How Can a Mechanical Town Clock Be Modified to Chime Every Second?

[Young Learner]

I just wanted to know how a town or a tower clock works. I would like to know if I can device a mechanism such that I will be able to use the striking train to strike every second, loud and clear i.e. I must get a loud chime every second but without using an electrical supply.

 

[Bobbywhy]

Energy. This is the key to your request. You need some kind of energy to "strike" the chime. Have you checked on how this has been done for hundreds of years already, before electric clocks were available?

 

[Young Learner]

Energy. This is the key to your request. You need some kind of energy to "strike" the chime. Have you checked on how this has been done for hundreds of years already, before electric clocks were available?

Thanks for the reply.
I am still not sure how a town clock works.
May be you can come to a conclusion after watching these links.




do we need to give a key to it manually every once in a while?

 

[Bobbywhy]

“In mechanical clocks, the power source is typically either a weight suspended from a cord or chain wrapped around a pulley, sprocket or drum; or a spiral spring called a mainspring. Mechanical clocks must be wound periodically, usually by turning a knob or key or by pulling on the free end of the chain, to store energy in the weight or spring to keep the clock running.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock#Power_source

 

[PJC01]

A town or tower clock, also known as a public clock, typically works through a combination of mechanical gears and weights or springs. The clock mechanism, known as the movement, contains a series of gears that are connected to the hands of the clock and control their movement. The weights or springs provide the power to drive the gears and keep the clock running.

In order to achieve a loud chime every second without using an electrical supply, it would be necessary to design a specialized striking train within the clock movement. This would involve creating a separate set of gears and mechanisms that are connected to a hammer or chime, which would strike at the desired interval. However, it is important to note that this would likely require significant modifications to the existing clock mechanism and may not be feasible for all clock designs.

Another option could be to incorporate a pendulum into the clock mechanism, which would provide a regular and consistent rhythm for the striking train to follow. This would require a skilled understanding of clock mechanics and would also need to be carefully calibrated to ensure the desired results.

Overall, it is possible to devise a mechanism within a town or tower clock to strike every second without using an electrical supply. However, it would require specialized knowledge and modifications to the existing clock mechanism. I would recommend consulting with a professional clockmaker or engineer to ensure the safe and accurate implementation of such a mechanism.