This instructable will help you to build an Arduino Binary Clock. The orignial idea for this instructable was designed by Daniel Andrade. My instructable uses surface mount components, but can easily be adapted to through-hole components if you wish. You can follow my other Instructable for Building Your Own Arduino to get started.
I would encourage you to give the surface mount an attempt however as this project is a great way to begin learning to solder surface mount components.
For my clock, I have the display set on the top of the container. I use it on my workbench which I am usually standing at, so this way is easier to see. It also creates a nice luminous effect when the lights are down low or off, casting the blue color upwards into the room.
You can select a container to your liking and place the clock face how it best fits your needs.
I would encourage you to give the surface mount an attempt however as this project is a great way to begin learning to solder surface mount components.
For my clock, I have the display set on the top of the container. I use it on my workbench which I am usually standing at, so this way is easier to see. It also creates a nice luminous effect when the lights are down low or off, casting the blue color upwards into the room.
You can select a container to your liking and place the clock face how it best fits your needs.
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Signing UpStep 1: Component Shopping List
Below is a list of all the items that you will need in order to complete this project. I have tried to include places where you can order from as well as optional components that you may want to pick up.
This list is for surface mount items. If you decide to go with through-hole components, the resources I have listed all sell them as well and you can just do a search on the component.
What You Need:
This list is for surface mount items. If you decide to go with through-hole components, the resources I have listed all sell them as well and you can just do a search on the component.
What You Need:
- ATmega168 with Arduino Bootloader - Available at FunGizmos for $4.00
- 10K Resistor - Available at Jameco - Cost 0.01 (ea./ 100 for $1.00) Item # 1877832
- 220 Ohm Resistor - Available at Jameco - Cost 0.01 (ea. / 100 for $1.00) Item # 1878149
- 22pF Capacitor - Available at Jameco - Cost 0.06 (ea. / 100 for $6.00) Item # 1856783
- 10uF Capacitor - Available at Jameco - Cost 0.12 (ea. / 10 for $1.20) Item # 1858797
- Pushbutton Switch - Available at Jameco - Cost .35 ea. Item # 2076236
- LM78L05AC Voltage Regulator - Available at Jameco - Cost .39 ea. Item # 902186
- 13 LED's. I used Blue, but you can use any color. Available at Jameco - Cost .25 ea Item # 2046441
- 16MHz Crystal - Available at SparkFun.com - Cost 1.50 ea SKU: COM-00536
- DC Power Jack Connector - Available at SparkFun.com - Cost 1.25 ea. PRT-00119
- If you don't already have one, an Arduino Board. Available at SparkFun.com - Cost 29.95 DEV-00666 or Build Your Own Arduino
- PC Board (Perf Board/Proto Board) - Available at Radioshack - cost varries.
- Optional Protoboard - Available at Wright Hobbies - Cost 3.99 Item # PB400. I love these!
- Project Container. This will be used to house your clock. I went to Hobby Lobby craft store and picked up a cheap wood box for $1.99, and some scrap trim molding from Lowes for .25
- Translucent Acrylic - I picked up some white translucent acrylic from a local shop which cost $1 per pound.
- x2 SPDT Pushbuttons - Available at RadioShack -Cost $3.99 - Catalog #: 275-1549
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One more question that I can't seem to find the answer to anywhere. Lets say I wanted to build this and then take the microcontroller out of the arduino and have it permanently soldered onto the board (or another uC with the sketch and bootloader on it)... what has to go on the board for the circuit to still run?
I added an Eagle file of just the Arduino PCB portion that I did, and Chris Mitchell emailed me for a copy and added the 16Mhz crystal and two caps rather than using the 16Mhz Resonator.
Any ideas?
Maybe next time, i'll learn to read a schematic. (only been doing this electronics malarkey for years)
Nice job... My housemate wants me to build him one, now, even though I am knocking my head against a wall trying to explain binary to him...
Looks nice as a shield!
I have heard it has some problems keeping track of time, especially after several hours.
(And i also heard that it can only count for about 39 years! :P )
I saw a project not too long ago though that mentioned they could count up to 999 years and figured after that, the people alive then could figure out an answer. I will see if I can find that link again. It might have been on the arduino playground www.arduino.cc
Do you want me to MSG you if I find the link?
The best resources I find for Arduino have come from www.arduino.cc as well as www.adafruit.com and the ITP Physical Computing Labs at http://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/Intro/HomePage
what ohm resister goes with the LED's ?
thx
Thanks grantskier. The LED resistors are 220 Ohm. You can use 220 Ohm through 560 Ohm depending on what you have laying around.