Backlit BatClock

While my previous instructable (https://www.instructables.com/id/Backlit-BatMan-Log...) was a success I wanted to make it less of just an item on the wall into something that actually has function as well as some form.

Whilst wandering around a bargain shop, I saw a cheap clock.. Yet another idea is borne !

The BatClock, what superhero does not need to know the time ?

My previous BatMan Logo, was hand made, and the makerspace I am a member of (Coventry Makerspace) have a very nice CNC laser cutter.

So without further ado. the kind people in the Makerspace cut out the BatMan logo on their CNC lasercutter.

That makes it sound so easy, however, I have never done this before so I managed to get an outline of what I wanted and the guys in makerspace carried out the necessary changes ...............

There's only one colour for Batman, Matt Black.

However, I was doing this project indoors due to the promised rain by the weatherman had finally arrived, so spraying with black chalkboard paint was not an option.

Luckily, I had hidden away in the back of a cupboard some Matt Black paint testers.

2 thin coats later, and the Bat is now a nice even Matt Black, I can recommend using paint testers for small projects as most times not a lot is required, and paying > £10 for a tin of paint is not always economical, testers are usually around £2 each. Normally they are re-sealable, so it is very easy to generate a good collection of paints at a very reasonable cost.

Remember when painting to ensure you do this in a well ventilated area and on a surface either covered or dedicated to painting.

I liked the backlit effect so much I decided to carry on that theme with this, also, the plan was to have the light show through the clock, so time was taken to lay out the led strip and cut to fit.

Next was the soldering of the strip, by now my wife was wanting more involvement as she could see the project taking shape and was getting more and more enthused, so with soldering iron in hand, she did an amazing job of soldering all the led strips together.. Not one mistake !! Go Wendy..

Next onto the clock part..

Strip the clock down into it's component parts, some are different to others, and be careful if the front face is glass.

I removed the hands, this can be tricky as they are very thin and can be bent easily so care must be taken.

Once the hands are removed the actual mechanism should be removed, this is normally held in by a 12mm thin nut, simply undo this nut, and the workings should release and be put to one side.

In the centre of the BatClock an 8mm hole had been created to accept the clock mechanism, the clock mechanism should be inserted and secured with the nut (and usually) a washer from the clock parts when removed.

Now dependent on clock type replace the hands, ensure they are inline, I found that if this was not the case it would not show the time correctly, so I lined mine up at 12.

Next insert the battery and ensure all is working fine.

Next I used hot glue to fasten 2 blocks of wood (45mm x 15mm) with a small ring (not sure of the correct term) and affixed them equally on each side of the back so I had a good place to hang and would also give some depth to the clock which would allow the light to radiate out effectively.

I used the ring / eye's as I didn't have anything else available, but having just searched around, I found something that would be even better from B&Q : http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-brass-effect-pic...

Next time :)

Now measure the distance between the hangers, and mark your wall, ensuring it's level !

Hang the Bat and power it up, I have used 12v strip so I used a 12v Wall Wart type power supply, please ensure you use the correct power supply for your chosen LED strip.