Technabob » persistence

Hard Drive Clock is the Most Beautiful Hard Drive Clock Ever

Technabob — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:28:22 +0000

This wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen a clock fabricated from an old hard drive. But this is by far the most amazing, dramatic hard drive clock you’ll see today. Or any day for that matter.

Polish modder mb1988 built this hard drive clock uses the old persistence-of-vision (POV) illusion, which display phantom “hands” on the face of the spinning drive platter. A set of colorful LEDs encircle the platter, blinking rapidly to illuminate the current time on a slot cut into the face of the platter. An ATMEGA128 microcontroller under the hood that makes the lights blink at precisely the right moment to create the illusion. There’s even a remote control that lets mb change the colors and effects on demand. But what makes this clock design really special is the incredibly detailed and evocative etching under the clock’s Plexiglas face.

You can check out the entire build log and schematics (Polish/machine translated) over on Elektroda. Don’t understand how it works? Check out the video below to see the clock in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

[via Hacked Gadgets]

Persistence of Vision LED Clock Gets a Major Upgrade

Technabob — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:30:21 +0000

This amazing wall clock can display intricate animations thanks to the optical phenomenon known as persistence of vision (POV). Using a small spinning “blade” covered in red, green and blue LEDs, along with sophisticated microcontroller circuit, this clock can dynamically change its look with just the push of a button.

The clock comes with a wireless remote that lets you flip between a variety of different display modes, including traditional clocks, modern digitals, 3D animations, and even a Pac-Man mode. And with the optional upload module, you can load your own custom animations onto the clock face.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The latest version of the clock offers a significant upgrade over the original 2-color version, adding a full RGB display and enhanced animation capabilities. It can even do real time math to convert square pixel graphics into the cartesian coordinates needed to display along the blade’s circular path.

The RGB POV Clock should be available from Innovative Device by the end of the year.

Bike Wheels Reveal Hidden Messages

Technabob — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:55:00 +0000

Here’s a cool gadget that lets you send messages using the wheels of your bicycle. By using an optical illusion called persistence of vision, your words are revealed as you pedal your bike.

The Lampex Lex module screws onto the spokes of your bicycle, and produces rapidly flashing sequences of LEDs to display your messages. The device connects to your computer’s USB port, and can be programmed in English, Japanese or Chinese characters using the included message creation software. It’s even waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about wet roads damaging it. You can see a video clip of the Lex in action here (and no, I have no idea what the deal is with the guy in the horse head at the end of the video).

The Lex module is available for pre-order from Japan’s Digital Cowboy for ¥3980 (appx. $35 USD).

Spinning LED Clock Uses Image Persistence to Tell Time

Technabob — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 17:12:13 +0000

By rapidly spinning a blade that contains an array of flashing LEDs, this wall clock tells time in a visually striking way.

A thin LED arm, loaded with 33 LEDs spins at 30 revolutions per second to create the illusion of a complete image. When the blade is spinning at full speed, it tricks your eyes into thinking there are nearly 8000 LEDs.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The clocks feature several display options including digital, analog and pendulum modes and can also display text messages with up to 240 characters. Plus, an included wireless remote lets to control the display settings from across the room.

Each unit is handmade from black and clear acrylic and features an ultra-quiet motor for spinning the LED blade. The clock is available from the Innovative Device eBay store in limited quantities starting around $100.