What should I use to control my 7 segment RGB LED clock?

Hi!

In this week's element14 presents, I've made an RGB LED clock. I need to now code the clock! What board should I use? Vote below or add a comment on the build page (where you can view the clock!) https://www.element14.com/community/docs/DOC-96014/l/episode-482-gigantic-3d-printed-7-segment-display-clock?ICID=e14-presentsmain-topbanner

Top Comments

michaelkellett over 4 years ago +6

PiPico - nice new board, shiny new micro, says it has library to control LED strings, made in UK (I think) - what's not to like !! MK
ralphjy over 4 years ago +6

I voted for the Pico too, but if you wanted to sync time with the Internet I'd use an ESP32.
iamreddave over 4 years ago +5

This seems like a great project

Fred27 over 4 years ago

If the LEDs are WS2812 (or APA102) then it sounds like a good excuse to check out the programmable IO on the Pico.
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miles90 over 4 years ago

I helped you save some money Lorraine. I choosed the Raspberry Pi Pico.

Thank you for that impressive project.
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embeddedguy over 4 years ago

You could use RPI Pico or Arduino.
Do you know FastLED library to control RGB Led's? I recently have used it in my 1m3pi challenge project.
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neilk over 4 years ago in reply to aspork42

aspork42 Now that is truly retro!!!!! I Love it.

Neil
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beacon_dave over 4 years ago

It probably depends on what you are planning to do with the clock

If you want to synchronise it with a NTP source or control it from a mobile app over Wi-Fi, then a board with well supported network connectivity could be tempting.

However if you want to introduce it to STEM activities in schools, then a clock display that has a convenient slot that you can plug a pupil's programmed micro:bit into as part of a project, then that could be a lot of fun and promote participation / interest in physical computing type activities.
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aspork42 over 4 years ago

First though was the Pico (and still a great idea), but I was thinking about the Core Memory Shield for some reason would be cool to use and somehow integrate
https://www.tindie.com/products/kilpelaj/core-memory-shield-for-arduino/
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robogary over 4 years ago

I voted Pico, just to find out it runs NTP. I'm assuming the RGB display has its own driver and decoder.
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ralphjy over 4 years ago

I voted for the Pico too, but if you wanted to sync time with the Internet I'd use an ESP32.
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dougw over 4 years ago

Pico - its cheaper and we all want to see how well they work.
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kmikemoo over 4 years ago

lorrainbow I second the new Pico - just because it's new.
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