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minimal-parts-simple-word-clock-f7903c-en.md

This was a project I wanted to do when I saw it on project hub, but using shift registers, external power supply and complicated wiring didn’t allow me to pursue it. When 2812b addressable LEDs became available I was able to reduce the size of the project where my Arduino could power the leds and programming could address them without shift registers.

Not having fancy equipment, ie 3d printer, printed circuit manufacturing, etc,, the masking parts are made of cardboard and the LEDs are mounted on cardboard without a printed circuit. The word plate is printed on plain paper however vellum or translucent plastic might be better. The circuit is simple and the size of the project requires no more than 7 LEDs to be on at any given time which allows The Arduino nano to power them.

First step was to print a faceplate layout. I chose to make it 7 cm by 7 cm so one LED could provide enough light for each word segment.

Face plate layout

Second step make cardboard mask to separate face plate segments.

Making cardboard mask to separate segments

Layout LEDs on cardboard to fit segment mask.

Mask on LEDs

Connect LEDs. The LEDs on the layout below are numbered

LED numbers

LED wiring

LED wiring

The sketch as written shows the hour segments in different colors indicating AM or PM. Also the time is adjusted to the time the sketch is run so the RTC will be correct. No effort was made to shorten code as it is easier to understand as written.

EXPANDED TECHNICAL DETAILS

Minimalist Typographic Timekeeping

This word clock project distills the complexity of standard clocks into a beautiful, text-based interface using the minimal number of components.

  • Direct-Drive LED Matrix: Instead of complex driver chips, the Arduino uses its digital pins and a simple MAX7219 to illuminate specific words (e.g., "IT IS," "TEN," "PAST," "SIX") through a laser-cut stencil.
  • RTC Precision: Uses a DS3231 RTC module, ensuring the clock remains accurate without needing an internet connection.

Efficient Code logic

  • Word-Mapping Algorithm: Uses a bit-masking table where each minute of the day is mapped to a specific set of LEDs, reducing the logic needed to update the display once per minute.

ข้อมูล Frontmatter ดั้งเดิม 

title: "Minimal parts simple word clock"
description: "Simple word clock using 2812b leds."
author: "garysat"
category: "Screens & Displays"
tags:
  - "clocks"
views: 6658
likes: 3
price: 1120
difficulty: "Easy"
components:
  - "1x Arduino Nano R3"
  - "1x Breadboard (generic)"
  - "1x Jumper wires (generic)"
  - "1x Card stock, glue, misc supplies"
  - "1x Real Time Clock (RTC)"
  - "22x 2812b addressable rgb Leds"
  - "1x Soldering iron (generic)"
tools: []
apps:
  - "1x Arduino IDE"
downloadableFiles: []
documentationLinks: []
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seoDescription: "Build a simple Word clock using 2812b LED and minimal parts. An easy Arduino project for beginners."
videoLinks: []
heroImage: "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/bigboxthailand/arduino-assets@main/images/projects/minimal-parts-simple-word-clock-f7903c_cover.jpg"
lang: "en"