We have seen quite a few of these homemade hard drive clocks before on Geeky Gadgets, but this one is definitely the coolest to date, the POV Hard Drive Clock.
The POV Hard Drive Clock was created by Polish modder mb1988, and it was made using an ATMEGA128 microcontroller, some LEDs, and a hard drive. Check out the video of it in action below.
What Makes the POV Hard Drive Clock Unique?
The POV (Persistence of Vision) Hard Drive Clock stands out due to its innovative use of old technology. By repurposing a hard drive, mb1988 has created a functional and visually appealing clock. The ATMEGA128 microcontroller is the brain behind this project, controlling the LEDs to display the time as the hard drive platter spins. This method of displaying time is not only accurate but also mesmerizing to watch.
The LEDs light up in a specific sequence, creating the illusion of numbers floating in mid-air. This is achieved through the persistence of vision effect, where the human eye retains an image for a fraction of a second after it has disappeared. By rapidly flashing the LEDs in the correct pattern, the clock creates a continuous display of the current time.
Building Your Own POV Hard Drive Clock
If you’re interested in building your own POV Hard Drive Clock, you’ll need a few key components. First, you’ll need an old hard drive. The size and brand don’t matter much, as long as it still spins. Next, you’ll need an ATMEGA128 microcontroller, which can be programmed to control the LEDs. Speaking of LEDs, you’ll need a set of bright, high-quality LEDs to ensure the time display is clear and visible.
In addition to these components, you’ll need some basic tools and supplies, such as a soldering iron, wires, and resistors. A basic understanding of electronics and programming will also be helpful, as you’ll need to write code for the microcontroller to control the LEDs.
There are many online resources and tutorials available to help you with this project. Websites like Instructables and Hackaday have detailed guides and community forums where you can ask questions and get advice from other DIY enthusiasts.
Very cool, head on over to the original post for full details on how it was made.
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