eBay clock kit. Full build and setting guide.

Full assembly of a typical eBay digital clock kit with case.
This is a nice kit to build. It's a very good example of circuitry that can be powered by a common 5V USB power supply, and even has a proper dedicated clock chip with battery backup.
There's a slight blip in the video where the power connector is soldered on, because I didn't realise that I'd reached a file size/video length limit and the camera stopped and restarted automatically.
Here's a general purpose link to find various similar clock kits on eBay:-

If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-

[paulwchumak]

Can’t stress enough how glad I am that I found this channel.

[CharlesZink]

Your ability to hold the PCB, components, and solder all in one hand never ceases to amaze me.

[saint-]

Hey Clive, (and anyone else who reads this)

I've been working in plastic fabrication for the last three years... a nice little trick for removing masking on plastics, especially small parts, is to use an eraser/rubber. a standard square white one will do the trick. simply drag it over the edge and onto the piece. starting off a corner when doing so will be even easier.

Hope this little trick helps someone

[NasusMiniatures]

I was watching videos about label makers and ended up in a playlist of your videos. I'm still here because I could listen to your voice all day!!!

[Siktah]

Please do more kit building videos. They are fun to listen to you explaining random things as you go. Very therapeutic.

[Deadite]

The Joy of Soldering with Big Clive

This is the exact same type of calming thing to watch as Bob Ross. I honestly didn't expect an hour-long video of soldering to keep my attention, but you've nailed it.

[matelotjim]

It's very relaxing watching Clive... something about his voice and gently explanations... Even as a professional electronics technician I find it interesting.

[hls]

You'll love this, Clive - NOT! I enjoyed watching your digital clock build, as I built one in the late 60's using digitron tubes (remember those? Bit before your time, I think!) - made up my own timer, flip-flops, PCB etc.

I sent off for the kit you got (similar) and built it - for my 11-year old grandaughter. All worked fine, then I ordered some 3v coin cells, fitted one and set up the timings etc (Appalling system setup, what?). I even rewrote the instructions in a legible form, so my grandaughter could do the setup if necessary.

Now comes the faux pas! I unplugged the clock from my PC USB port, took it to the kitchen with a small 5 volt mains power block, and plugged it in. All four nixie tubes burst brightly into life, reading: 8888 (in 7-segment form!), with the buzzer buzzing very loudly! Switched off quickly, to find that I'd plugged in a 12v power supply by mistake. DOH! Tried it with a 5v power block, to no avail. So I've probably blown the two chips and possibly something else, but haven't yet checked. I've only been an electronics engineer for over 50 years! Do I feel stupid? YES!

[MattTester]

I'm glad you mentioned that the background noise was a lawn mower because I thought it was a helicopter at first and we were watching you build a kit in a 52 minute stand-off with the police. I suppose they would need a trail of dodgy electronics to tempt you out in that situation...

[wtfiswiththosehandles]

Hey Clive. I built this clock some time ago, and found out that you can short pins 6, 7 and 14 on the bigger IC.
This will prevent the clock from cycling all those display functions, and will stick to one (you can cycle manually using the button). So you can have it display time all the... well, time :)

[zerog]

+bigclivedotcom I wasn't able to find a public source of the firmware (whether source code or compiled), and Banggood would not provide it, so I put together my own github repo for it. It's mostly functional and close to original functionality, but could be extended to do lots of other neat stuff (DCF77, etc). Enjoy hacking:

[markharrisllb]

I’ve watched this video a few times now. I love how all the parts' purpose is explained and who doesn’t enjoy watching Clive solder? Somewhere I’ve got a clock-radio kit what I’ve lost the instructions for, but I think they’ll be online somewhere. I've been inspired to give it a go.

My in-laws had a major house fire from a Dyson vacuum that hadn’t been emptied. A couple of years later I was on fire training through work and the fire person who facilitated the course said it’s not an uncommon cause. Yet have to emptied them after every use.

[KillerSpud]

"I'll just write the resistor values on the tape so I don't get it mixed up, then I'll just use these scissors to cut the tape off." --Clive

You are the reason for at least 20 of my solder burns. Since being introduced to your patented 'hold everything in one hand and solder like a pro with the other' technique, I have been lazy and attempted the same. And, inevitabley, when I'm about to lose grip of something and the whole balancing act is about to be flung up in the air, its the soldering iron that goes first and stabs me in one of my fingers.

[PixelOutlaw]

Your soldering is like listening to Bob Ross paint.

[cmj]

I have built so many clock kits. I find it relaxing, fun and rewarding when someone comments, " hey that is a nice clock where did you buy it?" I tell them it comes in a bag of parts and I built it. I have had people want to buy them, so I sold a few.

[dozer]

“He’s a real garden geek”

Says the guy assembling a digital clock kit.

😂😂😂

[andrewinnj]

Hi Clive! I just wanted to let you know that I just completed assembling one of these very same kits myself after watching your walk-through a few times and it works/looks great! I most sincerely wouldn't have been able to do this without your teaching and encouragement, so thank you very much. I now have a lovely sense of accomplishment and feel 'right chuffed.' Thanks for everything you do!

[OnlySlightyRadioactive]

I love these kit building videos, so relaxing and helpful. I built this clock using this video for reference and understanding what everything does. I'm really pleased with the result, thankyou

[Splituk]

I can solder, but I still watched this video from start to finish to see how an expert does it.
This is a good video.... especially for those who have never built kits before.