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Thank you for your kind words and encouragement! I too can't wait to get everything painted and stained - it's just that I keep adding/improving mechanisms... I haven't yet thought of a way to include a spinning governor, as the clock escapement seems to be working well, and hasn't yet self destructed... The 'Ziming Zhong' clocks in the Science Museum look amazing, and they didn't have the luxury of CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting or plastic! I must visit. Currently, thanks to suggestions from viewers, and my desire not to currently think too much about it, potential themes are: A Jules Verne type airship and Nautilus that have to be controlled to keep the ball in play, a Sherlock Holmes adventure of some sort or a game based on HG Wells' Time Machine. All three have tons of potential and may cause me to make more of these machines that use the same coin/ball management system. No evil microprocessors this time!

Those themes are all intriguing and great, well reflecting your great craftsmanship and innovation. Excited how things progress, as always it's the journey not the destination! Cheers@@steamhead

@@paulsdownsouth3898 well put - 'It's the journey not the destination'! Perhaps this could also be applied to the gameplay? So many exciting things to think about...

Thank you kindly! It really is proving to be a fascinating, if frustrating project. Heath Robinson and Rube Goldberg are definately going to inspire the gameplay. Thanks to suggestions made in the comments, I'm currently thinking about moveable clouds at the top that can be used to direct the ball into a moving airship. This could contain some sort of rotary maze through which the ball must be guided. It could then have a Nautilus submarine at the bottom which has to be moved to catch the ball. Krackens could also play a role! It's that or an HG Wells Time Machine based game - particularly poignant, as the game's score is based on time. Then there's the idea of some kind of Sherlock Holmes adventure... Up until this point I've known what the game management mechanism needs to do, I have no/so many ideas regarding the actual game play! I now have another 6 ceramic white knobs, with which the player can manipulate the ball, so rocking see-saws, perhaps hidden by clouds, sounds like an idea with lots of potential.

Thank you for the encouragement, it's greatly appreciated.

That's a nice idea, especially with the falling notes!

Thank you kindly! It really is so encouraging to hear from happy viewers.

I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. The addition of a piece of string to raise it again (rather than me having to stand on the table and roll it up by hand) is also a boon!

I'm not sure why CZcams doesn't show my actual name.. John Hunt. Same thing! Anyway I'm loving this machine, I ought to get back into making things, it's so fun! Looking forward to the next installment...

@@syrus3k Thanks for the heads up; John Hunt it is! Do get back into making things, it is so much fun.

I greatly appreciate your input and encouragement, and will use your proper name from now on!

You're absolutely right - designing something as you go along is a lovely way to work. I think studying Industrial Design, then teaching DT for years and the advent of CAD, encouraged me to plan everything to the nth degree before actually making anything. This project has re-awakened my youthful joy of just making stuff!

Oh, and I love the name. Thank you.

Bellows sound good.. some kind of pneumatic.. Thing

I'm so pleased you are enjoying watching my mechanical fumblings! I 'think' the positives outweigh the frustration... You're right, it definately needs some bellows. I'm currently trying to sort out a better zeroing spool, but then onto sounds! I've used cuckoo clock bellows in several of my machines, so watch this space...

Definately - bells and bellows powered whistles. Every self respecting steampunk machine requires them!

Thank you! I thought I'd already replied to your comment, but CZcams says no. Thank you for your appreciation and great bellows idea!

@@syrus3k and Swanny whistle ?.

You're too kind! Thank you for being so observant whilst watching the videos. I was very pleased to finally add a couple of bell cranks!

That's a great idea!

Now I read the original comment. You are referring to the movie. I didnt watch it. It may make sense.

@@ibrahimkocaalioglu I have read the book but only remember the wonderfully designed time machines from the films - what a heathen!

Thank you kindly Ibrahim. I think Leonardo would wonder how anyone could have the time to spend on such a contraption! I may well need the services of PCBWay, especially once I start designing the actual game.

Thank you kindly! It has got a little out of hand...

I'm very pleased they have at last dropped... Thank you for helping to wean me off the Arduino, your continued support is greatly appreciated! It really is the most ridiculous project, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm honoured with the comparison to John Harrison! I can only imagine the horror of having to machine stainless steel - just the right speeds and pressures or ruined tools. 'Keep it severely sophisticated'

@@steamhead John this project is unlike your others, arse about face yes but it is combining you ingenuity to solve problems using the fabrication techniques and equipment you have acquired and is already a spectacular visual. Arduino is at times the easy option but has no soul. Well done. Observation on the gravity reset mechanism. The string is at the moment functional but may I suggest a thin ribbon on a bobbin which would not have the risk of a riding turn jamming the show. You could also decorate it. Very best to Ziggy.

@@WOFFY-qc9te It really is proving to be a most enjoyable arse about face project. Just the fact I have no idea what the next bit will look like is very exciting! You're absolutely right; eleckmatronicals have no soul - I'm sure I'm on some sort of 'spectrum', but seeing a mechanical marvel such as a steam locomotive, or more worringly, a diesel generator working, fills me with joy. I like the idea of a ribbon that can't get tangled. However, I'm currently improving the 'reset' spool to work with chain and have added bearings, after I realised just how much friction was being intoduced by using chromium plated shafts passing through 20mm of acrylic! Live and learn...

@@steamhead Electro mechanicals in the old sense of the word is ok, "Look Mum no computer " YT has some wonderful resurrections. Lucien Nunnes sadly died recently and his collection has been dispersed to be saved by others, particularly the Compton organ electromechanicals and tone wheel organ parts. I nearly got one that was destined for scrap but fortunately someone els managed to save it so I dodged a bullet there. Spectrum, yes WE are and very happy to show the 'Normals' how to fix something. John I have been watching your progress for some time and have seen the advances made in production and the use of 3d printing. But and heres the rub your inventing and thinking will also progress to the point where your machinery can't keep up so don't forget what you used to teach and start optimising material and production. I have learnt that perfection is the next project and to be satisfied that the imperfect job just done was more than good enough. This machine is evolving into more than one project and potentially several different devices for future sales and I see your meticulous logging of production detail is going to pay dividends. Good on you and for the moment keep away from the digital pixies. Best to Ziggy

@@WOFFY-qc9te I'm pleased to hear you too are a fan of 'Look Mum No Computer'. It's so lovely and important that there are so many 'abnormals' out there who continue to care about and look after, older mechanical technology. 'Normals' are so boring, being happy to see such amazing technology scrapped - so long as they have their smartphones to feed them increasing amounts of banality! Optomising material use and manufacturing techniques is close to my heart. I'm so lucky to have the amazing laser cutter, 3D printer, such a variety of tools and a lovely workshop. Thankfully my traning as an Industrial Designer constantly keeps me aware of the constraints in which I work. It is imperfect, but as you suggest, gain joy from creating something that works! I'll continue avoiding digital pixies! I think Ziggy smelt a muntjac's scent during this afternoon's cycle/walk. Another walker said he'd seen one. How and why they are in the park is anyone's guess. She ran off and re-emerged half an hour later absolutely exhausted - she'd had a very good run. Once following a scent, that's it with a gun dog!

Oh, fond memories of my 80's tennis tournaments... or could it have been caused by holding a trowel with which to build a two floor extension on the side of the house?

Thank you. The next step is to actually work out how far the scoring gears travel, to add pointers and dials, and then to work out 'how long is a piece of string'!

@@steamhead Never as long as you think it is.

@@steamhead I'm fairly sure the answer is somewhere between twice the measure of half its length, and 42

@@rosseastman2134 Thank you for your insight. It's always lovely to discuss string lengths.

Thank you. I thought I'd replied to your insightful comment regarding calculating the lenght of a piece of string, CZcams now suggests otherwise... Thank you for your insight, it's duly noted!

Good observation, can you get the X Y Z point dimensions exported in drawing format for future reference. I am not up on this 3d stuff I did Auto-cad in 1996 ! so a little behind.

Thank you. I'm ensuring I keep the CAD drawings up to date with all the changes.

Thank you kindly, it is certainly becoming a fascinating machine! Making the entire ball/coin lifter out of aluminium sounds exciting, I'll do some research - I can't imagine turning a 3D printed item into aluminium! I'll definately add a spool to the end of the score reset weight. I realised I was over-running my 20 minute video length, so just left the string attached by some masking tape! Thank you for your thoughts on adding bells and whistles. I'm currently considering having a bell ring each time the score counts up by a hundred, and possibly, as you suggest, the bellows from a cuckoo clock sound a whistle at every thousand! Don't apologise for the length of your comment, I love your ideas - coffee is good...

I thought I'd replied to your comments, but CZcams suggests I haven't! Thank you for your valuable suggestions, they have been added to my list of ideas...

Good old Zig, the backbone of the organisation!

Thanks Chris. Knowing I have the ongoing support and encouragement of viewers makes all the difference! It's one thing to be alone banging your head against a wall; so much better to share the head banging!

Thanks Marwan. Having almost managed to get the coin/ball management mechanicam working, I'm much more positive about the actual game play!

Thank you; it is so exciting to have finally got the coin/ball management system working, especially as I had no idea whether it would even be possible! Taper fits will definately be featuring. I'm so pleased this project has increased engagement, it is lovely reading and responding to so many interesting and supportive comments.

Thanks very much David, this project is certainly stretching them!

Thanks very much for your encouragement. I too can't wait to see what the game will be! I was looking at the mechanism on the top yesterday and remembering how I had no idea it would even exist when I started working on it. Oh for a bit of time travel - mind you, that would take the fun out of it...

@@steamhead I wonder if the film of HG Wells time machine could feature somehow.. that is the most lovely time machine.. Far nicer than a delorean

Especially the control handle and disc

@@syrus3k very good points. I love the idea of basing it on HG Wells' time machine - it does have the control handle and disc display, and better still, works based on elapsed time. A brilliant idea! Thank you.

Which algorithm is that?

@@steamhead I commented for the youtube algorithm. So it sends more people to this awesome project.

@@thatsmesothere Ah, I see. I was pleased to come up with the title as it's always so difficult to keep it sounding interesting! I'd also realised that having got the ball management system almost working, it acts like a simple computer - it operates in a loop, has memory (the captured coin), contains several IF statements that respond to inputs and control outputs!

You're right, it does! I think it'll make an interesting looking part of the clock. I can't wait to get everything painted...

just imagine if he had a cat!

@@TheUnofficialMaker Cat would just stare at it and go 'catatonic.' 😴

Now you mention it... She's the brains of the operation and I'm the oily rag.

I'm keen just to meet John and talk about his machines.. really gutted I couldn't make the Whitby festival

I don't. There just isn't enough time to make these things and to keep anything more than Facebook and CZcams regularly updated!

@@syrus3k It would be lovely to meet up, but unfortunately the next few Whitby steampunk events don't coincide with school holidays, until the summer one in 2025, which we are planning on attending. Having said that, I have a vague understanding that meeting up online is possible with MS Groups or Zoom or something. Having taught for so long, I'm okay with meeting people in real life, but online seems too daunting. I'll work on overcoming my shyness if people would be interested!

@@steamhead definitely interested. I live up near Ilkley so getting down to the south is quite an effort/expensive train ticket. I use teams all the time for work. I'm quite sure most of your audience would be interested in chatting about your workshop and projects!

@@syrus3k thank you, I'll have a look at Teams and work on my confidence!

That's a nice idea; change the game play in some way based on a mechanism that clicks forward each time the ball is lifted...

Thanks Ibrahim, I believe they used to use eddy currents by spinning a magnetised disc near to a disc connected to the pointer with a return spring. Mmmm...

That's a good idea, thank you. I've just received 8 more ceramic knobs to control elements of the game, and I have no doubt bowden tubes will play a part; so much simpler than having rigid linkages.

Thank you, it'll be interesting to see if the scoring 'feels' right, once I've got some sort of test game made. At least I can lengthen the pendulum if it's too fast and the gear ratios in the scoring mechanism. Not as easy as software, but at least it's possible!

I'm pleased you are enjoying the 'process', chaotic as it is!

Thank you for providing another inspirational comment! I can't wait to edit the next video, as, fingers crossed, I've almost got the game 'management' mechanism working.

Thanks Ibrahim. The scoring system shouldn't use too much energy, as the ratchet pawl is only having to lift a weight just heavy enough to re-wind it when the pawls are lifted. If the score pointers are carefully balanced and the 'tens'/'hundreds' dial is geared down 10:1, the weight should be quite light. As always, it has become complicated, although every mechanical part does fulfill an important function... However I am wondering just how much energy will be left over to move elements of the game play. I could always add more weight to the ball lifter, as the human can input the additional potential energy required!

That's a good point. As the scoring ratchet makes two rotations per ball lift, perhaps I shouldn't gear it down - two rotations of the 'units' score display per 'level'? It could also count up in tens rather than units, then the smaller dial could read hundreds rather than tens...

@@steamhead In fact, the speed of scoring and the overall impression of the game depends on the speed of one round. Conditionally, if you have one round lasting an average of 6 seconds, then this is an awfully slow increase in points. I think you should debug this mechanism after you've done the gameplay. My idea is for you to score about 60%-70% points in the average time of the game, so it will be interesting. I would take the scale from 100 to 1000. It turns out that in the average time of the game you should score about 650 points

@@steamhead Maybe do it in the steampunk circus style? then you can attach the jester's head on top and make it more colorful, plus the arrows can be made like the hands of a jester

@@ckoetael I hadn't even gone to the trouble of timing a round - I've just discovered it's 44 seconds! Definately lots of debugging, once I've established the mechanism actually works. Once I've actually got the game part built, I can adjust the scoring by changing gear ratios and the displayed score dials. Thanks for suggesting the 60% - 70% idea, and an average score of 650. Most helpful.

@@ckoetael that's a geat idea, thank you!

It's lovely having so many appreciative viewers, as it feels like I have great company whilst in the workshop! It's also great reading through all the comments. Thankfully I have now got the ball stopper working, so have managed to create my first mechanical logic loop! You can't beat a clicky, spinny turny machine...

Thank you, I do like a bit of horology. I'll definately be adding chimes, whistles (possibly) and bells to augment the scoring system. This really is the project that keeps on giving - sort out the basic mechanics and then have fun adding a musical element!

Thank you kindly. I find most of my solutions come to me whilst walking the dog, although having something to solve whilst drifting off to sleep is helpful, so long as its not too interesting! It is truely amazing how the human mind can be churning over problems in the background and suddenly come up with a concious solution!

There must be 50 ways to move your lever.

I feel a Steamhead anthem coming on... The fact I'm recording all the plans in CAD, and the thought that this whole mechanical system could be used in other games does fill me with joy! The steel ball is so light, even a small bit of fluff causes it to get stuck in the conduit. I could make it steeper, but then the actual play area would be reduced! It takes several 'ticks' to finally release, as there's not enough energy to pull up the pin that links the escapement to the pendulum in one go. Each time the pedulum swings to its end, the pin moves up a little. I've shortened the amount the pin has to move to release the pendulum, so I'm hoping it's acceptable, also some lubricant should help. I haven't used any yet, as it would stop me from painting it... Ziggy returns scratchy.

@@epiendless1128 Inspired!! Any further lyrics greately appreciated.

Thanks very much. Patience is of the essence with this project!

Thank you. Comments like yours fill me with the joys of spring! It makes it all worth while, especially whilst spending too much time banging my head against the wall...

Thanks very much, I'm so pleased you discovered me!

Floor model yes, Shortly no.

Predominently floor, until the floor gets covered in stuff... Zig greatly appreciative.

@@WOFFY-qc9te spot on!

Wood and brass should definately be the way forward!

Thank you kindly for your interest! I have briefly tried fiddling with coil springs in the past, but couldn't find any suppliers and failed dismally at trying to laser cut, 3D print, or make them with a jig on the lathe. Hence the fact that I'm going to rely on a weight and gravity! As the scoring display will consist of a clock type system, with one dial showing 'units' and another (geared down one) showing 'tens', I too was wondering how to prevent things slamming into each other upon reset. Then, whilst walking the dog, I realised that if I have a weight on a chain connected to a spindle on the 'tens' gear, the weight will be required to move the minimum amount. Then I realised that nothing has to slam into anything! If the weight chain is suspended at the bottom of the 'tens' spindle, when the pawls are lifted on the scoring ratchet, the mechanism can return to zero at great speed. When it reaches zero, the 'units' pointer will be free to swing backwards and forwards until it settles at zero! I think it'll work... the next video is coming soon.