Apollo Clock

UPDATE 3 March 2020: Updated various parts for smoother rotation, added LED backlighting, and improved documentation. See Apollo Clock_RevA.pdf for details.

This is an Apollo-themed 3D-printed clock using compound planetary gears and a stepper motor drive. The moon (hour hand) orbits the earth once every 12 hours, with a Lunar Module orbiting the moon just for fun. A Command Module (minute hand) orbits the earth once per hour and spins for no good reason. The earth (seconds) spins once per minute. The south pole faces out, both for proper rotation direction and for aesthetics (fewer continents blocking the view inside).

Non-printed parts were kept to a minimum in order to keep the cost down. In addition to filament (I used PLA), you’ll need a 3mm rod, some M1/M2/M3 screws, a pile of 6mm plastic BBs, a rubber band, and about $20 in electronics. The plans allow for for LEDs, which I have not yet added.

Refer to PDF for assembly instructions.

Timelapse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APDj2XSgm9U

Tinkercad model: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/7t096SUfR9u-apollo-clock-reva

The following things were used or remixed in this design (thanks!): “The moon” - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1014620 "Gridded Globe” - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2674988 "One Small Step” - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:266725 “Micro Apollo Mission with Stand” - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3758364

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