BBC micro:bit
Ultimate Clock Project
Introduction
Whilst most Year 9 students worked their way through simpler tasks, Will needed a challenge. The brief that follows is the task I set for him - and which he completed in full without assistance.
Requirements
A prototype for a fully functional micro:bit clock with,
- Time signals should be received from an RTC and should be shown to the nearest minute.
- The time, date and day of the week should be shown on the LED matrix of one or two micro:bits. (David Whale has designed a font for this purpose - Whaley Sans)
- A buzzer and Neopixel should be used as alarms and indicators. There should be a green light indicating that the project is powered. The light should change to indicate different modes (eg setting time and date, viewing the date, the alarm sounding).
- Buttons should be used as inputs for setting the time, these can be the built-in buttons or external ones (eg LED buttons). External buttons attached to the button pins (5,11) do not need pull-up or pull-down resistors. LED buttons do need resistors for the LEDs.
- Add any additional desirable features (eg like the ability to set a short term alarm quickly using multiples of 5 minutes).
Design
Before embarking on the project, work out the stages of development that make most sense and make a list of them. For example, developing the code to display 2 digits on a single micro:bit makes sense as single stage. That stage might lead to developing the logic for using the radio to display 4 digits across 2 micro:bits.
Implementation
Develop each part of the project separately. Save the code with any comments and record in a suitably structured Word document. Use screenshots and/or photographs to demonstrate the functionality of the code and to record any key points that need to be remembered later.
Finished Prototype
Make sure that a code listing and description is included for the finished prototype.
Extension
With a finished project, turn your mind to the packaging. Design a suitable laser-cutting file for an enclosure (4-sided, held together with bolts and standoffs). Use a Pimoroni Pin:bit as the edge connector for the project. Consider the battery requirements too.