Mechanical Sunrise Clock
Print Profile(1)
Bill of Materials
- High Torque Quartz Clock Mechanism x 1: UTS IEC R6
- 1.5mm Solid Steel Rods x 1: OD 1.5mm, 304 Stainless Steel
- 8mm Hollow Brass Tube (concentric) x 1: OD 8mm, wall 0.5mm, ~Xmm length
- 6mm Hollow Brass Tube (concentric) x 1: OD 8mm, wall 0.5mm, ~Xmm length
- 4mm Hollow Brass Tube (concentric) x 1: OD 8mm, wall 0.5mm, ~Xmm length
Description
Mechanical Sunrise Sunset Clock - shows 24-hour time plus sunrise and sunset indicators that change throughout the year based on astronomical calculations. Each sunrise and sunset cam profile is unique to a specific Latitude/Longitude location.
Read all about how it works here:
https://amiablealex.com/projects/sunrise-clock
---STILL IN DEVELOPMENT---
This upload includes all 3D printable parts. You'll also need some brass tubes, rods, and a quartz clock mechanism. Working on making this easier to assemble, including fixing some tolerances, detailed parts list, assembly guide, Cam profile calculator coming soon!
You will need a way of cutting the stainless steel pins and brass rods to correct size.
A note on rotating parts (gears):
Rotating parts are deliberately modelled with centre hole too tight - the steel rod will not pass through straight away. This is because if they were printed with holes that fit the rods the chances are that they would be too loose and wobble around the axis. Axial alignment of rotating parts is very critical for the clockwork. The best way to achieve perfect alignment is to print deliberately too tight and gradually erode the centre hole, first with 1.5mm drill bit and then second with a burred piece of the steel rod. Eventually the gear will fit perfectly on the steel rods, you will know when it's right because it will spin on the rod with very little resistance and no axial wobble.
Questions? Please ask!
Change history:
Update 30/03/2026
V2 files - update to some tolerances and minor improvements. See attached V2_changes.txt
Documentation (1)
License
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