ArClock, a Wooden LED Display

ArClock, according to creator Matt Aubury, is his “updating of the ‘LED clock inside a block of wood’ idea.” The device features a 3D-printed rounded – or arcing – frame with an LED matrix inside, and is covered with a wooden veneer through which these lights can shine when activated. The effect, as shown in the video below, is quite beautiful with an unseen bank of lights appearing as needed. It can be set up to show the time, weather, custom text, and more, via a browser-based interface over WiFi.

Inside, the ArClock is controlled by a Wemos D1 mini ESP8266 board, which interfaces with the matrix via a single wire. Power is provided by a 4A supply (or greater), connected at the input, middle, and output on the matrix.

The matrix slips in to one side of the 3D-printed frame, and locked into place with a second “cap” piece, that still allows for access to the D1 mini’s programming port. With everything in place, the veneer is glued on, trimmed, and sanded to get rid of that extra bit that’s likely hanging off the side. It’s then varnished, giving is a nice wood-orangish glow that the lights shine through. Cost of the project is just over $30, and code/print files are available on GitHub if you’d like to build your own!