Flip Clock

Now available – a fully assembled and tested Retro Flip Clock!

This unique clock utilizes four of the fascinating Ferranti-Packard electromechanical display units. The Flip Digits and control circuit board are housed in my custom clear laser-cut acrylic enclosure so the circuitry is fully visible. Additionally, a hand finished Walnut front plate is also included along-side the normal clear front plate with each unit.

Every part of this clock is open source and based on the Arduino platform. Check out my blog write-up with further tech info, or explore the design files and code on my GitHub page.

These digits also make super cool retro clicking sounds as they flip – the below .gif can’t do the clock true justice without sound. You can hear them in my YouTube video here!

What you receive:

1x Fully Assembled Flip Clock

1x 9VDC Power Adapter

2x Swappable Front Panels (One Walnut and One Clear Acrylic)

 

Flip Clock Assembled PCB

Due to several requests, I finally have fully assembled and tested Flip Clock PCB’s in stock!

For all you retro display enthusiasts and electronic hobbyists – a Flip Clock PCB is the core component you need to make your very own Retro Flip Clock! Simply grab one PCB here and four “7 segment 1″ Ferranti-Packard electromechanical display” units off eBay and you’re well on the way to owning an extremely unique retro clock. I’ve done all the leg work to make using these difficult to drive displays click away perfectly whether on your shelf at home or as a desk piece at work.

Please check out my full build-log and walk-through of this clock here

Features:

  • Fully open source and user re-programmable (based on Arduino Pro Mini 3.3V 8MHz)
  • Capable of driving 4 Ferranti-Packard Displays at their native 19V operating voltage using a discrete transistor topology
  • Genuine DS3231 RTC chip with TCXO and rechargeable battery for extremely accurate and reliable time keeping
  • White LED back-lighting
  • Easy time setting with two tactile buttons
  • Reverse polarity power supply protection

Video showing several things you need to know when making you’re Flip Clock with this PCB:

Video walk through of the boot-loader programming process:

 

What you’ll receive from me:

1x Fully Assembled, Programmed, and Tested Flip Clock PCB

1x Small 2.1mm Barrel Jack Power Connector

2x Blue 3mm LEDs for Flashing Colon between Hours & Minutes

 

What you’ll need to buy separately:

4x “7 segment 1″ Ferranti-Packard electromechanical display” units from eBay

1x 9VDC Power Supply w/ 2.1mm barrel connector (any should work)

1x A case of your own design/choosing (or make my case design out of acrylic yourself)

1x 3.3V FTDI programmer – only if you want to modify your clock code