Overview

I designed and developed the Word Clock, specifically crafted to take advantage of modern multicolor 3D printers, such as the Bambu Labs with AMS. Unlike traditional designs, this clock eliminates the need for small plastic connections that usually keep floating elements in place. It uses an addressable WS2812b LED strip and is powered by either a Raspberry Pi Zero W or an ESP32 (You need only one controller). In addition to displaying the time, it also plays cool GIFs when the hour changes.
 

Updates

1. 21.10.2024
   1. Fully updated documentation for
      1. Building device (including step by step guide with photos)
         1. Wiring guide for Raspberry PI Zero W (including photos)
         2. Wiring guide for example ESP32 devkit 1 (including photos)
      2. Programming Raspberry PI
      3. Programming ESP32

Printing Details

The front plate, which displays the letters, is printed in place using two or three filaments:

1. Your favorite color
2. Transparent filament
3. White (optional) – This acts as a diffusion layer to ensure the light on the letters remains consistent. In Bambu Studio, you can simply select the transparent filament again if you prefer.

Electronics and Programming

You can find the complete project on my GitHub, which includes the code and detailed instructions for setting up the Word Clock with your choice of controller (Raspberry Pi or ESP32).

Step by Step Guide

1. Step by step Documentation
   1. Building device (including step by step guide with photos)
      1. Wiring guide for Raspberry PI Zero W (including photos)
      2. Wiring guide for example ESP32 devkit 1 (including photos)
   2. Programming Raspberry PI
   3. Programming ESP32

Required Parts

1. 2 meters of 74 LEDs per meter WS2812b LED strip
   1. you can find it on AliExpress or other stores, e.g. Aliexpress
2. ESP32 or Raspberry Pi Zero W (You need only one controller)
3. 3x M3x10mm hex screws and 1x M3x40mm hex screw
4. Soldering iron to connect LED strip segments
5. Wires for electrical connections

Features and Contributions

I already have a few ideas to enhance the project further:

• An electronics box to neatly hide the cables in the middle
• Two different versions of the electronics box, tailored to fit your chosen controller

I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Legal:
The provided project, including all instructions and materials, is shared for informational purposes only and is offered without any express or implied warranties. I disclaim all liability for any damages, losses, or injuries that may occur as a result of using, modifying, or following the instructions in this project. The project is shared 'as is,' and I make no guarantees regarding its functionality or suitability for any particular purpose. Use this project at your own risk, and be aware that results may vary based on individual implementation.