NOTE: This is a kit to assemble. It requires soldering both through hole and SMD components.

NOTE: This is NOT a radio controlled clock, you will need to set time manually. The clock shows the time as a DCF77 bistream.

General

The TD-FDCF01A is a table clock that displays time as a DCF77 60-bit stream. Think of it as the opposite of a radio controlled clock. Usually a radio controlled clock receives a stream of bits from the DCF77 transmitter and uses it to set its internal clock and display time and date. Here what happens is the opposite, you set the time and date and it will be displayed as DCF77 bits. The human reading the clock will have to do the decoding in their head. But fear not! The clear labelling of the face will make it a breeze, but only to the trained eye that knows what to look for.

Using 60 RGB LEDs, the clock can display time and date (including day of the week) as well auxiliary information such as CET/CEST being in use and an alert indicating the transition to/from CEST being in the next hour. Also, all parity bits are correctly represented as per DCF77 specs.

Additionally the brightness can be set in 3 different levels. If you don't need different brightness levels, or you prefer a different colour scheme, the serial interface offers control over the colour palette registers, so you can customize the appearance to your liking.

The face diameter is 14cm (5.5 inches).

The TD-M5037 movement gives this clock the ability to keep track of time even when the main power is removed. Additionally, the movement can automatically switch from/to DST (EU rules only), manual switchover is also possible, see TD-M5037 User Manual for all details.

Of course this wouldn't be a geek's item if it didn't come with a serial interface through which you can set the time (buttons time set also possible) and tweak registers to customize colours and operations to your liking. This all happens in glorious 80s assembly/monitor interface style.

Project Info

The project is fully open source (OSHW PL000019), all code and schematics are available on my TokeiDigital Github.

You can find the manuals for both the clock face and the movement, including usage details and assembly instructions here:

TD-FDCF01A User Manual

TD-M5037A-FW1 User Manual

Product Options

The base kit comes with the 2 PCBs, one for the movment and one for the clock face as well as with all the components needed to assemble both.

You can optionally add a 3D printed support. The optional 3D printed part is professionally printed in SLA resin and sanded for a smooth, blemish free finish but, if you are on a budget, you might choose to print at home.