Do you want a stylish, modern and functional timepiece to add to your clock collection? The word clock is a one-of-a-kind time telling device, using a grid of letters to spell out the time.

The word clock uses the Adafruit NeoPixel to create a colorful word clock! This clock also uses the DS1307 Real Time Clock breakout kit so it'll keep time even while unplugged! The DS1307 has an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day, and the clock tells the time with a precision of five minutes.

LED WORD CLOCK.mp4
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Step 1: Parts

Arduino Uno
1307 Real Time Clock breakout board kit
Word Clock Vinyl Sticker
Acrylic sheet 3mm
Sharp utility knife
Breadboard wires
RGBW NeoPixel strip
Soldering iron & solder
Wire strippers

Step 2: DS1307 Real Time Clock Breakout Board

Start by assembling the DS1307 Real Time Clock breakout board by following this learn guide. You only need to solder in the male headers for GND, 5V, SDA and SCL. You can leave off SQW since it isn't used.

The DS1307 breakout is assembled . DS1307

GND lines up with the Arduino A2,

5V with A3,

SDA with A4 and

SCL with A5.

Make sure the boards are lined up correctly! SDA and SCL need to be connected to A4 and A5, respectively.

Step 3: THE WORDS OF THE CLOCK

Cut the words of the clock in a vinyl cutter on a matte black paper. Cut off the side parts of the vinyl so only the black square is left. Peel off the letters and use double sided tape to transfer the vinyl sticker to the acrylic sheet.

Now, cut out a square piece of the diffusing material big enough to cover all of the letters. Tape this on the inside (back) of the letter mask to help diffuse the LED light and make the letters a dim gray when not illuminated. Also, put a piece of black electrical tape behind each of the non-used letters to make sure no stray light gets through.