74HC595 Shift Register Clock

A seven-segment clock driven through 74HC595 shift registers using only a few Pico pins.

Kit photo coming soon

 

Key Features

  • Lab: Clock Main
  • Lab: Sample ChatGPT Prompt

Key Benefits

  • Free, open lessons. The Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Ready-made curriculum. 2 additional lab pages walk students through the build step by step.
  • Budget. About $11 (estimate: shift registers about $1 for ten, a 4-digit 7-segment display about $1; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

Part (price)Role
Raspberry Pi Pico ($4)Microcontroller
74HC595 Shift RegisterOutput expander
830-Point Breadboard ($1.10)Breadboard
Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50)Power and programming cable

Microcontroller listed first. Prices shown only where known; see the source book for quantities, wiring, and current prices.

About this kit: From the Clocks and Watches collection.
Source: Clocks and Watches