Introduction: THE WORD CLOCK
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.
Attachments
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.
Step 4: SETTING UP THE NEOPIXEL MATRIX
Count the number of Letters in each line and cut the Neopixels Strip accordingly.
Solder the DIN to DOUT and the corresponding GND and 5V
It's a good idea to label each group so you won't make any mistakes while soldering.
Solder all the Lines of the Clock together. GND from the strip connects to GND on the Arduino board and 5V connects to 5V .
Now we are ready to upload the code
Step 5: UPLOAD THE CODE
Make sure to use Arduino IDE 1.6.4 or higher and follow this tutorial to install the Adafruit boards.
You will also need to install some Adafruit Arduino libraries. You need to install the following Adafruit Arduino libraries:
Upload the code and run it.
Step 6: MOUNTING THE CLOCK
Mount the Neopixel strips to a square piece of cardboard the size of the acrylic sheet.
Tape the Arduino and the breadboard to the back of the clock and power it up with the arduino cable or a 9V Battery.
ENJOY YOUR CREATION.
Step 7: ENJOY YOUR CREATION
Reset the code on the Arduino Board and look TIME FLY BY.