# NeoMatrix 8x8 Word Clock ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/332/medium800/led_matrix_Word_Clock_iso_lit_ORIG_01_%281%29.jpg?1436389040) Are you fascinated with the passage of time? Do you want a stylish, modern and functional timepiece to add to your clock collection? The word clock is a one-of-a-kind time telling device, using a grid of letters to spell out the time. While you could spend thousands of dollars on [other versions of this idea](http://store.biegertfunk.com/us/), this project is an inexpensive and quick way to build one for yourself. The word clock uses the [Adafruit NeoPixel NeoMatrix 8x8](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1487) to create a colorful word clock! As such, it features an original 8x8 layout of letters in order to form all of the different time phrases. You can power it over USB so it makes for a great desk time-keeper. This clock also uses the [DS1307 Real Time Clock breakout kit](https://www.adafruit.com/products/264) so it'll keep time even while unplugged! The DS1307 has an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day, and the clock tells the time with a precision of five minutes. The microcontroller board we're using is the [Pro Trinket 5V](https://www.adafruit.com/products/2000) but you can swap it with any Arduino compatible or microcontroller that can use I2C and NeoPixels. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/026/540/medium800thumb/led_matrix_WordClockGIF.jpg?1448319097) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/neomatrix-8x8-word-clock/parts-list.md) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit NeoPixel NeoMatrix 8x8 - 64 RGB LED Pixel Matrix [Adafruit NeoPixel NeoMatrix 8x8 - 64 RGB LED Pixel Matrix](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1487) Put on your sunglasses before wiring up this LED matrix - 64 eye-blistering RGB LEDs adorn the NeoMatrix for a blast of configurable color. Arranged in an 8x8 matrix, each pixel is individually addressable. Only one microcontroller pin is required to control all the LEDs, and you get 24 bit... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1487) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1487/guides) ### Adafruit DS1307 Real Time Clock Assembled Breakout Board [Adafruit DS1307 Real Time Clock Assembled Breakout Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3296) This is a great battery-backed real time clock (RTC) that allows your microcontroller project to keep track of time even if it is reprogrammed, or if the power is lost. Perfect for datalogging, clock-building, time stamping, timers and alarms, etc. The **DS1307** is the most... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3296) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3296/guides) ### Adafruit Pro Trinket - 5V 16MHz [Adafruit Pro Trinket - 5V 16MHz](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2000) **Deprecation Warning: The Pro Trinket bit-bang USB technique it uses doesn't work as well as it did in 2014, many modern computers won't work well. So while we still carry the Pro Trinket so that people can maintain some older projets, we no longer recommend it.** Please... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2000) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2000/guides) ## Related Guides - [Fiber Optic Whip](https://learn.adafruit.com/fiber-optic-whip.md) - [Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-stick.md) - [Easy NeoPixel Graphics with the CircuitPython Pixel Framebuf Library](https://learn.adafruit.com/easy-neopixel-graphics-with-the-circuitpython-pixel-framebuf-library.md) - [Pro Trinket Keyboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/pro-trinket-keyboard.md) - [Adafruit Arduino IDE Setup](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-ide-setup.md) - [Adding a Real Time Clock to Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-a-real-time-clock-to-raspberry-pi.md) - [Pro Trinket Rotary Encoder](https://learn.adafruit.com/pro-trinket-rotary-encoder.md) - [MicroPython Displays: Drawing Text](https://learn.adafruit.com/micropython-displays-drawing-text.md) - [Morning Star POV Double Staffs](https://learn.adafruit.com/pov-dotstar-double-staff.md) - [NeoPixel 60 Ring Wall Clock](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixel-60-ring-clock.md) - [The PICsellator](https://learn.adafruit.com/the-picsellator.md) - [Roll-up Video Light](https://learn.adafruit.com/roll-up-video-light.md) - [Smart Bathroom App](https://learn.adafruit.com/smart-bathroom-app.md) - [Color Balancing Video Camera Light feat. DotStars](https://learn.adafruit.com/color-balancing-light-box-with-dotstar-cool-warm-white-leds.md) - [Festive Feather Holiday Lights](https://learn.adafruit.com/festive-feather-holiday-lights.md)