NEW LED Clock - What do you think?

[flux3d]

I've been trying to sort out a replacement clock as the clock on VIN10719 had been replaced years ago with an after market cruise control.
After quite a bit of research and development I've managed to manufacture a fully functioning replacement for the clock using modern components. It has battery back-up and comes complete with a new front lens, fixing points and enclosure. Time setting is pretty simple with one "push-button" hole, similar to the stock option. It also comes in a choice of colour: green, blue, red and amber. Both the front lens, enclosure and LED unit are supplied in the chosen colour.

At the moment I've just about finalised the design of the unit and will be fitting it to 10719. I've got a further five green units ready to go, and possibly one blue version as well. Red and amber versions can be made up to order, as can any additional orders.

Below are a few images of the unit I managed to take this weekend. The one in the actual dash is the blue version I created, but I'll take a few pics of the green version in the next couple of days in VIN 10719, just to give you an idea.

All parts are laser cut to size, and the lens is a perfect fit. Connection to the car is simply via a live and ground 12V wire, which can be done to the original clock wiring, or as I have done to a permanent 12V feed (similar to the amp). The unit simply bolts onto the original clock fitting posts under the console plate with two washers and two nuts and is very secure.

In effect the units are "version 1.6" (a few alterations after testing so far) so I've not tested them long-term, but the electronics are good, and held secure in the frame. Any suggestions or criticisms are welcome.

If people are interested I'm looking to sell the first four units at £55, which includes postage and packaging. This is MUCH lower than any other replacement clock out there.

If you're interested then PM me through here, or email me at mark@flux3d.co.uk

[Rissy]

Very impressive Mark! I'm very impressed!

So does the clock stay lit all the time, or does it go out with the ignition off?

Also, does it have more than one brightness? I.e bright with headlights off and dimmed with headlights on.

...you said there is one adjustment hole in the bezel, does this cycle through time quickly when depressed, until the desired time is reached, and then let go?

[Starglider]

Looks great! I'm sure a lot of people on DMCtalk would be interested as well. I would be if I didn't already have a clock fitted.

[flux3d]

Cheers Rissey, glad you like it. It's been in development since before I got the car as I knew it was turning up without the clock.

In answer to your questions. With regards the illumination, it depends how you wire it. I went with a perminent live feed, which means its always on, but if you wired it to the ignition then it would shut down and run off the battery back-up. That should last long enough between driving sessions, but if the cars stored for a while a new cell battery might be needed when you start it up again. So far the test one has lasted for weeks on the battery alone.

One brightness I'm afraid. Maybe a feature for the next version...

Setting of time is pretty simple. The single button, when pressed, advances the time slowly to start with, then quicker. During the slower phase releasing the button then pressing it again straight away advances one minute. Works very well.

Mark

[flux3d]

Cheers Starglider. I've posted a quick one on DMCTalk as well, but just to get a response. I've only got six units at the moment, but if there's the interest then I'll sell them over there as well.

Help pay for all the new parts on VIN 10719......

[flux3d]

Update on the battery back-up Rissy, it should last for TWO YEARS on the battery, so it can be wired to the ignition alone with no worries.

[Chris Williams]

That's great Mark, well done I'm sure there will be a huge amount of interest in this, especially at such a sensible price.

Chris

[flux3d]

Cheers Chris. The £55 price is really an introduction price as I got the cases cut for free. On the next batch I'll probably have to increase it slightly as I'll have to pay for materials and their production. However it won't be much of an increase. Better to keep it a more realistic price and therefore available to a wider audience.

[Guinney1971]

looks good Mark, I'll cross post this on the DOC-UK Facebook page for you too

[flux3d]

Cheers Claire. Ive posted on the dmctalk forum as well where it's generating a fair amount of interst as well.

[Guinney1971]

nice one Mark, my clock works, so I don't need one, but I reckon you'll have little difficulty in shifting these.

[flux3d]

NEW LED CLOCKS FOR SALE AT THE SUMMER MEET IN WHITBY

I'll be bringing some of these in the OEM green up to the event on Saturday so people can have a look at them and buy them if they want.

£50 for each as a special price for the event(normally £75). I'll also consider help and assistance for discounts (a few people have definitely earned that)

I'll also be bringing up a few of the lenses that I've made, which again will be going for a special discount price of £20 at the event (normally £25).

If anyone wants either a blue or red lens (not clock) as a special to be made and brought up to the event then let me know BEFORE midday on Friday via PM or my email,

Mark@flux3d.co.uk

That way I can sort one out and bring it up as a special for people.

All helps out with the petrol money!

[flux3d]

Well, the previous versions of both the clock and the new clock lens proved very popular, mainly in the US and in Europe. On DMCtalk.org there is a very nice review page started by overlandman. It includes some pictures of the first versions of the clocks in peoples cars, and can be found at http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7530-F...-LED-CLock

But, quite a few people wanted a smaller sized display, so I've re-engineered the clock and here is the new version. It features a smaller display, more in keeping with the size of the original OEM clock, as well as a few more features.

New smaller display
battery backup when the clock is off
Time adjustment with a single button
bright and clear display
solid construction
24H clock
available in green and blue

As previously they are very easy to fit, just bolting onto the original studs that attached the OEM clocks. Connection is made to the original clock display by two connections, with a positive feed either taken from the ignition +12 (Purple) or permanent +12 (green) and a negative to the black.

The new versions are £72, which includes postage to anywhere in the UK, recorded and signed for. Available in both green and blue LED display.

In addition I'm also offering a new service where text or an image/design can be laser etched onto the lower part of the clock lens to customise the look of the clock. All you need to do is send me an image (black and white best) or the text you want adding to the lens. £15 extra for this service. I'll be doing a sample soon and will upload pictures for everyone to see.

I also have the larger versions of the clock available for the same price, as pictured above. At present all the blue LED versions have already sold in this larger size

Oh, and before anyone points it out again, yes I know the hazard switch is upside down. Its been that for so long I've grown to quite like it that way round.

Either contact me through here, or at mark@flux3d.co.uk

[Chris Williams]

Great product, good to see a well made solution to this problem.
Chris

[flux3d]

Hi guys. I've posted this up on dmctalk, but wanted to see if anyone on this side of the pond wanted one. I'm reducing the price right down, kind of like a late January sale, to £50 including postage.

I have:-

8 small green, OEM LED clocks

1 small blue OEM LED clock

3 larger size green LED clocks

1 larger size blue LED clock

Once these are gone they are gone, and at present I have no intention of making any more for a while, so get in quick!

message me on here, or email me at "mark@flux3d.co.uk"