I enjoy making stuff, and I love electronics, so I generally really like electronics kit projects. The SpikenzieLabs Solder:Time Watch Kit seems like a great option for someone like me. This is actually a hackable watch- they provide the source code and other info, as well as convenient pads on the circuit board to tap into.
The Solder:Time Watch is loaded with interesting features for something so apparently simple and only $29.95:
- Laser-cut acrylic case (4 layers thick!)
- Dallas Semiconductor DS1337+ RTC clock chip
- PIC 16F631 micro-controller
- Low power consumption components
- Simple, one-button set-up and operation
- Long 2-sided Velcro strap wristband fits even large wrists
- Large, bright display
- Hackable and tinker-friendly allows for lots of other options- pocketwatch, desk clock, external power supply and more
- Soldering the battery holder was annoying since there are no pins or anything to stabilize it. The directions have a handy trick I should have thought of, but I made it work.
- I needed to go back and trim the leads a few times- they need to be REALLY short for the right fit and to prevent issues when the board is squished into the case.
- It took a few tries ‘dry-fitting’ the 6 parts of the case, not including 4 socket-head screws, to get everything to line up right. It was fun to try to work out exactly how things fit. The directions make it super-easy, but I enjoyed the challenge.
- Troubleshooting was irritating and kind of fun. Long leads, mediocre solder jobs, and so forth plagued me- try it, works fine, assemble it and it was acting odd. Disassemble, try something, repeat. Even after it was working well enough for this review, it started to act up again.
- Trying to determine how to set the time without looking at the directions was fairly straightforward and I got it in only a few tries.
I doubt most people would wear this as is- it begs for hacking the case. I’m trying to decide it’s final purpose. If I carry it as a pocket watch or clip-on clock, I’d want to replace the 4 socket-head screws with countersunk flatheads, round off the top and bottom edges for a smoother package and figure out a cooler strap (carbon fiber???) If I use it as a desk clock, I’d glue it to a clear stand, probably taking advantage of the DC power option to run it off a battery pack in the base. Hacking the chip itself is outside my skills although I am curious what is possible. I did not find a lot of ideas or tips online for that.
Product Information
Price: | $29.95 |
Manufacturer: | SpikenzieLabs |
Requirements: |
|
Pros: |
|
Cons: |
|