Building My Dream Digital Clock: DIY 7 Segment Display with a Cute Robot Twist! -- Episode 600

I like the robot idea!

I know I had one here, but not sure if my kids stole it from me. I'll see if I can retrieve it back!

Just had an idea of a clock where on the hour a door opens and the little man is behind dancing away, I think that might be cool too!

Sorry, they must have got missed somehow, I'll find them and get it uploaded, will let you know once they are available.

The datasheet is slightly conflicted as it has 5.5v max, but in the absolute values section it says Vin can be up to 6v without causing any issues, so I'm driving the single segments at 6v

There are no schematics in provided download file. But 7 segment display listed in BOM have forward voltage between 5.7 and 6.9 volts for single segment LEDs. And 7 segment display driver MAX7219ENG+ works with supply voltage from 4 to 5.5 volts. There is no guarantee that this combination will work as expected.

Perhaps have the e14 little blue robots either side that dance when the screen robot looks at them.

I think someone tried to replace the clockwork mechanism with a motor at one point, so there should be an exploded view somewhere already. 

Could keep the clockwork and just drive it via a clutch mechanism though. Motor via gearbox winds the spring then clutch disengages when it is time to dance. This would make it easier to mount as you could use the wind up key shaft and the lower screw. Clutch will also allow the spring to unwind fully if left to run down, so that you know how much to wind it up each time.

Simpler still, If you don't want the clutch then you can reverse the motor direction as in this case you can back-drive the clockwork mechanism and even control its speed whilst doing so.

The LEDs were an great find that I stumbled upon, will keep them in my parts spreadsheet for if I've need a large display in the future. There was bigger ones again from the same manufacturer, but the price was quite an bit higher iirc.

The film idea is great, I hadn't thought of that but think I'll give it a try, thanks!

Thanks, glad you liked it, it was a super cool project to make

Nice big LEDs - some of that dark window tint film might improve contrast for the LEDs.
To animate the robot head, you could just use 3 images - one in each position. At least until the animation code is working.
The screen could  display the day and date until the animation is working.
For decoration maybe a little robot on each side that the screen robot is looking at when it turns its head.

hifromkatie   It looks like you solved the animation issue.  Great job!  Cool project.