Unlocking Innovation: DIY Arduino Hollow Clock with Magnetic Levitation and 3D Printing

Hello, and welcome back to MaisonUp! We’re thrilled to showcase a remarkable project that seamlessly merges art and technology – the DIY Arduino Hollow Clock. Get ready for a journey into innovation and design as we explore the intricacies of this one-of-a-kind timepiece.

Inspiration Behind the Project

Before diving into the technical aspects, let’s share the inspiration behind this project. The DIY Arduino Hollow Clock was originally designed by Shinsaku Hiura and can be easily found on Instructables. You can find a link to his profile in the description.

Project Overview

Let’s talk about the heart of this creation. The DIY Arduino Hollow Clock is a masterpiece built around an Arduino Nano board, featuring 3D-printed components, a precision stepper motor, and other electronic marvels. More than just a clock, it represents a fusion of art and engineering that seamlessly fits into any workspace.

Components You’ll Need

To build this clock, gather the following components:

• 3D Printed Parts
• Stepper Motor with Driver
• 3 Neodymium Magnets
• Arduino Nano Board
• Female DC Socket
• Connecting Wires and Soldering Instruments

3D Printing the Parts

Using a 3D printer, you can create the necessary parts. Simply download the STL file from the provided LINK, or contact us to receive a ready-to-assemble kit.

One of the joys of DIY projects is customization. Selecting filament colors and materials allows for personal touches. Our version utilizes PLA in multiple color combinations to provide inspiration.

To begin, print the four major components for the outer clock, including the minute and hour gears, followed by the outer and inner covers. Finally, print the clock base, hour hand, gears, and connectors required for mechanical movement.

Assembling the Clock

Once the 3D printing is complete, it’s time to put everything together. Follow these steps or watch our video tutorial:

1. Insert the Minute Gear: Ensure the screw hole faces upwards when inserting the minute gear.
2. Insert the Hour Gear: Align the hour gear so that the slots for the magnet gear face upwards.
3. Place the Neodymium Magnets: Secure two neodymium magnets into the designated slots.
4. Secure the Frame: Close the frame using the back cover and three screws.

Ensure the prints are free of debris and move freely inside the frame. Finally, attach the hour hand, tightening it just enough to allow smooth movement. Check the third magnet’s orientation to ensure proper attraction and insert it accordingly into the hour hand.

Programming the Arduino Nano and Setting Up the Electronics

The next step involves programming the Arduino Nano and setting up the electronics.

1. Download the Code: Use the link in the description to access the code. If you’re new to Arduino, check out our getting-started video linked in the top right corner.
2. Modify the Stepper Motor Wires: Trim them to 30% of their original length and solder them directly onto the back of the stepper motor driver, ensuring the correct sequence based on the original connector.
3. Connect the Wires: Attach four wires between the Arduino Nano board and the motor driver. Additionally, connect two common wires for the DC socket to share the 5V power supply with the Nano board and the motor driver.

Refer to the wiring diagram in the video to avoid mistakes.

Assembling the Base

Since this section houses the project’s core, take your time and follow the steps carefully:

1. Install the Minute Drive Gear: Insert the connector into the designated hole in the base.
2. Sequence Assembly: Assemble the washer, drive gear, and connector, then secure it into the base. Ensure everything moves smoothly.
3. Mount the Worm Gear: Attach the worm gear to the stepper motor and loosely add the end cover. Next, position the stepper motor inside the base, aligning the screw holes with the printed lock. Once everything fits, place the spacer behind the stepper motor.
4. Final Checks: Verify that all gears rotate freely and the stepper motor remains firmly secured.
5. Install the Nano Board: Position the Nano board at the bottom, fit the female DC socket, and solder the open wires, ensuring proper polarity.
6. Final Assembly: Secure the motor driver inside the base and attach the cover using two screws.

Setting the Time and Testing the Clock

Rotate the gears to adjust the time, then carefully position the DIY Arduino Hollow Clock onto the base in the designated slot. Plug in your 5V DC charger and watch as the clock comes to life. It will move every minute, keeping time as set.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Motor running in the wrong direction or generating noise with weak torque? Modify the code by changing the order of the numbers: int port [4] = {5, 4, 3, 2} to int port [4] = {2, 3, 4, 5}. These numbers correspond to the pins on the Arduino Nano (D2 – D5).
• Clock running too fast or too slow? Adjust the MILLIS_PER_MIN value at line 3. The default is 60000, which represents milliseconds per minute. A smaller number increases speed, while a larger number slows it down.
• Power failure concerns? Since this clock is not battery-powered, it may lose time during an outage. Reset the time manually if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Watch a time-lapse of the DIY Arduino Hollow Clock in action in our video. Thank you for following this tutorial! All necessary codes and STL files are available for download in the description. Happy tinkering!