# Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/167/medium800/led_matrices_mmclock-3496.jpg?1597683922) Build a beautiful, modern digital clock with a retro flair using CircuitPython, Metro M4 Airlift, RGB Matrix shield, and a 64 x 32 LED RGB pixel matrix display. WiFi connectivity with the Metro M4 Airlift keeps your clock in sync with internet time using Adafruit IO! ## Features The METRO Matrix Clock displays the time in the IBM Plex mono typeface, using a neon green hue for daytime hours, and red for nighttime hours. You can also enable or disable the blinking seconds colon in code. But that's it! Just a nice, minimal clock! ## Parts ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg) ### Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite [Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) Give your next project a lift with _AirLift_ - our witty name for the ESP32 co-processor that graces this Metro M4. You already know about the  **Adafruit Metro M4**  featuring the  **Microchip ATSAMD51** , with it's 120MHz Cortex M4 with... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4000/guides) ![Adafruit Metro M4 Airlift Lite dev board with SAMD51 an ESP32 Wifi Co-processor.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4000-08.jpg) ### Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino [Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) Our RGB matrices are dazzling, with their hundreds or even _thousands_ of individual RGB LEDs. Compared to NeoPixels, they've got great density, power usage and the price-per-LED can't be beat. But...(isn't there always a _but_?) You need to use our special library to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2601/guides) ![Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino connected to a LED Matrix that reads "Adafruit Industries LED MATIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2601-02.jpg) ### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick [Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matricies or NeoPixels. Unlike smoke or... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides) ![LED RGB matrix 12" x 12" with "Adafruit Industries LED Matrix" text showing, and LED acrylic slowly covering to make it nicely diffused](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4594-04.jpg) ### 5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed [5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276) This is an FCC/CE certified and UL listed power supply. Need a lot of 5V power? This switching supply gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to 2000mA. 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but you can pick one... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/276/guides) ![Angled shot of power supply.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/276-06.jpg) ### Adjustable Bent-Wire Stand - up to 7" Tablets and Small Screens [Adjustable Bent-Wire Stand - up to 7" Tablets and Small Screens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1679) This handy bent-wire display stand was originally designed to hold up 7" tablets but the rubberized design is great for general purpose electronics & TFT holding. We use it to hold up our HDMI displays while connected to a Pi - even though it is meant for 7" we found that its... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1679) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1679/guides) ![Adjustable Bent-Wire Stand for up to 7 Tablets and Small Screens](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1679-00.jpg) ### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B [USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592) This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides) ![USB cable - USB A to Micro-B - 3 foot long](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/592-01.jpg) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Using M4 Airlift If you have a Metro M4 AirLift, you can build this project easily - you just need an RGB Matrix shield to help connect! You will need a Metro M4 Airlift, matrix shield and matrix ### Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite [Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) Give your next project a lift with _AirLift_ - our witty name for the ESP32 co-processor that graces this Metro M4. You already know about the  **Adafruit Metro M4**  featuring the  **Microchip ATSAMD51** , with it's 120MHz Cortex M4 with... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4000/guides) ![Adafruit Metro M4 Airlift Lite dev board with SAMD51 an ESP32 Wifi Co-processor.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4000-08.jpg) ### Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino [Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) Our RGB matrices are dazzling, with their hundreds or even _thousands_ of individual RGB LEDs. Compared to NeoPixels, they've got great density, power usage and the price-per-LED can't be beat. But...(isn't there always a _but_?) You need to use our special library to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2601/guides) ![Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino connected to a LED Matrix that reads "Adafruit Industries LED MATIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2601-02.jpg) ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Install CircuitPython [CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython) is a derivative of [MicroPython](https://micropython.org) designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the **CIRCUITPY** drive to iterate. ## Set up CircuitPython Quick Start! Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :) [Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/metro_m4_airlift_lite/) ## Further Information For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out [Installing CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython). **Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file.** Download and save it to your desktop (or wherever is handy). ![adafruit_products_MetroAirLiftCPDownload.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/074/832/medium640/adafruit_products_MetroAirLiftCPDownload.png?1556052786) Plug your Metro M4 into your computer using a known-good USB cable. **A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.** Double-click the **Reset** button next to the USB connector on your board (blue arrow), and you will see the NeoPixel RGB (LED circled in red) turn green. If it turns red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc. If double-clicking the Reset button doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right! ![adafruit_products_one_one_one.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/965/medium640/adafruit_products_one_one_one.png?1699472441) You will see a new disk drive appear called **METROM4BOOT**.   Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **METROM4BOOT.** ![adafruit_products_AirLift_METROM4BOOT.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/074/949/medium640/adafruit_products_AirLift_METROM4BOOT.png?1556211532) ![adafruit_products_AirLift_Drag_UF2.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/074/950/medium640/adafruit_products_AirLift_Drag_UF2.png?1556211541) The LED will flash. Then, the **METROM4BOOT** drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear. That's it, you're done! :) ![adafruit_products_AirLift_CIRCUITPY.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/074/951/medium640/adafruit_products_AirLift_CIRCUITPY.png?1556211595) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Build the METRO Matrix Clock ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/171/medium800/led_matrices_mmclock-3503.jpg?1597688345) ## Assembly Talking to an LED matrix display can be tricky! The 64 x 32 LED used here has a whopping 2,048 pixels, and each can display RGB colors, which makes for a whole lot of data to sling around. Thankfully, our RGB Matrix shield paired with the Metro M4 Airlift does most of the heavy lifting. Let's assemble the boards and the display so we can get things running! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/022/medium800/led_matrices_onairbuild-3406.jpg?1597091957) ## Shields Up First, add the male headers, screw terminal block, and the 8x2-pin socket to the Matrix shield, by [following this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/32x16-32x32-rgb-led-matrix/connecting-using-rgb-matrix-shield). Be careful to match the socket polarity to the silkscreen image on the board. Be sure to also perform the clock pin mod [as shown here](https://learn.adafruit.com/32x16-32x32-rgb-led-matrix/connecting-using-rgb-matrix-shield#metro-m4-usage-2991520-5). Then plug the shield into the Metro M4 Airlift. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3407.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/014/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3407.jpg?1597091821) ## Power Connections To provide power, we'll screw the wiring harness connectors to the screw terminal blocks of the shield. Be sure to match the **black** wire to **GND** and the **red** wire to + **5Vout.** Now, simply plug the other end into the panel's power header. It can only go in one way. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3408.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/023/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3408.jpg?1597092003) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3410.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/024/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3410.jpg?1597092013) ## Data Cable Plug in the two ends of the ribbon cable, note that the connectors are keyed to only fit in the correct orientation. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3411.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/025/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3411.jpg?1597092443) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3412.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/026/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3412.jpg?1597092451) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/027/medium800/led_matrices_onairbuild-3413.jpg?1597092963) ## Wall Adapter We'll power the Metro M4 from the 5V 4A DC wall adapter plugged into the barrel jack. Even though USB can provide power to the board, the current isn't adequate for lighting up hundreds and thousands of LEDs! ![led_matrices_IMG_3414.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/028/medium640/led_matrices_IMG_3414.jpg?1597093064) ![led_matrices_IMG_3415.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/029/medium640/led_matrices_IMG_3415.jpg?1597093070) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Using MatrixPortal You can build this project with an all-in-one Matrix Portal board, its definitely the easiest and least-expensive way to go about it. You will need a matrix portal, matrix, and USB C power/data cable ### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display [Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides) ![Video of a person rotating an LED matrix panel with animation resembling falling colored sand.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/4745-05.jpg) ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ![Two white hands hold out an assembled and powered on 64x32 RGB LED Matrix Panel - 4mm pitch. The matrix displays "Adafruit Industries LED MATRIX! 32x64 *RGB*"](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2278-00.jpg) ### USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long [USB Type A to Type C Cable - approx 1 meter / 3 ft long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474) As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This   **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop. USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4474/guides) ![Angled shot of a coiled black, USB-C to USB-A cable.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4474-02.jpg) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Prep the MatrixPortal ## Power Prep The MatrixPortal supplies power to the matrix display panel via two standoffs. These come with protective tape applied (part of our manufacturing process) which MUST BE REMOVED! Use some tweezers or a fingernail to remove the two amber circles. ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3866.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/902/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3866.jpg?1600706317) ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3867.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/903/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3867.jpg?1600706324) ## Power Terminals Next, screw in the spade connectors to the corresponding standoff. - **red** wire goes to **+5V**   - **black** wire goes to **GND** ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3869.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/907/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3869.jpg?1600706432) ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3871.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/908/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3871.jpg?1600706551) ## Panel Power Plug either one of the four-conductor power plugs into the power connector pins on the panel. The plug can only go in one way, and that way is marked on the board's silkscreen. ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3872.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/910/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3872.jpg?1600706597) ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3873.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/911/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3873.jpg?1600706672) ## Dual Matrix Setup If you're planning to use a 64x64 matrix, [follow these instructions on soldering the Address E Line jumper](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4/pinouts#address-e-line-jumper-3072815). ## Board Connection Now, plug the board into the left side shrouded 8x2 connector as shown. The orientation matters, so take a moment to confirm that the **white indicator arrow on the matrix panel is oriented pointing up and right** as seen here and the MatrixPortal overhangs the edge of the panel when connected. This allows you to use the edge buttons from the front side.   Check nothing is impeding the board from plugging in firmly. If there's a plastic nub on the matrix that's keeping the Portal from sitting flat, cut it off with diagonal cutters ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3874.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/912/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3874.jpg?1600706721) ![adafruit_io_mxprtl-3875.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/913/medium640/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3875.jpg?1600706732) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/914/medium800/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3876.jpg?1600706891) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/915/medium800/adafruit_io_mxprtl-3877.jpg?1600706894) Info: # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Install CircuitPython [CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/circuitpython) is a derivative of [MicroPython](https://micropython.org) designed to simplify experimentation and education on low-cost microcontrollers. It makes it easier than ever to get prototyping by requiring no upfront desktop software downloads. Simply copy and edit files on the **CIRCUITPY** drive to iterate. ## Set up CircuitPython Quick Start! Follow this quick step-by-step for super-fast Python power :) [Download the latest version of CircuitPython for this board via circuitpython.org](https://circuitpython.org/board/matrixportal_m4/) ## Further Information For more detailed info on installing CircuitPython, check out [Installing CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-circuitpython). **Click the link above and download the latest UF2 file.** Download and save it to your desktop (or wherever is handy). ![led_matrices_Save_to_Desktop.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/075/medium640/led_matrices_Save_to_Desktop.png?1601050695) Plug your MatrixPortal M4 into your computer using a known-good USB cable. **A lot of people end up using charge-only USB cables and it is very frustrating! So make sure you have a USB cable you know is good for data sync.** Double-click the **Reset** button (indicated by the green arrow) on your board, and you will see the NeoPixel RGB LED (indicated by the magenta arrow) turn green. If it turns red, check the USB cable, try another USB port, etc. If double-clicking doesn't work the first time, try again. Sometimes it can take a few tries to get the rhythm right! ![led_matrices_matrixportal_install_cp.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/447/medium640/led_matrices_matrixportal_install_cp.jpg?1697644568) You will see a new disk drive appear called **MATRIXBOOT**.   Drag the **adafruit\_circuitpython\_etc.uf2** file to **MATRIXBOOT****.** ![led_matrices_MATRIXBOOT.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/448/medium640/led_matrices_MATRIXBOOT.png?1697644692) ![led_matrices_Drag_to_Drive.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/449/medium640/led_matrices_Drag_to_Drive.png?1697644703) The LED will flash. Then, the **MATRIXBOOT**  drive will disappear and a new disk drive called **CIRCUITPY** will appear. That's it, you're done! :) ![led_matrices_circuitpy.png](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/450/medium640/led_matrices_circuitpy.png?1697645066) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Custom Font ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/098/medium800/led_matrices_plex.png?1597452353) Instead of the default Terminal typeface, we'll use a lovely typeface converted to a bitmap font for use on the matrix display. In case you want to make your own font, [this excellent guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/custom-fonts-for-pyportal-circuitpython-display/overview) shows how to use FontForge to do just that! I selected the [IBM Plex Mono Medium](https://www.ibm.com/plex/) typeface. I then converted it to a single bitmap font in a size that works for the 64x32 pixel matrix display, and hand kerned the colon and space characters. Here is the modified .bdf font: [IBMPlexMono-Medium-24_jep.bdf.zip](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/096/original/IBMPlexMono-Medium-24_jep.bdf.zip?1597451956) To use it, download and uncompress the zip file and then drag it onto the board's **CIRCUITPY** drive. In CircuitPython, the font is loaded so it can be used for text display. ## Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format Side note about **Glyph Bitmap Distribution Format** (BDF) fonts -- they are stored as text files that are human and computer readable, and you can even edit them by hand if you feel like getting super particular! Here's what the letter 'A' glyph looks like in a typical converted .bdf font: ```python STARTCHAR A ENCODING 65 SWIDTH 681 0 DWIDTH 14 0 BBX 13 15 1 0 BITMAP 0200 0600 0700 0F00 0F00 0980 1980 18C0 30C0 3FC0 7FE0 6060 6030 C030 C018 ENDCHAR ``` Each of those lines after the word `BITMAP` is a hexidecimal pixel mapping of a row of the glyph. Here's what that looks like converted to binary, with each row padded to 16-bits: ```none 0000001000000000 0000011000000000 0000011100000000 0000111100000000 0000111100000000 0000100110000000 0001100110000000 0001100011000000 0011000011000000 0011111111000000 0111111111100000 0110000001100000 0110000000110000 1100000000110000 1100000000011000 ``` Here's what that 'A' looks like rendered on the 64x32 3mm pitch matrix display. ![led_matrices_A.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/802/medium640/led_matrices_A.jpg?1596557075) ## Glyph Tweaks In case you wanted to add a stylish hat on top of your 'A', you could change the first row to: `1fc0` which is `0001111111000000` in binary. This would result it the image to the left. ![led_matrices_Ahat.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/803/medium640/led_matrices_Ahat.jpg?1596557800) Now, that's a bit of a silly example, but the great thing about this is that you can fine-tune your glyphs beyond what may be easily accomplished during the conversion process. # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## Code the Matrix Clock ## Libraries We'll need to make sure we have these libraries installed. (Check out this [link](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/circuitpython-libraries) on installing libraries if needed.) - **adafruit\_bitmap\_font** - **adafruit\_bus\_device** - **adafruit\_display\_text** - **adafruit\_fakerequests.mpy** - **adafruit\_portalbase** - **adafruit\_matrixportal** - **adafruit\_esp32spi** - **adafruit\_io** - **adafruit\_matrixportal** - **adafruit\_requests.mpy** - **adafruit\_connection\_manager.mpy** - **adafruit\_miniqr.mpy** - **adafruit\_pixelbuf.mpy** - **adafruit\_ticks.mpy** - **neopixel.mpy** - **simpleio.mpy** ![CIRCUITPY](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/folder-images/Metro_Matrix_Clock.png?raw=true ) ## Connect to the Internet Once you have CircuitPython setup and libraries installed we can get your board connected to the Internet. The process for connecting can be found [here](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4/internet-connect). **This includes important info on the settings.toml file, adafruit IO keys, and more!** ## Text Editor Adafruit recommends using the Mu editor for editing your CircuitPython code. You can get more info in [this guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/installing-mu-editor) including info on how to use the REPL/serial terminal. Alternatively, you can use any text editor that saves simple text files. ## Code Copy the code from the code-block below and paste it into the Mu editor and save it to your Metro M4 Airlift as **code.py** (or copy **code.py** from the zip file and place on the **CIRCUITPY** drive). https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Metro_Matrix_Clock/code.py Using the WiFi and Adafruit IO credentials you entered into the **settings.toml** file and copied to the **CIRCUITPY** drive, your sign will connect to your WiFi, connect to Adafruit IO to get the time, and display it! ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/170/medium800/led_matrices_mmclock-3463.jpg?1597688295) ## How it Works ### Libraries First we import the libraries we'll need, including `time`, for timekeeping, `board` for pin definitions on the Metro M4 Airlift, and `displayio` and `terminalio` for some of the display and basic font features. The `adafruit_display_text.label` and `adafruit_bitmap_font` libraries are imported so we can use the text label commands and incorporate a bitmap font. Finally `adafruit_matrixportal.network` and `adafruit_matrixportal.matrix` are imported to handle getting online through the WiFi access point to check the Adafruit IO timeserver, and to handle the lower level matrix display tasks. ## Settings Two user set variables are created next: `BLINK = True` `DEBUG = False` These are at the top of the program where it's easy to change them if needed. The `BLINK` variable sets weather or not the colon ':' glyph will blink on and off each second. `DEBUG` can be set `True` in order to switch from the bitmap font to the simpler terminalio font, as well as to print label bounding box and x, y coordinate values to the serial output, which is helpful when fine-tuning size and position of a bitmap font. ### Check for WIFI Credentials Next, the program checks to make sure there is SSID and password info stored in the **settings.toml** file that will be needed to go online. If this fails it will print an error message to the serial output. ### Display & Network Setup The matrix display and matrix objects are created next with these commands: ```python matrix = Matrix() display = matrix.display network = Network(status_neopixel=board.NEOPIXEL, debug=False) ``` The displayio Group, Bitmap, Palette, and TileGrid are created so we have the proper objects and hierarchy to display the time on the display. For info on this, check out [the excellent **displayio** guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-display-support-using-displayio/introduction)! ### BDF Font Load Now we'll load the BDF font glyphs from the Metro M4 Airlift's storage, in this case the lovely IBM Plex Mono medium in 24 point. (If we're in DEBUG mode, the terminalio font is used instead.) The clock\_label text object is created using the font so we have an object to display the time. ### Update Time The `update_time()` function will do all of the heavy lifting of parsing the current time value into discreet hours, minutes, and optional colon chunks that can be fed as arguments into the `clock_label.text` command. This function also handles the blinking logic for the second hand colon, and sets the color of the text label to day vs. evening hours. ### Text Centering There's a very handy command we'll use for centering the text on the display: `clock_label.bounding_box`. This returns the x- and y-positions of the label, as well as the width and height of it's bounding box (an imaginary rectangle that encompasses the label). With this we can then use a couple of simple formulas to set the label's x and y coordinates to be centered on the display. These essentially divide the display in half an the label in half to find their centers. ```python # Center the label clock_label.x = round(display.width / 2 - bbwidth / 2) clock_label.y = display.height // 2 ``` ### Initial Display The `last_check` variable is created to keep track of the state of time elapsed since last lookup of Adafruit IO timeserver time. The `update_time()` function is called, and then the `clock_label` is appended to the display group so it will appear. At first this will be based on the Metro M4 time, which will be 12:00 when first powered on. But soon, we'll run the network time check to get accurate! ## Main Loop After all of that setup, it's time to get the time! This is the main loop of the program that runs over and over. The first thing to do is check the time if the `last_check` variable is either `None` or one hour has elapsed (`3600` seconds). The `network.get_local_time()` command uses the WiFi connection to synchronize to Adafruit IO timeserver time. Then the `last_check` value is reset to the current `time.monotonic()` (think of it as a continuously running ticker). The display is then refreshed with the current time, and the process is repeated every second, taking a look each hour at the timeserver. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/213/medium800/led_matrices_mmclock-3464.jpg?1597854012) # Network Connected RGB Matrix Clock ## LED Matrix Diffuser ## LED Diffusion Acrylic You can add an [LED diffusion acrylic faceplate](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) to the your LED matrix display. (Pictured here with the [ON AIR project](https://learn.adafruit.com/rgb-matrix-automatic-youtube-on-air-sign)) This can help protect the LEDs as well as enhance the look of the sign both indoors and out by reducing glare and specular highlights of the plastic matrix grid. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3367.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/987/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3367.jpg?1597088161) ## Measure and Cut the Plastic You can use the sign to measure and mark cut lines on the paper backing of the acrylic sheet. Then, use a tablesaw or bandsaw with a fine toothed blade and a guide or sled to make the cuts. Note: it is possible to score and snap acrylic, but it can be very tricky to get an even snap without proper clamping. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3343.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/988/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3343.jpg?1597088278) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3346.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/989/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3346.jpg?1597088290) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3347.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/991/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3347.jpg?1597089259) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3349.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/992/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3349.jpg?1597089270) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/998/medium800/led_matrices_onairbuild-3352.jpg?1597089308) Peel away the paper backing from both sides and set the acrylic onto your matrix display with the matte finished side facing out. ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3355.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/093/999/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3355.jpg?1597089331) ## Uglu Dashes The best method we've found for adhering acrylic to the matrix display is to use [Uglu Dashes clear adhesive rectangles from Pro Tapes](https://www.protapes.com/products/uglu-600-dashes-sheets). They are incredibly strong (although can be removed if necessary), easy to apply, and are invisible once attached. Use one at each corner and one each at the halfway point of the long edges, then press the acrylic and matrix panel together for about 20 seconds. ![adafruit_io_weathermx-2-3.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/842/medium640/adafruit_io_weathermx-2-3.jpg?1600463849) ![adafruit_io_weathermx-2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/843/medium640/adafruit_io_weathermx-2.jpg?1600463856) ![adafruit_io_weathermx-2-2.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/844/medium640/adafruit_io_weathermx-2-2.jpg?1600463866) Here you can see the impact of using the diffusion acrylic. (Pictured here with the ON AIR sign project) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/006/medium800thumb/led_matrices_diffusionOnAir.jpg?1597089757) ## Stand A very simple and attractive way to display your matrix is with the adjustable [bent-wire stand](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1679). ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3418.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/032/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3418.jpg?1597094067) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3419.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/033/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3419.jpg?1597094085) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3421.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/034/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3421.jpg?1597094097) ![led_matrices_onairbuild-3422.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/094/035/medium640/led_matrices_onairbuild-3422.jpg?1597094107) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/095/378/medium800/adafruit_io_led_matrices_onairbuild-3383.jpg?1602006263) Alternately, you can use a frame, [3D printed brackets](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-protest-sign/build-the-sign#step-3065326), tape, glue, or even large binder clips to secure the acrylic to the sign and then mount it on on a wall, shelf, or display cabinet. [These mini-magnet feet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4631) can be used to stick the sign to a ferrous surface. ## Featured Products ### 64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch [64x32 RGB LED Matrix - 4mm pitch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) Bring a little bit of Times Square into your home with this sweet 64 x 32 square RGB LED matrix panel. These panels are normally used to make video walls, here in New York we see them on the sides of busses and bus stops, to display animations or short video clips. We thought they looked... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2278/guides) ### Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display [Adafruit Matrix Portal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) Folks love our [wide selection of RGB matrices](https://www.adafruit.com/category/327) and accessories, for making custom colorful LED displays... and our RGB Matrix Shields and FeatherWings can be quickly soldered together to make the wiring much easier. But what if we made it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4745) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4745/guides) ### Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite [Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi) - Lite](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) Give your next project a lift with _AirLift_ - our witty name for the ESP32 co-processor that graces this Metro M4. You already know about the  **Adafruit Metro M4**  featuring the  **Microchip ATSAMD51** , with it's 120MHz Cortex M4 with... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4000) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4000/guides) ### Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino [Adafruit RGB Matrix Shield for Arduino](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) Our RGB matrices are dazzling, with their hundreds or even _thousands_ of individual RGB LEDs. Compared to NeoPixels, they've got great density, power usage and the price-per-LED can't be beat. But...(isn't there always a _but_?) You need to use our special library to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2601) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2601/guides) ### Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick [Black LED Diffusion Acrylic Panel 12" x 12" - 0.1" / 2.6mm thick](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) A nice whoppin' slab of some lovely black acrylic to add some extra diffusion to your LED Matrix project. This material is 2.6mm (0.1") thick and is made of special cast acrylic that makes it perfect for glowy projects, especially matricies or NeoPixels. Unlike smoke or... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4594) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4594/guides) ### 5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed [5V 2A (2000mA) switching power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276) This is an FCC/CE certified and UL listed power supply. Need a lot of 5V power? This switching supply gives a clean regulated 5V output at up to 2000mA. 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but you can pick one... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/276) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/276/guides) ### Adjustable Bent-Wire Stand - up to 7" Tablets and Small Screens [Adjustable Bent-Wire Stand - up to 7" Tablets and Small Screens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1679) This handy bent-wire display stand was originally designed to hold up 7" tablets but the rubberized design is great for general purpose electronics & TFT holding. We use it to hold up our HDMI displays while connected to a Pi - even though it is meant for 7" we found that its... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1679) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1679/guides) ### USB cable - USB A to Micro-B [USB cable - USB A to Micro-B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592) This here is your standard A to micro-B USB cable, for USB 1.1 or 2.0. Perfect for connecting a PC to your Metro, Feather, Raspberry Pi or other dev-board or microcontroller Approximately 3 feet / 1 meter long Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/592) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/592/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Metro M4 Express AirLift (WiFi)](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-metro-m4-express-airlift-wifi.md) - [Adafruit MatrixPortal M4](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-matrixportal-m4.md) - [AdaBox 016](https://learn.adafruit.com/adabox016.md) - [LED Matrix Sports Scoreboard](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-matrix-sports-scoreboard.md) - [Purple Air AQI Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/purple-air-aqi-display.md) - [Using Python on Windows 10](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-python-on-windows-10.md) - [Raspberry Pi LED Matrix Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-led-matrix-display.md) - [Creating MatrixPortal Projects with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/creating-projects-with-the-circuitpython-matrixportal-library.md) - [Scroll an SMS Text Message on your RGB Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/scroll-an-sms-text-message-on-your-rgb-matrix.md) - [CircuitPython Connected Weather Cloud Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-connected-weather-cloud.md) - [Weather Display Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/weather-display-matrix.md) - [Bluetooth-Controlled Matrix LED Sign using Bluefruit Connect](https://learn.adafruit.com/bluetooth-controlled-matrix-led-sign-using-bluefruit-connect.md) - [NextBus transit clock for Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/nextbus-transit-clock-for-raspberry-pi.md) - [Matrix Portal M4 Boxing Interval Timer](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-m4-boxing-interval-timer.md) - [Matrix Portal Sand Handles](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrix-portal-sand.md) - [IoT Twitter Listener Party Parrot](https://learn.adafruit.com/iot-twitter-listener-party-parrot.md) - [Halloween Countdown Display Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/halloween-countdown-display-matrix.md)