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Ask an Expert Forum Relay Clock/computer
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  • Replies 9 replies
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  • mechanical_logic
  • nixie
  • nixie_tube
  • relay
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Relay Clock/computer

magnus2112
magnus2112 over 9 years ago

I have always loved  old mechanical devices.

Those old overcomplicated record players, to flip dot matrix signs, i have always wanted to make somthing that "clicks" .

So, why not try to make a relay clock, and use it to drive some old nixie tubes? image

No ICs, no transistors, just relays and diodes like the old days.

I can't say that i know mutch about old computers, and the only thing i have used relays for is simple on/off switches.

So i was wondering if enyone could point me in the right direction/ draw some schematics, or go into simple theory on how one would build such a device.

Like, if i somehow make a binary counter, how do i make it "turn around" at 60, and not 64?

 

Many thanks

Magnus

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  • jc2048
    jc2048 over 9 years ago +2
    What a wonderful idea. You could do it under a tall glass dome with the nixies at the the top and the relays all clicking away underneath. You would probably be able to sell it for a small fortune if you…
  • dougw
    dougw over 9 years ago +1
    Is it acceptable to use stepper motors? Using only relays will require a lot of relays (it takes about 194 transistors to make a digital clock)
  • magnus2112
    magnus2112 over 9 years ago in reply to jc2048 +1
    Hahaha thanks for the support . For timebase, i cant say i am sure. Maybe i will have to cheat? Any suggestions?
  • dougw
    0 dougw over 9 years ago

    Is it acceptable to use stepper motors?

    Using only relays will require a lot of relays (it takes about 194 transistors to make a digital clock)

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  • clem57
    0 clem57 over 9 years ago

    Like this https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lasermad/time-flies-levitating-nixie-clock ? or these http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=nixie+tube+clock&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=truenixie tube clock | eBay

    Nixie tube projects

    To not use electronics, these tubes would not be very practical since relays and diodes are too restrictive.

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  • michaelkellett
    0 michaelkellett over 9 years ago in reply to clem57

    I think you could do it, but it seems so utterly pointless. Loads of work and lots of money for the bits but actually very little to see when it's running.

     

    I can see some fun in a steam punk style clock  but I would want more show for my effort than just clicking noises.

     

    But if the OP is determined:

     

    Relay logic

     

    MK

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  • jc2048
    0 jc2048 over 9 years ago

    What a wonderful idea. You could do it under a tall glass dome with the nixies at the the top and the relays all clicking away underneath. You would probably be able to sell it for a small fortune if you used good materials and made it look nice.

     

    If you work with binary counters, you then have to decode to get the 10 nixie drives. You'd do much better working 'one hot'.

     

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-hot

     

    What were you thinking of for the timebase? Not GPS, I suppose.

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  • magnus2112
    0 magnus2112 over 9 years ago in reply to dougw

    Stepper motors might be acceptable, but the point of the project is to make something "old" and "mechanical".

    Maybe connect a stepper to a rotary, "step it" by using 2 oscillating relays, maybe image

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  • magnus2112
    0 magnus2112 over 9 years ago in reply to michaelkellett

    I see your point, but i guess it is just a joy of making somthing one of a kind image

    It might be a lot of work, but i am determined  image

    Thanks for the link

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  • magnus2112
    0 magnus2112 over 9 years ago in reply to jc2048

    Hahaha thanks for the support image.

    For timebase, i cant say i am sure. Maybe i will have to cheat?

    Any suggestions? image

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  • beacon_dave
    0 beacon_dave over 9 years ago

    Dave Gönner's project at hackaday.io may be of some interest

    https://hackaday.io/project/8683-relay-logic-clock

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  • dougw
    0 dougw over 9 years ago in reply to magnus2112

    You could try a perpetual pendulum with reed relay.

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