Summary of Arduino Pong Clock
This project creates a Pong-themed clock displaying time via the scores of a classic Pong game. It automatically updates scores to show hours and minutes, with multiple display modes including digital, word-based time, and date with a retro flashing cursor effect. The clock uses two LED matrix panels controlled by an Arduino Uno (with an ATmega 328 CPU) and a DS1307 real-time clock for accurate timekeeping, even when powered off. The components are affordable, commonly available, and the software is open-source, making the project accessible and customizable.
Parts used in the Pong Clock:
- 2 x Model 2416 Red or Green LED matrix panels from Sure Electronics (HT1632C version)
- 1 x Arduino Duemilanove / Uno with ATmega 328 CPU
- 1 x DS1307 real time clock chip (plus socket if soldering)
- 1 x Crystal oscillator for the DS1307
- 1 x 3.3v coin cell battery and battery holder for the DS1307
- 1 x Arduino prototyping shield or breadboard and jumper wires
- 1 x 16 Pin IDC Socket for display connection (if soldering)
- 2 x push-to-make buttons
- 1 x USB Lead
- 1 x Mains to USB power adapter
- Wire, solder, and other miscellaneous assembly materials
Parts List:
- 2 x Model 2416 Red or Green LED matrix panels from Sure Electronics (Make sure you get the version based on the HT1632C and not the HT1632).
- 1 x Arduino Duemilanove / Uno with ATmega 328 CPU
- 1 x DS1307 real time clock chip (and socket if you are soldering)
- 1 x Crystal oscillator for the DS1307
- 1x 3.3v coin cell battery and battery holder for the DS1307
- 1x Arduino prototyping shield, or breadboard and jumper wire if you don’t want to solder.
- 1x 16 Pin IDC Socket for the display connection if you are soldering.
- 2 x push to make buttons
- 1x USB Lead
- 1x Mains to USB power adapter
Plus wire, solder, sweat, tears, etc.
Parts in Detail…
2 x Model 2416 LED Matrix Displays from Sure Electronics. You can get these from Sure’s eBay store for $15 each: http://www.sure-electronics.net/ You can buy either the red or green display, and with 3mm or 5mm LEDs. (My clock is made with the 3mm green one.) Make sure you get the newer version of the display which is based on the Holtek HT1632C chip. You can tell the newer displays as they have the controller chip and DIP switches on the back. The front is relatively empty of components – see picture below.
1 x Arduino Uno / Duemilanove / Dicecimila with ATmega 328 CPU. The Arduino is the brains of the clock. It has a microprocessor that runs the clock software, plus inputs and outputs we connect to the displays, buttons and other components. Ensure you get an Arduino with the ATmega 328 CPU. The Uno is the latest version and has one as standard. Some Duemilanove / Dicecimila boards come with the ATmega 168 CPU with doesn’t have enough RAM for the clock code. You can get Arduino’s for about $30. Try Sparkfun Electronics or eBay.
For more detail: Arduino Pong Clock
