After years of searching I finally got one of these in the original box! What's inside is the most surprising. Enjoy!
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By Fran

16 thoughts on “Digital clock or automaton?”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @pauldavis6356 says:

    The LED clock realy is digital. The way you described the operation of the cams and the fingers (off / on, off / on) is just like binary code – zeros and ones (off/on). Pretty neat.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @matthewmiller6068 says:

    This is as dirty as trying to find a self-setting WWV clock these days…SO MUCH STUFF is now sold as "self-setting fully automatic" clocks that just have a watch battery inside and a timezone select button but you don't realize until the clock drifts too much or the watch battery dies and it suddenly forgets the time when unplugged.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @jfazack1 says:

    I have two of these in my basement! I think I got them from an estate sale about 20 years ago

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @cheeseparis1 says:

    This is a wonderful mechanism. I saw the other one with rotating disks with contacts to pilot 7 neon bulbs for each digit. I bet they thought "How can we save on bulbs?" Yeah, let's use just one… and 7 arms guiding some masks. Amazing. Thanks so much Fran for showing it to us.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @chuckoneill2023 says:

    Old PVC sweats out the elasticizer, which will often damage other items it is in contact with. I dont believe the Styrofoam damaged the vinyl. It's likely the vinyl damaged the Styrofoam. Even new pvc can damage styrene or other plastics if they're in direct contact.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @BCowcorn says:

    Having the cams work both ways makes it easier to adjust the time. Imagine having to flip it through 12 or 24 hours of readings, then accidentally going past the time you were going for!

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @JoseSanchez-ht1kc says:

    Hello i have a lumitime like these and works fine but the motor makes a horrible noise!!!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Brian-L says:

    What a magnificent piece of engineering! Might be time to source a watchmakers lathe and start cutting your own gears and pinions.
    I wonder if Clickspring would partner with you to revive this beauty?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @LuggageStardate says:

    1986 or something on the date, seems like it was just trying to impersonate or scam people to think it was a led. Improvise something for it with a motor out of a casset player or something.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @steveterhorst2900 says:

    The D in LED stands for:' Diode'
    Light Emitting Diode..

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @deerfish3000 says:

    A mechanical 7 segment display. Interesting!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @user-nd8zh3ir7v says:

    Wow had you not explained the louver, I never would have understood how that thing worked. Great Job!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @imark7777777 says:

    Well congrats on the beige whale. Maybe a Collab with some sort of 3-D printing channel there's been a lot of development in the last few years. Well other than missing two screws and having what looks like a replaced cord and broken motor it's in good condition.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Studio23Media says:

    3D printing could absolutely fix (and replicate) this ingenious mechanism!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @Studio23Media says:

    6 minute snooze button?! That's not long enough! ๐Ÿ˜‚

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars @skweek256 says:

    Amazing and totally fascinating! ๐Ÿ˜€

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