Funny, I've been playing with panel-meters as well…
I have an analog computer I'm finishing up. I have ADC's to convert the analog to digital to display the values on an LCD (with an ESP32 dev board—it was more flexible than panel meters, cheaper than an oscilloscope).
But because looking at "simulated" panel-meters seemed to kind of undercut the point of the analog computer, I went ahead and created a small PCB to go from my analog computer to a panel meter like the one in the clock.
Running a "Spring + Mass" simulation on the analog computer and seeing both the LCD/ESP32 representation of a panel meter and an actual panel meter move in sync brought it all home.
If there's a makerspace or hackerspace near you, they might have a CNC router. Apart from (I believe) the front panel being a two-sided job, this is pretty straightforward and could be done entirely on a Shopbot or equivalent. Worst case you might need to learn FreeCAD and buy some collets ($10-$50) and bits (~$50-$75 if you're getting two). Best case, they have software and tooling you can use.
Source: am a furniture maker professionally. Have worked out of a makerspace, and have done equivalently complex projects on their Shopbot.
Edited to add: if you skip the rabbets around the gauges on the front panel, you can make that a single-sided CNC job, which makes it much easier. With some care, you could do those with a handheld router and a rabbetting bit.
You’re exactly right..that’s how I end up learning tech stuff. It’s not working very well with modelling though. I’ve set my sights too high, the projects are too involved
I always enjoy projects like this. Both because the are artistically neat and because the give me all sorts of ideas.
It's certainly nice to see the nice woodworking in combination with a simple elegant design.
Ways to keep more than one brain center active!
Funny, I've been playing with panel-meters as well…
I have an analog computer I'm finishing up. I have ADC's to convert the analog to digital to display the values on an LCD (with an ESP32 dev board—it was more flexible than panel meters, cheaper than an oscilloscope).
But because looking at "simulated" panel-meters seemed to kind of undercut the point of the analog computer, I went ahead and created a small PCB to go from my analog computer to a panel meter like the one in the clock.
Running a "Spring + Mass" simulation on the analog computer and seeing both the LCD/ESP32 representation of a panel meter and an actual panel meter move in sync brought it all home.
So sexy! I could probably build the electronics easily enough, but such projects need workworking tools I just don't have room for in my tiny flat.
(nor would the missus be pleased for me to buy them - but that's another matter)
If there's a makerspace or hackerspace near you, they might have a CNC router. Apart from (I believe) the front panel being a two-sided job, this is pretty straightforward and could be done entirely on a Shopbot or equivalent. Worst case you might need to learn FreeCAD and buy some collets ($10-$50) and bits (~$50-$75 if you're getting two). Best case, they have software and tooling you can use.
Source: am a furniture maker professionally. Have worked out of a makerspace, and have done equivalently complex projects on their Shopbot.
Edited to add: if you skip the rabbets around the gauges on the front panel, you can make that a single-sided CNC job, which makes it much easier. With some care, you could do those with a handheld router and a rabbetting bit.
I expected seconds arrow to move much more smoothly than in the video
is 10Hz control just too slow?
Nice! Needs just a tweak to prevent the overshoot and bounce when going from high to low.
Wut? We add extra lines of code just to get that in digital?
;-)
Nah the bounce is gorgeous
Cool! I was at least hoping for an op amp or two for the circuit however ;)
This is gorgeous. I really need to hunker down and learn 3d modeling. It unlocks so many options from cnc to 3d printing.
In my experience, having a project/goal will make it do-able for you. You have both the motivation and an target (dare I say, North Star?) in sight.
You’re exactly right..that’s how I end up learning tech stuff. It’s not working very well with modelling though. I’ve set my sights too high, the projects are too involved
tinkercad