Introduction: RGB Word Clock

By www.youtube.com/c/Tesalex
About: Make your life more lazy and awesome by the touch of electronics. Check out awesome projects and learn how to build them easily and cheaply.

In this instructable, I’ll show you how you can make a RGB word clock. It is similar to the word clock that I have made previously, with the only difference that in this one, the LEDs used are RGB. It changes colour every hour but you can also customize it in your own way to show any colour you want at any time of the day. Let’s get started.

Note: If anytime you feel lost, please refer to my previous instructable where I have explained all the steps in detail.

Supplies

Following are the stuff you will need:

  1. Arduino Pro Mini
  2. Addressable RGB LEDs (I used WS2812B)
  3. DS3231 RTC
  4. 5V 2A Power Supply
  5. DC Barrel Jack
  6. Acrylic Sheet
  7. Wood for enclosure

Step 1: Watch the Video

Make sure you watch the video for a better understanding.

Step 2: Set the Date and Time of RTC.

I connected the RTC to Arduino like any other I2C device (SDA to A4 and SCL to A5), and applied power. Then I opened the sketch attached in this step and set the parameters of the "setDS3231time" by referring the commented line just above it, to set the correct date and time of the RTC. Then I uncommented that line and uploaded the program to Arduino. Without disconnecting anything, I commented the line back again and uploaded the sketch to Arduino. Now remove power from the RTC, leave it for a minute or two, connect it to Arduino once again, and open serial monitor. If the date and time displayed on the monitor is correct, you know that the RTC is working fine.

Attachments

Step 3: Build the Backbone.

I printed the template attached in this step on a white paper and two copies on a transparent sheet, as the ink is a bit light.

Now I cut the template to actual size and stick it on the cardboard using some glue. Now only thing left is to stick the LED strip wherever LEDs are needed. The partition building in explained in my previous instructable. Make sure to check it out.

Attachments

Step 4: The Code

Please use the code attached in this step. It is well-commented which should make editing it according to your needs easier.

Attachments

Step 5: Connect Everything Up.

Connect the RTC and LED strip to Arduino and apply power. The clock must come to life.

Step 6: Done.

I hope you learned something today. Feel free to share your thoughts and tips about the project and consider subscribing on Instructables and to our YouTube channel.

Enjoy your creation :)