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TM1637 LED Display

TM1637 LED Display

A very popular, low-cost 4-digit 7-segment module for clocks, counters, and other number displays.

Source book: Clocks and Watches
Kit page: https://dmccreary.github.io/clocks-and-watches/kits/tm1637/
Printable one-pager: tm1637-one-pager.html

Features

  • Lab: TM1637 MicroPython Clock Program - Code Walkthrough
  • Lab: Manually Setting the Time
  • Lab: Full Running Clock Using the TM1637

Benefits

  • Free, open lessons: the Clocks and Watches textbook has the kit page, wiring, and MicroPython code.
  • Ready-made curriculum: 3 additional lab pages walk students through the build step by step.
  • Classroom friendly: built on a solderless breadboard or no-solder connectors.
  • Try before you build: an interactive MicroSim on the kit page runs in the browser.
  • Wireless-ready: the Pico W option adds Wi-Fi for time sync and web projects.
  • Instant feedback: students see their code's results on lights or a display.
  • Budget: about $10 (display about $1 on eBay, or $0.30 in bulk; Pico $4, breadboard $2, wires $1, USB cable $2).

Parts

  • Raspberry Pi Pico ($4) — Microcontroller
  • DS3231 RTC — Real-time clock
  • Piezo Buzzer / Speaker — Sound output
  • TM1637 4-Digit LED — Display
  • 830-Point Breadboard ($1.10) — Breadboard
  • Micro-USB Data Cable ($2.50) — Power and programming cable