3D-Printed Hybrid Clock Combines Analog and Digital Displays

The article discusses an innovative 3D-printed hybrid clock designed by [shiura], which merges analog and digital time displays. The clock operates using multiple rotating rings powered by a single 28BYJ-48 stepper motor. The rings interact through a hooked mechanism, advancing the next digit upon completing a full rotation. This causes the analog minute hand to jump every 10 minutes instead of moving smoothly. The clock is controlled by a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C6 microcontroller, which synchronizes time via WiFi, though the mechanism takes time to adjust. While the project is open-source under a CC BY-NC-SA license, its complex multi-material 3D printing requirement may pose challenges for replication. The article also mentions user feedback on minor accuracy issues, with possible software-based solutions available. Alternative mechanical improvements, such as a Geneva drive mechanism, are suggested to enhance its design. Overall, the clock stands as a fascinating fusion of digital precision with mechanical elegance.