March 27, 2014

The Arduino-powered "Etch-A-Sketch" Clock

If you have an old "Etch-a-sketch" drawing tablet and some spare time, then the following project submitted as an entry into the Freetronics Instructables competition will be of interest. It's an interesting synergy between the old and new - and quite successful.

The Arduino keeps time as normal like an other clock project, however controls two stepper motors in a carefully pre-arranged method to draw the time using the original controls of the Etch-a-sketch with the aid of some belts and tooth pulleys. The system is mounted with in a laser-cut enclosure and can be seen telling the time in the following video:

Certainly something different and a worthwhile entry to the competition. For more information, visit the project Instructable pageAnd for more, we're on facebookGoogle+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.  

 If you're looking into starting with Arduino and robotics, such as controlling a stepper motor (or DC motors) from your Arduino or compatible, check out our HBRIDGE: DC/stepper motor shield. Based around the powerful Allegro A4954 H-bridge driver IC you can control two DC motors with complete ease, or one bipolar stepper motor. With connections for external power management, a complete beginners' guide and documentation - motor control couldn't be any easier. For more information and to order, visit the HBRIDGE: page

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