An ingenious maker has created an automatic charger for rechargeable AA batteries that also doubles as a desk clock. The device, called SPINC, uses a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microprocessor (which you can find in kits available on Amazon) and can charge up to 7 batteries simultaneously.
The system, designed by Max K., allows you to Easily insert empty batteries from abovewithout worrying about polarity. SPINC automatically orients them and loads them, then deposits them in a tray on the bottom once ready. As well as acting as a charging station, the device incorporates a high-resolution LCD display that shows the time, turning it into a stylish desk clock when not in use for charging.
SPINC can charge, very easily, up to seven rechargeable AA batteries at a time.
The heart of SPINC is a custom PCB board designed by Max K., which integrates the Raspberry Pi RP2040 as the main processor. The board is connected to a 240×400 pixel monochrome LCD display and an EMAX ES08A micro servo for rotating the batteries. The actual charging module is a DS2712.
While the DS2712 module manages charging, the RP2040 takes care of controlling the polarity of the batteries, manage the clock and control the servo that positions the batteries correctly for charging. Once charged, the batteries are slid into the bottom tray.
The clock interface uses the open source LVGL library. All components are enclosed in a specially designed 3D printed enclosure. Max K. made the source code, PCB design files and CAD models available on the page GitHub official of the project, allowing other enthusiasts to replicate or modify SPINC.
If you want to see the creation of this project, we recommend you give a Check out the video on YouTube. SPINC not only simplifies the management of rechargeable batteriesbut also adds a touch of style to your desk, combining utility and aesthetics in a single device.
Source: www.tomshw.it
