For those of you who want to use real plane clocks.

[727737Nut]

After some research and trials and curse words, i have figured out a cheap way to drive a real clock from Boeing aircraft! They need a pulse input to work in the real plane as this keeps them accurate and synchronized. The cool thing about this adapter i built is it works one of two ways. Depending on if you have the pin-out of the clock you have or not. If you don't, it gets more complicated and slightly more expensive. By using a cheap 555 timer chip, 2 resistors, and a capacitor, you can input the proper pulse in to the clock for it to keep time! In my case, i didn't have the pin-out sooo, i bought a stepper motor driver from pololu.com for 19.95. My little cheap pulse generator signals the stepper driver which in turn drives the clock stepper motor. Presto! Real Boeing clock fully functioning. Just thought i would share that info with my fellow builders as you all have helped me so much in the past, present, and future!

Happy Flying!
Rob

[Nat Crea]

Talk about timing!

I just bought the same clocks as you Rob...havent recieved yet but am thinking ahead already.

If I just want to get the chrono needle working, is it just a matter of applying the right voltage to the right pin? Eg is the chrono "mechanical" or does it need a pulse signal as well?

Sorry for bombarding you 

Nat

[727737Nut]

It needs a pulse signal as well.  You need to find a pin-out or you will have to do what i did.  I emailed two different companies with no reply.  Maybe you will have better luck?
Let me know.

Rob

[Nat Crea]

Thanks Rob

Ill give it a crack as they say.
Have a feeling I'll fall back on your good work

Nat

[Nat Crea]

Hi Rob,

I recieved my two clocks. They look Identical but made by different companies.
Got the backlighting pins easy enough...but thats it.

In your mod, did you modify or the internals? I'd be happy just to get the chrono needle
going, but I need more help with your circuit...like ALOT

Thanks,

Nat

[Flying_Fox]

Hi guys,

Could you share wher did you get those Boeing clocks? I am interested too.

Thanks,
Nick

[Nat Crea]

Nick,

Just search Ebay Motors every now and then.
After I bloody bought mine, there was a real cheap one!

Nat

[jackpilot]

I check diligently...will tip you as soon as I see one
Jack

[727737Nut]

Hi Rob,

I recieved my two clocks. They look Identical but made by different companies.
Got the backlighting pins easy enough...but thats it.

In your mod, did you modify or the internals? I'd be happy just to get the chrono needle
going, but I need more help with your circuit...like ALOT

Thanks,

Nat

Nat,
Unfortunately without a pin-out for the connectors on your clock you most likely will have to get inside and go the route I went.  See if you can obtain some schematics first. If not, we shall proceed to duplicate what I did.

Rob

[Flying_Fox]

I check diligently...will tip you as soon as I see one
Jack

Thanks guys!

Nick

[Nat Crea]

Thanks Rob!

I had a peek inside....turned white and closed it up

I'll dig around...

Nat

[jackpilot]

Nat
If you are satisfied with the chrono you can get the guts out of it and install a $5.00 quartz movement.

[727737Nut]

Nat
If you are satisfied with the chrono you can get the guts out of it and install a $5.00 quartz movement.

No offense Jack but if he is capable of gutting it and mounting a clock inside then surely he is capable of cutting 4 wires and hooking it up to a stepper driver board!! LOL  It is very easy to drive these clocks, even easier if we could get a pin-out.

Rob

[jackpilot]

Was just jokin!

But you know Rob to some of us, what you suggest is chinese. what about some drawing, explanation, picture of those strange items....
Hey, we cant be good at everything...almost 

[727737Nut]

Was just jokin!

But you know Rob to some of us, what you suggest is chinese. what about some drawing, explanation, picture of those strange items....
Hey, we cant be good at everything...almost 

Just so happens that my back lighting went out on the clock so i need to pull it for maintenance. While I have it out I spell it out with pictures and diagrams. 

Rob

[kondrat]

Thanks Rob!

[Nat Crea]

Thanks Rob.
Cutting four wires is no problem. I have a full set of real  OH and MIP indicators
running now. Some with no mods, others with servo replacement...im well prepared

(Yeah Jack...rip the guts out!....You have no heart! )

Nat