Comments on: Making Time: LEGO Ball Clock by Jason Allemann

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:14:23 +0000

You could convert the design to one that would be accurate, but you’d have to add a pendulum to do it. Or mindstorms, as long as it is by default ‘too fast’.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:45:16 +0000

Dylan, I don’t know if you’re looking to buy a LEGO version or not. If you are, you’ll be in the same boat as the rest of us–gotta build it yourself! :) Otherwise, a quick google for “rolling ball clock” shows there are lots of different designs and styles for sale.

By: Dylan

Dylan — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:39:07 +0000

Another thing, is there anything on the internet that is similar to this design that I can buy? Maybe a more compact, simpler version.

By: Dylan

Dylan — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:36:01 +0000

If you could get a motor that made the chain run at exactly 1 RPM, it would keep pretty good time. I timed your contraption and its about five seconds fast.

All in all, it is a great creation and I wish i could buy something like this to have on my desk. You did a great job and I love the concept!

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:22:46 +0000

That’s a good point, Jonathan. My guess is that ultimately it doesn’t keep particularly good time, but at least it’s easy to reset!

By: AK_brickster

AK_brickster — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:16:32 +0000

Fantastic creation. And so modern and sleek looking to boot!

By: Jonathan

Jonathan — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:07:54 +0000

Fabulous, but does it actually keep accurate time is the question I’m left with. I wouldn’t have thought the 9V motors were consistent enough RPM to actually keep time.

By: Photobrickabrad

Photobrickabrad — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:17:21 +0000

Gorgeous creation, Jason! Another great, yet simple, device!! For those who may not recognize the “JMA” on the device, this is the same guy who made the Labyrinth Marble Maze currently up for voting on the Lego Cuusoo Project. Go vote for him now!

http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/14605