Embedded engineers are inclined to assume in binary. Some even go as far as to have clocks or watches that show the present time on this base-two quantity system. So, impressed by different binary watches, an engineer, hacker, and Assistant Professor, identified in electronics communities as taifur, designed a trendy PCB binary watch that any base-two time-telling fanatic can be proud to put on.
This PCB binary watch is a single PCB pushed by an ATmega328P. This 8-bit processor is greatest identified for the core of an Arduino Uno or Nano. An actual-time clock (RTC) chip retains monitor of the particular time. Taifur selected the Analog Units/Maxim-IC/Dallas Semiconductor DS3231 IC. This RTC is ultra-stable even with excessive shifts in temperature. There are 13 1206 SMD LEDs on the face and a CR2032 coin cell on the again.
BCD Instance (📷 taifur, Instructables)
The time show is binary-coded-decimal (BCD.) As much as 4 LEDs characterize particular person digits of a time show. So, if you happen to can learn 0-9 in binary, you may inform the time with this watch! Learn every column of LEDs as a single digit. The instance taifur supplied above is 1:39.
Schematic and high/backside PCB (📷 taifur, Instructables)
Whereas this board is solely floor mount parts, their measurement ought to be giant sufficient for anybody to solder. Ideally, you must order a stencil to go together with the PCB. Regardless, the comparatively giant IC packages and 1206 LEDs ought to do a good job snapping into place with floor pressure whereas soldering with sizzling air.
Talking of the PCB, be sure to order it with a Gold End (ENIG). Not solely are the traces way more trendy trying, however they’re additionally extra immune to corrosion. Low-cost PCBs are usually completed with HASL, which may corrode sufficient to be seen however not sufficient to have an effect on circuit efficiency.
To be taught extra concerning the circuit design and the software program, take a look at this information on learn how to construct this PCB binary watch. Taifur documented each step of the construct course of with excessive element!
