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The one frequent characteristic present in an alarm clock from the Seventies and older prepare depot shows is “split-flap” characters. As a technique to recreate their eye- and ear-catching show, Erich Styger on the MCU on Eclipse weblog demonstrates an indication utilizing 20 hand-built characters.
What are split-flaps? These mechanical shows have a personality constructed from two items mounted on a wheel. As a wheel turns, the items “flip” into place. Whereas not required, a stepper motor can precisely flip the flaps to the specified place.
Styger’s place to begin for this venture was work revealed by Scott Bezek. Bezek’s venture has in depth 3D fashions and design information for split-flaps accessible with an open supply design.
There are only some minor variations between Styeger’s and Bezek’s mechanical designs. For instance, a 3D-printed bracket combines character modules, making them stackable.
Bottom of 20-unit flaps (📷: mcuoneclipse)
In Styger’s construct notes, there may be an intensive clarification of constructing the flaps utilizing PVC “playing cards” and a CNC machine. The video evaluating the sound distinction between aluminum and PVC makes it clear that plastic flaps are the right alternative!
Styger developed two provider boards that management 4 flap modules. The one purposeful distinction between the 2 is the microcontroller targets: a tinyK22 and an LPC485-BRK. Each boards characteristic an NXP microcontroller with an Arm Cortex-M0+ and M4F, respectively.
Two provider boards with removable sensor module (📷: mcuoneclipse)
The boards run from a 12V provide and have 4 JST connectors for the split-flap modules. An RS-485 bus connects a number of flap controllers with a theoretical most of 512 flap modules. After all, energy distribution turns into a difficulty as this design scales up. Styger admits the 4-module per MCU solely works properly on a smaller scale.
“At the moment there may be one MCU wanted for 4 split-flaps: that is superb for the category atmosphere, however for bigger shows an overkill.” — Erich Styger
See this MCU on Eclipse weblog publish with Styger’s detailed construct directions for extra data. Additionally, take a look at the Scott Bezek repo, which was the muse for this venture. And at last, the Bezek Labs retailer on Tindie has some split-flap merchandise accessible.
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