Watch Winder : Programming Begins

Its been about 2 weeks since I have been working on the main user input method.  So far the code was pretty small and consisted of 4 functions but it was getting messy all just in the main loop so I have begun to make designated functions.  I would like to make libraries for all this but currently I don't quite have a grasp on header files and could use some help created some.

Anyhow, I currently have a way for the user to adjust the "Turns Per Day" then lock in the value using the push button built into the rotary encoder.  This way once the value is locked in turning the rotary encoder will not change the value.  I originally wanted to use EEPROM to store the value but currently I am just using a temp variable which works fine for testing but not when the project is reset.

Here is a short video of how the program works right now:

The circuit is pretty simple. The encoder software I am using sets the encoder pins with internal pull ups and the center common line of the encoder is connected to ground.  The button is also connected in the same way.

First Project: Watch Winder

Well the title is a bit misleading,  I have had a RadioShack Electronics Learning Lab for a good number of years now and believe me I made many of the circuits in that book.  However until now I could not tell you how any of those circuits really worked.  I merely followed the directions and inserted a white wire into G5 and J10.  While it was cool to make LED's flash and buzzers hum I wished I knew more so I could make my own circuits.  Fast forward about 8 years and 4 years of college and I know a bit more to say the least.  And here I find myself with my first useful project a watch winder. 

Some background on why I need one.  I decided I wanted a watch I would never have to replace the battery. Something simple and looked like time itself.  If you have ever seen a mechanical watch move there are about 4 clicks to a second compared to quarts movement which are just one.  I am also big into self sustained energy and less waste. Batteries are a huge factor is waste and pollution.  The more we do to keep that waste out of the environment the better off we will be. 

Enough of me ranting.  When I looked for watch winders I found 70 dollar models with maybe 3 or 4 settings at best.  Even the more expensive models did not have the functionality they should.  There are watches that only turn 270 degrees for a wind, some need to be wound in alternating directions, some watches lack anti overwind clutches.  So I set off to make my own.  Enter the Arduino.  Having previously used the ATmega168 for my Engineering Practice and Design Studio to make a bottling machine I felt this was a great place to start.  After about a month and a half of researching I decided on my game plan and my list of parts.

The List:
Arduino UNO
SparkFun LCD Shield
7.5 Volt adapter
100:1 Metal Gear Motor
Male 2.1x5mm barrel adapter
Female 2.1x5mm barrel adapter
QRD1114 Optical Detector
Dead On RTC DS3234 Breakout
Button cell back up battery
Rotary Encoder
Metal Knob
ULN2803 Driver
74HC595 Shift Register

I hope you are envisioning the awesomeness that is about to happen.  The Plan is to use the LCD screen to display the "turns per day" feature, and display the time and date from the real time clock.  The optical detector is IR and will be able to track the "turns per day" in light or dark.  The rotary encoder with push button will be the only user input device. It is clean, simple and makes having to vary the "turns per day" by hundreds with little effort.  Everything will be accessible for the user.  In the setup mode the user will be able to cycle through the "turns per day", date, and time.  A single click at each step will lock the number in. 

That seems enough for one post, much more to come.

- Sal

The Beginning

I wanted to begin this blog with some background information before just diving into topics.  I don't plan to have a set frequency of updates since this blog is a catch all for my projects present and future it is most likely that I will be working on more than one project at a time.  However I do promise to update monthly if things should slow down to that pace. 

What this blog will report on besides just what I am doing at the moment is dive into the specifics and core knowledge behind the project.  While it is cool to look at pictures and watch a project grow, that would not be true to what a blog on engineering is about.  So be ready for explanation on the physics behind circuits, the way electrical components work, integrated circuits, calculations of all sorts, theory, formulas, design theory, instructions and experiments anyone can do, etc.  I want you the readers to be able to learn and teach others because I believe in the collective sharing of ideas and giving anyone the tools to accomplish their dreams.

While the knowledge of how things work is key to forming projects the next step is a physical system and not all components are created alike.  I will give my honest and unbiased opinion on the various components I use and how they should be use to ensure proper function and any precautions to take. 

Now on to the good stuff, what you readers have to look forward to.  Right now I an working on a watch winder for my Stauer Hyperion with an automatic movement.  Its a neat device that will feature a small LCD screen for display of the turns per day and the time and date.  All this is run off my new Arduino UNO.  More on the watch winder to come in the next post. 

My next dive into electronics will be a sweet countdown timer for launching my model rockets.  Featuring a key switch (similar to your cars ignition) and 7 segment LED display. 

During all this will most likely be updates on the progress of YCP's FSAE car.  I start the first design class this summer and I hope to get a decent amount of test data.  I will be focusing on suspension design.

That's all for now but check back or subscribe for new posts.  I will update on my Facebook page when new posts come out.

Have a great Easter Sunday everyone.

-Sal