Wall Clock
Added a battery‑backup power system to an old factory pulse clock so it keeps perfect time even during outages. Built a regulated 6‑volt supply with automatic switchover between AC power and battery.
Background My dad had an old factory pulse clock — the kind used in large buildings where every clock was wired together and kept in sync by a master controller. These clocks don’t run continuously; they only advance when they receive a timed electrical pulse. To make it work at home, I bought a pulse‑signal generator to act as the master.
The Problem The clock ran fine on batteries, but I got tired of replacing them. When I switched to using house power, the frequent outages in my area caused the clock to stop and lose time. I needed a way to keep it running automatically, no matter what the power company was doing.
The Solution I built a small power system that:
Runs the clock on AC power during normal operation
Automatically switches to battery backup during outages
Regulates the output to a steady 6 volts
Recharges or maintains the battery when AC power is available
This required:
A DC power supply 12v
A rechargeable battery LW-3FM7 6V 7Ah Sealed
A voltage regulator ICSTATION Low Voltage Disconnect DC 6V-60V 30A
A electrical Automatic switchover 5V-48V Power Controller 10A DC
A 6V Battery for Moutrie Expert Power Trickle Charger
Result The clock now runs continuously and stays on time through every outage. The pulse generator keeps it advancing exactly as it should, and the backup system handles the transitions seamlessly. It’s a small project, but it brought a piece of my dad’s history back to life and made it reliable for everyday use.
