Custom DeLorean Dashboard Clock

[robvanderveer]

Hi Folks,

I wanted to show my custom dashboard clock. It's the same size as the original clock, so it fits inside the housing. It has battery backup, dual temperature sensors, and a few other features such as dimming the dashboard lights. Also, i had a custom lens made to remove the original holes for the adjustment buttons that are no longer necessary. I made a little demo video:


http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU

First prototype backside: TINY components:
http://i.imgur.com/Xb2UN7El.jpg (http://imgur.com/Xb2UN7E)

http://i.imgur.com/feI2vWGl.jpg (http://imgur.com/feI2vWG)

Ps. Sorry this will not go i to production until i'm sure it works inside a car.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Nice looking project. I do love having an outside temp display in my DD so I know when to be careful of ice. I don't drive the D much in the cold though.

[robvanderveer]

Thank you, bitsyncmaster!


Rob

[1batt4u]

Looks and sounds awesome! Great idea!!

I will definitely be interested in this!!

Where is the demo video you mentioned?

[Tomcio]

Nice project! I like the idea of temperature display even though I have one of those dimming mirrors with temp on it.
I might be interested if you decide to offer different color options for the display. My eyes have a very hard time focusing on any blue light. A blue display appears as if I'm looking through a frosted glass. No way for me to see it right. Any other color would be fine. White would be perfect as it has that "minimalist" feel to it and this is how I want all my dash lights - no color except for warning lights.
Would be great if you could use RGB display so everyone can choose their favorite color. Everyone would be happy ;)

[robvanderveer]

The video is in the post (perhaps you are watching on ipad/iphone?) but here is a direct link: http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU

About that color: the lens and the display should match. A green lens over a blue display gives you nothing because everything is filtered out. The lcd display is available in red and green as well, but with both you must match the lens. Believe me, you dont want a white/clear lens. I chose blue to match my own interiour lights and El-glo dashboard.


Rob

[ALEXAKOS]

Hey Rob!
Drop us that awesome video you made with all the functions:wow:

[Bitsyncmaster]

The video is in the post (perhaps you are watching on ipad/iphone?) but here is a direct link: http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU

About that color: the lens and the display should match. A green lens over a blue display gives you nothing because everything is filtered out. The lcd display is available in red and green as well, but with both you must match the lens. Believe me, you dont want a white/clear lens. I chose blue to match my own interiour lights and El-glo dashboard.


Rob

I have found that blue does work with the green faceplate with little light attenuation on the AC panel. Have not tried that on the clock filter.

[robvanderveer]

Hey Alex, which video? I only made the one. Or do you mean an early prototype video?


Rob

[robvanderveer]

I have found that blue does work with the green faceplate with little light attenuation on the AC panel. Have not tried that on the clock filter.

It's science. It depends on how pure the blue and or the greens are. I tried the original green lens on the blue lcd and that makes it invisible, like i mentioned.


Rob

[Ryan S.]

Very nice. I would buy one if the price is reasonable.
By the way, how does it work with LED upgraded cars? Dimmer doesn't work with LEDs.

[robvanderveer]

I rerouted the binnacle lighting through a PWM circuit. After all, the rheostat and the clock are very close together. So i replaced them both, but used the existing wiring. So in short, it's made to work with led's. (It'll probably burn out with regular bulbs too as they draw too much current)


Rob

[Tomcio]

The video is in the post (perhaps you are watching on ipad/iphone?) but here is a direct link: http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU

About that color: the lens and the display should match. A green lens over a blue display gives you nothing because everything is filtered out. The lcd display is available in red and green as well, but with both you must match the lens. Believe me, you dont want a white/clear lens. I chose blue to match my own interiour lights and El-glo dashboard.


Rob

NICE! Very nice!

As for the lens... I usually use a smoked lens regardless of the color of the display. This gives very nice results and works with RGB displays too.
Use a smoked lens and white digits and I'll want one for sure ;)
If you can't get the white display please let me know the details (size, common anode or cathode) and I'll get the displays. When I order the clock from you you can simply send me one without the digits and I'll install white ones myself. Or, I can send you the white ones. I've been using different colors over the years but when I first saw white I was hooked. I want WHITE everywhere ;)

[robvanderveer]

Ho ho, i'm happy that you are all interested, but first let me test this in an actual car. Also, i kinda made an agreement with Mark not to go volume on it. But i do have a few prototype PCB's left, they might be of use to someone else but me.


Rob

[Tillsy]

The video is in the post (perhaps you are watching on ipad/iphone?)

I'm using Safari on a Mac and no video appears in your original post either.

I've taken a look at the source code and there is no video in there, just the tags and no video in-between?


<br />
<!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: bbcode_video -->

<!-- END TEMPLATE: bbcode_video --><br />
<br />

[robvanderveer]

Well i am on TapaTalk and on Windows 7 / IE10, and both show a video. I thinks theres something in the forum software checking the useragent.

Proof:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/09/yse8upet.jpg


Rob

[Tillsy]

I thinks theres something in the forum software checking the useragent.

I think it's discriminating specifically against your video - all the other videos are show up just dandy. I wonder why?!? :(

[Tillsy]

Well i am on TapaTalk and on Windows 7 / IE10, and both show a video. I thinks theres something in the forum software checking the useragent.

I've just tried both Firefox and Chrome on my Mac, no video.

Fired up in IE11 and Chrome in a Windows 7 VM and again no video.

Weeeiiiiirrrddd.... :dunno:

[robvanderveer]

Anyway, once more: http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU. Now it's just the url. Stupid board software.


Rob

[Tomcio]

Ho ho, i'm happy that you are all interested, but first let me test this in an actual car. Also, i kinda made an agreement with Mark not to go volume on it. But i do have a few prototype PCB's left, they might be of use to someone else but me.

That is bad news... on the other hand I want just one without the digits. I'll get the white ones and install them myself.
Can I have one please? ;)

[Tillsy]

Anyway, once more: http://youtu.be/QJJclgxl1vU.

Tickle me impressed, I love your attention to detail with the configuration screens - extremely polished interface :)

Only thing I'd do different would be a mode for automatic cycling between the info, e.g.:
Repeat for ten seconds:
"IN" - 2 seconds
"xx'c" - 2 seconds

Repeat for ten seconds:
"OUT" - 2 seconds
"xx'c" - 2 seconds

Show for ten seconds:
TIME

And that process just keeps looping. Only because I'd want that info displayed at all times, but also wouldn't want three or more displays mounted about the place.

Then again, I remember seeing a blog or thread somewhere once where someone was making a circuit that had an OLED display mounted in place of the clock... which means you could render anything you wanted instead of being confined to four digits.

As always, fantastic to see so many options being made for a component that only a few years ago there was nothing for.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I agree. Very nice user interface.8)

[robvanderveer]

It is not finished yet, i still have to complete the software. But i'll reserve one for you when i'm confident it doesn't blow up your car.


Rob

[1batt4u]

Tickle me impressed, I love your attention to detail with the configuration screens - extremely polished interface :)

Only thing I'd do different would be a mode for automatic cycling between the info, e.g.:
Repeat for ten seconds:
"IN" - 2 seconds
"xx'c" - 2 seconds

Repeat for ten seconds:
"OUT" - 2 seconds
"xx'c" - 2 seconds

Show for ten seconds:
TIME

And that process just keeps looping. Only because I'd want that info displayed at all times, but also wouldn't want three or more displays mounted about the place.

Then again, I remember seeing a blog or thread somewhere once where someone was making a circuit that had an OLED display mounted in place of the clock... which means you could render anything you wanted instead of being confined to four digits.

As always, fantastic to see so many options being made for a component that only a few years ago there was nothing for.

I was gonna write same thing till I saw ur post! Great idea!!

[robvanderveer]

Tickle me impressed, I love your attention to detail with the configuration screens - extremely polished interface :)

Only thing I'd do different would be a mode for automatic cycling between the info, e.g.:
...

And that process just keeps looping. Only because I'd want that info displayed at all times, but also wouldn't want three or more displays mounted about the place.

Then again, I remember seeing a blog or thread somewhere once where someone was making a circuit that had an OLED display mounted in place of the clock... which means you could render anything you wanted instead of being confined to four digits.

As always, fantastic to see so many options being made for a component that only a few years ago there was nothing for.

Good thinking. I'll probably add an option in the menu to change the display automatically. What you DON'T want when driving a car is something in the corner of your eye drawing your attention. That's why i made it static. That's also the reason why i made the clock ':' blink optional.

I tried using an OLED screen, but it's nowhere near readable from about 70cm as you would like. Believe me i tried. It's a waste of good OLED screens.

[Timebender]

That's pretty slick Rob. Being a UX/UI guy, it's nice to see when someone comes up with a very simple easy to use interface, esp. in an automotive application.
Keep up the good work! Mind if I post this to the LinkedIn automotive UX group?

[robvanderveer]

That's pretty slick Rob. Being a UX/UI guy, it's nice to see when someone comes up with a very simple easy to use interface, esp. in an automotive application.
Keep up the good work! Mind if I post this to the LinkedIn automotive UX group?

By all means go ahead! I like being appreciated. Oh and i'm a bit of a UX prrson to, my previous employer did all kinds of UXP web design, i guess i got infected.

[Dangermouse]

Nicely done Rob. I have only now had the chance to look at the vid and I am very impressed.

[Timebender]

Thanks Rob. If you're on linkedin, I suggest joining the automotive ux group sometime!

[robvanderveer]

time for a little update. i have just finished installing the new clock in my car!

http://bit.ly/1jw3lgq

[vps3922]

time for a little update. i have just finished installing the new clock in my car!

http://bit.ly/1jw3lgq

Hmm, I am getting rerouted to "Let me Google this for you" with the search for "CultofMAC". What is wrong with my browser?

I so love your mo video and totally want one in green. Do you plan to manufacture a coupe of them for the common crowd?

[robvanderveer]

http://youtu.be/2nzDV4h6oqo

clearly i posted the wrong link... perhaps the moderator can fix this. Why can't i updatr my own posts here?

[ccurzio]

After a certain amount of time, the edit link on posts gets disabled.

This is why you should preview your posts before submitting them.

[robvanderveer]

This is why you should preview your posts before submitting them.

no offence, but Tapatalk has no preview option.



I so love your mo video and totally want one in green. Do you plan to manufacture a coupe of them for the common crowd?


first, thank you very much. but sorry, i will not market these as a finished product yet. there is too much to be modified to the car to make this a consumer ready product. and i do not have the energy yet to take this up.

[ccurzio]

no offence, but Tapatalk has no preview option.

None taken. (Why would that offend me?) :)

Yet another reason Tapatalk is garbage.

[vps3922]

http://youtu.be/2nzDV4h6oqo

clearly i posted the wrong link... perhaps the moderator can fix this. Why can't i updatr my own posts here?

So I see that it is not (yet) for sale. I am counting on the "yet" and hope that it will be in the future because that thing is AWESOME!

Please keep me in mind, although I would like a green one. :wink:

[Domi]

Awesome video of your clock with great features!

[robvanderveer]

the reasons for not selling these (yet):

- surface mount soldering by hand is rather tricky
- unknown how it works under real use, including heat, moist, long term use, cold, fire safety, etc. so basically reliability
- needs modifications to your wiring, so no plug and play
- requires custom lens from a friend that sells his own DeLorean clock
- it took me 7 months to make just one.

if you know answers to these questions, or help out fixing them i can see this getting produced in a small quantity. i have no idea how much money it would cost.

[Tomcio]

the reasons for not selling these (yet):

- surface mount soldering by hand is rather tricky
- unknown how it works under real use, including heat, moist, long term use, cold, fire safety, etc. so basically reliability
- needs modifications to your wiring, so no plug and play
- requires custom lens from a friend that sells his own DeLorean clock
- it took me 7 months to make just one.

if you know answers to these questions, or help out fixing them i can see this getting produced in a small quantity. i have no idea how much money it would cost.

I can help you with some of those... Since I really want one of those clocks I will be willing to help you out. I want white digits and I can supply the parts.

- I can do surface mount soldering for you. I have an IR SMD oven for this kind of work
- I can test the clock to the limit
- we can figure out how to make the installation as easy as possible. Since my console is in pieces now I have all the wires easily accessible.
- I can probably help with lenses. Laser cut lenses should work just fine in this application
- we can make it happen in less than 7 months, for sure ;)

[vps3922]

the reasons for not selling these (yet):

- surface mount soldering by hand is rather tricky
- unknown how it works under real use, including heat, moist, long term use, cold, fire safety, etc. so basically reliability
- needs modifications to your wiring, so no plug and play
- requires custom lens from a friend that sells his own DeLorean clock
- it took me 7 months to make just one.

if you know answers to these questions, or help out fixing them i can see this getting produced in a small quantity. i have no idea how much money it would cost.

Well, I can surface solder (although I also had the pleasure to work with a reflow oven once, which will solder everything in one go and is a pleasure to work with and produce high quantities).
And my current clock would be the donor of the lens.

Maybe you can sell a kit (not soldered), or just the board and people can buy the components themselves. This is probably a long stretch because you cannot take over responsibility/future troubleshooting for the ready product if you do not control production.

But hey, I can wait. I am glad somebody came up with something like that. It is really super-functional and fits nicely. A job well done! I will monitor this post. 8)

[robvanderveer]

wonderful responses guys. this stuff needs investigation. i'm really tired now,sorry if my response is limited.

[NightFlyer]

That's pretty SWEET - very nice Rob :thumbup:

[ALEXAKOS]

SWEET!!
Damn Rob, the only thing this wont do, is reply to emails!!!!:worship:

Love the music of the video. So when is this item ready for sale?

[Ozzie]

Very nice!
Love the features and especially the interface with the use of the now-with-LED-non-functional rheostat. Clever.
I'll be sure to post this up on my blog (http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2012/06/dmc-12s-digital-clock-its-alive.html), so as to cover more recent clock solutions.

I love DeLorean owners' innovation and solutions for this car. When I got my D in 2007 (w/a non functional clock) the OEM clocks had just run out, and there weren't any options to replace them; today though, it looks like there are several options available for OEM like/fit clock replacements. 8)

[robvanderveer]

for sake of completeness: the rheostat dial can still be used to drive the dashboard lighting brightness. The big difference is that it now works for LEDs as well! this was made possible by the use of PWM modulation on the dashlight wire.

i had one spare output pin on the microprocessor and it was decided quickly what it should do.

[kobachi]

for sake of completeness: the rheostat dial can still be used to drive the dashboard lighting brightness. The big difference is that it now works for LEDs as well! this was made possible by the use of PWM modulation on the dashlight wire.

i had one spare output pin on the microprocessor and it was decided quickly what it should do.

Just to clarify, you're only using the rheostat *dial*, not the rheostat itself, right? Mine died a long time ago.

[robvanderveer]

indeed you are correct. i'm only using the face plate. the rheostat itself has been replaced by a so called 'rotary encoder with switch'. an example of such a device (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9117) can be found on stereo sets. It can rotate freely (no limits) and there are slight stops to be felt when going round.

27819

[robvanderveer]

Listen up guys, i'm trying to see how many clocks i'd have to make when i decide to do a small one time only batch, so i can set up a little crowdfund for these. i'm thinking maybe 25? let me know though PM if you are interested.

[vps3922]

Listen up guys, i'm trying to see how many clocks i'd have to make when i decide to do a small one time only batch, so i can set up a little crowdfund for these. i'm thinking maybe 25? let me know though PM if you are interested.

PM sent.

[Mike A]

PM Sent

[robvanderveer]

Listen up guys, i'm trying to see how many clocks i'd have to make when i decide to do a small one time only batch, so i can set up a little crowdfund for these. i'm thinking maybe 25? let me know though PM if you are interested.

The pricing has not been fixed because i have no idea how many clocks i will be making. I hope to be able to this this around €100 or so. A lot determines on the price. I hope to be able to make 25 clocks. I am just collecting interest to see if it is worth the trouble. I am preparing a pitch to explain the details on what and when. A few ones PM'ed me to show interest, that is a good sign!

[alexwolf1216]

PM sent.

[mluder]

Listen up guys, i'm trying to see how many clocks i'd have to make when i decide to do a small one time only batch, so i can set up a little crowdfund for these. i'm thinking maybe 25? let me know though PM if you are interested.

PM sent - now that my factory clock seems to be failing.

[kobachi]

The pricing has not been fixed because i have no idea how many clocks i will be making. I hope to be able to this this around €100 or so. A lot determines on the price. I hope to be able to make 25 clocks. I am just collecting interest to see if it is worth the trouble. I am preparing a pitch to explain the details on what and when. A few ones PM'ed me to show interest, that is a good sign!

Would €100 include the rotary controller (replacement for the dimmer switch)?

[robvanderveer]

Hey guys,

Just a little update. As you can see the clock is still too big to fit a DeLorean. Don't worry, i am working on it! :D

http://i.imgur.com/3IkAGc8l.jpg (http://imgur.com/3IkAGc8)

The good news is: I WILL DO A SMALL PRODUCTION RUN.

Expect a product pitch before next weekend. This will contain all the details and answer all your questions. Thank you for your patience!

[Tillsy]

Just a little update. As you can see the clock is still too big to fit a DeLorean. Don't worry, i am working on it! :D

At least that gauge of wiring you are using is insanely larger than the standard Lucas stuff in that D...

[robvanderveer]

At least that gauge of wiring you are using is insanely larger than the standard Lucas stuff in that D...

Since higher gauge means thinner wire, i'm a bit confused.

[Tillsy]

Since higher gauge means thinner wire, i'm a bit confused.

Yep - weird sentence, talked gauge for half of it and physical for the rest of it... don't mind me :)

[robvanderveer]

Hi,

I've opened a new topic in the 'for sale' bit regarding the DeClock. Please check http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?10194-DeClock-dashboard-clock-replacement-offered

Thanks!

[OZ DMC]

Does anyone know what is the best option to replace a non-functioning stock Delorean Clock?

[Rich]

Does anyone know what is the best option to replace a non-functioning stock Delorean Clock?

The Yoda clock, so named for the DMCTalk username of the builder/vendor in Germany, is a very good option. I bought and installed mine 2 yrs ago to replace the original console clock in my early-VIN car.

It's still working fine. Here's a link to the original thread posted about it (https://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14994).

Better than original since it:
- Keeps time very accurately
- Has an internal coin cell battery that keeps the time set correctly even if the car battery dies or is disconnected

Also has the VFD-dim feature slaved from the headlight switch, same as OE. Summary of selected info from the linked thread:

The kit includes the body of the clock with an OE-style green VFD plus the circuitry and full instructions w/photos. It's plug-and-play. You reuse the plastic cover and the black plastic case underneath the clock. I polished my cover with 3-stage plastic polish to remove the scratches while it was out.
Clock has an OE-style 4-wire plug with connectors on the pigtail. There's an option to buy new time-set pins which I didn't need since my original 2 pins were OK.

Send Yoda a PM for info/ordering.


Mods: maybe move this question/answer to the linked thread?

[delozealot]

The Yoda clock, so named for the DMCTalk username of the builder/vendor in Germany, is a very good option. I bought and installed mine 2 yrs ago to replace the original console clock in my early-VIN car.

It's still working fine. Here's a link to the original thread posted about it (https://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14994).

Better than original since it:
- Keeps time very accurately
- Has an internal coin cell battery that keeps the time set correctly even if the car battery dies or is disconnected

Also has the VFD-dim feature slaved from the headlight switch, same as OE. Summary of selected info from the linked thread:

The kit includes the body of the clock with an OE-style green VFD plus the circuitry and full instructions w/photos. It's plug-and-play. You reuse the plastic cover and the black plastic case underneath the clock. I polished my cover with 3-stage plastic polish to remove the scratches while it was out.
Clock has an OE-style 4-wire plug with connectors on the pigtail. There's an option to buy new time-set pins which I didn't need since my original 2 pins were OK.

Send Yoda a PM for info/ordering.


Mods: maybe move this question/answer to the linked thread?


I did the same last week. Agree 100%!!