Binary Matrix Clock

Binary Matrix Clock: 

“There are only 10 kind of people. Those who understand binary and those who don't…” ;-)

Functions:

• Binary clock using a 16x16 LED matrix to get the amount of wiring to an absolute minimum.
• Shows the numbers on the top line, hours in the 2nd line, minutes in the 3rd and seconds in the 4th line.
• Supports all languages, because it just has these numbers on top. ;-)
• Web interface to set colours of the LEDs and e.g. their brightness.
• Day & night mode function to reduce brightness at night or to turn the LEDs off.

Video:

Music credit: Used some free music from Apple iMovie
 

Reading the binary clock:

• If you are familiar the the binary counting system, you already know how to read it.
• In case you are not just read this quiet good article here.
• At first such a clock seems hard to read because you need to calculate the lines always to get the time value, but my experience with such clocks is, that when you get used to it, you can read them really fast after some time.

Time example used in this design:    12:17:59

Time example used in this design:    19:45:02

Time example used in this design:    23:48:05

Time example used in this design:    19:09:31

Time example used in this design:    01:47:11

Time example used in this design:    00:00:09

Examples:

WiFi Setup:

• After uploading of the code to the ESP32 plug in the device and search for the temporary WiFi “Binary Matrix Clock“ on your computer, smartphone or tablet and connect to it.
• If your browser does not show the following pages automatically navigate to 192.168.4.1
• Enter your WiFi credentials on the following pages and the device is ready to use.
• Check the used IP-address in the Arduino IDE serial monitor or your router to use the after startup activated web interface.

Web interface:

Parts needed:

• 1x 16x16 LED matrix (Use this one. The parts are made to fit to it only.)
• 1x ESP32 micro controller board (No ESP8266 use possible because of its low specs.)
• 1x USB power supply 5V / >=3A
• 1x Micro USB cable 3m
• 1x piece of white DinA4 paper cut down straight to 160x160mm and used as the diffuser.

Printing instructions:

• No supports or brim needed for all parts.
• 0.3 draft profile used.
• Textured sheet used. If you use a textured sheet too, let it cool down completely after the print and wait for the part gets loose by itself. Do not pull on it to avoid ripping off the letters! In my case it takes 45-60 minutes after the print has ended and the part just lays loose on the print bed…
• Using a brim was not needed in my tests, because I cleaned my textured sheet with dishwashing liquid carefully with a new sponge and then with isopropanol alcohol again on the printer to make the parts stick really good. If you face problems with adhesion feel free to add a 5mm brim to the front and lid part…

Wiring: 

• Connecting the parts for this WordClock is as easy as possible.
• You may need to solder 3 connections only to the ESP32.
• The small holes in the lid can be used for 2 small cable ties to secure the power cable
• Have a look into the pictures how to arrange the LED matrix in the front part to ensure that the direction of the LEDs is correct. Upload the code, test it and then close the case!
• Please check the table which pins are connected for the project as well as the pictures:

Software:

• Download the required software here.
• Set timezone in the „setting.h“ file in the Arduino IDE
• Upload the code to the ESP32 and setup the WiFi connection analog to the instructions for one of my WordClock.
• IMPORTANT: While adding the ESP32 board drivers make sure to select the version “2.0.17” of the “Espressif ESP32“ boards, not the ≥V3.0.0 version, which will not compile!
• Enjoy the Binary Matrix Clock. =)
   

Happy printing =)