Summary of New Earth Time (NET) digital clock in recycled retro-modern case using PIC16F627A
This article describes building a New Earth Time (NET) digital clock using a PIC16F627A microcontroller to display time in degrees and minutes globally. The project supports the NET concept by providing a unique desk timekeeping device with discrete components, a crystal oscillator, and LED displays.
Parts used in the New Earth Time Clock:
- PIC16F627A Microcontroller
- 32.768kHz Crystal
- 22pF Ceramic Capacitor
- Variable capacitor (optional for tuning)
- 10k Resistor
- 100 Ohm Resistor
- 4.7k Resistor
- 1k Resistor
- 2n3904 Transistor
- Common Cathode 7-segment Display
- SPST Momentary pushbutton switch
- Round LED
Ever get confused by GMT, or just wish you had a cooler way to keep track of time? Build a New Earth Time clock! Using a PIC microcontroller, some code, and a couple discrete parts, you too can have a unique timekeeping device to keep on your desk.
New Earth Time (NET) is an idea for a global time standard. Like Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), it is the same “New Earth Time” everywhere on the globe at any instant. Unlike GMT, NET counts time in Degrees and Minutes so as to not be confused with your local time (which is still counted the same way you’re used to). You can read all about how New Earth Time works at their website, newearthtime.net .
It seems like a cool idea to me, and what better way to support the idea than to build a clock and start using New Earth Time!
Step 1: Parts
You can see my prototype NET clock in the picture to get an idea of what’s involved.
Electronics:
1x – PIC16F627A Microcontroller
1x – 32.768kHz Crystal (Mouser 815-AB26T-32.768KHZ or equivalent)
2x – 22pF Ceramic Capacitor (or 1x 22pF and 1x 0-56pF Variable capacitor for tuning)
4x – 10k Resistor
7x – 100 Ohm Resistor
1x – 4.7k Resistor
5x – 1k Resistor
5x – 2n3904 Transistor
5x – Common Cathode 7-segment Display (Mouser 512-MAN6980 or equivalent)
2x – SPST Momentary pushbutton switch
1x – Round LED, modified as described in Step 2 (Making the degrees LED)
For more detail: New Earth Time (NET) digital clock in recycled retro-modern case using PIC16F627A
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What is New Earth Time?
New Earth Time is a global time standard that counts time in Degrees and Minutes so it is not confused with local time. -
How does NET differ from GMT?
Unlike GMT, NET uses a different counting system of Degrees and Minutes while remaining the same everywhere on the globe at any instant. -
Can I build this clock without a variable capacitor?
Yes, you can use two 22pF ceramic capacitors instead of one 22pF and one variable capacitor for tuning. -
What microcontroller is used in this project?
The project uses a PIC16F627A Microcontroller to operate the clock. -
How many transistors are required?
You need five 2n3904 Transistors for the electronics assembly. -
Where can I find information about how NET works?
You can read all about how New Earth Time works at their website newearthtime.net. -
Does the clock support local time tracking?
Local time is still counted the same way you are used to, separate from the NET display. -
What type of displays are used?
The design utilizes five Common Cathode 7-segment Displays.
