Looking for a programmable LCD pocket watch, or similar - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: grandpa2390
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 15, 2013, 09:03:40 pm
content: I want to make a customized lcd pocket watch. It's nothing fancy like touch screens or anything, I just need a display that show colors and what-not. I was hoping there would be something on market for people like me but google didn't help me to find it, so I am reaching out to you all. I am not a hardware guru so buying the components and putting them together myself is not ideal unless there is a detailed guide on what to buy and how to put it together. Also, if it is something that I can take out of its original case, and then fit it into a pocketwatch case, that would work.so in summary I need either:1. a very detailed guide on what parts I need, where to buy them, and how to assemble them to make an lcd pocket watch2. a device that has everything I need, that is programmable that all I have to do is take it out of the casing and fit it into a pocket watch case3. an lcd pocketwatch that allows me to just write a program, execute it, and then I'm donethanks

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2013, 09:36:09 pm
content: Hi grandpa2390What size LCD are you thinking of using?How long do you need the battery to last?What overall size are you looking for?Can you clarify what you mean by 'Program' the watch.Regards

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 15, 2013, 09:42:53 pm
content: look up the TI Chronos watch that was on sale just recently

author: grandpa2390
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 15, 2013, 10:26:48 pm
content: Quote from: PeterG on September 15, 2013, 09:36:09 pmI'd like it to fit into a pocket watch. Not a tiny pocket watch, but just the average size. doesn't matter if it is a bit bigger.I'd need the lcd to be able to display color. It would be an lcd analog pocket watch. I want it to be lcd because what I have in mind would be impossible for a mechanical analog watch to do.I'd like the battery to last a good while if it would have to be replaced. if it is rechargeable then I guess a few weeks. the watches from tokyo flash last about a month on a single charge. It would be nice if I could buy one of their watches and reprogram it, but I don't know if that is possible.I found an pocket watch on ebay that claimed 4.9cm x 4.9cm. I assume all pocket watches are about that size. so if the lcd/processor/etc. needs a little bigger than that or smaller than that, I am sure I could find an old pocket watch. I want it to have an antique feel on the outside. so pretty much any old watch will work and prob won't be hard to find.by program I mean, I want to customize the display to show the colors, the font of numerals I want, whatever complications I need it, etc. I doubt I would be so lucky to find something with an engine that would allow me to just point and click what I want. So I figured whatever I bought, I would have to program it in C++ or Java or learn machine language. I've never programmed with machine language before, but I have friends who say it is easy.I don't know if this is acheivable. The people at Tokyo Flash accomplish it.

author: grandpa2390
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 15, 2013, 10:44:15 pm
content: I don't know. There probably isn't anything out there. And if there is, I probably couldn't afford it anyway. Thanks for your trouble.

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2013, 12:08:20 am
content: If your looking at a one off project, you could start with something like an ipod screen and build up a board to support it.Have you considered contacting Tokyo Flash? They may be interested in producing such a watch.Regards

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2013, 07:40:52 am
content: Colour is going to seriously impact battery life as you will need a backlight. If you can drop the colour requirement you could use something like the Sharp Memory LCD and have it run for many months on a small coin cell, years on a larger one.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2013, 12:00:28 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on September 16, 2013, 07:40:52 amOr you can use a colour reflective LCD,like this one.The Chinese also make transflective ones.