Reddit user Krukerfluk has created an awesome DIY digital clock using 144 x seven segment displays, combining them to create a larger LED display powered by an Arduino Nano. The small Arduino development board has been combined with an RTC module for timekeeping and 18 MAX7219 drivers to activate over a thousand (1,008) individual segments.
The project has now been published to the Hackaday.io website together with the files PCB Gerber files and schematics you need to create your very own.
Components and Assembly
The heart of this digital clock is the Arduino Nano, a compact and versatile microcontroller board that is perfect for DIY electronics projects. The Arduino Nano is responsible for processing the time data and controlling the display. To keep accurate time, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) module is used. This module ensures that the clock maintains precise timekeeping even when the power is off.
The display itself is made up of 144 seven-segment displays. Each of these displays consists of 8 individual LEDs, making a total of 1,008 LEDs in the entire array. To control such a large number of LEDs, 18 MAX7219 driver ICs are used. Each MAX7219 can control up to 64 individual LEDs or 8 seven-segment displays. By using these driver ICs, the complexity of wiring and control is significantly reduced.
“I’ve built a digital clock made out of 144 seven-segment displays controlled by an Arduino Nano. The segments are controlled by 18 MAX7219 ICs which can control up to 64 individual LEDs or 8 seven-segment displays. The array has 144 displays made each up of 8 individual LEDs so the array has a total of 1,008 LEDs you can control.”
Building Your Own Digital Clock
If you’re interested in building your own version of this digital clock, all the necessary files and schematics are available on the Hackaday.io website. The project page includes detailed instructions, PCB Gerber files, and wiring diagrams to help you get started.
One of the key challenges in this project is managing the power requirements for such a large number of LEDs. Each LED segment requires a small amount of current, but when you multiply this by 1,008, the total current requirement becomes significant. Proper power management and heat dissipation are crucial to ensure the longevity and reliability of the clock.
Another important aspect is the programming of the Arduino Nano. The code needs to handle the timekeeping, display updates, and control of the MAX7219 drivers. Fortunately, the project page provides the source code, which you can modify and customize to suit your preferences.
This project is a great example of how you can combine multiple electronic components to create a functional and visually appealing device. It also demonstrates the power and flexibility of the Arduino platform for DIY electronics enthusiasts.
Source: AB : Reddit : Hackaday.io
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