Tiny SSD1306 I2C OLED Clock

An ideal starter clock using a small 1" OLED with a simple four-wire I2C connection.

Source book: Clocks and Watches
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/clocks-and-watches/kits/ssd1306-i2c/
Printable one-pager: ssd1306-i2c-one-pager.html

Features

• Lab: Adjusting the Clock Digit Layout
• Lab: Integrating the Local Time
• Lab: Prompt for the SSD1306 I2C Clock
• Lab: Manually Setting Time on Power Up

Benefits

• Free, open lessons: the Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
• Ready-made curriculum: 4 additional lab pages walk students through the build step by step.
• Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
• Budget: about $14 (0.96" OLED about $4.40, Pico W $5, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

• Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
• SSD1306 128×64 OLED — Display
• 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
• Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable