Clock That Goes Backwards And Forward
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5163
Printed Date: 5/05/24 at 6:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Clock That Goes Backwards And Forward
Posted By: colugino
Subject: Clock That Goes Backwards And Forward
Date Posted: 9/11/11 at 1:33am
Odd question but figured I would ask anyway :-) My theatre company is doing The Nutcracker. I am building an oversized working grandfather clock using motorized clock parts. What I would love to do is have the clock be able to be controlled in a way to have the hands jerk forward and backward a few times and then roll backwards. If that is not possible, at least move forward and then somehow turn it to reverse. Would also want to control the speed - when it goes in reverse want hands to spin fast like clock is out of control. Anyone have any suggestions on how to make this happen?
Much thanks in advance!
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Replies:
Posted By: Spectrum
Date Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:18pm
My suggestion would be to use a stepper motor instead of a timing motor to run the clockworks. That way you could not only control the DIRECTION of the motor turning, but also the SPEED. There are numerous kits for stepper motor controllers, and the motors themselves can be fairly small and not too expensive. Good luck!
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Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
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Posted By: Thudster
Date Posted: 9/11/11 at 9:40pm
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I'm not sure how to arrange it, but a variable speed reversible drill (cordless) might work. You'd need someone to run it, though. Low tech solution, but that's the kind I prefer.
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Posted By: dboris
Date Posted: 9/12/11 at 12:34pm
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I recently had to do something like this for a production of Blithe Spirit and I took an even lower tech approach. The clock mechanism in the clock we used had a dial on the back used to set the time. I simply hot-glued a dowel to the dial and put it through a hole in the flat where the clock was hung. Someone could then spin the hands either way from backstage.
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Posted By: colugino
Date Posted: 9/12/11 at 9:15pm
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Thanks for the suggestions!! Always appreciate learning new ways to do things :-)
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Posted By: Thudster
Date Posted: 9/12/11 at 9:17pm
Originally posted by dboris
I recently had to do something like this for a production of Blithe Spirit and I took an even lower tech approach. The clock mechanism in the clock we used had a dial on the back used to set the time. I simply hot-glued a dowel to the dial and put it through a hole in the flat where the clock was hung. Someone could then spin the hands either way from backstage.
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I like that way better than mine. Great idea!
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"Hey look! That's my dad up there whacking himself with silverware!"
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Posted By: didj1028
Date Posted: 9/13/11 at 1:49pm
sometimes the simplest way is best!
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Geoff Ehrendreich
Waterloo Community Playhouse
Waterloo IA
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Posted By: Spectrum
Date Posted: 9/21/11 at 6:28pm
All of these ideas are fine (except I would think the "electric drill" concept would be too noisy) as long as you are only moving the minute hand. If you want it to look like the clock is REALLY running forward and backward as a real clock would look, you'll have to use the clockwork (the hour hand also moves as the minute hand goes around). That is why I suggested the (relatively silent) stepper motor technique. It is really a very simple way to do EXACTLY what you requested. Come to think of it, the idea 'dboris' suggested still uses the clockwork so that would work nicely, too (as long as the hot glue hangs on). No matter, best of luck with whatever you do.
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Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
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