G5-LED Clock, version 2


Apple G5 LED Hack

Version 2



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Update
190505:

History:
I was looking at the front grid on the computer one day, and it struck me that 3 mm LED’s would fit perfectly into the front grid holes. My first thought was to have my name in shining diodes on it, so I measured and drew up a blue print in Illustrator. After thinking a while I came to the conclusion that a clock would be cool. Said and done. I bought a clock radio, took it apart, and figured out how it worked. I discarded the parts not needed, and then re-constructed the display from scratch. I drew a new printed circuit board with two diodes per segment, totalling 58 diodes for the whole display. Then started etching and drilling. After soldering the LED’s to the PCB it worked perfectly and fitted my G5 like a glove!

The trickiest part was supplying power. My first thought was to use the computers internal DC supply, but the clock circuit requires AC with a frequency of either 50 or 60 Hz in order to keep the time. So I had to construct a signal generator that delivered 9v AC with exactly 60Hz. This worked as long as the computer was turned on. But when it was turned off, and the clock automatically started using it’s own backup-battery - designed to function only during short power interruptions – the clock ran slow. I had to find a way to supply power to the clock even when the computer was turned off. So I chose to use an external AC plug-in adapter instead, threading the cord through one of the many grid holes in the back. The best solution also turned out to be the most simple.

The best thing with my mod is that nothing in the computer has to be changed. No void warrantys – the clock is completely adaptable to the computer and it can easily be placed wherever one wants on the front grid. Yes, it’s not synchronized to an atomic watch, or even to the computer, but for being a simple LED clock, it probably has the worlds most beautiful design.

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Today:

a Ready-made clock includes everything you need exept a 5v AC-adapter, since it has to be prepared for the electric mains in your country, here in Sweden we have 230v/50Hz. (the cord can easily be thread through one of the many grid holes in the back.)

To build your own from a DIY-kit you need some soldering-skills, a good solder iron, a steady hand and of course a 5v AC-adapter. Instructions included.

By now the clocks are all assambled and tested by hand.


G5 LED-Clock prices:

Ready-made:
Red:
Green:
Blue:
White:
$85
$95
$105
$105
DIY-kit:
Red:
Green:
Blue:
White:
$70
$80
$90
$90

payment via: PayPal
free shipping worldwide.


How to order a G5 LED-clock:
• You submit your order by email to order@paulanders.com, including your full name, adress of delivery, quantity, selected LED-color and how you want it
(as a DIY or Ready-made).
• I confirm your order by returning a PayPal-link. Your order is prepared.
• When payment is recieved, your order will be delivered and followed up by a new email.

best regards
Anders Lundberg



old instructions and pictures
part 1 - Starting out
part 2 - How it works
part 3 - Building a new LED display
part 4 - The G5 clock completed



DIP-Switch features

Colon turned on: 1=off, 2=on
Colon turned off: 1=off, 2=off
Colon blinking: 1=on, 2=off
12 hour-mode: 3=off
24 hour mode: 3=on
60Hz input: 4=off
50Hz input: 4=on


If You are interested,
or just a happy soul,
please let me know...







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Boardlayout:

Clock-module
LED-Module



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© Anders Lundberg, Uppsala, Sweden 2005