Cola Clock

Project Number: 68

Description: Assemble the liquid energy source using the instructions on page 4. Connect it to the clock (T2) with the red & black jumper wires, with the red wire on the copper electrode. Fill the compartments with cola soda (other soda flavors and lemon, tomato, or grapefruit juice also work). The clock should be running. Set the time if you like. With cola, the clock will typically run for a week. When the display gets dim, replace the cola. You can move the copper electrode with the snap on it over to the next compartment, as shown in the Liquid Battery project. The clock display will not be as bright as now. If the copper and the zinc electrodes get corroded through use, use sandpaper, steel wool, or a scraper to remove the corrosion and to improve performance. Don't drink any soda or juice used in this project. Wash the electrodes and the liquid holder.

Snappy: The clock needs very little current to operate (much less than 1mA). The liquid energy source does not produce much electricity, but it can supply enough for the clock. Slowly, the chemical energy in the cola is used up, and the voltage drops enough current for the clock to stop working.

Setting the time on the clock (T2):
 * Press the left button to select what to change (month, date, hour, or minute).
 * Press the right button until it is correct.
 * Press the left button until the time is showing, then press the right button once to start.
 * The colon (":") will be flashing when the clock is running.
 * Press the right button to display the date.