Retro 7 Segment Clock - the Final One(s)
Introduction: Retro 7 Segment Clock - the Final One(s)
2021/10/20 - Update
Added the XL version (4 LEDs / segment). Parts/Info can be found at the bottom of this Instructable. So there's now 4 options available (3/4 LEDs, 4/6 digits).
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Here's another set of 7 segment modules including a clock example. There's nothing really new on this one, it is meant as a replacement for my most popular (according to the broken stats on another site) clock so far, the "Retro 7 Segment Clock - Regular Edition".
While working on ClockSketch v7 and adding support for older designs I noticed I absolutely don't like many, many things about the current design and this somehow forced me to do an update.
As before the whole design consists of the digits module and a center/dots module. Some of my designs (like Lazy 7 / One or S7ripClock) required different modules depending on their positions (often an additional 3rd module for 6 digit versions). This is not the case here, the modules can be daisy chained to as many as you'd like to.
Since it's an update I tried to keep the requirements for printing the parts the same as before. The biggest footprint is to be found on the digits cover at 176.25mm x 146.95mm. So this design should still be printable on many printers (default 20x20, prusa mini, makerbot clones).
The clock is running ClockSketch v7, so you will have to get the sketch from that Instructable (Step 3). I highly recommend reading that Instructable if you're going to build any of my designs.
Most comments are about the sketch anyways, so I'll keep "Hardware" like this seperated from the "Software" in this case.
The finished clock is 392mm (6 digits: 608mm) x 147mm x 30mm in size, not including the optional feet. 1014
Wall mount is included right in the back mount, hole spacing is exactly 100mm. Oh, of course... there's 3 LEDs inside each segment, just as before. The dots module will use 2 LEDs per dot. Total LED count is 103 (6 digits: 157).
For a list of features have a look at the ClockSketch v7-Instructable, there's a lot of combinations possible (Arduino, ESP8266, various RTCs, settings, ldr support, 12/24h format and so on). This Instructable is only about the clock example for this module and as shown in the pictures - using a Arduino Nano and a DS3231 RTC (ZS-042).
Supplies
The clock example (4 digits version) requires the following 3d printed parts:
* 1x 7SCv3_Backplate.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Backplate_Cover.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Cable_Covers.STL
* 2x 7SCv3_Digits_Cover.STL
* 2x 7SCv3_Digits_Diffusers.STL
* 2x 7SCv3_Digits_Frame.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Dots_Cover.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Dots_Diffusers.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Dots_Frame.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Elec_Case.STL
* 1x 7SCv3_Feet.STL (optional)
I recommend printing everything except the diffusers from black material. I've been using transparent/natural PLA for the diffusers. If you'd like to get a different colored front I recommend swapping filament after 2-3 layers when printing the front covers. Printing them completely in white will result in light leaking into other segments.
Material usage heavily depends on print settings, but using PLA it's about ~390g/~140g (black/transparent).
Non-printed parts required:
* 103x WS2812B LEDs, 5V, 60 LEDs/m, individually addressable, IP30 (IP65/67 will NOT fit)
* 1x Arduino Nano (ATmega328, 5V)
* 1x RTC module, DS3231 / ZS-042 modules recommended
* 2x push buttons, 6mm x 6mm (button length ~1.5mm-3. 1014