Boston Square Sundial

Boston Square Sensory Park is situated in the North Norfolk Seaside Town of Hunstanton. Opened in April 2000 and designed by Jeremy Stacey Architects of Beachamwell, the park features elements that appeal to the human senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing.

Prior to this project the square had become shabby and neglected. The Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk gained funding to transform the site into a revolutionary sensory garden - which would appeal to the general public especially the visually and physically disabled.

Technova was approached to design and engineer the electronics for an interactive sundial. The finished project includes a sensor to detect people standing on the 'sun stone' and bells which chime out the time from an underground chamber.

This unusual project presented several technical design challenges including:

• Reliable sensing of people standing on the sun stone - novel deployment of a miniature motion sensor
• Accurate timekeeping despite varying climatic conditions - Microchip PIC microcontrollers programmed to provide a real-time clock and also to chime the bells in the correct sequence
• Reduction of potential vandallism and moisure ingress - discrete positioning of sensing system, electronic enclosure with suitable IP rating chosen to house the electronics, gravity water diversion system installed to prevent build up of water on underground components.
• Low maintenance and continuous operation - ensured by careful design and choice of technology at all stages of the project.

Despite the challenges presented the project was completed on time, within budget and has been working successfully to the present time!

Flickering Candles