Yet Another Arduino Digital Clock, but It’s Unique and You Will Need It

At the heart of this digital clock is an Arduino Pro Mini microcontroller, which coordinates timekeeping, user input, and visual output. The system tracks accurate time using a DS3231 Real-Time Clock (RTC) module communicating over the I2C protocol, ensuring minimal time drift compared to standard microcontroller clocks. Power is supplied by 18650 lithium-ion cells, with an AMS1117 voltage regulator stepping down the battery voltage to provide a stable operating level for the digital logic and microcontroller. For the display, the Arduino drives a custom arrangement of 42 WS2812 NeoPixel LEDs integrated into 3D-printed ten-segment digits. Because these are addressable RGB LEDs, the microcontroller sends a precise data stream through a 330-ohm current-limiting resistor to control the color and brightness of each pixel individually, allowing the digits to smoothly shift colors every minute. User interaction is handled by two push button switches connected to the Arduino, which can be used to set or adjust time parameters. The entire circuit is assembled on a perf board and housed in an MDF sheet enclosure, combining custom-manufactured physical parts with robust microcontroller programming through the Arduino IDE.