• New Clock with Custom PCB working!

    Shane • 02/05/2020 at 04:09 • 0 comments

    Finally I got the first build using the new custom PCB put together and running.  I was able to use a handheld router to cut the grooves for the LED rings, and the pocket for the PCB.  I did a light stain on it, with a clear coat to protect the finish.  I used two small #2 x 3.8" wood screws to secure the PCB to the clock.  The power cable is not secured, but I routed a S curve on the back to guide it, it is not quite deep enough and the power cable is mounted a bit high so i think I will find some thing to clamp the cable down. 

    I've had it running for a few days now, the time seems to be keeping well.  It does remember the time when unplugged so i think the RTC/battery is working well.  The HRS and MIN adjustments work fine.    The next one I build i will include a connector on the LED wires.  The overall clock looks much better and is easier to build than the first that used Arduino PCBs and breakout PCBs. 

  • Functional Hardware

    Shane • 10/22/2019 at 03:45 • 0 comments

    I worked past some faulty neopixel's with new parts.  The clock worked well, the every second worked, the minutes shifted and the hours lighted up.   Next will be to get the time adjustments working, I replaced the photo resistors with switches.  After that I need to figure out why the programming is not working with a FTDI adapter. 

  • New PCB update

    Shane • 10/12/2019 at 17:12 • 0 comments

    I got a pcb stuffed and modified the code to use the new rtc ic.  It looks to work...but I did find 2 bad neopixels that prevent leds past them from working.  I was able to see the seconds tic and the minutes as well.  The neopixel are difficult to remove from a pcb. I have some new pixels coming and I borrowed a hot air desoldeting tool.  I will try to fix the issues soon. Hope fully there are no other issues hiding.

  • New Clock PCB

    Shane • 08/19/2019 at 17:47 • 0 comments

    I sent out a PCB to OSHPARK last night.  I am working on making this a single PCB circuit instead of a wiring mess.