Hosted in a bunker, no really

Seven segment display


Created: 2023-11-14 | Modified: 2024-10-16

Big 3D printed RGB LED seven segment display clock

7 Segment display

Parts

Design / planing / idea phase

I got further interested in 7-segmented displays after a fellow hacker made a project with it, and i wanted to explore my fondness of this delightful concept. I decided to make a clock with it, but this is a concept that has been done before. So i wanted some twist on the concept, and remembered this wonderful video: youtube.com - Segmented Displays by Posy. Hence i chose a design (Classic black) optimized for displaying numbers, but also one that still retained the boxy look. Credit to the designer Michiel de Boer(Posy).

TODO Wire diagram

Diffusion

Diffusion test

I tested both clear and white PLA with different layer heights by printing squares. Then i moved onto the distance. I determeined 2 layers of white PLA at a distance of 1.5 cm. was a good compromise.

CAD

Files

Digits

I used FreeCAD to design a bottom and top piece based on the SVG files.

Box

I used this GRABCAD model License: GRABCAD Non-Comercial Licenses TODO Add picture of DC barreljack

Wiring

Segments wired

Firmware

Fading effect

I chose to add a slow fade effect as to not disturb ones peripheral vision.

Color change timelapse

The color changes hue overtime, but it does so slowly, as to not be noticeable.

I've later changed this color hue to be derived from the time of day, so it will always have the same color at the same time of day. This change was easy to implement, due to my use of HSV See this commit

Now your brain can become wired to think, wow the clock is red, it's pretty late, i should go home.

Hour change animation

I've also added a rainbow vomit animation once an hour, that intentionally grabs your attention, to make you more aware of the passing time. As it's easy to lose track of time.

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