Idea

Another clock.

Standard clock prototype featuring a 60-LED strip and an ESP32. This is a pre-version that needs to be improved.

Why

I wanted to do a clock with a standard strip of 60 LEDs.

FEATURES

The clock connects to the Internet and updates automatically.

The idea is to build a circular clock (like a grandmother's clock) but digital, using an ESP32 that was lying around in my office. Yes, another clock. Yes, WS2812B.

I happened to have an LED strip WS2812B lying around in a corner not yet used 1 meter with 60 LEDs like this kind of item:

Small calculation to have outer diameter = 330.3mm and inner diameter = 310.3mm. It is huge at the end.

The electronic part is an esp32 with wifi like this

Challenges

• The clock

  • building the clock (I don't have a 3D printer with a large enough build volume for the final size). The files are therefore split into 4 (4 quarters). I left the full-size file for those with large-volume printers.

  • After that, there is a cover inside the circle. Idem, 4 quarters but totally flat to cover the strip, easy to print.

  • Finally a dock to stand the clock upright. The idea is to be capable to remove or move the clock if needed.

• Night & day

  • Visibility of LEDs. Standard filaments block the light during the daytime (due to opacity), which means the LEDs cannot be seen (even with the electronic intensity set to maximum). With low daylight (evening or night), it is somewhat acceptable, but during the day, the light from the LEDs is almost invisible.

• The esp32 connectivity and program is easy. No difficulty. The code cpp is joined.

  • The idea is to be capable to remove it or to change with another model in any case

  • The box is simlar :

    thank you Sean Starkey, i have updated it for my own purpose.

Filaments

After a few tests with several filaments, my choice fell on a Creality translucent filament. By orienting the strip towards the outside of the clock (LEDs facing outwards), the brightness is perfect "night and day," which is the desired effect. The light from the LEDs refracts/reverbs through the filament. The strip is therefore turned outwards.

Creality Clear https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0FVM42VTK

I have added digits (numbers) to the clock, thank you Opik Hidayat. I like Art-déco.

Size reduced to 66% from the original.

Printing

I was using Oraca slicer 2.4.1 and Snapmaker U1.

The full-size clock object is pre-cut with 4 notches (4 fasteners + a small power supply opening). Each quarter contains a part of the notch. You just need to add the small connector with 2 or 3 drops of super glue to hold it all together.

For the LED strip power output, an opening is placed on the part of the clock positioned at the bottom once assembled, allowing the strip's power lines to pass through to the ESP32.

Obviously, everyone can do it their own way; feel free to comment.

The position of the time relative to the orientation of the clock can be easily corrected:

* either by manually positioning the LED strip by rotating the clock on its base.

* or by programming (this is easier for me, as there is no need to handle the clock). The code is provided (remember to update the SSID and password in the source file, then recompile before flashing it to the ESP32). I compile using Visual Studio Code via the PlatformIO plugin.

Security

WARNING, important safety note:

If you turn on a large number of LEDs by modifying the code, make sure to use the proper power supply provided with the strip (the transformer with the wall plug); otherwise, you might run into bad surprises. The wire used for the strip is very thin and therefore only supports low voltage and current—it can be dangerous.

I use the ESP32's USB port because only 3 LEDs are lit at the same time. The load is minimal.

(Photos).

The clock stands in its base without any fasteners. It is possible to add a bit of glue just in case.