DSM Frankenstein ?

[bucko170]

Would it be possible to Frankenstein on an old defunct DSM watch such as the Optel photographed here?

http://www.ledwatches.net/photo-pages/optel.htm

It would seem that these are fast heading towards being the first casualties of age from the early digital era leaving just the memories, photo's and old cases behind.

Aesthetically the cases look really nice, big, chunky and shouting 70s, it would be a shame to leave them unused and gathering dust.

I was thinking along the lines of the Bulova big block for the Frankenstein, using the stem as a push\pull for the time\date display.

[rewolf]

The cases are easy to open and have lots of space inside.
Integratin the stem could prove a bit difficult, but OTOH the stem's switching part is on its own little PCB which could be detached from the rest of the module and somehow soldered to the new brain.

I have some hires macro photos of the module and especially the stem part if you want.

[bucko170]

I don't actually have the watch, I thought it best to explore the concept a little before actually trying anything.

As a workaround for the issue with the stem do you think the stem from the 'big block' could be used along with the Optel case or would it look too small?

[LEDluvr]

I don't actually have the watch, ....

Is this possible!?! Is there actually a vintage digital watch that bucko does not already have in his collection?
Bucko, I'm sure you are working dilligently to address this oversight.

[retroleds]

The stem from the Bulova is plain difficult to incorporate into any scheme that doesn't include it's contact, spring retainer and frankly the module hub. But Rewolf is quite correct, the switching portion of those Optel(and many other) movements have a switch that can be lifted off the board. The stem is an integral part of the switch so you pretty much would keep all of it together. And there are some fairly nice, thin, modern reverse LCD modules that would make good replacements.

[bucko170]

I don't actually have the watch, ....

Is this possible!?! Is there actually a vintage digital watch that bucko does not already have in his collection?
Bucko, I'm sure you are working dilligently to address this oversight.

There are still loads out there that I would like to add to my modest collection, I suppose that's a good thing as it keeps the interested alive.

The stem from the Bulova is plain difficult to incorporate into any scheme that doesn't include it's contact, spring retainer and frankly the module hub. But Rewolf is quite correct, the switching portion of those Optel(and many other) movements have a switch that can be lifted off the board. The stem is an integral part of the switch so you pretty much would keep all of it together. And there are some fairly nice, thin, modern reverse LCD modules that would make good replacements

I thought it might be easy to do best to wait and let someone else lead the way.

[retroleds]

This picture showes two of the most common designs you will find for the stem set watch switches that rotate. The one on the left is what are found on Sonar, Instar Bomark, Mike and other later stem-set LCD. The one on the right is the Optel setup, also used in Lucian Picard's and some of the better quality pieces. The one on right is easier to work with(you have to commit to destroying the board to remove it, usually. The left one could probably be squeezed in if the movement has the batteries top & bottom, as opposed to left & right. That Optel board works great, but someone really manhandled it, the battery contacts were ripped off.



I just tried an LED(Rotary) movement in the Optel case - looks really good and room to spare.... but I need another hand to get a picture.

[bucko170]

I just tried an LED(Rotary) movement in the Optel case - looks really good and room to spare.... but I need another hand to get a picture.

Be great to see the photo if you can find a third hand, I was thinking of a LED conversion rather than a LCD retro fit.

Would you consider this doable then?

I see two wires on the 'switch' on the left would these be used to make the contacts? Not sure I've explained that very well but what I am thinking is solder one to the display contact of a one button module the other to the set contact and hey presto a LED stem controlled display............or am I way off track?

[rewolf]

I uploaded some photos of the stem switch in the Optel module:

[bucko170]

Great photo's Rewolf, thank you.

[retroleds]

Rewolf - great photos. That's it, ordering a new bulb for the microscope camera right now

I see two wires on the 'switch' on the left would these be used to make the contacts? Not sure I've explained that very well but what I am thinking is solder one to the display contact of a one button module the other to the set contact and hey presto a LED stem controlled display............or am I way off track?

You are right on - you would jog the button one direction to get settings, the other to advance a setting or just get the time. The rub(problem) - turning the stem is a bit more hassle than pressing a button, it might get old quickly. Starting with an LED module that has a tip function might be advisable.

Regarding the Bulova Big Block - the Hughes "Reload" I have as a sticky over in the "Digital Workbench" forum is fairly straightforward. And Hughes modules are reasonably avilable, since so many were jammed into plain cases most collectors eschew

es·chew   
[es-choo]
–verb (used with object)
to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid: to eschew evil.

[bucko170]

Would there be enough space inside the case for the module with the batteries and the switch mechanism?

Not sure where the switch could be placed, it would have to line up with the stem, is the case deep enough to allow it to sit on top of the module? Is this why you mentioned the importance of the battery position - top and bottom rather than side by side?

How would you envisage it all fitting together?

I assume that the batteries could be made to just contact the case back.

Starting with an LED module that has a tip function might be advisable

Great idea! I have a spare Gillette reflex module which has the tip wrist feature and just the single command button. It's in a very ordinary looking case, I've had it a couple of years and was keeping it just in case I ever needed a spare, would be excellent if I could put it to good use but I'm not sure how the batteries are orientated....I think they are side by side but I shall check it out.

Ed you mentioned that you had tried a LED module from a Rotary watch are you having a go at this Frankenstein - it would be great to see the photo's if you are.

[Huertecilla]

Thank you Ed and Rewolf for the intimately detailed photos of the Optel module.

I can now also better understand why Rewolf is curious to have a peek inside the Seiko SBPG00x and SDGA00x at the S760 resp. S770, the LCD and EPD of their current rc/solar digital modules.
I can also understand why an AD would be hesitant to let him have a go at it with tools