Crafting a 7-Segment Shadows Timepiece
The "shadow clock" by Smart Solutions for Home is not your typical timepiece. This innovative device, with its aesthetically pleasing design and functional prowess, offers a unique approach to timekeeping.
Manufactured by Smart Solutions for Home, the shadow clock does not solely rely on Internet-based NTP time servers for its timekeeping. Instead, it creates a display using the physical protrusion of its segments, making the numerical time visible in a single colour.
At the heart of the shadow clock is an ESP32 microcontroller, which controls the device's operations. Each segment of the display is extended or retracted using a solenoid, powered by H-bridges to reduce the number of GPIO pins needed.
For precise timekeeping, the shadow clock utilises a DS3231 real-time clock module. This ensures that the clock maintains its accuracy, regardless of power interruptions or network connectivity issues.
Configuring the shadow clock is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly web interface. Design files for the clock are also available online, allowing enthusiasts to build their own version of this intriguing device.
Despite its unique design, the concept of the shadow clock is not entirely new. Traditional sundials such as vertical or horizontal sundials and armillary spheres can be considered early examples of shadow clocks. These devices use a gnomon that casts a shadow on hour lines etched on a surface to indicate the time.
While other modern electronic or mechanical shadow clocks similar to the one from Smart Solutions for Home were not explicitly mentioned in the search results, the traditional sundials provide well-known historical and artistic examples of shadow-based timekeeping devices.
The term "shadow clock" is not enforced or defined by any global horological organisation, but the shadow clock from Smart Solutions for Home certainly stands out as a functional daily-use clock with an unconventional, unique appearance due to its protruding segments.
In conclusion, the shadow clock by Smart Solutions for Home offers a fresh take on timekeeping, combining functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a unique addition to your home decor, the shadow clock is definitely worth considering.
This DIY-friendly project allows tech enthusiasts to build their own smart-home devices by leveraging the shadow clock's design files and user-friendly web interface. The shadow clock, with its innovative use of technology, culminates in a visually striking timepiece that also functions as a gadget.
