Barrow Dock Museum challenged us to create a device allowing visitors to clock in by entering their postcode.
The project involved coding a custom postcode entering and storage system, integrating it into a traditional clocking in machine with with card stamping mechanism in a way that would fit the museum’s asthetic.
We used a combination of a clocking in machine, custom self-inking stamp, traditional till drawer, Raspberry Pi and custom made keyboard.
We replaced the clock mechanism so it would tell the time again, and integrated a screen within the mechansim blending it in with stained lasercut plywood.
We adapted a traditional till to hold a stock of customed designed cards ready to stamp.
We originally intended to use a typewritter, but it proved too prone to jamming so we created retro typewritter keys with stems to control a hidden keyboard.
We designed a set of instructions fitting to the era or the oringal machine.
We designed the card around a standard business card size to keep the cost of reprinting to a minimum. We adapted the Dock Museum logo to work as a stamp (in blue below).
We were very happy with how it looked immediately at home with the other museum exhibits.
Behind the Scenes Making
The base struction of the device was originally part of a sideboard we found for next to nothing in a local charity shop.
The style was just right and we couldn't resist those beautiful dragon legs!
After separating the bits we needed we briefly said hello to a couple of monocle-clad furniture bots!
This is the lovely typewriter we planned to use. Shame it didn't work out, but we'll find a use for it I'm sure.
This is the basic compact keyboard that's now hidden within the cabinet. Can you spot the Crocs!
After laser cutting button tops and stems we used UV Resin for the first time to create domed caps for the keys.
I couldn't have hoped for better! The resin is super hard, crystal clear and is thick enough to create a natural dome. It only takes 20 seconds or so to harden under the UV torch.
For some of the key buttons I lasercut surrounds to avoid any confustion.
