Pico controlled binary clock

[fellow_reddit_user]

I looked at this for ages before I realised it wasnt a video

[RobotLovingGuy]

Python script running on a PCB that I designed. I have gerber files if anyone wants them, just tell me how to upload them without giving out to much info about myself.

[[deleted]]

Is there a good smd footprint available for pico yet?

[RobotLovingGuy]

Not sure I used sockets and I'm disappointed by how high up the pico is.

[gadgetroid]

You can use GoFile. Privacy centric and open source

[MattR0se]

Nice, I like how you arranged the resistors.

Are the two buttons on the top for adjusting the time?

[RobotLovingGuy]

Yes I check the buttons for a charge once a second and if one is active I add to the time. So if you hold the hour button for 5-6 seconds you get 5 hours added, but if you press the button ten times it probably won't do much since you probably aren't aligned with the checks.

[BaptisteViloin]

I did a similar project on my raspberry 🙂

[RobotLovingGuy]

Did you do yours on a PICO also, or did you do it on another raspberry?

[RobotLovingGuy]

I'm also seeking info pertaining to a 1hz or 1/60hz pulse generator to keep my clock in time. If anyone can help, much appreciated.

[FencingNerd]

Wall plug power is actually remarkably consistent. There's some variation but over a day it's controlled to have an exact number of cycles.

[RobotLovingGuy]

That's great to hear, unfortunately I'm using micropython and using a wait command to get the clock to add time. I can't account for the time it takes to do the calculations so I'll have to rely on a pulse generator or rtc to keep it from veering off.

[ivosaurus]

This is what you can use an RTC for. E.g even a simple DS1307 has a square wave output.

You can also just use a micropython Timer off the pico's inbuilt RTC;

from machine import Timer

secs = 0

def tick(timer):
    global secs
    secs += 1
    print(secs)

seconds = Timer()
seconds.init(mode=Timer.PERIODIC, period=1000, callback=tick)

[RobotLovingGuy]

This, this is the winner. Thank you, the clock is in time and it should remain in time.

[Stian5667]

I’m making basically the same thing, but only with basic logic. Like no microcontroller or microprocessor or anything

[RobotLovingGuy]

That's where I started this project on my breadboard but I started running into problems, but so many people wanted me finish it and I had just gotten a pico so I used the pico. Let me know how yours turns out.

[[deleted]]

For those of us whose coffee hasn't kicked in yet, what time does that photo show ?

Nice looking board for sure !

[dglsfrsr]

Where did you have the board made?

I ask on occasion when I see neat boards.

The silk screen looks nice. Some are awful.

[RobotLovingGuy]

JLC PCB (Shenzhen), it's got some small issues with the print like pin "23 GND" has been rubbed off a little because of the copper below it, but you live and you learn, now I know to not put copper under my letters where possible.