The Analog Style LED Clock was featured on the cover of the March 2018 issue of Nuts and Volts magazine!!! Check it out!

What is it?

The Analog Style LED Clock uses 180 LEDs to display the time, much like the hands of a traditional analog clock. The clock also features an alarm. An additional LED indicates the alarm status and another LED indicates PM. Four pushbuttons allow you to set the clock and alarm. The clock uses the 50 or 60 Hz from the electric utility to keep accurate time.

The kit contains all the parts to build the clock, including printed PCB, programmed microcontroller and other components, solder, and frame. The frame has a built-in hanger so that it can be hung on a nail, screw or small hook. A full-color assembly, operation, and technical manual, complete with the theory of operation, schematics, and drawings can be downloaded here.

Assembly required

This product is a kit and requires assembly. However, if you choose the Assembled Circuit Board option, no soldering will be required! You will still need to paint the frame (optional), attach the numbers and install the PCB into it.

Tools required to assemble the clock include a soldering iron, wire clippers, multimeter, tweezers, and a #2 Philips screwdriver. Additional tools could come in handy as well — for example, eye loupe, solder sucker, or wire strippers. See the user's manual for more details.

A set of Arabic Numerals and a set of Roman Numerals are included. The Roman numeral set contains both IIII and IV for use as the number 4 — your choice of which one to use. Some people like using IIII for better symmetry with VIII on the other side of the clock. Others feel that IV is more proper. A guide to assist in placing the numbers is also included.

Paint is optional and is not included. If you choose to paint the frame, you can use spray paint of your choice of color. See the Photo Gallery Page of my website for other options and ideas.

Options

Frame and Number Set — If you have a 3D printer, you can print your own frame and number set, saving on the cost of the kit — select Not Included for this option. Files can be downloaded at Thingiverse.

AC Adaptor — The AC Adaptor included in the kit is for use in the United States and runs on 110VAC. If you are in a different country, you will either have to get an adaptor that converts your plug and voltage to the United States plug and voltage. Or you can get an AC Adaptor that will work in your country. The output needs to be between 9 and 12 volts AC. If the output is DC, the clock will not run as it needs the 50 or 60 Hz AC signal to keep time. If you source your own AC Adaptor, you can save on the cost of the kit by selecting Not Included for this option.

Pre-Assembled Circuit Board — All the components are through-hole and are easy to solder. But there are a lot of connections to be made! If you don't want to solder the components to the board, select this option. Please allow an additional week for the clock to ship. Note that you will still need to glue the numbers to the frame and mount the circuit board, but this is pretty easy and should take about a half-hour to an hour (compared to 3 hours or more for the soldering).

Source Your Own Parts — Maybe you'd like to source your own parts and just buy the parts you can't get or make yourself. You can buy just the customized parts: PC Board, Microcontroller, and/or Frame and Numbers here.

Why did you make it?

The clock was originally designed as my Senior Project to complete my Electrical Engineering Degree. A number of years ago, I remember reading about a technique to individually control a large number of LEDs with a relatively small number of I/O lines. I immediately thought a good use of this technique would be to make a clock with 180 LEDs. It would have 60 LEDs each for seconds, minutes and hours (which would increment every 12 minutes). It never became much more than an idea in the back of my mind until I suggested it to my instructor for my Senior Project. He responded that he would accept the proposal if I added an alarm feature.

What makes it special?

One of the design goals was to use the minimum number of parts to control the clock and a microcontroller with the smallest pin count possible. The clock has a total of 182 LEDs and a buzzer ... all driven by just an 18-pin microcontroller! Plus the controller monitors the 4 pushbuttons and the 50 or 60 Hz line. No other logic, I/O or driving circuits are used. How is this possible? It is all explained in the user's manual!

Shipping

Kits are in stock and typically ship within two (2) to five (5) business days. Please allow an additional five (5) business days to ship if you choose the Assembled Circuit Board option.

This kit is RoHS compliant. All the parts in this kit, including the solder are RoHS compliant. If your location does not require RoHS compliance, you can use lead solder if you prefer.