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Seeking Hughes Module

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abem

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Seeking Hughes Module

Post30 Jan 2010, 17:01

Hi.

I'm looking for a Hughes module for a Bulova Big Block. It's the one with a dot segment display, no colon between the hours and minutes, and the little AM dot indicator inside the second hours digit.

Ideally, I'd like a module from a Big Block, which has a little hole drilled into the contact on the right side to make room for the stem mechanism. Alternately, I could use a Hughes module from a Polara, CompuChron, etc. which is identical except for the right contact as shown in the link below:
http://crazywatches.w.interia.pl/photo/ ... lock2.html

Thanks!

-abe.
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retroleds

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: Seeking Hughes Module

Post30 Jan 2010, 18:57

Abe:
Correction - you can't just use a regular Hughes module from the watches(or others) you listed, as the functions are different. E.g. the button over at 7 oclock position is for date display on all other Hughes modules that have a contact there. 3 oclock position is exclusively for setting function on those modules. And the contacts(plural) at the 3 oclock position on the original BB module work thus: pushed in you get time -button contacts contact strip embedded in plastic which runs up to 1 oclock position. Pulled you get date -button stem contacts the backside of the contact with hole in it. A very misunderstood and frustrating setup arrangement until you get your head wrapped around it.
.
To use a standard Hughes module you'd need to modify it as shown here http://www.dwf.nu/viewtopic.php?p=21458#21458

The nice think with the "hack" I propose is you never have to pull the stem, just push once for time, twice for date. And very good if you have to make a retaining clip for the button, as the prior, touchy interaction with two contacts in one location is gone. The same hack would make a Hughes user-programmable module work in a Big Block. Extremely cool! 8-)
http://www.retroleds.com - Sales of vintage LED, LCD, analog watches, parts and gadgets - repair tutorials & tips
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abem

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: Seeking Hughes Module

Post30 Jan 2010, 19:52

I see - Hughes did a little swicharoo on the module functions without changing the outward appearance. Devious. Thanks for the clarification and for saving me from feeling like a nitwit once again.

The Big Block never has been a very practical model. It would, perhaps, be going a little far to have to remove the module from the case every month to set it (because of the 31 day calandar) and to have to depress the indented setting button for the date. Not that I wouldn't consider such measures, mind you. Sacrifices must occasionally be made in the name of, uh, fashion, or anti-fashion or whatever you would label this crazy fascination.

-abe.
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retroleds

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: Seeking Hughes Module

Post30 Jan 2010, 20:19

I have the Big Block modules, but the cost is probably prohibitive, since there are more cases than working modules - unless people were open to the Frankenstein/hack I propose. An original,early Hughes module hacked that way would operate and display identically. PM if you are interested in the options I would offer.
http://www.retroleds.com - Sales of vintage LED, LCD, analog watches, parts and gadgets - repair tutorials & tips
Nov. 2022 - back in business!! BItter divorce is in home stretch, come grabs some great deals, I had to open the safe . . . damn attorneys. piss.

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