FeatherClock

A compact MicroPython clock project

Latest Release: 1.1.0

About FeatherClock

FeatherClock is a project for the Adafruit Feather HUZZAH ESP8266 or the ESP32-based Adafruit Feather HUZZAH32, both running running MicroPython.

The HT16K33 Matrix Featherwing library in use

It is an attempt to replicate my Electric Imp clock project. It uses the Adafruit FeatherWing four-digit, seven-segment LED add-on, or the equivalent 16 x 8 matrix LED add-on.

Currently, the clock has no remote control, which the Electric Imp Platform makes very easy to implement, but is rather less so here. You can set preferences, though. Adding a web UI, served locally or remotely, lies in a future phase of the project.

The project makes use of the HT16K33-Python library.

Installation and Setup

Run pip3 install adafruit-ampy
Run pip3 install esptool
Running macOS Big Sur? You also need:
1. Run nano /usr/local/bin/esptool.py
2. Comment out lines 56 to 61 inclusive.
3. Save the file.
Connect your assembled FeatherClock (Feather plus LED add-on).
Run ls /dev/cu*
1. Note the Feather’s device file path.
Download the latest version of MicroPython for your device.
Update MicroPython:
1. esptool.py --port <FEATHER_DEVICE_PATH> erase_flash
2. esptool.py --port <FEATHER_DEVICE_PATH> --baud 460800 write_flash --flash_size=detect 0 esp8266-20200911-v1.13.bin
  Note The above line shows the file for the ESP8266 — the ESP32 file will be different. It also shows version 1.13. Get the latest version of either file from MicroPython.
Run ./install.sh <FEATHER_DEVICE_PATH>
Press 3 if you’re using an ESP32-based device, or any other key for an ESP8266-based device.
Press M if you’re using a matrix display, or any other key for segment display.
Enter your WiFi SSID.
Enter your WiFi password.
After the code has copied, power-cycle your Feather Clock or press the RESET button.

Clock Settings

For now, the clock’s settings are applied by sending over a prefs.json file with any or all of the following values:

{ "mode":   <true/false>,   # 24-hour (true) or 12-hour (false)
  "colon":  <true/false>,   # Show a colon between the hours and minutes readouts
  "flash":  <true/false>,   # Flash the colon symbol, if it's shown
  "bright": 10,             # Display brightness from 1 (dim) to 15 (bright)
  "bst":    <true/false> }  # Auto-adjust for Daylight Saving Time

Having installed ampy as above, you send over your prefs.json file using:

ampy --port <FEATHER_DEVICE_PATH> put prefs.json

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Source Code

You can view FeatherClock’s source code at GitHub.

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Release Notes

1.1.0 3 December 2020
- Revised code.
- Added matrix display version.
1.0.10 19 November 2020
- Adds Feather Huzzah 32 version.
1.0.9 29 September 2020
- Improved RTC time checks.
- Improved installation script.
1.0.8 6 September 2019
- Add installation script.
1.0.7 25 April 2019
- Added the loading of an on-device preferences file (prefs.json).
1.0.6 13 April 2019
- Added app preferences structure.
1.0.5 10 April 2019
- Corrected the months used for BST checking.
1.0.4 9 April 2019
- Various linting-suggested code improvements.
1.0.3 8 April 2019
- Improved RTC updates by making NTP checks.
1.0.2 5 April 2019
- Added regular RTC updates.
1.0.1 4 April 2019
- Added disconnection indicator to display.
- Corrected constant usage.
1.0.0 3 April 2019
- Initial release.

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