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Electro Magnetic Clock Modifcation

After trying many combination of pawls on the electromagnetic clock and not being satisfied with

the results. I came up with the idea as shown on the video. I redesigned the two pawls and reprinted them. As you can see I added a 3mm screw to each pawl. The top pawl screw can be adjusted to only

allow the pawl to stay engaged in the ratchet wheel for just a portion of pendulum swing and then the pawl disengages. As the pendulum swings back the top paw can ride on the 3mm screw head of the bottom pawl. This screw is also adjustable to prevent the top pawl from dropping into the second tooth on the ratchet wheel. The weight on the bottom pawl is a magnet only because it was the right size and weight. This weight allows the bottom pawl to pull back the ratchet wheel. Moving the pendulum by hand, adjust the top screw until the ratchet wheel allows the bottom pawl to drop behind the ratchet wheel tooth. The amplitude of the pendulum is no longer a problem, low batteries or fresh ones.

I have this modification on both of my EM clocks and they are keeping very good time.

Leon

18 comments

18 Comments

DarthRaptor

Feb 14

I would love to try this modification, where can I get the files? I just tried converting my clock to be no longer battery operated so that the pendulum amplitude is more consistent, but I damaged the electronics. It would be great to test this modification as well.

Steve

Feb 14

Replying to

The files are burried inside this thread. Keep expanding "Show older messages" and "Show more replies" until you find the message from June 03, 2023 with the zip file attachment.

hoppy

May 23, 2023

Hi Steve....Yes it very tolerant and easy to adjust. It is best to move the pendulum by hand while making the adjustments. The thing I like about it is immune to pendulum amplitude. I found adjusting the top screw so it allowes the pawl push the ratchet wheel enough for the bottom pawl to fall behind the ratchet tooth plus just a little. Then by hand move the pendulum back (to your right when looking at the back of the clock) and adjust the bottom screw so that it keeps the top pawl from dropping into second tooth. In my case I used the 6th screw hole from the top of the pendulum arm to attach the pivot block for the top pawl. I designed both pawls a bit wider so I could put the screw head under the top pawl. The small weight on top of the bottom pawl helps bring the ratchet wheel back into position for the next cycle.

Leon

hoppy

Jun 15, 2023

Replying to

I am so happy that the modification made your clock work better. Thanks for keeping me up to date with your progress. Have a nice visit with your friends and family.

Leon

hoppy

Jun 15, 2023

Replying to

Once upon a time, there was a passionate clock enthusiast who embarked on building one of Steve’s beautiful clocks. Despite his best efforts, he encountered a small but persistent issue that affected the clock's timekeeping accuracy. Frustrated but determined, he delved deep into the intricacies of the clock's mechanism.

Meanwhile, another individual had previously faced the exact same challenge and managed to find a solution by making modifications to a couple of crucial parts. Recognizing the struggle faced by the fellow clock enthusiast, he generously shared his newfound knowledge.

Grateful for the guidance, the second person carefully implemented the suggested modifications. To his delight, the clock began keeping perfect time, ticking away gracefully with each passing second.

In this tale of perseverance and shared wisdom, both individuals celebrated their triumph over the intricate workings of the clock, cherishing the joy of a beautifully crafted timepiece that now adorned their lives.

This wonderful story was written by A.I. I love that guy!

Leon

hoppy

Jun 03, 2023

Best Answer

Replying to

The ZIP file did it. The screws that I used were 2.5 x 6mm but I am sure you could use what ever you can find that is close. I did not use the static clip for the lower pawl I just use the 1.5mm rod for the axle and printed a keeper washer to prevent the pawl from coming off. I also used a small weight on the lower pawl to help move the ratchet wheel back into position on each return of the pendulum . It is very easy to adjust and best to do it by moving the pendulum by hand while making the adjustments. If I can help more just let me know. Good Luck! hoppy

Steve

May 23, 2023

That is a very clever design. Thanks for posting.

Is it hard to adjust to work reliably? Or is it fairly tolerant, so it works great once it is close?

Steve