A Charming Pixelated Clock the Size of a Credit Card
The Foxie CardClock 2.0 is a fun new follow-up to the original Foxie CardClock 1.0.
If you want a clock, there are virtually unlimited options to suit every taste. But let’s be honest: most of the clocks at Target and Walmart look pretty samey. Maybe you want something more unique and want to support a small creator while you’re at it. If so, then you should take a look at the new Foxie CardClock 2.0.
As you probably guessed by the name, this is the second version of a clock in a card form factor. Specifically, it has the width and heigh of a credit card — though it is much thicker. The original Foxie CardClock 1.0 (now discontinued) was similar, but in a “portrait” layout instead of the “landscape” layout of the CardClock 2.0. Like its predecessor, it displays the time in two ways: a radial LED arrangement for an analog-style readout and a more conventional LED grid for a digital readout — plus some fun, colorful pixel animations. Between the two, there is a total of 223 RGB LEDs on the card.
This is an open source project designed for tinkering, so users can craft unique faceplates if they like. It comes with an acrylic faceplate and two different wood faceplates in the box, along with acrylic stand legs. An ESP32C3 microcontroller pulls the current NTP (Network Time Protocol) time every three hours and an RTC (real-time clock) keeps it on track between updates. It also — and this is a very unique feature — has a supercapacitor for RTC backup power. If the clock loses power for any reason, that supercapacitor will keep the RTC running for at least two days so it won’t forget the time.
Finally, a five-way joystick lets users set the time (if not connected to Wi-Fi for NTP) and adjust settings like animation modes. There are several effects and color schemes to choose from.
If you want a Foxie CardClock 2.0, it is currently available on Tindie for $69.99. Or you can use the open source files to build your own, if you prefer.