Reviving a Vintage Secondary Split-Flap Clock with Arduino

Reviving a vintage secondary split-flap clock with Arduino

The split-flap clock is an iconic piece of classic engineering. These simple devices were once ubiquitous in train stations, airports and other public spaces, often providing the time of day for travelers. Unfortunately, these clocks have become increasingly rare as time marches on. But with a bit of tinkering and some modern technology, it’s possible to bring one of these clocks back to life.

In this project, we’ll use an Arduino to control a vintage split-flap clock. The Arduino will provide the necessary timing signals to turn the split-flap clock’s cogs, motors and other mechanisms, allowing us to set the time of day and watch it tick away accurately.

Gather the materials

Before we get started, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You’ll need:

• An Arduino board (we used an Uno)
• A vintage split-flap clock
• A servo motor
• A couple of wires
• Soldering equipment (solder, flux, etc.)

Disassemble the clock

The first step is to carefully disassemble the clock. Remove all the screws and gently remove the case, as well as any other components that are attached. Be careful not to damage any of the delicate parts inside.

Once the clock is disassembled, you’ll want to identify the different components that make up the clock’s mechanism. Take note of which components control the minute, hour and second hands. You’ll need this information for the next step.

Connect the servo motor

Now it’s time to connect the servo motor to the clock mechanism. Start by finding the appropriate points to solder the wires to the clock’s internal components. Then, connect the wires from the servo and solder them to the same points. This will allow the servo to control the clock’s internal mechanisms.

Program the Arduino

Next, you’ll need to write a program for the Arduino. This program will tell the servo motor when to move the cogs and gears inside the clock to change the time of day. If you’re not familiar with coding, there are plenty of online tutorials and resources available to help you get started.

Test and enjoy!

After you’ve programmed the Arduino, it’s time to test it out. Connect the servo motor to your Arduino and power it up. Then, you should be able to see the clock’s hands move as the servo motor turns the internal mechanism. Congratulations! You’ve successfully brought a vintage split-flap clock back to life.

Enjoy watching the clock tick away accurately and remember that a little bit of tinkering can breathe new life into even the oldest of pieces.