this clock before.
  • Each digit has a separate connector
  • 1 digit has a non matching retrofit connector
  • Found that on cables Black is common, Red turns segment on, Orange turns segment off.
  • According to previous team solenoids are rated for 6 volts at 225ma