You Can Build This Colorful and Attractive RGB Clock Yourself

Clocks are always an attractive project for makers, because they’re useful and offer a lot of room for artistic expression. There are a plethora of clock builds out there for inspiration—everything from Nixie tube clocks, to retro 7-segment digital clocks, to beautifully crafted analog clocks. This one from Matt Evans combines the colorful allure of RGB LEDs with the sophisticated appeal of a classic analog wall clock.

Arranged radially around the perimeter of the clock are 60 individually-addressable RGB LEDs. Those LEDs light up in various styles and colors to represent the hour, minute, and second hands of a traditional analog clock. There are different modes for how those digital hands are displayed, but they all use a cool color-mixing effect when the hands intersect for a bit of pizzaz.

Evans has made all of the design files available, including the 3D and PCB CAD files, and the firmware to control it all. An Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller provides logic for the clock, and four custom quarter-circle PCBs fit together for the LEDs — removing the need for messy wires and connectors. Finally, the face of the clock is covered in translucent acrylic to diffuse the light, and a capacitive touch sensor lets you switch between modes.