Binclock Manual

  Binclock         : The One- and Only-Chip-Release
  Software Release : Version 3.0  from  11-Jul-1991
  Serial Number    : AAC-910711-0001
  Copyright        : (c) Alexander Ackermann, 1988, 1990,
                     1991, 1998

1. General Information

This clock does not show the time decimal as usual, but binary. It was developed as a birthday- christmas- etc- gift for those who have the necessary sense of humor for such a clock, and who enjoy it. (Unfortunately there are only few people who grasp the deeper nonsense of it).

Since it is finally possible for me to unify all functions of the clock on a single chip, the clock is almost ready for mass production and the time of assembly and cost of material is limited. Nevertheless, every clock is unique, and a very special present I believe.

2. Installation

Since I am fairly knowledgeable in developing microprocessor systems (the binary clock is such a system), but my mechanical skill are much less developed (probably too lazy), I leave it to the presentee to built the module into a case. I think it looks fairly nice when the card module is simply attached to a piece of bent off perspex. In any case, please handle the card module (especially its backside) carefully! After that, you simply have to attach the binary clock to a suitable adapter (adjusted to 6-12 volts), and plug it in.

3. Reading the Time and Clock Time Adjustment

Each light emitting diode represents a number (see above). To read the time, you simply have to add the numbers for the hours, minutes and seconds, whose corresponding light emitting diodes are on (binary number system). In the above (virtual) binary clock, the (red marked) numbers above the turned-on light emitting diodes have to be added.

This seems to be rather complicated and must be the reason that many people do not have a sense for such complicated clocks. (Do gugg ich doch eefach uff mei digidaal- Aamband-Uhr unn ich seh soford wieviel Uhr das iss ...). However, the binary clock is easily readable as well with a little bit of practice since one simply memorizes certain patterns.

Adjusting clock time is as simple: One simply reads in the time in the binary system using the binary keypad, and then enters "CR". The clock time is adjusted.

4. Technical Specifications

Binary clock chip	Microprocessor Intel 8748 or -49, clock pulse 6 Mhz
Software-Release	Version 3.0, 11.07.1991
Power supply	ca. 6-12 volts / ca. 200 mA DC, via adaptor, power ca. 3 watts at 220 volts
Copyright	1988 (V1.00) : TTL binary clock with pendulum 1990 (V2.01) : Z80 binary clock with timeswitch and alarm 1991 (V3.00) : Single chip binary clock 1998 (V3.0J) : Virtual Java binary clock by Alexander Ackermann