Bulova 'Big Block'

[bucko170]

Ed, in this photo's showing the two modules side by side what does the red line represent?

http://img205.imageshack.us/i/bigblockc ... 2copy.jpg/

I fancy having a go is there an alternative to sand blasting the old trace off?

[retroleds]

Mick:
[Strictly discussing module on LEFT, not original BIg Block movement]
Sorry about that. The red line is silver epoxy(or liquid tracing fluid or thin wire) that will connect the terminal at the seven oclock position to the setting junction on the board(rightmost end of red line).

The bright green line represents the piece of copper that is embedded in the plastic battery holder, the upper end of which is what the stem of the watch hits when you press in. Since you will be using a Hughes module that give the date on the second push, you no longer need the contact on the board that has the hole thru it for the stem.

By the same tactic, you can convert a Hughes Message module to do the same task.

This tactic could revitalize hundreds of nice Big Blocks that are lacking for a module. Adjusting the tip of the copper strip(green line) is much easier thatn getting all elements of an original Big Block module to cooperate, especially if it has already been "man-handled".

[bucko170]

Hey that was fun





I accidentally broke the inner copper strip trying to bend it to close the gap to make a good contact, so I drew a new trace with conductive paint which worked a treat

Thanks for all your help!

Does anyone have any spare band links so I can wear it?

[retroleds]

Good job! And wasn't that remarkably easy? I have your links Mick, PM me.

[bucko170]

Could a Hughes conversion work with this Texas Instrument model?
I think the module width is similar to the Hughes? but I'm not sure about the depth as I don't have the TI model to measure.

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/t ... ents22.htm

[retroleds]

Vastly different construction, buttons(contacts) in different position on left, case is too shallow for a Hughes module..... Honestly mate, I don't want to steer you wrong. But the Hughes hack is a nice one for such an otherwise cantakerous but substantial watch. Eliminates that whole push/pull action and the troublesome interaction between the multiple contacts jammed around the crown button's shaft. Why didn't they just do this at the factory.