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Digital clocks are everywhere, but most of them simply display the time and nothing more. For this project, I wanted to create a desk clock that felt like it belonged in a science-fiction movie. Inspired by futuristic holographic terminals, cyberpunk control consoles, and AI interfaces seen in films and video games, I designed a compact desktop clock that looks more like a miniature command station than a traditional timepiece. The project uses a RP2350, a transparent display, and a rechargeable battery to create a holographic-style clock capable of displaying real-time information through an animated cyberpunk interface. The transparent screen makes the graphics appear to float above the base, creating the illusion of a futuristic holographic display.
Before diving into the electronics and programming, let's take a look at what this project is all about.
The goal of this build was to create a unique desktop clock inspired by the holographic interfaces often seen in science-fiction movies and cyberpunk video games. Instead of using a conventional display enclosed inside a box, I wanted the graphics to appear as if they were floating above a futuristic control terminal.
The result is a battery-powered cyberpunk holographic terminal clock built around the RP2350. The device combines a transparent display, animated robot graphics, real-time clock functionality, scrolling text messages, and a custom-designed sci-fi enclosure to create a futuristic desktop accessory.
Main Features• Transparent holographic-style display
• Real-time date and time display
• Animated robot character
• GIF-style animation playback
• Scrolling text messages
• Battery-powered operation
• USB rechargeable lithium battery
• Custom cyberpunk user interface
• Compact desktop design
Hardware Used- Raspberry Pi Pico 2
- Transparent OLED Display
- Lithium Polymer Battery (3.7V)
- TP4056 Charging Module
- Power Switch
- Custom 3D Printed Enclosure
- Connecting Wires
The software is written entirely in CircuitPython and includes:
- Display rendering engine
- Animation playback system
- Pixel-art graphics
- Text scrolling engine
- Real-time clock management
- Battery monitoring
- User interface manager
The enclosure design was inspired by futuristic AI control terminals, holographic command consoles, and cyberpunk technology often seen in science-fiction media.
Rather than building just another digital clock, the goal was to create a device that feels like a miniature command terminal sitting on a desk, continuously displaying information through a holographic-style interface.
In the next step, we will gather all required components and prepare the hardware for assembly.
Digital clocks are everywhere, but most of them simply display the time and nothing more.
For this project, I wanted to create a desk clock that felt like it belonged in a science-fiction movie. Inspired by futuristic holographic terminals, cyberpunk control consoles, and AI interfaces seen in films and video games, I designed a compact desktop clock that looks more like a miniature command station than a traditional timepiece.
The project uses a Raspberry Pi Pico 2, a transparent display, and a rechargeable battery to create a holographic-style clock capable of displaying real-time information through an animated cyberpunk interface. The transparent screen makes the graphics appear to float above the base, creating the illusion of a futuristic holographic display.
Instead of showing only the current time, the interface includes animated robot graphics, scrolling system messages, status indicators, and GIF-style animations that bring the display to life. These visual elements transform a simple clock into an interactive desktop decoration that is enjoyable to watch throughout the day.
To complete the sci-fi aesthetic, the display is mounted on a custom-designed cyberpunk terminal base inspired by futuristic command consoles and AI control systems. The result is a unique desktop device that combines functionality, animation, and futuristic design in a compact battery-powered package.
In this guide, I will show how I built the hardware, designed the enclosure, programmed the software using CircuitPython, and created the animated user interface that powers this cyberpunk holographic terminal clock.
Before diving into the electronics and programming, let's take a look at what this project is all about.
The goal of this build was to create a unique desktop clock inspired by the holographic interfaces often seen in science-fiction movies and cyberpunk video games. Instead of using a conventional display enclosed inside a box, I wanted the graphics to appear as if they were floating above a futuristic control terminal.
The result is a battery-powered cyberpunk holographic terminal clock built around the Raspberry Pi Pico 2. The device combines a transparent display, animated robot graphics, real-time clock functionality, scrolling text messages, and a custom-designed sci-fi enclosure to create a futuristic desktop accessory.
Main Features• Transparent holographic-style display
• Real-time date and time display
• Animated robot character
• GIF-style animation playback
• Scrolling text messages
• Battery-powered operation
• USB rechargeable lithium battery
• Custom cyberpunk user interface
• Compact desktop design
Hardware Used- Raspberry Pi Pico 2
- Transparent OLED Display
- Lithium Polymer Battery (3.7V)
- TP4056 Charging Module
- Power Switch
- Custom 3D Printed Enclosure
- Connecting Wires
The software is written entirely in CircuitPython and includes:
- Display rendering engine
- Animation playback system
- Pixel-art graphics
- Text scrolling engine
- Real-time clock management
- Battery monitoring
- User interface manager
The enclosure design was inspired by futuristic AI control terminals, holographic command consoles, and cyberpunk technology often seen in science-fiction media.
Rather than building just another digital clock, the goal was to create a device that feels like a miniature command terminal sitting on a desk, continuously displaying information through a holographic-style interface.
In the next step, we will gather all required components and prepare the hardware for assembly.
Step 2: Features & Design Concept
Before designing the hardware, I first defined the overall experience I wanted the device to deliver.
Rather than creating a conventional digital clock, my goal was to build a futuristic desktop terminal that continuously displays information in a way that feels alive and interactive.
The design was heavily inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics, holographic user interfaces, futuristic command consoles, and the information terminals commonly seen in science-fiction films and games.
At the center of the display is an animated robot character rendered in pixel-art style. Instead of acting as a static image, the character continuously animates, creating the impression of an active digital operator monitoring the terminal.
The transparent display was selected specifically to enhance the holographic illusion. Because the screen remains partially transparent, the graphics appear suspended above the base structure, making the device look more like a futuristic projection system than a traditional electronic clock.
To reinforce this visual identity, the enclosure was designed with sharp geometric surfaces, layered structures, and industrial details inspired by reactor cores, command consoles, and advanced computer terminals.
The interface itself includes several visual elements working together:
• Real-time clock display
• Current date display
• Animated robot graphics
• GIF-style animations
• Scrolling status messages
• User information panel
• Battery status indicator
• Cyberpunk-themed UI elements
The objective was to create a device that remains useful as a clock while also serving as a decorative centerpiece for a desk, workstation, gaming setup, or maker space.
By combining transparent display technology, custom graphics, animation systems, and a futuristic enclosure, the final design captures the feeling of a miniature cyberpunk terminal brought into the real world.
Step 3: Parts and ComponentsWith the design concept finalized, it is time to gather all of the components required to build the Cyberpunk Holographic Terminal.
The project was designed around commonly available maker components while maintaining a futuristic appearance and fully portable operation. At the heart of the system is the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, which manages the display, animations, user interface, and real-time clock functions.
The transparent OLED display is the most important visual element of the project, creating the holographic-style effect that makes the graphics appear to float above the terminal base.
The complete system is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, allowing the terminal to operate independently without requiring a permanent USB connection.
Electronic Components1.Raspberry Pi Pico 2The main controller responsible for running CircuitPython, rendering graphics, managing animations, and controlling all user interface elements.
2.Transparent OLED Display (128×64 SPI) SSD1309A transparent display module used to create the holographic-style visual effect. This display allows the graphics to remain visible while keeping the background partially transparent.
3.TP4056 Charging ModuleProvides safe charging for the lithium battery through a USB-C connector.
4. LiPo Battery 3.7V (1200mAh)Supplies portable power to the entire system and allows several hours of operation between charges.
5.Boost Converter 5VConverts battery voltage into a stable supply voltage for the display and electronics.
6.Rotary EncoderUsed for future menu navigation, configuration settings, and interface interaction.
Mechanical ComponentsCustom Cyberpunk EnclosureA fully custom-designed enclosure inspired by futuristic command consoles and cyberpunk technology.
Transparent Display HolderSupports the transparent OLED panel while creating the illusion of a floating holographic screen.
Acrylic Light GuideDistributes LED illumination around the base structure to enhance the futuristic appearance.
Mounting HardwareSmall screws, nuts, and standoffs used during assembly.
Why These Components?Every component was selected to balance functionality, aesthetics, and portability.
The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 provides enough processing power for animation rendering while maintaining excellent power efficiency.
The transparent OLED display creates the visual identity of the project and serves as the centerpiece of the holographic terminal.
The rechargeable battery system allows the terminal to operate without external power, making it suitable for desks, workstations, exhibitions, and maker events.
Finally, the custom enclosure transforms the electronics into a device that resembles a futuristic command terminal rather than a traditional desktop clock.
In the next step, we will prepare the custom enclosure and begin manufacturing the mechanical components.
Step 4: Wiring the ElectronicsWith all components prepared, it's time to connect the electronics and bring the Cyberpunk Holographic Terminal to life.
The wiring was intentionally designed to be simple and beginner-friendly while maintaining full functionality. The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 acts as the main controller, communicating with the transparent OLED display through the SPI interface and managing the user interface, animations, and real-time clock functions.
Power is supplied by a rechargeable 3.7V LiPo battery. A TP4056 charging module allows safe USB-C charging, while a 5V boost converter provides a stable voltage supply for the system.
Power SystemThe LiPo battery connects directly to the TP4056 charging module through the B+ and B− terminals.
The output of the charging module is routed through a power switch, allowing the terminal to be completely turned off when not in use.
After the switch, power is fed into the boost converter, which increases the battery voltage to a stable operating voltage for the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and display.
Transparent OLED ConnectionsThe transparent OLED display communicates with the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 using the SPI interface.
Connect the display pins according to the wiring diagram:
OLED PinRaspberry Pi Pico 2
OLED Pin Raspberry Pi Pico 2
VCC 3.3V
GND GND
DIN SPI MOSI
CLK SPI SCK
CS GPIO (Chip Select)
DC GPIO (Data / Command)
RST GPIO (Reset)
Wiring ChecklistBefore powering the system for the first time:
- Verify battery polarity.
- Confirm that all ground connections are shared.
- Check all SPI connections carefully.
- Ensure the boost converter output is set correctly.
- Inspect the wiring for accidental shorts.
- Test the display before final assembly.
The wiring shown here represents the first functional prototype of the project. This version was assembled using direct point-to-point wiring to validate the hardware, software, and user interface before designing a dedicated PCB.
Once the prototype was successfully tested, the electronics were redesigned into a more compact PCB-based version, improving reliability, assembly quality, and overall appearance.
This iterative development process helped transform the initial concept into the final Cyberpunk Holographic Terminal Clock shown throughout this guide.
In the next step, we will install CircuitPython and upload the software that drives the animations, clock interface, and holographic-style display.
Step 5: CAD & 3D Modelhttps://github.com/YakrooThai/Contests/tree/main/Instructables/Cyber_Holographic
https://www.printables.com/model/1775694-cyberpunk-holographic-terminal-clock
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