Hidden Clock

This is a project to build clock. Driven by a ESP32C3, using a 3D printed light diffuser and a NeoPixel LED ring, this clock will display the hour and minute as shadowed numbers in glowing hexagons.

Working Example!

External Parts

• 24x NeoPixel Ring
  • A different ring could be used with if the Clockface Generator Notebook is appropriately configured.
• QT Py ESP32C3
  • Pretty much any of the ESP32 QT Py's could run the firmware since it only needs 2 GPIO and an internal clock

Code Dependencies

Clock Controller

• Micropython

Hidden Clockface Generator

• Jupyter
• OpenSCAD
• solidpython
• viewscad

Inspirations

I had been playing with lithophanes a lot (such as those from the Lithophane Maker) and became enamored with how a thick-but-not-too-thick light difuser could cause an image to disappear without a backlight. The effect made static surfaces able to pop with hidden messages. I made some concept pieces out of wood that confirmed the basic idea. And then, toying with a NeoPixel ring one day, the idea of a light diffuser based clock came together.

Hidden Clockface Model

Assembly Instructions

1. Print Hidden Clockface, Clock Stomach and Embedded Button
2. Load clock.upy firmware onto Micropython formatted QT Py ESP32C3
3. Solder 3-wire connector cable from 24x NeoPixel Ring to the 5V, GND, and M0 pins of the QT Py ESP32C3 * Guarantee NeoPixel ring works and responds to both short and long button presses.
4. Glue 24x NeoPixel Ring to Clock Stomach
5. Place QT Py ESP32C3 into Clock Stomach slot and solder-plasticweld the Embedded Button into place -- MINDFUL OF BUTTON PLACEMENT --
6. Solder/plasticweld Hidden Clockface to Clock Stomach in front of 24x NeoPixel Ring

Control Instructions

• Short press (<200 milliseconds) adds a 3 minute modifier to the internal time
• Long press (>200 milliseconds) adds a 1 hour modifier to the internal time