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Wi-Fi LED matrix clock, product render
ClockLEDESP32Beginner
AI summary

A retro LED matrix clock that sets itself over Wi-Fi, dims automatically at night and scrolls the date and room temperature when you tap the top. No buttons, no setting the time after a power cut.

Board
ESP32 DevKit V1
Difficulty
Beginner
Build time
~2 hours
Parts cost
~₹2,200

Wi-Fi LED matrix clock

Made by Blueprint Hardware
CategoryPartsCost
Electrical6₹1,698
Microcontroller1₹704
ESP32 DevKit V11₹704
Power1₹106
USB-C 5 V input module (USB-C 5V breakout (16-pin))1₹106
Display1₹572
32 × 8 LED matrix display (MAX7219 4-in-1 FC-16 module)1₹572
Module2₹141
Logic level buffer (74AHCT125 breakout)1₹106
Capacitive touch pad (TTP223 touch module)1₹35
Sensor1₹176
Ambient light sensor (BH1750 (GY-302))1₹176
Mechanical7₹502
3D printed1₹220
Case body1₹220
Hardware6₹282
Smoked acrylic front, 2 mm1₹176
M2.5 screws and standoffs1₹70
Silicone rubber feet4₹35
Total13₹2,200

How it works

Bedside clocks are either too bright at night or too dim in the day, and they all need resetting after a power cut. This one fixes both.

An ESP32 gets the exact time from the internet and drives a 32 × 8 red LED matrix. A light sensor adjusts the brightness every second, from bright enough in a sunny room to a faint glow in the dark. Tap the capacitive pad on top to scroll the date.

The matrix needs 5 V signals, so a 74AHCT125 buffer translates the ESP32's 3.3 V outputs. That one chip is the difference between a clock that works on the bench and one that works on every unit.

Electronics₹1,698
Mechanical₹502
Total₹2,200

Discussion

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