Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Clocodile

Advanced

RASPBERRY PI

₹1,500 – ₹5,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

Clocodile

An internet-connected digital clock shaped like a crocodile featuring multiple circular LCD screens, fonts, and smooth transition effects.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Cable for Arduino Nano (USB 2.0 A to USB 2.0 Mini B) 30cm Rs. 69.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)

Browse all components

How It Works

The Clocodile system is driven by a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W microcontroller, powered via a standard USB connection. At its core, the RP2350 microcontroller fetches real-time network data over Wi-Fi through NTP (Network Time Protocol) synchronization to maintain accurate timekeeping. To present this time creatively, the microcontroller communicates with six circular 240x240 LCD screens arranged across a custom crocodile-shaped printed circuit board (PCB). Because driving six separate SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) displays simultaneously demands substantial processing bandwidth, the firmware utilizes custom Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines and Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels. This hardware-accelerated approach offloads display data transfers from the main CPU cores, enabling smooth graphical transitions, custom font rendering, and synchronized updates across all six circular screens without lagging. User interaction is handled via six pushbuttons wired directly to the microcontroller's digital input pins, allowing users to navigate interface settings, change display modes, or interact with the clock face. Power regulation circuitry on the custom PCB distributes stable operating voltages from the USB source to the microcontroller, pushbuttons, and the array of displays, ensuring reliable performance of the entire embedded system.

Why Build This

Master high-speed microcontroller peripherals like PIO and DMA for driving multiple simultaneous SPI displays.

Develop advanced C/C++ firmware capable of network synchronization via NTP and smooth graphical rendering.

Design and assemble a unique, multi-screen embedded desktop accessory on a custom-shaped printed circuit board.

Real-World Application

Useful for home decor, desk accessories, learning advanced microcontroller interfacing (PIO/DMA), and demonstrating graphical rendering on non-standard circular displays.

Skills You'll Learn

SPI communication protocol

Programmable I/O (PIO) configuration

Direct Memory Access (DMA) handling

NTP network time synchronization

multi-display embedded systems design

C/C++ microcontroller firmware development

Safety Precautions

No specific precautions noted for this build — always follow general electronics safety practices.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI PICO 2 W

RP2350

SPI

CIRCULAR LCD

WI-FI

NTP

DMA

PIO STATE MACHINES

C/C++

CUSTOM PCB

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a standard rectangular display instead of the circular ones?

The custom crocodile PCB and firmware graphics rendering pipeline are specifically designed around the form factor and resolution of the six circular 240x240 SPI displays.

How does the clock stay accurate without a real-time clock (RTC) module?

The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W connects to the internet via Wi-Fi to continuously synchronize its time using Network Time Protocol (NTP).

Is regular USB power sufficient for all six screens and the microcontroller?

Yes, a standard USB power supply and cable can adequately power the Pico 2 W and the low-power circular LCD screens when managed through the custom PCB's power distribution.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

PRJ-01516