Pcomp Timekeeper. Quickly prototype a clock using physical computing components and techniques. You might use a 7-segment LED or other display; servos or other motors to move physical indicies, etc.
What I Did
This week I made a tapestry clock using a quartz clock mechanism I took from a discounted clock I found and woven using a mini loom warp thread and cotton yarn!
-
The ends still need to be woven in and I’d like to secure the quartz clock mechanism more firmly to the woven fabric but it’s able to show the time!
-
I chose to use this quartz mechanism because it moves the second hand continuously and is fairly silent especially when compared to the other clock mechanism I tested from the alarm clock I bought.
- When I asked my friends about the watch of their dreams one said she would LOVE any clock that is silent since the ticking noise is really frustrating for her and I completely agree.
- I noticed the ticking noise right away when working and in some ways it felt kind of nice to have some audio cue signaling the movement of time hit I think the tik tok sound either might have too many bad associations for me of being timed or be too fast for me to relax in. I’d like to explore intional clicking in clocks to see if there’s a sound I would like and investigate more how this quartz mechanism achieves the continues motion.
-
The day after our clock discussion I was excited to get hands on pretty right away so I went to see where I could start with a quartz clock mechanism. A google for clock mechanisms near me did not lead to anything really helpful. The first two local hardware stores I went to didn’t have anything for clocks, the second owner suggested I go to an electronics store.
- Since it was early for electronics store I figured another way to get access to one is just to buy an inexpensive clock. I ended up finding two discount/ wholesale stores where I left with one quartz wristwatch, one digital watch, one quartz wall clock, a kitchen timer, and a desk clock to experiment with.
Process
- I went to the Museum of Modern Art for thesis and general inspiration and definitely found some for time. One was this piece by Rosa Barba and the other was this giant wristwatch hanging that I’d like to create my own version of
- I figured out how to get the Quartz batteries and parts out
Next Steps