UPDATE: We now have a much simpler version of this project using CircuitPython and the Adafruit Prop Maker RP2040 Feather.

Here’s a different take on DIY clock projects. Whereas most dwell on visual displays, ours features Adabot’s friendly face speaking the time.

Best of all, you can make this your own…give it your face and voice…or if you can do impressions, how about an Arnold Schwarzenegger or Dave Jones clock? Anything goes!

Parts List

This is a “choose your own adventure” project…you might substitute or add additional parts to the mix. Read through the whole guide (and look through your current parts stash) before planning a shopping list. Here’s some of the essentials:

• Arduino Uno. This project will not work with the Arduino Leonardo, Mega, Due, Netduino, etc. It must be an Uno.
• Wave Shield (assembly required).
• SD card (or microSD w/adapter). This is a great way to re-use older “fun size” cards…it doesn’t require a lot of space!
• Either a DS1307 Real Time Clock or a Data Logging Shield.
• Stacking headers. If using the Data Logging Shield, get two sets!
• Speaker. Either the small 8 Ohm 1W speaker in the shop, or you can add an external amplified speaker for more “oomph.”
• LEDs and resistors (one resistor per LED, 180-220 Ohm for red/yellow/green, 100-150 Ohm for most others).
• Adafruit doesn’t sell individual resistors. You can find small packs at Radio Shack, Fry’s, etc. If you can't find these exact values, slightly higher is totally fine.
• Instead of regular LEDs, our clock face uses LED backlight modules, but you can use whatever suits your design.
• Any sort of momentary button. Tactile switches, arcade buttons, etc.
• A power source. This could be a USB cable connected to a port on your computer, a USB phone charger, a 9V “wall wart” power supply, or a battery pack.
• Soldering paraphernalia: iron, solder, bits of wire, perhaps a breadboard for prototyping.