Best way to generate an accurate 1Hz signal?

[Tvmender]

Hi All

I am trying to reduce the hardware needed to run my Nixie Clocks by using a PICAXE to generate the 1Hz clock signal.

I know there is the I2C option with an accurate external clock source but I want to modify an existing clock which uses an old 16C84 I built back in my college days so no room for "luxuries" unfortunately.

I know this will involve using an externally clocked PICAXE but whats best? How accurate are internal delays?

Sorry if this is a very noob question, I haven't made anything which requires such accuracy until now.

Thanks!

 

[inglewoodpete]

The only current PICAXE chips that can utilise an external clock source are the 28X2 and 40X2. By using a ~32.....kHz (can't remember the exact figure) crystal and clock-driven interrupts, you should be able to get a reliable 1-second pulse rate. Just thinking about it, I'm sure there are two 16-bit variables associated with the X2s' TIME function, so you should be able to use an 8MHz crystal. X2s use a different configuration for the timer.

I've only used an X2's timer interrupts for 50, 80 and 100mS but you should be able to configure 500mS interrupts for a 1Hz square wave signal.

 

[PhilHornby]

Rather than a Picaxe, you could use something like a DS3231, that can generate an accurate 1Hz clock signal? Datasheet HERE, ready-built module HERE. (That's the least of its capabilities )

 

[cpedw]

I was going to suggest MSF clock (see post 36 here and hardware) but stumbled on this - simpler and cheaper. That one's in Canada, expensive postage to UK but I'm sure similar things exist elsewhere.

 

[eclectic]

An "old" PICAXE idea
High Accuracy Timer | PICAXE Forum

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[radiosparks]

Be careful using this module. Mine came with a CR2032, not the rechargeable one.
I just moved this resistor (201) to disable the charging circuit.

 

[radiosparks]

I was going to suggest MSF clock (see post 36 here and hardware) but stumbled on this - simpler and cheaper. That one's in Canada, expensive postage to UK but I'm sure similar things exist elsewhere.

Thanks for the link to Universal-solder. I didn't know about them and only a 6 hour drive from home, 8)

 

[Buzby]

You could use one of those little GPS modules that directly provide a 1 sec pulse. If you use a little Picaxe as well, you could process the GPS serial to provide the time for a self-setting clock. How you would get this GPS time into your existing setup I don't know. Maybe use the Picaxe I/O to drive the time setting buttons, or directly manipulate the counters if they are discrete.

 

[erco]

Old school radio solution.

 

[sages]

Check this guys web site out for ideas PIC 1 sec timer

 

[Buzby]

... Check this guys web site out for ideas PIC 1 sec timer...

Those are raw PIC examples, programmed in assembler, not Picaxe BASIC.

Still, they are clever bits of code !.

 

[sages]

Those are raw PIC examples, programmed in assembler, not Picaxe BASIC.

Still, they are clever bits of code !.

OP mentions adding a pickaxe but has original code in a 16c84, so potential to modify original code which I'm speculating is either in assembler or compiled C.

 

[Buzby]

Without knowing how much of the 16C84 the OP has already used, we can't know if there is room for the Roman Black code.

No matter if the code is in the 16C84 or a seperate chip, what the code actually does still depends on a very accurate crystal source. The code is intended to overcome the 'drift' of intervals in chips which don't have clocks which are easily divided by 12 or 60. It can't be any more accurate than the source crystal.

I don't think you can beat a proper clock module for long term stability.

 

[sages]

you win

 

[erco]

Another long electromechanical workaround just for fun: Some of these cheap $1 clock movements have second hands that tick once each second. (others have smooth continuous motion) One AA battery lasts a year. Hack into a ticking one and grab the pulse that moves the hand.

Quartz Clock Movement DIY Kit Mechanism Module Repair Battery Powered Hands Tool | eBay

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Quartz Clock Movement Mechanism Module Repair DIY Kit Battery Powered Hands Tool | eBay

Toggle Switch. Steam Generator. Industrial Automation. Auto Spare Parts. CNC Accessory. pushbutton switch. Healthy&beauty machine. Electric Water Heater&Thermost.

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[AllyCat]

Hi,

Often those clock movements reverse the drive polarity each second, so you might need to be a little creative.

Cheers, Alan.

 

[piclt]

Surely this must be worth a read if you are thinking of using PICAXE.......this will get you the signal.....then you can do what you want with it...??

How MSF Atomic clock receiver modules work - free for colleges, University and students | Galleon Systems Ltd (galsys.co.uk)

 

[eclectic]

15 years old this week

MSF hacking.

MSF and synchronisation pulses? Some ramblings. Ref. http://www.npl.co.uk/upload/pdf/MSF_Time_Date_Code.pdf For no purpose, other than interest, I hacked a radio controlled clock. With care, the clock should still work perfectly. Grounded the PON connection, and took two wires from PON/gnd...

picaxeforum.co.uk

Decoding UK's NPL MSF Time Signal

My first real post, so be gentle with me! Attached is a programme that decodes the time signal provided by the UK's National Physics Lab.This in known as "MSF" and is broadcast from Anthorn, Cumbria,UK. It should be capable of being picked up in nothern and western Europe. This project came...

picaxeforum.co.uk

e

 

[Tvmender]

Many thanks everyone for the replies. I am going to do some tinkering and see what I can get working with an RTC module. I will post my results as soon as I have something.

Thanks again!