The Braille Flip Clock

[tonyofthelord]

no face plate. just touch tiles directly.

[flipoclock]

That's a neat idea actually!

[Mackey]

That's so unusual... I had to have it.
Don't know must about braille so I had to double check the numbers. Checks out.

[Johan de Jong]

That is really special! Quite surprising it was ever made. Making an analog clock usable for the blind is simple: just leave out the window. But making a flip clock requires not only that but also a whole set of special tiles.

[tonyofthelord]

I found the clock this is based on and like most of the Ken Tech style clocks the hold back tabs or tynes are gone. but it looks like they got wise for the Braille clock and made them metal. probably to beef it up because people would be touching it.

love to see the video on Braille clock when you get it Mackey. Thanks.

[Mackey]

Hey tonyofthelord got the video done and gave you a shout out!

See the video on YouTube



Oh joy. Another "Ken-Tech" mechanism. And the clock came with two tabs already broken, so I just cut the hours tab off and replaced them all.
During the making of the video the clock developed a noise that turned out to be the motor needing "greasing." Unlike the Copals, there's no oiling these. A little dab of grease did the trick. I used Haynes Lubri-flim which is a clear grease made primarily of white mineral oil.


According to the manufacturer: "Haynes Lubri-Film provides a protective coating to all metal parts. A thin film will retain effectiveness on bearings, slides, and other lubricated surfaces despite moisture. By staying on the work area, corrosion of metal is minimized. This sanitary lubricant is highly resistant to separation or bleed. It will not dry or gum on your equipment."

It's a nice alternative to something, say, like lithium grease. It's not as thick and won't impede the movement/rotation.

The clock top had some adhesive on it (cleaned off with alcohol) but needed a good polishing due to scratches - cleaned up really well.

I'm getting use to these mechanisms and I guess they're not all that bad once you get past the tabs.
I've had the newly greased clock running for the last 18 hours with no further problems.