R.L. Dane    🍵 

Are there any cheap binary wristwatches worth getting?
I scoured the internet and amazon, and wasn't impressed with what I found.

I saw a lot that looked like this:

12 00 11 44 10 40 09 45 08 40 07 35 06 30 05 25 04 20 04 03 15 03 02 10 02 01 05 01

That's not binary! 🤦‍♂️

Then I saw a single true binary watch, but look at how it was aligned:

# O # O # O O # O #

Seriously? You had one job. 😆

(It shows 10:37, but it could also be read as 40:37, based on how it's aligned)

Some others looked good, but they were like 100+ USD/EUR.

Jun 19 at 1:37amWeb
Show threadJoel  Jun 19
@rl_dane @ruari we need you
Show threadcerementJun 19

@rl_dane

so … you’re saying I shouldn’t get my hopes up for a balanced-ternary watch then?

Show threadR.L. Dane    🍵 6d ago

@cerement

Probably too niche 😄

T'would look mighty interesting, though!

Show threadPete OrrallJun 19
@rl_dane "You had one job!" 🤣🤣🤣
Show threadDendrobatus Azureus3d ago

I would just

  • fetch a microcontroller
  • program it
  • add a micro led display matrix
  • add CR2032 batteries, or
  • dedicated small lipo rechargeable
  • 3D print a enclosure
  • get a custom made wrist band

...slap it on my wrist,  depending on the power requirements of the microcontroller

Much more niche, totally unique no need for a factory produced Gizmo

There are countless Open Source  Projects for something like this readily available

@rl_dane

#Watch #binary #micro #controller #led #matrix #programming #OpenSource

Show threadR.L. Dane    🍵 3d ago

@dendrobatus_azureus

A binary clock only needs 9 leds. With multiplexing, that's just 6 leads. With #Charlieplexing... five?

So, either an ATTiny with some kind of decoder chip, or a slightly larger ATmega chip?

Oh, maybe this!!! https://www.adafruit.com/product/3677
That could even drive the LEDs individually, no multiplexing!

I wish I was better at #soldering. It low-key terrifies me. 😆

I could maybe bodge a design for a surface-mount LED board and send it to pcbway and have them a$$emble it?!? 🤷‍♂️

Adafruit ItsyBitsy 32u4 - 5V 16MHz

What's smaller than a Feather but larger than a Trinket? It's an ItsyBitsy! Small, powerful, Arduino-compatible - this microcontroller board is perfect when you want something very ...

Show threadIan Dunn3d ago
@rl_dane @dendrobatus_azureus I have a soft spot for binary clocks. I made one with old TTL chips. I wanted to make one with a microcontroller. The 328pb is my favorite microcontroller. But it doesn't quite have enough outputs. That led me to realize I could just use addressable LEDs. This kind of feels like cheating but i decided to do it anyway. So I designed a board, and when I was finished I zoomed out and realized my board is only like 4cm x 6cm. I ordered the finished board anyway. Is should be here in a few weeks. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Show threadR.L. Dane    🍵 3d ago

@Ian_Dunn @dendrobatus_azureus

Dude, yes please! Tag me when you get it!! 😃