Gee, I had a mechanical digital clock like that when I was in high school. I didn't like the looks of it, so I cut an opening in a piece of aluminum, then polished it to a mirror finish, and finally built a wooden frame to house the mechanism. I still have it, just not sure where it is, maybe in a box under the dining table. It is interesting, the left digit is a drum with 12 faces, the second drum has 6 faces, and the minute drum has 10 faces. The drums rotate on separate axles for each, depending upon the diameter of the drum. Each drum is advanced one step at a time by a cog on the drum to the right. The second hand turns continuously and is driven by a 1 rpm motor.
Yes, mine works the same way, although the motor must be at least 1 RPS, not RPM. To judge from the type of plastic, I think it's from the 1940s or '50s, so its Art Deco design was passé when it was made. The name of the company printed on the window, Advance Silk Thread Corporation, strikes me as an emblem of Fate itself.
I can't reach mine to check, but I think the name was DataChron, or DigiChron or something similar. I think the case was Bakelite, which is highly regarded today as a very good grade of plastic, holds it's shape, and is machinable. I should have kept it. It probably got tossed when my folks moved while I was in the Army. The case I made was from 1/4" "shook," a smooth white pine used to make citrus packing crates back in the '40's.
Happy new year! May your 2017 be writing-filled and joyous.
PS I should mention that my latest post mentions your book, the very effective typewriter pad, and my holiday gift to myself--thanks to your book's recommendation: a Hermes 3000. I went to Typewriter Techs because they had a 1961 model, my own magic year.
Happy New Year! Hear's to the best that we can be, the most that we can give, and to love, may it conquer all.
ReplyDeleteA Very Happy New Year to you and your family Richard!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!! (and that is a very appealing magazine cover...)
ReplyDeleteYes, a Happy New Year to you and the Revolution!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you this new year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year. Let's see if we can change the world. :D
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and best of times for the new year and into the far future
ReplyDeleteI wonder whether those clocks are wind-up clocks or not. xD
ReplyDeleteRegarding the last picture: Writing is a serious thing. xD
(In 1996, I was five years old. Sometimes, I miss that age)
P.S.: Happy New Year. xD
DeleteThanks. The analog clock is mechanical; the digital one is electric.
DeleteGee, I had a mechanical digital clock like that when I was in high school. I didn't like the looks of it, so I cut an opening in a piece of aluminum, then polished it to a mirror finish, and finally built a wooden frame to house the mechanism. I still have it, just not sure where it is, maybe in a box under the dining table. It is interesting, the left digit is a drum with 12 faces, the second drum has 6 faces, and the minute drum has 10 faces. The drums rotate on separate axles for each, depending upon the diameter of the drum. Each drum is advanced one step at a time by a cog on the drum to the right. The second hand turns continuously and is driven by a 1 rpm motor.
ReplyDeleteYes, mine works the same way, although the motor must be at least 1 RPS, not RPM. To judge from the type of plastic, I think it's from the 1940s or '50s, so its Art Deco design was passé when it was made. The name of the company printed on the window, Advance Silk Thread Corporation, strikes me as an emblem of Fate itself.
DeleteI can't reach mine to check, but I think the name was DataChron, or DigiChron or something similar. I think the case was Bakelite, which is highly regarded today as a very good grade of plastic, holds it's shape, and is machinable. I should have kept it. It probably got tossed when my folks moved while I was in the Army. The case I made was from 1/4" "shook," a smooth white pine used to make citrus packing crates back in the '40's.
DeleteI was wrong on the name, it is Pennwood Numechron. Nice video on youtube showing how to repair them.
DeleteHappy new year! May your 2017 be writing-filled and joyous.
ReplyDeletePS I should mention that my latest post mentions your book, the very effective typewriter pad, and my holiday gift to myself--thanks to your book's recommendation: a Hermes 3000. I went to Typewriter Techs because they had a 1961 model, my own magic year.
http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2017/01/typosphere-ho-stay-west-on-my-1961.html
Great! Enjoy your lovely Hermes and have a good year full of typing.
Delete