Introduction: Lifetime Battery for Wall Clocks.
I have been observing wall clocks since time immemorial. What I have observed over these years is that wall clocks hang on our walls much longer than we expect. They tell us the time, and I bet you see the clock more than once a day. But sometimes the time stops and maybe even stalls because the battery is low or dead. This battery change is usually done twice a year and can depend on the different types of clocks at home. So I wanted something that would last long enough so I would not have to keep changing batteries. I did my usual research on the Internet and found interesting simple circuits that can be built into clocks. But they were not properly documented. So I wanted to make an instructables that could help someone like me to research in the future.
As the title says "Lifetime" please do not think that once this circuit is installed you do not need to do anything to the clock. After this modification to the clock, I can guarantee that the clock will work normally for about 2 to 3 years. I meant "Lifetime" because the battery can be recharged and the clock will run again for the same number of years.
Supplies
The mod is fairly simple and I will explain it in very easy steps. Even a beginner can follow my instructions, even without electronics knowledge. What you need for this project to work are only three components and one battery. This can be a laptop battery like 18650 or any unused mobile battery.
- Transistor :- BC547
- Resistor :- 4.7K
- Capacitor :- 47uF/16V
- Battery:- Any Battery like 18650 or any unused mobile battery.
You can get all these components in an electronic store with ease. They are not very costly.
Step 1: Assembling the Circuit
Firs take the transistor and solder the resistors as in the diagram. Solder the first resistor withe the Emitter and Base of the Transistor. Then Solder the Second resistor with the Base. Then finally Solder the Capacitor with the Collector and the resistor. The output is taken from here. While Soldering the capacitors mind the polarity as it may damage the Circuit. The Positive of the Capacitor will be at the Collector and the negative will be at the Base. This then becomes the output point of 1.5V. The Capacitor is used to give the Clock a steady supply of 1.5V. This will be necessary for a perfect time to be displayed in the clock.
Step 2: Fitting It to the Clock
Now that the circuit is ready, all you have to do is get your old clock off the wall. First, take the old batteries out of the clock. Then attach the circuit and connect the circuit wires to the Clock's battery terminal. You may have to improvise during installation, but make sure the wires leading to the clock's battery compartment are properly attached.
Finally Check the working movement of the Clock, adjust the time and then hang it back it on the wall, which will be hanging without maintenance for a long time.
