Mechanical 7 Segment Display Clock Using An Arduino & 28 Servos

In this project, I’ll be showing you how to build a mechanical 7 segment display clock which is driven by 28 servos controlled by an Arduino Uno. Time is kept using a DS1302 real time clock module and each servo is independently controlled using two PCA9685 16 channel servo drivers to expand the Arduino’s PWM IO over the I2C interface.

Parts List and Purchase Links:

If you’ve got any suggestions for Arduino projects or tutorials, let me know in the comments section below.

[donguhl]

This is a pretty cool clock! You did an awesome job explaining the code! I wish more people would explain the code when they post their projects. Great video!

[jstro-hobbytech]

that is so friggin cool man. it would be easy to print little black covers for the sg90's i bet. genius project man. i have so many servos i dont use.

[BeyondDuctTapeFixItRight]

Your build is next level cool. I got pulled in the moment I saw 'mechanical' 7-segment in the title. I stayed because your content and production quality is superb. Color me an instant subscriber.

[heyimamaker]

Love this, I always had a fascination with these types of clocks.

[marvinestevez]

Hey micheal love the video I was wondering how the arduino was being powered ? And where should the 12 v battery be placed and what should connect to it

[azimalif]

Add LEDs with defuser on each segment. Then have them light up when they face up.

[PauloZancoski]

Very smart project, congratulations !

[vishwankitpandhare]

can u give me a detailed wiring of where u wired each and every servo

[tbird]

Great idea and well-executed on all levels. Kind of NIXIE-ish but without the high voltage.

[TinTalon]

Very cool. I want to / am going to build this!

[srinathrajasekar]

nice work michael...i feel its different to see a mechanical 7 segment display

[oumardiop]

wasnt even looking for this, but its dope

[theawesomer]

Very cool build. Sharing on Technabob.

[mck]

Incredible project, could you tell me where to find the link of the 3D printer design?

[douglasbutler]

I want to use this technique for a 300 second fight timer for combat robots! The seconds digit will keep the servos busy. I might need to buy faster servos for that digit. Or maybe the tiny servos flailing like madmen will just add to the charm.

[hetpatel]

Can you please provide the details for wiring please 🙏 I really need it. Thank you

[naoufeltrimech]

Hi Micheal! wonderful project. we have done the some project but with PIC877. the clock work but we still have some problems. we used the servo with 180 degres. we have not the some position of the servo. is not like you. we puted the servo in the axe of each segment. could I ask you to help us? We want use arduino for our clock so could you please change the program of the clock using 180 degres of servo movement instead of 90 degres? Many thanks in advance for your help

[TheDradge]

Brute force method of the century! Great job and perseverance but couldn't you use cams more effectively? There's only 4 bits required per digit so at max you'd only need 4 servos per digit and then convert the 1s and 0s into 10 or 16 states.

[vishwankitpandhare]

i want to make this and i am almost halfway through but the problem is i dont have a 5V BEC is there anyway i can just power it with a 12V 2A power supply

[vishwankitpandhare]

what are the different ways i can supply the 5V to the servo module
(can i give the power directly from the arduino)