Introduction: Back to the Future Clock - WIFI EDITION
I finally found how to connect this clock to internet to synchronize the time!
Several mounth (years?) ago I designed this clock with a RTC module to synchronize the time. I had many (bad) feedback regarding this module, so I had to change it.
The dimensions are : 225x60x140 mm (length x width x height)
Hope you'll enjoy to make it!
Buy the components: https://jeje-linge.fr/pages/back-to-the-future-clock-wifi
BUY THE CLOCK: https://www.cesam3d.be/products/film-horloge-delorean-retour-vers-le-futur
Supplies
What you need is:
- 9 displays (3 Reds, 3 Greens and 3 Yellows)
- Resistors (about 200 / 300 ohms)
- 1 ESP32
- 1 power supply 5V 2A + connector
- 5 mm led (Red, Green, Yellow)
- Terminals (wago or other)
- Wires
The components : https://jeje-linge.fr/pages/back-to-the-future-clock-wifi
Step 1: Print the Parts
You should have these parts:
- 1 top
- 1 middle
- 1 bottom
- 2 sides
- 3 back covers
Attachments
Step 2: Assemble the Parts
I use superglue to assemble all the printed parts.
Step 3: Painting
I use metal grey spray paint.
2 or 3 layers are generally enough.
Step 4: Chained the Displays
You have to "chained" each line (red, green and yellow).
For the CLK and DIO inputs, I used wires with female connector because it's easier to connect to the esp32.
Step 5: Solder the AM-PM Leds
You have to prepare 4 leds with resistors and wires.
2 greens, 1 red and 1 yellow.
Step 6: Glue the Leds
Glue the leds into the holes.
Step 7: Install the Displays
To stuck the displays I use double-sided tape but you can use many type of glue.
Step 8: Solder the Red and Yellow Leds
Solder the red and yellow leds on the displays (5v and GND).
Step 9: Connect the 5v
Connect all the 5V and GND together with terminals.
Step 10: DIO and CLK
Connect the DIO, CLK and green leds to the ESP32.
Step 11: Upload the Code
You can choose between theses 4 code files : 12h or 24h display, with or without automatic change daylight saving time.
Libraries :
TM1637 by Avishay orpaz
Wifimanager by Tablatronix
Ntpclient By Fabrice Weinberg
ArduinoJson by Benoit Blanchon
Step 12: The Labels
I used a self adhesive sheet to stuck the labels.
20 Comments
2 months ago
Rather foolishly, I’ve managed to break one of the LED segment displays (a red one) by dropping my solder station (VERY heavy!) on it 🤷♂️ Where can I source one or two spares? I have found a place that sells the by the 100’s, but I’d rather not spend that much if I can get one.
Reply 2 months ago
got mine on aliexpress about 1 euro
Reply 2 months ago
Would you mind sharing the link to the right product please? I can’t find it.
Reply 2 months ago
https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/1005002059351703.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.30.533f79d2INECDj&gatewayAdapt=glo2nld
Question 3 months ago
How can I determine which of the 9 (identical!) segment displays are which colour? There is nothing included that I can see to note the difference. The image is all I see that is printed on it.
Answer 2 months ago
on the white part of the display there is a number sometimes with letters google this and you get the color i had the same problem
Reply 2 months ago
Found it! Thank you 👍
4 months ago
Not directed at the project but the site. Why not call it Printed Instructables. First ingredient in the recipe, a 3d printer. I don't have one, need one or want one. I can see where this could very easily be made without a printer. Just my grouseing for this morning.
Reply 4 months ago
I agree, and it looks like he tried really hard to make this an Instructable and not a sales pitch(which is what this looks more like).
Reply 3 months ago
Hi Scott,
I was wondering what is make you say it is a sale pitch?
Some instructable are so hard to do because the parts the creator choice are too exotic and they are not available everywhere on the planet. This guys is making the process much easier with the link to his website to get all the parts in one stop. No details is missing from the instruction, if you have the parts at home you can do it.
I am not commenting often but I found your comment so free that I needed to step in. The project is open to anybody that want to make by himself with his own parts and for the other if they need some parts they are available from his site ( more convenient then shooting in the dark and ordering on the web when you have less knowledge about the electronic).
This project is the base of INSTRUCTABLE sharing the knowlledge and making it available to anybody whitout limitation so you can grow from it and feeding your creativity.
Reply 3 months ago
I simply stated that most of the projects here need a 3D printer, or laser cutter, or plasma torch, etc. Nothing more and nothing less.
Reply 4 months ago
As this project is in the "Workshop->3D printing" channel of the website, maybe you can filter out that channel from your notifications, so that you are not bothered by it any more?
Reply 4 months ago
se puede hacer la estructura en chapa de metal sin muchos problemas, incluso con chapa de madera. No veo que sea imposible de hacer si no se tiene una impresora 3D, hay mas formas.
Reply 4 months ago
While 3D printing is likely the most straightforward method to produce a good quality case, it is not a necessity for this project. I appreciate the author's inclusion of the 3D print files, as it allows for convenient online ordering of the necessary parts, even if you do not have access to a 3D printer. It would also be helpful if you could create your own instructable that explores alternative approaches.
4 months ago
nice job! I'm currently building this but I am getting crazy date/time numbers reported in the serial monitor. WiFi setup was smooth, and it's connected ok but the time client seems to return random dates/times. Any ideas? I haven't tried to use a time client before.
4 months ago
Very nice project!
where can i get the stickers from?
Reply 4 months ago
I had forgotten the file. You can find it at the step 12 now.
Reply 4 months ago
THX!!!
4 months ago
This project is refreshing! Good job!
4 months ago
This looks amazing!