Hackable quartz movements

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Hello all, I'm building an electromagnetically maintained pendulum clock and for speed would initially like to hack a quartz movement to display the time, fed from the Arduino that controls the impulsing. I've had a go at hacking two movements, to get access to the stepper motor coil. One was successful, the other fell apart as soon as I took the cover off!



Does anyone have any recommendations for a movement type/supplier that is easy to hack in this way please? A tall order I know as there are so many around but any suggestions would be useful. I have plans for a second clock so will need at least another one.

Edited By John Haine on 24/07/2017 12:37:23

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I'd suggest one of the 'radio controlled' clocks as these may be a bit more robustly made as they are designed to operate faster for short periods.

Neil

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

Thanks Neil, good suggestion. I think I have one hanging around somewhere.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

One good source I've now found are the "skeleton" movements. These have the gear train exposed between "plates" with the stepper motor at the bottom. I got one for £4 from the local steam fair in a terribly tasteless plastic case which went straight in the bin, but the movement is fine and the coil easily accessible. I wouldn't pay the ~£25 they ask for these new, but worth haunting charity shops for. Also will look a bit better than a black plastic box.

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