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Spectral Clock - Propeller Clock

mb1988 390518 239

TL;DR

  • A Spectral Clock propeller clock uses a spinning LED rotor to display time.
  • An ATMEGA32 controls 32 blue SMD LEDs through four MBI5170 drivers, takes time from a DS1307 RTC over I2C, and uses an optoelectronic sync sensor.
  • The controller’s 32 KB flash supports multiple display modes.
  • An HDD motor with a PHILIPS TDA5140A driver spins the propeller; the motor winding’s triangle connection required an artificial center point and brush power.
  • A 15 mm plexiglass case keeps noise low at 50 revolutions per second, but the documentation still has flaws and was not yet fully released.
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  • #61 4827284
    Slaby
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Rate: 2
    Well, I can see it now :)
    Thanks, mate :)
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  • #62 4827326
    krystian.w
    Level 12  
    Posts: 49
    Rate: 73
    Impressive design :)

    What programs did you use to write the code and design the PCB?
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  • #63 4827347
    mb1988
    Level 12  
    Posts: 93
    Rate: 258
    Tile designed in Protel, soft, written in the WinAVR package.
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  • #64 4827855
    krzys99
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Help: 1
    Rate: 3
    Great effect, applause for the designer :D
  • #65 4828021
    Meny93
    Level 11  
    Posts: 10
    It's nice that everything is already documented, but I don't know what to recreate these files, I was looking for Google and I downloaded a lot of programs, but none of them worked
  • #66 4828131
    Slaby
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Rate: 2
    As for the schematic and PCB, the project is created in the "Protel" program and only protel will be able to open these files. If you do not have protel, you can order a free 30-day version of protel from the distributor of this program.
    here you have a link:

    http://www.evatronix.com.pl/ad6/evaluation.html
  • #67 4828394
    netMaster
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    Request :) could someone with a protel open the diagram and click on the screenshot and then save it and from the clipboard to a jpg file ??
    it will make life easier for people who have no contact with the protel
    thanks :)
    waiting for IR control :)
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  • #68 4829577
    CEZAR[pl]
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    What is this MBI chip, does anyone know.
  • #69 4829997
    hetm4n
    Level 20  
    Posts: 812
    Help: 5
    Rate: 525
    such a question, is the software for this clock the same as in the movie ??? As for me, this animation is superfluous; bye, I'm going to construct it for myself; d
  • #70 4830149
    netMaster
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    read carefully, everything writes about the animation.
  • #71 4830908
    noopS
    Level 18  
    Posts: 229
    Help: 23
    Rate: 29
    or maybe someone knows where in Poland you can get TDA5140
  • #72 4831211
    Slaby
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Rate: 2
    I do not know if the author will agree to this, but at the request of a friend of netMaster, I am putting PDFs with the watch electronics and motor control diagrams.
    Attachments:
    • Sterowanie silnikiem.pdf (12.87 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • Elektronika zegara.pdf (30.81 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #73 4832218
    Dariusz Goliński
    Level 22  
    Posts: 783
    Help: 27
    Rate: 149
    And I have a different question for the author
    How do you cut plexiglass?
    The edges are sharp and not dull. As far as I know how to make them not dull, I do not know how you cut it, that they are perfectly straight and with a sharp edge.
  • #74 4832267
    mb1988
    Level 12  
    Posts: 93
    Rate: 258
    It was cut with a circular saw with a widia saw attached. This saw cuts the plexiglass very evenly, does not tear the edges. However, what you can see in the video is the effect of several hours of additional processing. I cleaned the edges of the cut pieces with an orbital sander and water papers 300, 600, 800, 1200, and finally with felt, also attached to this grinder, and (not a joke) toothpaste. It is good to sand several pieces at a time, because then the edges do not round. As a result, we get perfectly polished and sharp edges.
  • #75 4832373
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #76 4832391
    Freddie Chopin
    MCUs specialist  
    Posts: 13336
    Help: 1712
    Rate: 870
    well, he writes above, with sandpaper, with smaller and smaller grain, and then felt.

    0x41 0x56 0x45 !!
  • #77 4832392
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #78 4832559
    netMaster
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    Thanks for the Slaby schematics :)
  • #79 4833019
    Freddie Chopin
    MCUs specialist  
    Posts: 13336
    Help: 1712
    Rate: 870
    Quote:
    What is felt?

    And what is that google and wikipedia



    0x41 0x56 0x45 !!
  • #80 4834330
    Slaby
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Rate: 2
    MBI are Macroblock systems. They are basically serial registers with parallel outputs. These are power outputs, which means that they can directly control, for example, LEDs. Current flowing to the tip of the order of 20 to even 90-100mA in some systems. So it is very easy to control and relatively cheap.
    In my company, we use 16-bit diodes as drivers for LEDs for light arrays.
  • #81 4834818
    netMaster
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    where can i get these MBI chips ?? and these TDA ??
  • #82 4834878
    Slaby
    Level 12  
    Posts: 104
    Rate: 2
    You can buy 16-bit MBI circuits, for example, in the MARITEX warehouse.
    but instead of Macroblock systems, you can use other manufacturers, e.g. ST also produces these or Toshiba. ST even probably sends free samples :)
    However, these TDA hmm, for example at Transfer-elektronik www.transfer-elektronik.com.
    Regards
  • #83 4834974
    mb1988
    Level 12  
    Posts: 93
    Rate: 258
    I confirm that the project can use 16-bit chips, which were also the case in the first version, but later I changed to 8-bit for purely technical reasons - I just couldn't fit on the board. I also agree about the simplicity of control - the first driver responsible for data transfer to the systems was created about 10 minutes after opening the datasheet.
  • #84 4836040
    netMaster
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    what are the replacement markings for these MBI ulkadow ??
  • #85 4836092
    Uszol 1990
    Level 29  
    Posts: 1570
    Help: 41
    Rate: 72
    This construction interested me :)
    and I have a question for the author :D does it provide any other version with contactless power supply?
  • #86 4836160
    rafiozo1
    Level 13  
    Posts: 74
    Help: 1
    Rate: 9
    such something can be easily balanced, but you need to have a hole drilled centrally. So when we have a hole, we put a screwdriver in it and look in which direction it turns and add or subtract the weight on the tips depending on the possibilities.
  • #87 4846983
    hetm4n
    Level 20  
    Posts: 812
    Help: 5
    Rate: 525
    I have a question, is there a store where I can order all the items at the same time ?? because if I was looking for each chip in a separate store, I would have to order, and unfortunately it falls off because I would not pay badly for the shipment; /; /
  • #88 4847404
    Anonymous
    Anonymous  
  • #89 4847598
    andrew16
    Level 16  
    Posts: 143
    Help: 16
    Rate: 13
    Very good design and execution, if you keep trying, you will be people. Of course, there will be critics of your performance on the forum, but don't worry about them and do your job.
  • #90 4848248
    przemm91
    Level 11  
    Posts: 16
    Quote:
    traax wrote:
    I have a question, is there a store where I can order all the items at the same time ?? because if I was looking for each chip in a separate store, I would have to order, and unfortunately it falls off because I would not pay badly for the shipment; /; /

    Quote:
    AVT?

    Oh, I'm afraid you won't find all the elements there.
    But if you find somewhere, give me a link to the church.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the design and implementation of a spectral clock using a propeller mechanism. The project utilizes an ATMEGA32 microcontroller to control 32 blue SMD LEDs via MBI5170 LED drivers, with timekeeping managed by a DS1307 RTC. Participants share insights on motor control, programming in C, and the challenges of achieving precise synchronization for the display. Various users inquire about the specifics of the circuit, including the use of different LED drivers, the programming process, and the durability of components. Suggestions for improvements, such as using a coreless transformer for power and implementing IR communication for time setting, are also discussed. The community expresses interest in obtaining schematics, PCB layouts, and a bill of materials for the project.
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FAQ

TL;DR: One Propeller-Clock rotor spins 50 rps (≈3 000 rpm) while an ATmega32 drives 32 LEDs; “in spectral clocks the issue of software … can make a difference” [Elektroda, Twizzter, post #4815839] Size, speed and code tweaks decide image quality. Why it matters: these tips prevent the common “00:00:80” bug and burnt HDD motors.

Quick Facts

• Rotor speed: 45-55 rps recommended to avoid flicker [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4814890] • Power draw: 5 V / 250 mA (motor), 12 V / 80 mA (LEDs) [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4816959] • LED count: 32 SMD on radius = 63 pixels diameter [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4815891] • Motor driver: Philips TDA5140A; drop-in LB1688 works with minor tuning [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4815034] • Typical build cost: PLN 50–60 for electronics; case from scrap plexi [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4816863]

How do I wire and start an HDD spindle motor for a propeller clock?

Use a three-phase BLDC driver such as TDA5140A in the page-9 reference design; tie the three windings to MOT1-MOT3 and create an artificial center if the drive is delta-connected [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4815034] Feed 5–6 V to VLOGIC and 5–12 V to VMOT while monitoring temperature.

Why does my DS1307 show 00:00:80 instead of real time?

Bit 7 of the seconds register (CH) is still high; the oscillator is halted. Clear CH once, then save time. Many builders forget the pull-up on SQW, causing the same symptom [Elektroda, mb1988, post #7122854]

What fuse settings are needed on the ATmega32?

Enable external 16 MHz crystal, start-up 16K CK+65 ms, CKOPT unprogrammed. Leave JTAGEN off to free PORT C pins. Wrong fuses keep INT0 from firing and the display stays blank [Elektroda, hetm4n, post #12007461]

How can I balance the spinning PCB without special tools?

Screw the board firmly to the motor hub, then eyeball component placement symmetrically. If vibration persists, add small blobs of epoxy opposite heavy parts until the wobble stops [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4815891]

What’s the simplest way to set or change time?

  1. Compile firmware with the desired compile-time constant (e.g., 12:00). 2. Flash it exactly at that wall-clock moment. 3. Immediately flash the normal firmware that leaves RTC untouched. This two-step trick was used by the original author [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4817605]

Can I replace the 8-bit MBI5170 LED drivers?

Yes. Any constant-current shift register (e.g., STP08DP05, 74HC595 + resistors) works if you adjust SPI width in code. One builder ran three ST16CP05 without issues [Elektroda, Scyzor, post #7800620]

My image drifts; how do I sync display to speed?

Reset TIMER1 on each opto-interrupt, divide the measured period by 240, load that into TIMER0; update LEDs in the TIMER0 ISR. If drift persists, lower the prescaler so division error stays <0.5 µs [Elektroda, mb1988, post #4815891]

What causes a missing wedge or duplicate sector in the graphics?

Integer rounding of TCNT1/RESOLUTION leaves residue; the wedge shifts with RPM. Use 32-bit math or accumulate fractional ticks (phase accumulator) to eliminate the gap [Elektroda, Pawełmatrix, post #4820097]

How do I convert bitmaps or GIF frames to the 960-byte frame table?

Crop a 63 × 63 monochrome bitmap, iterate every 1.5°, sample radius 0-31, and store four bytes per ray (240 steps × 4 = 960 bytes). Community GUI converters are shared in the thread [Elektroda, boxochi, post #17138028]

What’s a safe current for the SMD LEDs?

Set the MBI constant-current to 20–25 mA; with 50 rps the duty cycle is ~0.4 %, so average LED current stays below 100 µA, preventing thermal stress [MBI datasheet].

Edge case: my motor only starts if I spin it by hand—fixes?

Increase VMOT to 7–9 V, swap two phase wires, and check that CAP-CD/CAP-DC pins have the exact values (22 nF chosen wrong cuts starting torque) [Elektroda, Moyshaa, post #9075908]

Can I power the board contact-less to avoid worn brushes?

Yes. Wind a 3-turn primary under the plexi base and a 6-turn secondary on the rotor; resonate near 35 kHz. Keep coils 5 mm above the aluminum hub to curb eddy-current heating [Elektroda, mlassota, post #7122363]

Step-by-step: flashing firmware and storing graphics

  1. Flash boot HEX with CH cleared. 2. Flash main HEX. 3. Use the provided PC tool to convert BMP/GIF to EEPROM HEX, then flash EEPROM. Done.

What’s the expected lifetime of the brushes?

Copper ring runs for 1–2 years at 50 rps before visible wear; lowering speed to 25 rps triples life, according to a 10-year user report [Elektroda, hetm4n, post #19746865]
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