Dotklok is the name of this cool open source digital clock that is capable of displaying the current time with many different animations, such as numeric, graphic and abstract. There’s even a Pong mode, if you’re into retro games.
The motivation for DOTKLOK was to combine in one clock a variety of ways to show time — such as with words, graphics, or retro game displays — while providing a platform on which others can further develop unique timepieces.
Here’s a video clip showing a prototype of the Dotklok in action:
The 24 x 16 pixel screen makes for a large, clear time display. A simple button interface is used to set the date and time, and to select from the various display animations.
When in “random mode” the clock switches to a different animation each day at midnight so that users can experience a “new” clock each day. The stylish, minimal enclosure is made from laser-cut acrylic panels.
Dotklok Features
- multiple, user-selectable time animations (there are currently 9, more coming soon)
- 24/12 hour modes
- “random mode” can switch animations each day at midnight
- 3.75″ x 2.5″ / 10cm x 6.5cm LED display
- dedicated real-time clock (RTC) chip keeps date/time with backup battery (included)
- 4 button time/display interface + slide switch for mode selection
- UL + CE universal power supply included
- open-source code can be modified by owners: eg. change the button functions and add new time animations
- totally hackable: circuit board has prototype area and all unused Arduino pins are available; add more switches, buzzers, sensors!
This mode shows seconds passed in the day at top and remaining ones at the bottom.
The Dotklok digital clock is available with a red or a green LED screen and you can choose to buy the timepiece fully assembled or as a DIY kit to a lower price.
The product can be purchased from Andrew O’Malley’s shop over at Etsy:
- Dotklok Red / Kit ($150)
- Dotklok Red / Assembled ($200)
- Dotklok Green / Kit ($150)
- Dotklok Green / Assembled ($200)
Visit aomalley.org for more photos and info about the Dotklok open source clock.
5 Comments
Sweet! Now I don’t have to be bored the first four seconds after I wake up every day!
Wah. This is really cool!
In the pong mode the poor control of the LEDs is obvious with them being brighter the fewer that are on in each row.
I had some LED modules from sure electronics that had the same problem, for the sake of a few transistors of cost they made them look very bad.
This time piece challenges traditional ways of measuring time, eg. the time that is left in a 24 hour cycle, rather than the time that is past. Very, very cool!
@Richard — the new screens I’m using have addressed the brightness issue you mention and they look completely even in all rows now 🙂
@everyone — thanks for your interest and comments!