DIY Digital Clock Kit
Kit Source: eBay or Banggood
Price: Approximately £5
Build Time: 1-2 Hours
Assembly Tutorial Video: TechyDIY on YouTube
Tools: Needle Point Soldering Iron, Small Side Cutters, Solder
Updated Firmware: https://github.com/zerog2k/stc_diyclock
When my electronic alarm clock stopped working at some point in 2019 I didn't go to Argos or search Amazon for a suitable replacement. No, that would of been way too easy and saved me loads of time. Instead I decided to buy a kit from eBay and make my own! The kit uses large LED's that are easily viewable from across the room at night. Other features are an alarm, temperature reading, the day / date as well as auto dim / brightness. The RTC uses a button cell to keep the time settings whilst the LED display uses 5 Volts from a USB mains phone charger.
I had noticed several build videos for these kits on YouTube come up in my suggestions, mostly likely because the algorithm knows I tend to watch IT and Electronic related content. It's also been years since I did any practical electronic work for fun! The results have been quite rewarding and you can't beat the pricing on these kits. There is also choice of white, green, blue or red LED's so being a bit of a retro freak I decided to go for green which reminds me of my first mains electronic alarm clock, green screen monitors and the the Sci-Fi film The Matrix!
Here are the build pics in sequence. Click on each one to get the larger image. Your browser controls to get back!
The kit in it's components parts, the plans and acrylic case.
Populating the circuit board starting with the smallest components first.
The completed module prior to installing in the case.
The module installed in the case.
Three different views - Daytime, Twilight and Lights Out!
Note: The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed the LDR and Thermistor are originally shown mounted in-line with the main circuit board and are intended to protrude out of the slot at the top of the clock case as shown in the picture below. I found that it was quite difficult to get the right spacing when bending the lead outs on the 'environmental sensor components' and also that it wasn't really necessary as the case is transparent and the temperature reading is an approximation at best.
Since recently building this kit (even though I actually bought it last Christmas!) I have ordered a couple more (radio & music related) and will post the results here when completed!