NeoPixel LED Strip Clock Kits

Three art clocks, including a binary clock, built from a strip of low-cost WS2812B NeoPixels.

Source book: Clocks and Watches
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/clocks-and-watches/kits/neopixel/
Printable one-pager: clocks-and-watches-neopixel-one-pager.html

Features

• Uses the DS3231 RTC
• Uses the Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
• Uses the WS2812B NeoPixels

Benefits

• Free, open lessons: the Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
• Budget: about $14 (NeoPixel strip about $5 per meter; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

• Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
• DS3231 RTC — Real-time clock
• WS2812B NeoPixels — LEDs
• 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
• Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable