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Date Signed: January
10, 2025 5:35 PM Name: Blake Location: USA Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? eg Weather, Family History etc etc NTP Server & Grandfather Clock Projects Comments: Not sure if the first form submission went through or not so here is a second try. Thank you for the incredible work you’ve done on your website and YouTube videos. The level of detail you document is amazing. I’m planning to replicate your Grandfather clock conversion project but will likely use stepper motors since DF77 movements aren’t easily available in the US. My first step will be building an NTP server similar to your v2 project. I plan to design the case to fit a 1U server rack slot, inspired by the Leo Bodnar Rack Mountable LeoNTP Time Server 1200. I’ll likely use a single larger screen instead of two. I’ve started gathering components and hope to begin soon. One question: have you had any issues with cheaper GPS modules like the NEO-M6N? I’ve read they’re often counterfeit, functional but not as reliable as genuine UBlox modules. By the way, I enjoy your site so much that I set up a Windows task with a Python script to hash the site’s content and notify me of any new updates. Thanks, Blake |
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Date Signed: October 09, 2024 2:40 PM Name: Manish Location: India Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/servo_clock/servo_clock.htm Comments: Hi Brett Finally managed to replicate your work. It's amazing. There are a few queries. 1.The diode connected to D3 pin of Nano is shown in opposite direction in the pcb design picture. 2.The diode is really required there? Or can be skipped and put in the line coming from PIR out? 3.Possible to connect the Wemos output to Nano for time update? 4.Can the code be modified to display kinetic effects like the clock from 'humans since 1982' and better if the trigger to that kinect animation can be linked to wemos via phone app. Thanks for all the good work you shared and replies to my earlier queries. Cheers Date Signed: August 07, 2024 3:23 PM Name: Clive Reynolds Location: Bedfordshire, UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? https://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Solar_Power/Solar_Power.htm Comments: Hi Brett, Love your explanation/tutorial on setting up Solar Assistant with Growatt kit. I have exactly the same solar setup. I have followed your Growatt and Solar Assistant implementation and it works just fine. I just have one query that I can't seem to find an answer to. On the Growatt Servers under My Photovoltaic Devices > Setting > there is a setting called "Power Harvester" with the drop down options "wired CT" and "meter". On my system the Power Harvester option appears to be selected with the wired CT option. In Solar Assistant this option doesn't appear anywhere (that I can see) and it shows as being in Load First mode (which is what I would expect as the default). Can you shed any light on what this Power Harvester mode is and should I worry about using Solar Assistant to change configs? My plan is to use solar assistant exclusively (hopefully automated via Home Assistant) and do away with the wi-fi dongle and connection to Growatt servers completely if I can. Many thanks and best Regards. Clive |
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Date Signed: January 12, 2024 6:08 PM Name: Petr Vavrous Location: Louny Czech Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? LCD DCF77 Master Clock Comments: Hi Brett, very nice site, lots of very bad construction I tried Binary Clock, everything was perfect. I decided to try another build, I chose the LCD DCF77 Master Clock with a new library. by Udo Klein in version 28. It was possible to get the device up and running without major problems. I would need to know what to change in the program so that the 1 sec LED really blinks at 1s intervals. All other LEDs flash correctly. I still need to know what is the difference between Qtr Chime pulse and Triggers qtr chime board. Qtr Chime pulse is ok but I don't know the other one. Thank you for the information. Peter |
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Date Signed: January 11, 2024 8:24 PM Name: Richard D'Monte Location: California Which of my web sites are your comments referring to http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Watch_Winder/watch_winder.htm Comments: I completed the watch winder with your help. Thanks a lot. Will post short video clip |
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Date Signed: January
02, 2024 12:03 AM Name: Alex Bundy Location: Sydney Australia Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Airgun Chronograph Comments: Hi mate. I am interested in building the project but I am not able to download the arduino code. The link is broken. Thank you. And your a very talented man looking at all those projects you have designed. Well done |
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Date Signed: December 18, 2023 6:47 PM Name: Adriaan Location: Netherlands Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Pragotron Master Clock & Slave Driver Comments: Greetings, First off all GREAT Stuff here. keep the good work going. i am looking for a schematic to use a Arduino to run a Slave clock. I do have a Clock pulse generating device to control slave clocks that is programmeble en has an selectable clock running speed. ( fastclock running 1 to 5 ) its running at 24volt Now i want to make an digital version of a slave clock, would be nice to have a circuit with an Arduino to run that. with kind regards Adriaan. |
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Date Signed: December
18, 2023 1:03 AM Name: Richard D'Monte Location: California Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Watch_Winder/watch_winder.htm Comments: Hi Brett, After a long wait for the glass dome (not being able to find the recommended 1), I received 1 from Amazon which happens to be too small for the base, so, is there any way or what would you recommend for resizing to an external diameter of 149 mm and internal of 142 mm, I have tried following youtube videos of modifying a stl file (yours) but to no avail, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Richard |
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Date Signed: December
02, 2023 1:23 PM Name: Andy Location: Lincolnshire Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Airgun Chronograph Comments: Hi I like your chronograph and I also like the look of the bench rest. What is the rest and where did you get it please? Great project for the Arduino. Reply: Hi Andy full build details of my work stand/shooting rest here - http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Rifle_Stand/rifle_stand.htm |
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Date Signed: November 13, 2023 12:28 AM
Reply- Thanks for pointing this out. Have updated my site and added the remote tray to the 3D parts zip file. You may need to clear your browser cashe before downloading the zip file again. Brett. |
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Date Signed: November
07, 2023 5:54 PM Name: Richard D'Monte Location: California Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Watch_Winder/watch_winder.htm Comments: I am having some trouble with the Nema17 motor hesitating/erratic/and Very Loud, (supposed to be smooth and silent?), If you have any suggestions I would be most grateful. Here is what I've done do far:- 1) adjusted the Vref voltage on the TMC2208 between ground and the potentiometer surface to .05vdc 2) Wired everything up as per you circuit diagram and supplied the correct voltages (12.0 and 5.0vdc to both the TMC2208 and Arduino Nano using the MP1584. 3) Powered up and this is the result Th TMC2208 is BIGTRETECH TMC2208 V3.0 Stepper Motor Driverr with Heatsinks Stepstick Mute Driver for SKR V1.4 SKR 3 GEN L Ramps1.4/1.1/1.6 ... Step/DIR Mode From USA Amazon Model Number EZZB00030120190508, there seems to be another model "TMC2208 V3.0 UART Stepper Motor Driver", Should I do some other jumper connections at the bottom of the TMC2208 as in some internet information? I am confused may be I bought the wrong 1, Please help me sort this out. Thanks. Richard Date Signed: October 31, 2023 12:09 PM Name: Harry Dijkman Location: The Netherlands Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? eg Weather, Family History etc etc DCF77 Comments: Fantastic site, I learned a lot. Please can you advice me how to decode the DCF77 wheather information? rgds harry |
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Date Signed: October 31, 2023 5:07 PM
Your solar power website and instructions are excellent; clear, concise and easy to follow. It's given me the confidence to use my spare Raspberry PI with the Solar Assistant app, and I've just ordered a USB to RS485 converter from ebay, so hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll have my system set up similar to yours. I also like the idea of the emergency sockets, I never thought of a permanent installation. Brilliant work. Kind regards, Paul |
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Date Signed: October 15, 2023 6:05 PM Name: Richard D'Monte Location: California Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Watch_Winder/watch_winder.htm Comments: Great work! I'm interested in building 1, could you mention the make/model of the stepper motor? Reply from Brett Hi Richard. It's a 17Hs08-1004S 4-Lead Nema 17 Stepper Motor 20Mm https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B083Q723XQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
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Date Signed: June 24, 2023 12:32 PM Name: Guido Kraft Location: Germany Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/DCF77_Analyzer_Clock_Mk2/Arduino_DCF77_Analyzer_MK2.htm Comments: Hello Brett. I think your projects are just great. I already built the first version DCF 77 Analyzer/ Clock V2.0. Now I plan to build the latest version MK2 but unfortunately I can't get the sketch DCF77 Analyzer on the IC Atmega 328 error "no matching function for call to JQ6500_Serial : : JQ6500_Serial(int int) I don't know Thanks Guido |
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Date Signed: March 14, 2023 4:13 AM Name: Godefroid Philippe Location: Belgium Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://brettoliver.org.uk/Word_Clock_LED_Matrix/Word_Clock_LED_Matrix.htm Comments: hi olivier, i love all your works i ve make the geiger counter before the led matrix word clock and i thinkthat I will do other projects of you in the future they are all great! Thank you very much! I have a little problem with the word clock. it displays ntc fail all the time and i can't change its settings since i have no network to connect to cter to fix it. it does not generate its web server. Can you help me through my email please? Anyway, great job, you're great, I love it!!! PS: sorry for my bad english lolll i hope i'm undurstandable. |
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Date Signed: March 01, 2023 7:57 PM Name: Mike Hanewinckel Location: San Diego, California Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/servo_clock/servo_clock.htm Comments: I was building the Michael Clements clock and saw yours. Amazing where you have taken this project. I had the same idea about entering a pause while printing to change filaments and avoid having to spray paint. One idea I have is regarding to setting the time via FTP. Have you considered alternatively using the atomic clock time service? I don't know if available in your area, but this is a service that sends the time and date on radio at 60hz frequency. This could be used instead of needing to rely on wifi and internet connection. This is used by self-setting atomic clocks and I wonder how hard it would be to utilize this service. It may only be available in North America. Maybe there are similar service in other parts of the world. |
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Date Signed: February 26, 2023 2:27 PM Name: Manish Location: India Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/servo_clock/servo_clock.htm Comments: Good Day Brett Congratulations on the awesome works you have created. Really amazing. I was trying to rebuild the servo clock but stuck with the small components like capacitors and diodes specifications used in the project. Can you please help and share the details? Again my heartiest congratulations and keep up the amazing work ? |
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Date Signed: January 26, 2023 7:27 PM Name: Rick Location: Pleasant View, UT US Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/3D_Printer_Projects/3D_Printer_Projects.htm Comments: You have the best 3D printing website I've ever found. Very informative! Thanks! |
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Date Signed: January 09, 2023 9:30 AM Name: Marius Location: Germany Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Word Clock Comments: Hello Brett, Id like to rebuild your Clock for my final exam. Now that I have set up the MAX test program the rows seem to have shifted and the LED at the end of the row lights up first and then the rest of them follow. If you have any solution for that please let me know. Cheers Marius |
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Date Signed: December 17, 2022 8:26 PM Name: Angelo Location: Boston Massachusetts Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Astronomical Regulator Clock Comments: I really love the design of this astronomical regulator you made. I own a Gents GPO 36 master clock. It’s a 1 second, 6 second, 30 second pulse clock. I’d love you figure out a way to make or buy a astronomical style slave to use as the dial for my clock. Do you think your way of modifying the movements would work on this type of clock and if not would you have any ideas on how to maybe set something up like that? Thank you again |
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Date Signed: December 15, 2022 7:09 PM Name: Adam Saunders Location: Toronto Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Family History Comments: For your great uncle, Percy Henry Forsey https://qormuseum.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/img_4510.jpg https://www.facebook.com/3rdtorontoregiment |
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Date Signed: September 22, 2022 12:12 AM Name: Peter Location: Wirral, UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Word Clock Comments: Hi, I still have occasional LED failures on the clocks that I have built, and was interested if you had any more information regarding the 'Blocking Diode' mod for the MAX7219 chip as noted by Jason Grove? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Replacing the 7219 chip with the 7221 is not really an option for me as the modules I used have the SMD IC! Regards Peter. |
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Date Signed: September 06, 2022 8:54 PM Name: Willy Amorim Location: Brazil Which of my web sites are your comments referring to http://brettoliver.org.uk/Ball_Bearing_Clock/Ball_Bearing_Clock.htm Comments: Thank you for your excellent documentation job. Somewhere in Brazil, is using it to do that clock. |
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Date Signed: August
24, 2022 12:02 PM Name: Christopher Williams Location: Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Master Clocks and Manual Library page Comments: Hi! I am interested in the "Calendar Clock Drive Board shown on the " Full System" diagram in the original Master Clock Manual (Not the Mk II one), but it doesn't seem to be included. Do you still have the original information to build the Original Clock Calendar Drive Board (Not the Arduino based one) you could email me please? The circuit, text and your original Circuit Maker/Lochmaster Board files for the Original Calendar Drive board please? I have full versions of both these software programs. Reply Original web page is here http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Calendar_Clock.htm Lochmaster Board files to follow by email. I don't have circuit maker but use Livewire for my schematics. Will send them as well. |
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Date Signed: August 10, 2022 6:49 AM Name: Mitch Markin Location: Qualicum Beach, BC Canada Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? GPS NTP Server Comments: Hello Brett I'm building Cristiano Monteiro's GPS WiFi time server, too, so I found your website from a comment you posted on his LinkedIn site about the project. Looks like yours is very well done and very well documented. I like your modification to add the PIR. My time server will be on constantly too, so I added a PIR to mine as well. Looks like you have lots of other neat projects on your website, too. I have the time server working on a breadboard right now synching two ESP8266-based clocks I made a couple of years ago. It's running well, but there was a bug in Cristiano's code that made it send the wrong date. The bug originated in the code that Cristiano got from an Arduino forum and he wasn't aware of it until I mentioned it yesterday. Since you based your code on Cristiano's, I see the bug is in your code too. It's an easy bug to overlook if your clocks don't show the date. The time comes in from GPS OK and it gets displayed properly on the OLED screen. The clocks sync to the server and show the proper time but they showed dates that were one day fast. The problem is in the numberOfSecondsSince1900Epoch() function. It starts counting the days by saying uint16_t days = d; where d is the parameter passed to the function that specifies the current date. So that counts the current day as a full day. Then later it also adds the current day's hours, minutes, and seconds, so the total seconds calculated is one day too big. It's easy to fix. Just change the uint16_t days = d; statement to say uint16_t days = d - 1; That way it won't count the current day until it adds its hours, minutes, and seconds. I let Cristiano know and he fixed the code posted on his Github site about the project. I also tested the function by running a bunch of dates through it. all the way to March 2028, to see if it deals with the leap years properly. All the NTP timestamps it calculated were good. |
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Name: Thorsten Erdmann
Location: Germany,
Soltau
Which of my web sites are your
comments referring to?
http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/DCF77_Analyzer_Clock_Mk2/Arduino_DCF77_Analyzer_MK2.htm Comments: Hi, I just found your DCF77 MK2 analyzer clock. I find it very nice crafted with that old wood and brass housing.
I am now thinking about building one myself. But I hate free wiring all that stuff and I love creating PCBs.
I also have a CNC so I can create an exact frontplate and maybe also the wooden case. But I have problems finding such a brass/glass bezel.
If you know where to get one or maybe you have a spare one please tell me. If I create a PCB, I have to order five pieces minimum, so it would be good to know a stable source for the bezel. I also plan to reduce the components.
I hope, I can play the chime sounds which I like very much by the AVR processor via PWM. I have to check if there is enough memory for it.
If you like to discuss such things,
please contact me via email. I don't find your email anywhere on
your site. Greetings from Germany Thorsten |
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Name: Alan Location: Germany Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Word Clock Comments: Hi I have recently discovered your Arduino word clock and associated instructions. I like the inclusion of a dimmer, a tidy daylight saving solution (a switch) and motion sensor. Thanks for posting your work, it is appreciated. I am working out what I would need to make one and think I can have a go at it although I haven't worked with an Arduino before (and I don't have a lot of tools). I have two questions Could You check the posted (Brett11_print_ready.svg) Vinyl Sticker download. It appears there is something wrong with the download and-or my system because the letter spacings are different on every second row; i.e. the even number rows are noticeably longer (left to right) than the preceding row. Also, how far were the LEDs pushed through the board, just the end-top or was the body of the LEDs protruding into the countersunk holes? Thanks again for the upload, Alan |
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Date Signed: March 05, 2022 5:29 PM
I found this on thingiverse whilst getting some of the stls for the original Vortex Time Machine Clock. I think I am the only person who's built it and pressed the 'MADE' button. Im not not very good, in fact im terrible, at designing creating models. I wondered if you, assuming you built it, had any issues with the roughly "Y" shaped return model. I've printed it several times in various quality but the balls still get stuck when the noisy 1:00 & 13:00 ball dump happens causing the machine to stop. The numbers I read were dual colour did you pause the print (use gcode) and change colours or use a dual 3d printer? On another subject did you print the water transfer yourself or is there someway of getting them printed. Also do you have a 'donations' page / patron site i could contribute to once i finally finish making this. Thank you once again for your hard work and perseverance on all your projects K |
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Date Signed: March
01, 2022 10:33 PM Name: Artur Location: PL Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Barometer/Arduino_Barometer.htm Comments: I`m developing your barometer project in smd technology. So far I created double layer pcb in eagle with some atmega output pin modifications due to better track utility. I can attach the eagle project for the community and publish with your agreement. Now I am waiting for some items, stepper drivers etc. Your schematic is quite clear, but I can`t find what to do with "Sp" output (pin 23 of Atmega 328 and A6 on Arduino Nano). Because of this i put solder point on my pcb in case if those pins should be connected to each other. You inspired me with your concept of "digital to analog" conversion :-) If you are interested in final work, we can stay in touch. |
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Date Signed: February
18, 2022 8:32 PM Name: Michael Location: Hamburg/Germany Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? DCF77 Analyzer Clock Comments: Dear Brett, I really love the DCF Analyzer Clock - excellent project, made with a high professional look. I'll try to build one for my home, wiring seems a bit stressful, but already have some experience with an DIY NIXIE clock. I tried to download the chimes mp3-files as supposed, but the website seems to be unavailable (404 - Page not found). Could you send these files via Email please? Thank you so much! With stormy greetings from Hamburg - it's gale force 9 right now Michael |
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Date Signed: February 18, 2022 1:37 PM Name: Spencer Location: Surbiton UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Weather Comments: Dear Brett May I ask, would you undertake bespoke project work? I would be happy to meet the cost of components, other materials and your time. Thanks Spencer (Surbiton) |
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Date Signed: February 09, 2022 3:30 PM Name: Jason Location: Chesham Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Word Clock Comments: Hi Brett, I've been going through you page on the Word Clock which I'm really interested in. I've spend a number of hours going through the process and think I'm getting to grips with it. However, there are a few things I'm not really sure about. I've drawn up my understanding in a Figma project which you can see here. Would you be kind enough to talk a look and if possible add some comments around my lack of understanding? It would be a huge help. https://www.figma.com/file/DGeSEAbShFke7Kb4KLUvsQ/Word-Clock-by-Brett-Oliver?node-id=0%3A1 Truly appreciate any help/comments that you provide. Kinds regards Jason |
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Date Signed: October 06, 2021 1:56 PM Name: Ezio Gazzola Location: Milan, Italy Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Pet Feeder Comments: Hi Brett, I built the "ESP8266 Pet_Feeder" that you explained on your site and it works great. Now I need to make 3 deliveries of kibble a day. I tried to change your code by inserting a delivery at 14.00 and I use the virtual pin 13 but it doesn't work for me. I copied the piece of code where it enables the delivery and I gave the virtual pin 13. I also added a new "Timer setting" to the "main app page" by copying one of the other two and changing both the time and the virtual pin. I don't use the video camera and I have the space for the new widget. Thanks for sharing the project, it is very useful to me. Greetings Ezio |
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Date Signed: September 28, 2021 11:21 AM Name: Ian Location: United Kingdom Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Pet Feeder Comments: Hi Brett, firstly thank you for sharing these fantastic projects - Really appreciated. I have limited experience but learning very fast. I have now built your petfeeder which works fine. Have also added a reset button for my use BLYNK_WRITE(V13) { if (param.asInt()==1) { delay(3000); ESP.restart(); delay(5000); } I've managed to set up a Blynk server on a Raspberry Pi 4 so all good and working as expected I would like the feeder to dispense twice as much - I've tried everything, steps, val, etc. I realise I'm learning but how do I make each feed 1/3 of a turn instead of 1/6. Really appreciate your help Regards Ian |
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Date Signed: August 23, 2021 12:43 PM Name: Erik de Ruiter Location: The Netherlands Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Pong clock Comments: Hello Brett, We know each other a bit due to my DCF Analyzer Clock which you made an absolutely AMAZING version of...!! I recently visited your website again and I noticed the Pong Clock... I had 3 Sure Matrix display still doing nothing so I will make the clock now for a relative with (early stage of) Alzheimer's Disease. He will be thrilled! So Thank *you so much* for all the effort you put in! I will try to incorporate Barometer and Humidity sensors because he loves to see what the weather is doing. Warm greetings from The Netherlands! |
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Date Signed: June 04, 2021 10:48 AM Name: Tom Armitstead Location: Manchester, UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Master Clock Comments: Hi Brett, Just to thank you for the excellent presentation of the new version of the Master Clock. I remember seeing the earlier one some years ago and as I have been given recently an Arduino kit was very interested to see that you have a new version of the clock which uses it. Thanks again for all the details and circuits, which will make it much less daunting for a beginner! With best wishes and kind regards, Tom. |
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Date Signed: April 08, 2021 4:56 PM Name: Dave Kemplen Location: Liskeard Cornwall Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Voltmeter Clock Comments: Hi Brett I have been unable to open the info on the Voltmeter Clock, I have built the basic clock but now would like to change it to reflect the synchronization that you have done. What I was after was the coding for the PIC. I have just successfully got my ex GPO 30 sec clock running with an Arduino nano and a DS3231 supplying 1 sec pulses counting 30 then pulsing the clock. Dave |
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Date Signed: February 22, 2021 3:41 PM Name: Lars Goran Olsson Location: Lund, Sweden Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? ESP32 DCF77 Analyzer Comments: Hi Brett! I have made progress in my ambition to create a copy of your DCF77 Analyzer. The compilation now also works for TFT Analyzer v26 while "Serial monitor v9" does not want to go through the compiling In the error message, which comes from Adafruit_GFX_AS.cpp with stops on several lines, 138,145, ... to 272, the message text "textsize was not declared" Where should I place this declaration and what value? BR Lars Goran Olsson Reply: Hi Lars I have checked the code and it complies fine on my setup. I would check the Adafruit_GFX_AS.cpp library. Did I send you my version? Brett. Date Signed: February 22, 2021 10:06 AM Name: Stefan Location: Sauerland Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? LED_Matrix_Message_Board Comments: Hallo Brett, I'm trying to recreate your LED matrix board. Is it possible to automatically retrieve a text from a web server? I would like to put the device in my friend's office and create messages for him on the web server at home. Thank you for your great projects, Stefan Reply: Hi Stefan I am sure this would be possible but I would not know how to implement it. |
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Date Signed: February 16, 2021 8:26 PM Name: Peter Raijer Location: Hellevoetsluis Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Wordclock Comments: Hi Brett, I am having a good time building the wordclock. Thanks for the detailed descriptions. I am just wondering about the purpose of the buzzer. When is it supposed to do something? Hope you could let me know. Thanks Peter Reply: Peter The buzzer plays during the Simon and Tetris games. If you look at the video "Demo Video showing Clock functions" at around 1 min 30 seconds you will hear the buzzer play. |
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Date Signed: February 01, 2021 8:49 AM Name: Lars Göran Olsson Location: Lund Sweden Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? ESP32_DCF77_Analyzer Comments: Hi Brett I'm building a copy of Your "ESP32 DCF77 Analyzer" and had trouble compiling the serial monitor with the file Adafruit_GFX_AS.h Can you give me information where I can download a correct version? MVH Lars Göran |
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Date Signed: January 15, 2021 9:05 PM Name: Michael Parr Location: London Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? 1 second slave clock Comments: Hi Brett, exhibits on the site are most impressive. I'm looking for 1-second mechanical slave clock (second sweep hand only is OK) driven by a PO36 master clock, voltages could be anything from 3-20vdc via a relay, pulse would be 200-300ms. The movements that I have eg Gent & Synchronome are all 30 second (120 teeth) so a 1-second pulse would only complete a 180 deg/half a revolution in one minute. It would be a novelty I suppose to display 60 seconds in a 180 deg quadrant provided the face is printed appropriately but that's not what I had in mind. Do you have any thoughts please as to how to achieve this? Many thanks in advance. Reply: Michael I have emailed you some ideas that I have used on PO36s before. |
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Date Signed: January 08, 2021 5:12 PM Name: Joël Location: France Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Word Clock Comments: Hi Brett, Thank you for your files "Brett11 print ready" and "Word to Time Translation". They have allowed me to make a Talking Word Clock in Python which is a software version of your hardware Word Clock with, in addition, a speech capability that tells you "The time is ...". Joël |
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Date Signed: December 17, 2020 4:31 PM Name: Spencer Location: Surbiton, Greater London Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Weather Comments: Hi I really like the design of your work, particualrly your baromters. Do you undertake bespoke project work for clients? I would be interested if you have capacity. Please drop me an email if you are interested in discussing. Best wishes Spencer |
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Date Signed: December 12, 2020 9:31 PM Name: Donald K Wilson Location: Thunder Bay, ON Canada Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Family History Comments: Brett, It has been well over 3-years since I met you and your wife in England on my way to Vimy Ridge for the Centennial. I am know retired and find, with Covid, we are spending more time self-isolating providing me the opportunity to work on my Family Tree(s)...Wilson, Waldron, LaRose, to name a few. Last week I opened another bin with letters from Mom's side of the family and in it was the NIAS Family Tree! Also, I am continuing my research into the Waldron side of the family,which is leading me well into 7th generation. Write me back if you please, as I would like to share what I have with you? Stay Safe. |
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Date Signed: July 22, 2020 9:55 AM Name: Franzl Location: anywhere ;) Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Masterclock Comments: Where can i get that kind of "1-second-clock"? I never saw this kind of clock and seems that i'm too silly to get any match by searching the web... Can you give me a hint? |
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Date Signed: July
01, 2020 9:03 AM Name: Jan Bouma Location: The Netherlands Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino Barometer Comments: Dear Brett, First of all my sincere compliments regarding the Arduino Barometer. For your information, I am a true Novice in the field of electronics and microcomputers, therefore all my apologies in advance for the questions asked in a learning moment, this questions will not seem too smart to someone knowledgeable. Finally I have a mill working reasonably well and my next challenge is to mill a round PCB for the Arduino Barometer. Probably a bit too high but I can see where and when the project gets stuck. That is why I am now transferring the scheme to a drawing program (another new challenge) with which I hope that I will be able to convert this into a grbl file for the milling machine. My question regarding your schematic: Arduino Nano, R13 should this be a 10K resistor instead of the 270O? Also my instinct says that the switch “Step Fwd SW7” is connected on the wrong side of the R13 resistor because when closed there is developed a short circuit? Is my reasoning correct? Atmega328, Pin # 21 Aref, is this pin connected to “something”? Last question, if there are any questions purely and of course concerning this Arduino Barometer, do you mind if I approach you again. I am very curious about your response and best regards, Jan Bouma |
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Date Signed: June 01, 2020 8:03 PM Name: Noel Location: Gistel Belgium Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Barometer Comments: Great job. Can I have the barometer dial in svg format please. Why not take the 3.3V from the nano? -- You can do, on the Nano the 3.3v is fed from the FTDI chip I think 50mA max |
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Date Signed: May
19, 2020 7:59 PM Name: Chris Windridge Location: Caterham Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Weather Comments: Hi Brett I wanted rainfall figures at your weather site for the period Mid March to Mid May. Thanks Hi Chris There are some charts on my site
http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/weather28/index.php?p=gaugePage&lang=en
under Kenley Charts – Rain tables Here is a direct link to a table from the
last 90days. |
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Date Signed: April
08, 2020 3:49 PM Name: James Atkinson Location: Southampton Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? ARDUINO WORD CLOCK Comments: Hi Brett, Currently in the process of ordering all the components ready to build the Word Clock. I'm trying to download the INSCAPE file and and i keep getting "Not Authorized to View This Page [CFN #0004]" any chance you could update the link or send the file over to my email? Kind Regards James Atkinson Reply James I could not reach you at your email address you provided but use this link http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/Word_Clock/images/Brett11_print_ready.svg I have change my web site address and must have missed that link- I have updated my web site as well. |
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Date Signed: March
20, 2020 10:28 AM Name: Thomas Location: Speyer, Germany Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? eg Weather, Family History etc etc Clocks Comments: Hello, will you sell your clocks? Regards Thomas Reply. Hi Thomas. Thanks for your interest in my clocks but unfortunately they are all one offs and are not for sale. Brett. Date Signed: March 19, 2020 4:16 PM Name: Benny Location: Comments: DCF77 Analyzer Clock Hello Oliver, now i have come across two points on the one hand, is there a schematic as PDF for the Arduino DCF77 Analyzer Clock MK2 and secondly, if you buy an Atmega 328 it is empty, you cannot program the Atmega without a boot loader, Maybe you have a tip for me Thank you very much LG Benny Date Signed: March 01, 2020 9:26 AM Name: Benny Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? DCF77 Analyzer Clock MK2 Comments: In the schematic of the Arduino DCF77 Analyzer Clock MK2 did you install some diodes on the mainboard, D3, D4, D6 and D15. What diodes are they because I can't find a label. Thank you very much. Benny Reply. D3, D4, D6 and D15 are all conventional diodes not LEDs and are all shown on the schematic. D3 and D6 are part of the reset circuit on the DCF77 Arduino and also the Super Filter Arduino. See pin 1 on both ICs. D4 is a reverse protection diode and is just after the main fuse. Note the supply is adjusted so that 5v appears after the diode. This can be left out if not required with the supply set to 5v. D15 is connected off pin 7 IC4 JQ9500b via R19 and also connected to the DCF77 Analyzer Arduino pn 11. If you use an Audio FX sound board then this will not be required. |
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Date Signed: February
02, 2020 10:55 AM Name: Peter J Hall Location: Bath Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Clocks Comments: Thank you for providing a valuable source of information. |
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Date Signed: January
17, 2020 4:42 PM Name: Chris McKeown Location: Worksop Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? - CWR vs Plated Track Comments: Hi, I'm really interested in your video on you tube. CWR Vs Plated Track. Can you contact me please? |
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Date Signed: January
14, 2020 7:13 PM Name: Tom Location: Kenley Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Kenley Photos Comments: Hi Brett, Fantastic images of Kenley from one of the rangers who help manage it! We would love to feature some of your photos on our new City of London website for Kenley Common. One of the frustrating things about working on the common is we hardly get any time to stop and appreciate it! Some of the ones you took of the old interpretation panels are great as I've never seen them before. If you are ok with that, can you drop us a message? All the Best, Tom. |
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Date Signed: November
13, 2019 8:12 AM Name: Sue Oliver Location: Maidenhead Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Photos Comments: Hi Brett Loved the photos, brought back happier childhood memories. Keep up the good work. Sue |
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Date Signed: October
22, 2019 2:41 PM Name: Guy Bouchard Location: Quebec, Canada Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino DCF77 Analyzer Clock Comments: Hi! Just want to let you know that I'm absolutely amazed by your clocks. It is completely mesmerizing. I'm so sad that it's not WWVB compatible, because I'd start one today!! ;) Congratulation for all your work! Best Regards, Guy Date Signed: October 21, 2019 12:22 PM Name: Phil S Location: UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? DCF77 CLOCKS Comments: Hello Brett You might be interested in the results of trying to distribute the DCF77 synthesised and raw output from Universal Solder DCF77 receiver. Initial trials with small RF (868-MHz) telemetry modules were OK, but the transmitted 100-mS pulses were coming up short (70-Ms). The 200-mS were better but not great. Something was being lost in transmission. I had some old XBee Series 1 modules (now obsolete) that have a unique feature called line passing. The transmitter has a digital input pin (one of several) that can be mapped to the same pin on the receiving XBee (set as digital output). The results using the synthesised DCF77 output were very good. 200-mS pulses were better than 199-mS and 100-mS better than 99-mS. The Xbees have a good range in the 2.4-GHz channels, plus have built in security and do not suffer from interference. The downside is that Series 1 is no longer available. The good news is that the new Series 3 XBees can use the same firmware as Series 1, so line passing is available again. Throw in a Python SoC, Bluetooth, over air updates and this looks to be the way to go if you can't cable everything. I did install CAT5e over the house for LAN and also for 1-Wire (Maxim), so cabling is still an option (using unused pairs of the LAN cable), but the portability of wireless is very tempting. I will be using your LCD master clock to build on. Another tip. I don't use the LCD I2C libraries that are generally used. There are too many conflicting libraries of the same name. A far better library is Bill Perry's hd44780 comprehensive LCD library. Bill Perry is as thorough as Udo Klein. One question. I looked at the Udo Klein MSF "over the horizon" link but couldn't see how to use it. Does it support MSF60 filtering etc. like the DCF77? Phil S Phil try this link for MSF60 https://github.com/udoklein/dcf77/pull/9/commits/0650dd756f1ed14c2ff597da656713f071bd642f |
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Date Signed: October 17, 2019 1:52 PM
This works well provided the antenna is outside (too much foil insulation in my house) To get round this, I put the receiver on the garage roof, connected the output to a Series 2 XBee in transparent mode paired to another in the house, and it works really well. I'm on the south coast and wanted to try out MSF. Several cheap MSF clocks seem to work well, but hacking them to get at the signal was a bit of a faff and I ended up hacking the alarm output with a view to using that to correct an Arduino/RTC/TimeLib setup. None of the commercial MSF receivers/decoders worked and I ended up trying to put my own together using Jonathon Hare's tutorials. Again, nothing worked. I realise now it might have been due to trying it in a house full of power supplies and computers. Then I got hold of some Universal Solder MSF60 and DCF77 modules and hey presto, I got some encouraging data. The MSF was fussy about location, but the DCF was better. I got the Jarkman libray going (the Phil Morris/Peter Balcombe variations), but I was still tied to where the clock would run with a decent signal. What I really wanted to was have a master clock and use wireless to redistribute the MSF raw signal round the house. This didn't work very well as the radios (RF Solutions ZPT plus 868-mHz) coped with the 300 and 200-mS pulses, but reduced the 100-mS pulse to 60 or 70-mS. Then having read your outstanding Analyser Clock item, I decided to give the Super Filter a go. After a lot of messing about putting crystals on Uno’s, getting the signal the right way round, and being patient, the Super Filter locked onto the DCF signal and is showing filter synchronised. Next step was to try it with the RF Solutions radios, despite the iffy 100-mS pulses. But, to my surprise, after about 6-minutes, the filter locked on and at the synthesised signal output, I get a lovely pulse train. So this now opens up the possibility of putting the DCF receiver in a good spot and wirelessly distributing the signal to slave clocks that can use accurate time to run programmers and timers. I am proposing to put my own devices together and get rid of the inaccurate commercial (Honeywell, Danfoss etc.,) over-complicated, expensive boiler programmers and room thermostats. The Udo Klein Super Filter is a remarkable piece of work. I wonder if it could be adapted to MSF? I liked the adaptations of the industrial clocks and am on the lookout for something similar. The last office I worked in used to have a Gents master/slave clock system and the master was kept in the lab/workshop where I worked . It wasn’t used by then and was just decorative. It disappeared one night and I am certain about who took it.
Thanks again for all the hard work that went into the article and the physical clocks. |
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Date Signed: October
06, 2019 5:08 AM Name: Eduardo Location: Brazil Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Cat Feeder Comments: Hello Brett, hope you're doing well. If this message ever gets to you, I would be really grateful if you could help me out with the Pet Feeder you have on your website and Instructables. I've took a look into it and by far it's the most "professional" pet feeder I've ever seen, well done. I'm ordering the parts because I'm trying to replicate your project for my dog since I spent a big chunk of my day out of home and he really misses hearing our voice and food at regular times. Well, to the reason I've sent you this email... I will be honest, I'm no expert and I'm really, really new to DYI and Arduino, it got my attention because I really like IoT so wanted to give it a try since your project although nice looks very simple to put together as you mentioned. I'm planning on not doing the fuse box because I won't be using video at all (have a dedicated camera to monitor puppy), but I'm having some hard time figuring out where all the wiring goes. I noticed you uploaded the schematic for the electronics, but since I'm no expert, I can barely read it and understand where the wires go. I saw you used a veroboard for making the connections and I was thinking if I could use a protoboard instead since I have no skills with soldering (although I can manage if no other way). I see there are capacitors and resistors on the veroboard for the ESP8266 but I don't know where I need to connect them to? I see the strips on the schematic but don't know exactly where they go :(... Also, your ESP8266 seems to be different from the one I was looking, although both are the same model, take a look (https://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-867660518-modulo-wi-fi-esp8266-esp-01-_JM?quantity=1). Is there another version with side pins? I believe this one from the link are meant for using directly as a shield in arduino. Also, If I'm not going to use that back fusebox (you mentioned it was because you powered the project from your 12v power supply), where do I need to connect the power cable? Does it need to come directly from the wall mounted power module? I intend to use that path, so skipping the fuse box since 250mA seems pretty safe. What power module do you suggest? Anyways, if you can shed a bit of light on the schematics, it would be really cool. I don't want to mess anything up because where I live I cannot find that stepper motor easily (needed to import it from Germany). So, whatever I can do to make this work on the first shot, it would be really nice. Thanks in advance and congrats on the project again, pretty cool. Regards, Eduardo |
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Date Signed: August 18, 2019 11:57 AM Name: Henry Rawlinson Location: Norwich Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? DCF77 Analyzer clock mk2 Comments: Hi. I find that the software compiles, but with errors.. any ideas?? In file included from C:\Users\Pete\Documents\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43.ino:244:0: C:\Users\Pete\Documents\Arduino\libraries\LedControl\src/LedControl.h:184:14: note: initializing argument 3 of 'void LedControl::setChar(int, int, char, boolean)' void setChar(int addr, int digit, char value, boolean dp); ^ C:\Users\Pete\Documents\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43.ino:1283:52: warning: invalid conversion from 'const char*' to 'char' [-fpermissive] MaximCC.setChar(MaximBufferBitError, 5, ".", false); // blank character between bit value and bit number ^ In file included from C:\Users\Pete\Documents\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43\DCF_77_ANALYZER_CLOCK_Mk2_43.ino:244:0: C:\Users\Pete\Documents\Arduino\libraries\LedControl\src/LedControl.h:184:14: note: initializing argument 3 of 'void LedControl::setChar(int, int, char, boolean)' void setChar(int addr, int digit, char value, boolean dp); Reply: Henry check you have the correct version of the LedControl library installed. |
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Date Signed: August
08, 2019 8:45 AM Name: Henry Rawlinson Location: Morwich Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? DCF77 Analyzer clock MK2 Comments: Hi. I am very impressed with your new MK2 clock and really appreciate you sharing it, thanks. However, I was curious about a couple of things: I wondered why on the RTC module, you didn't use a rechargeable battery? The signal to the Superfilter IC from the DCF77 module is normally low going high (non inverted) and this signal via a switch is also fed to the analyser microprocessor. However when the switch is in the position to link the superfilter synthesized signal, it appears to be inverted data from the superfilter ?? Thanks Reply There is a small risk of fire with rechargeable batteries and with some questions being asked online about the charging circuit on these modules I though it better to remove the charging circuit and use a non rechargeable battery instead. In the Super Filter code line 32 "const uint8_t dcf77_inverted_samples = 0;" you can select if you are receiving inverted samples. I have this set to "0". With this setting I found that I had to use the "Inverted Synthesized" output. I have left the non inverted output pin as well. Just use whatever works with your module.
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Date Signed: August
04, 2019 7:25 PM Name: Erwin Kooi Location: Netherlands Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino DCF77 Analyzer Clock MK2 Comments: Hi Brent, You have some really inspiring clock designs on your site! I plan to make a mix using your Arduino DCF77 Analyzer Clock MK2 and Erik de Ruiter's one and build it in a flightcase. Then I will scrounge 2nd hand shops for a vintage round clock to built a classic one. One small question in your redesign of the SuperFilter, though. Am I correct in assuming that the "Signal Mon S Filter LED" (on pin 27 of the ATMega328) is the green LED in the DCF77 logo in the middle of the dial? Thank you very much sharing your design and your design ideas with us! --erwin
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Date Signed: May 05, 2019 7:39 AM Name: Marc Olsen Location: California USA Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Arduino wordClock Comments: Hi Brett, I am trying to make your arduino word clock which I am getting close to having a working proof of concept. I am interested in using the doppler module but I can not download the V4.4 zip file from your site. When I click on your link it takes me to a page that states "Not Found [CFN #0005]" GitHub only has your version 3.8 on it, and this is the only place I have been able to download your files. Can you update this code on your GitHub page or send me the zip file to my email? Your notes on this project are really great, even a novice like me has managed so far to be able to figure this out and this is my first arduino project! Thank you for creating such detailed notes!! From Brett Hi Marc use the v4.5zip file from my site. That will work fine. |
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Date Signed: March 05, 2019 10:53 PM Name: Mathew Newton Location: UK Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Cat Feeder Comments: Just stumbled across your cat feeder - it is very similar to mine (http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/catfeeder) but most definitely brought up to date with its control interface - nice work! Nearly 10 years on and we're still using ours; it's not let us (or the cats!) down once! |
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Date Signed: February 14, 2019 9:41 PM Name: "DuinoSoar" Location: Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Voltmeter Clock Comments: Hello, Brett. And greetings from "The Other Side" (of "the Pond", that is). Although I have seen your Voltmeter Clock (based on Alan Parekh's Multimeter Clock) on other web sites, I just found your home web site today. I am interested in different methods of mechanically or electronically displaying time of day, and have considered for some time that I should build an analogue meter clock. But unlike most analogue meter clocks that I have seen on the web, I would like to display proportional hours and minutes (between tick marks) instead of "digital" or incremental hours and minutes on the tick marks only. Since I plan to give my clock an antique/retro "look-and-feel", I will probably only use two milliammeters for displaying hours and minutes (and, possibly, use them to also display month and date when the user activates a switch), since older clocks rarely displayed a seconds indicator. In my project, I am planning on using an Arduino Nano board, instead of the PIC16F628 that you and Alan used, so some code porting will definitely be needed. My plan is to use a periodic 2-second pulse time base instead of one of those DS1307 or DS3231 RTC modules. So I found your 30-second synchronisation method to be most interesting. In my case, however, I plan to use the circuit board module from one of those cheap quartz clock movements. Even though it is probably not as accurate as your radio receiver time base, I reckon that the quartz clock circuit board would still be far more accurate than the Arduino's ceramic resonator. I will, of course, need to make changes for the 2-second pulse period instead of the 30-second one in your project. (I will be using only one of the two coil outputs from the quartz clock circuit board - hence the time sync signals will be once every two seconds, instead of once per second.) And now for my QUESTION: Upon perusing your PICbasic code, I note that there is a "secondCounter" variable. It appears that this variable gets set exactly the same as, and in the same places in code as, the "second" variable. But secondCounter does not appear to be referenced anywhere (except in the assignment statements). What is the purpose of this "secondCounter" variable? Thank you for sharing your projects on your web page. With best regards, "DuinoSoar" |
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Date Signed: January
26, 2019 1:25 PM Name: Ezio Gazzola Location: Milano, Italy Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Cat feeder Comments: Hi Brett, I made the Cat Feeder. How can I change the schedule for the two automatic feeds? I have analyzed the list of the sketch but I have not found any information possible. I should take them to three feeds and change schedules. Greetings Hi Ezio To change the schedule there is no need to change the sketch. See picture below just clik on the 1st Feed or 2nd feed times and a window will open enabling the times to be changed.  |
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Date Signed: January 25, 2019 8:15 PM Name: Ezio Gazzola Location: Milano (Italy) Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? ESP8266 IOT Pet Feeder Comments: Hello, I installed the "Cat Feeder" app on a NODEMCU -12E. It is very well done and simple to use. The RTC widget on iPhone6 is not displayed, remains an empty square but is instead displayed correctly on an LG Android Greetings |
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Date Signed: January
18, 2019 8:33 PM Name: Paul Lauwers Location: Belgium 8470 Gistel Which of my web sites are your comments referring to? Pragotron TFT Master clock Comments: Hi Brett, I made the pragotron clock with the tft display. It's a wonderfull project and it works fine. I have a problem because we in Belgium use the CET time. Can you help me please. I can't find out what to change in the code. Best regards and thank for your reply. Paul Lauwers Reply Paul search for and change this line of code "const int8_t timezone_offset = -1; " -1 is for the UK as we are an hour behind CET. Set this to 0 to show CET on your clock. Date Signed: December 23, 2018 1:33 PM Name: James Holohan Location: Dublin, Ireland Which of my web site's is your comment referring to. Master Clock
Fabulous project.
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