Waveshare Raspberry Pi Pico Clock Kit (#137)

Nice big display clock kit that I bought from Pi-Hut. It uses the Raspberry Pi Pico as its main processor, and has open source software so that you can modify and experiment with it.

I show how to install the Pico and load the software/firmware into it. I'm using the standard firmware from the Waveshare site; more videos to follow with me customizing the software.

[samneggs]

I had converted some of the core C routines to MicroPython. Let me know if you like to chat about it.

[MrBobWareham]

It's OK as a wall clock as it is so big

[alanb]

Lately these clocks have been selling for lower prices, under 20 dollars US, quite a bargain. It would be really interesting to make one work with a Pico W so it could set itself from NTP. An advanced feature could be to adjust the clock chip ageing register from extended NTP monitoring. Those are Pogo pins, often used for board test setups. The software for these clocks is a bit rough, but they could really be improved.

[john-r-edge]

Looks neat. There is on enhancement that would be a fun project. That would be to add a radio clock module for MSF (60 khz Anthorn) or DCF77 (77.5 khz Frankfurt). There are cheap modules consisting of a ferrite rod antenna and radio receiver; those might fit in the case. Tho the pico and led emissions might interfere with radio reception

[МаксимГрищенко-нс]

How to start the clock.

On the Waveshare Wiki page there is a link to the archive with the Demo firmware for the watch - Pico-Clock-Green. zip. It needs to be unpacked, there are six files in the folder and the "build" folder with the Pico-Clock-Green.uf2 file. On the Pico, hold down the boot button and connect it to the Raspberry Pi4, copy six files from the Pico-Clock-Green folder to the Pico memory, then the last main thing is to drag the Pico-Clock-Green.uf2 file into the Pico memory, after which the board turns off. If a Pico with already unsoldered contacts (except for debug contacts, the case will not close with them) is installed on the clock board, then you can simply connect them to USB RP4 and perform all operations with files, the clock will work immediately, I did this.

[lucas_knight]

Thanks Martyn. A major factor, when deciding which of the available alternatives to go for, was this video and I decided on the Pico Clock Green as a result. It's now all together and working perfectly. The Pico Clock green features a highly accurate DS3231SN RTC controller which is one of my favourites and another deciding factor.

I have but one query; I was wondering how one updates the onboard RTC rather than manually setting the date/time with the side buttons. Is there any way to do that? Google is not being very helpful in that respect.Thanks in advance for any information, and thanks again for your video.

[gartmorn]

Did you ever do any more with this? I tried to purchase one but Pi Hut could not post to Scotland! May try direct from waveshare but no price difference ordering direct!

[gartmorn]

That looks like it could be fun. Seems a bit pricey but I suppose there's always a premium for buying locally(UK)! I think I'll get one though as the tweakability sounds interesting! I look forward to seeing how you get on with the micro python. I don't mind tweaking the program but I need the barebones code as I'm really a complete novice where software is concerned!