BGM：Lifeline

After receiving the PCB, the next step is to purchase components and solder them. The main purpose of this upgrade over the previous version is to reduce the soldering difficulty. For example, I have tried to change all components to more easily solderable packages and reduce the number of components. To make it easier for everyone to create, I have also organized the BOM as follows.

The hardware soldering for this project can be said to be very simple. The only slightly difficult part is the soldering of the USB female socket, where you need to be careful to avoid short circuits.

Once we have completed the hardware soldering and production, we can download the program. In the data package, you can see the firmware folder, which contains the software program for this clock, written using the Arduino IDE.After connecting the clock hardware to the computer via USB, you need to install the driver first. We are using the CH340N from Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics, and you can directly go to their official website to download and install it.

Once everything is ready, you can compile it and install the corresponding library files as prompted. In Tools–Port, select the COM port where our board is located, press and hold the Download button on our board, then press the Reset button briefly, and release both hands to enter download mode. At this point, click Upload in the IDE, and once the progress bar is complete, the download is finished.

This upgraded matrix clock, like the previous version, uses network auto-time synchronization, so there’s no need for manual time adjustment. The difference is that the upgraded version includes an automatic network configuration feature—SmartConfig. There’s no need to hardcode the WiFi account and password in the program; you can configure it freely. We need to download a software to implement this automatic network configuration feature. If you are an Android phone user, please reply to the public account with: “esptouch” to get the download; if you are an Apple user, search for “Esptouch” in the App Store.Just download and install it.

Taking Apple as an example, first connect to the environment’s 2.4G Wi-Fi, then open the software and enter the Wi-Fi password in the Password field.

Then power on the matrix clock, and the clock will display “Wi-Fi”. At this point, the clock is connecting to the Wi-Fi information set inside. The first time you use it, since the Wi-Fi information has not been set, it will flash “Err!!” once after a few seconds indicating a connection failure and then display “S-con” to enter configuration mode. At this point, take out your prepared phone, click “Confirm” and wait. A few seconds later, it will display “OK!!”, and the network configuration is successful! Once the network is configured, if the router information does not change, you will not need to configure it again, and the clock will automatically connect when powered on.

PS. I will be making another clock soon, so stay tuned~

「Creation is not easy」

I hope everyone will like and support me by clicking “Like” + “See”. Your support is my greatest encouragement, and it is also the motivation for me to continue creating.

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