Wooden LED clock using PIC16LF876A microcontroller

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Wooden LED clock

I really like concept. So many different types of wooden clock have been already built. I’ve seen many of them but I still don’t have my own.

What a shame. I’m going to fix it right now.
Project is very simple and requires only few common wooden materials and hand tools.
Well, part cabinets and scrap bin are over there… What can we use for this project?

– microcontroller (any kind);
– cheap real time clock;
– low power MOSFET transistors;
– bunch of super bright LEDs;
– pieces of plywood or MDF;
– few sheets of different veneer;
…

Clock case is not solid wood but MDF frame laminated by veneer.
Regular maple veneer is transparent enough and bright LED can shine through wooden surface.

Nicely finished wooden block is a beautiful decoration for geek’s room.
Multicolored lights glow deep inside wood constantly form different “alien” symbols an make device very unusual and attractive.
Yes, this clock has no digits. Instead lights of different color represent ones and tens of minutes and hours.

Step 1

Microcontroller

Clock controller assembled on a single sided PCB, made by using proven heat toner transfer method.
Clock’s brain is based on PIC16LF876A microcontroller running at 10MHz.
Only function of microcontroller is to monitor two buttons and occasionally read data from real time clock and display time and date.

Clock displays current time by turning ON and OFF predefined number of LEDs of the same color. LED pattern is chosen randomly and microcontroller generates new LED pattern every second.

If button 1 is pressed clock shows current day and month in the same manner for a 30 seconds then switches back to time showing mode. Button 2 is used to activate time or date setting mode.

Real time clock is NJU6355 chip with 4-line serial interface and operating voltage 2 – 5V.
RTC is bundled with 32768 Hz watch crystal and 3V lithium coin cell battery CR 2032 as a backup power source.

Clock’s button are normally open tactile switches.
Buttons inputs are pulled up by 10K resistors and microcontroller reads logic “1” (high level) when button’s released and logic “0” when button’s pressed.

LM7805 voltage regulator supplies 5V for whole unit. Since controller consumes low current and all LEDs are working in pulse mode, regulator stays cool and doesn’t need radiator.

LED clock 2009.zip140 KB

led_clock2.zip4 KB

Step 2

LED matrix

Bright LEDs of 4 different colors (amber, green, red and blue) are organized into 3 x 9 matrix.
3 columns are controlled by dedicated 2N7000 low power MOSFETs.
Maximum DC current for this type of MOSFET is 200 mA and all 9 LEDs in a column can be ON simultaneously.
9 rows are connected directly to microcontroller’s digital outputs.
LED matrix is assembled on a perforated board. All wiring is done by 24 gauge stranded wire.

Step 3

MDF box

Simple frame is made from narrow panels of 1/2″ MDF.
Before joining pieces together I’ve applied some carpenter’s glue to matching surfaces. Glue fills gaps and add extra strength to joint.

All parts fastened with 1″ wooden screws. To avoid material splitting I’ve drilled 1/8″ pilot holes for screws and made countersinks.

Front and back panels are made from 1/4″ MDF and attached to frame with glue and screws. Wooden putty can be applied over top of screw heads to make surface even and smooth.

As front window I’ve used piece of plastic grid from luminescent light fixture.
Window grid physically isolates LEDs, eliminates color mixing, forms nice illuminated dots and prevents front sheet of veneer from flexing inward. For better contrast grid is painted black.

Window frame is mounted flush with front surface and secured with hot glue.

For more detail: Wooden LED clock using PIC16LF876A microcontroller

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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