A smart GPS Clock with temperature, humidity, and light sensing capabilities
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β οΈ Important Notice below gallery section
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- Dual-core processor up to 240MHz
- Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Operating voltage: 3.3V
- Tested on: ESP32-Devkit-V1
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BH1750 Light Sensor π
- 16-bit digital output
- Range: 1-65535 lux
- Power: 2.4-3.6V
- IΒ²C interface
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GPS Module (NEO-6M) π°οΈ
- Update rate: 1-5 Hz
- Position accuracy: 2.5m
- Cold start: 27s typical
- Hot start: 1s typical
- Operating voltage: 3.0-3.6V
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ST7920 LCD Display πΊ
- Resolution: 128x64 pixels
- 5V logic level
- Parallel/Serial interface
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Buzzer Module π
- Active buzzer
- Operating voltage: 3.3-5V
- Frequency: ~2300Hz
- Sound output: >85dB
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Push Buttons x3 β‘
- Tactile momentary switches
- Life cycle: 100,000 clicks
- With caps for better feel
- Two for Menu navigation, one for reset
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10K Potentiometer
- For contrast adjustment
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LiFePO4 Battery
- Capacity: 80mAh (AAA size)
- Nominal voltage: 3.2V
- Cycle life: >2000 cycles
- Temperature range: -20Β°C to 60Β°C
- Perfect for GPS backup
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TP5000 Charging Circuit β‘
- Input voltage: 4.5-28V
- Charging current: 0.5-2A
- Efficiency: >90%
- Built-in protection features
- Auto-detect battery type
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Battery Protection π‘οΈ
- BMS for single cell
- Using for Over-discharge protection
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Additional Components π§
- IN4007 diode (1A, 1000V)
- JST connectors
- Prototyping board
- Silicone wires (better) or PVC Wires
- Heat shrink tubing
- All IΒ²C devices operate at 3.3V logic
- Power supply should provide at least 500mA
- USB connection recommended for programming
- External antenna optional for GPS
- Used a standard PVC electrical junction box (IP55 rated for weather resistance)
- Size: Approximately 150mm x 100mm x 70mm
- Cost-effective alternative to 3D printing
- Naturally resistant to moisture and dust
- Available at most hardware stores
- Drill machine with metal cutting bits (for holes)
- Drill machine with metal cutting attachment that looks like CD (for rectangular cuts)
- Hot glue gun
- Wire strippers
- Soldering iron
- Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers)
- Safety equipment (goggles, gloves)
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Display Window Creation πͺ
- Mark display dimensions on box
- Drill corner pilot holes
- Use metal cutting bits for rough cut
- File edges smooth for perfect fit
- Pro tip: Use masking tape to prevent scratches
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Light Sensor Window π‘
- Create small 10mm opening for BH1750
- Use clear epoxy or hot glue to seal
- Ensure sensor faces directly outward
- Keep sealed but transparent for accuracy
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Component Mounting π
- Mount display using hot glue at corners
- Create standoffs for ESP32 board
- Position GPS antenna near top for best reception
- Ensure proper ventilation while cutting/drilling PVC
- Double-check measurements before cutting
- Test all components before final assembly
- Label all wires for future maintenance
- Add small ventilation holes for the sensor
- Consider magnetic mount options
- Keep spare wire lengths for modifications
- Document your build with photos
Check Issues
Schematics |
Front View |
Front View |
Inside View |
Display Connections |
BME280 Sensor |
Testing Phase |
ESP32 with Connections |
Circuit Connections |
Cutting Display Window |
Display in Plastic Frame |
Full View |
Due to significant accuracy issues, we recommend using BME280/BMP280/TMP117 instead.
π GPS Battery Modification
The NEO-6M GPS modules often come with problematic internal rechargeable batteries that:
- Are frequently dead on arrival
- Fail to hold charge properly
- Only last 15-20 minutes when disconnected
- Cannot be reliably recharged
To resolve this, I've made the following modifications:
- Removed the internal battery and charging diode
- Installed a LiFePO4 battery (AAA size)
- Added TP5000 charging circuit for reliable charging
- Implemented BMS for deep discharge protection
- Added diode to drop voltage to 3V for GPS backup pin
- Keep Original Battery:
- Suitable if clock remains powered most of the time
- No modifications needed
- Modify Battery (Recommended):
- Better for frequent power cycles
- Eliminates 5-10 minute GPS lock delay on cold starts
- More reliable long-term solution
GNU General Public License v3.0
This project is protected under the GNU General Public License v3.0. This means:
- β Commercial use is permitted
- β Modification is permitted
- β Distribution is permitted
- β Private use is permitted
- β License and copyright notice must be included
- β Source code must be made available when distributing
- β Changes must be documented
- β Same license must be used