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The Single LED Matrix Arduino Flip Clock is a DIY clock that scrolls the time across one 8×8 LED matrix driven by a MAX7219. Mirko Pavleski’s Hackster.io project, published March 3, 2019, pairs the display with an Arduino Nano R3, a real-time clock (RTC), and a rotary encoder for setting the hours and minutes. One hardware-software mismatch needs resolving before you reproduce it: the parts list names a DS3231M RTC, while the sketch declares a DS1307 driver.
What the clock uses
Pavleski’s 2019 bill of materials lists these components and tools:
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- One Arduino Nano R3
- One 8×8 LED matrix module with a MAX7219 driver
- One RTC, identified in the parts list as a Maxim Integrated DS3231M
- One rotary encoder with a push-button
- One common-cathode RGB LED
- Two 220-ohm resistors
- Arduino IDE and a soldering iron
These are the quantities and items listed by the project, not results from independent testing. The Arduino Nano documentation describes the classic Nano as a breadboard-friendly board with pin headers and a Mini-B USB connector. The project specifies Nano R3; check the board’s pinout and sketch compatibility rather than assuming every Nano-family board is interchangeable.
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The project writes directly to the MAX7219’s matrix registers. Digits scroll into view, pause and brighten when centered, then move away as the next digit appears. The MAX7219 is a serially interfaced driver for common-cathode displays, including 64 individual LEDs; its manufacturer documentation also describes brightness control and no-decode operation, features relevant to the project’s register-based display code. See the MAX7219 product information and datasheet (Rev. 6, dated August 4, 2021).
#1 Best Overall
- 【46 TINKERBLOCK SENSOR MODULES IN ONE KIT】Includes 1.8" TFT LCD, 8x8 LED Matrix, 4-Digit 7-Segment Clock Display, Rotary Encoder, IR Sender & Receiver, Hall Sensor, Microphone, Joystick, Steam Sensor, EEPROM Memory, and 36 more. Every module takes standard 2.54mm jumper wires — no soldering. Storage case and quick-start card included; jumper wires and development board not included.
- 【WORKS WITH EVERY MAJOR BOARD】Compatible with UNO R3, ESP32, ESP32-S3, Raspberry Pi Pico, and other 3.3V/5V microcontrollers. Supports DIGITAL, ANALOG, I2C, SPI, PWM, and IR interfaces. No soldering required. Each module clearly labeled.
- 【IMMERSION GOLD (ENIG) PCB】Gold-plated contacts via the ENIG process for good signal integrity and corrosion resistance. Lead-free and RoHS-compliant.
- 【BEGINNER-FRIENDLY GUIDED LEARNING】Each module comes with reference code, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step tutorials. Suitable for beginners, students (ages 12+), STEM educators, hobbyists, and engineers. Build weather stations, alarms, clocks, and games.
- 【ORGANIZED FOR EDUCATION AND DIY】All modules are neatly packaged in a storage case with labeling for easy identification. Suitable for STEM classrooms, makerspaces, and personal projects — expand your skills in electronics and coding without sourcing parts individually.
Although the project calls the display a flip clock, it uses a single 8×8 matrix to animate scrolling digits rather than multiple mechanical flip panels. Its appearance and behavior are controlled in software as well as by the display hardware.
What you can change in the sketch
The published code exposes several behavior settings, so the display is not limited to one orientation or format:
Rank #2
- 【COMPLETE VINTAGE TUBE KIT】 Includes 3 pre-soldered 8-digit MAX7219 displays (1 Red Decimal, 1 Blue Decimal, 1 Red Clock-style with colons), 6 unsoldered 0.28" 4-digit modules (2 Red Decimal, 2 Red Clock-style, 2 Blue Decimal), and 3 standalone MAX7219 driver boards for DIY builds. Six glass tubes with cork stoppers and all accessories included.
- 【MIX AND MATCH COLORS AND STYLES】 Each MAX7219 driver controls two 4-digit 0.28" displays as one continuous 8-digit display with decimal points or colons. Combine red and blue digits, decimal and clock styles to create your own custom configurations. Three ready-to-use pre-built versions plus six DIY modules give you flexible building options.
- 【RETRO TUBE-STYLE AESTHETIC】 Insert your assembled MAX7219 display into the included glass tubes with cork stoppers for a unique retro look. Place the included Black Diffusion Sheet above the digits to soften the LED light and create a glow-tube inspired aesthetic. Modern, safe, low-voltage LED technology with no high-voltage hassle.
- 【UNIVERSAL MCU COMPATIBILITY】 Simple 3-wire SPI signal interface (DIN, CLK, CS) plus 5V power (VCC, GND) — only 5 connections needed. Works with most 3.3V/5V microcontrollers including ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico, STM32, and Micro:bit. Programmable through C++, MicroPython, and CircuitPython. Sample code on Lonely Binary GitHub.
- 【MAKER PROJECT READY】 Complete accessories included: 6 glass tubes with cork stoppers, 1 black diffusion sheet, 2 40-pin header strips, and 30 jumper cables (150mm). Perfect for retro clocks, voltmeters, temperature monitors, sensor data displays, decorative gadgets, maker badges, or steampunk projects. Designed and supported in Australia.
- Scroll orientation: the documented default is left-to-right. Changing
static boolean top2bottom = false;totrueselects the top-to-bottom orientation setting. - Hour format:
hour24is set tofalseby default, making the code’s default configuration non-24-hour. - Animation and appearance: scroll timing, spacing, brightness, and other display behavior are configurable in the code.
How time setting works
The rotary encoder cycles through normal operation, hour-setting mode, and minute-setting mode; the encoder’s push-button is part of the listed control. A two-color indicator signals the mode in the project description. The parts list identifies a common-cathode RGB LED, and the sketch drives two LED pins.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsResolve the RTC mismatch before building
The Hackster parts list identifies a DS3231M RTC, but the sketch declares RTC_DS1307 RTC;. The project page does not explain whether the module listing or the sketch should be changed. Do not assume the listed DS3231M will work with the posted DS1307 code without confirming support.
Rank #3
- 【3-COLOR VARIETY PACK】Includes 1 Red, 1 Green, and 1 Blue 32x8 dot matrix LED display module (256 LEDs each, single fixed color per module — not full-color RGB). Mix modules for animations, status indicators, scrolling messages, retro game displays, or layered pixel art.
- 【3D-PRINTED ENCLOSURES INCLUDED】Three color-matched custom-fit 3D-printed PLA cases (Red, Green, Blue) protect each module from dust and scratches with a finished look. Suitable for desktop, wall-mount, or embedded installations.
- 【CASCADABLE DAISY-CHAIN DESIGN】Standard MAX7219 chaining via DOUT to DIN ports lets you build wider displays (64x8, 96x8, or larger). Suitable for scrolling text banners, music visualizers, large pixel animations, or game graphics.
- 【MAX7219 DRIVER + SPI CONTROL】Onboard MAX7219 IC with 16-level software-adjustable brightness, constant-current LED drive, and low-power shutdown. Simple 5-pin SPI control (VCC 5V, GND, DIN, CS, CLK). Works with ESP32, ESP32-S3, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi Pico, STM32, Micro:bit, C++, MicroPython, and CircuitPython.
- 【COMPLETE DIY KIT】Includes 3 × 32x8 MAX7219 modules (Red/Green/Blue), 3 × 3D-printed enclosures, plus pin headers (1 long male strip + 3 female sockets) for soldering, breadboard, or wired use. Build clocks, scrolling tickers, scoreboards, audio visualizers, or educational demos. Sample code on Lonely Binary GitHub.
Before assembling or adapting the clock, verify the RTC module model, the library driver used by the sketch, and the wiring as a set. If substituting an RTC, confirm its interface and that the selected library driver supports that specific module. The project page alone does not establish which side of the DS3231M/DS1307 discrepancy is intended.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1. Single module can drive an 8 * 8 dot matrix common cathode
- 2. Module Operating voltage: 5V
- 3. Module dimensions: length 3.2 cm X 3.2 cm wide X 1.5 cm high
- 4. Holes with four screws, diameter 3mm
- 5. Modules with input and output interfaces, support for cascading multiple modules
Rank #4
- This DIY assemble kits is equipped with 6 digits LED module, it's fun to build and also help you learn more professional knowledge about electronics.
- It is programmed AT89C2051 MCU chip, precise time display, 24 hours format, supporting seconds correction, countdown clock, stopwatch, counter, hourly chime and alarm clock functions.
- High quality PCB, has clearly marked the electronics components, even beginners can easily solder successfully.
- Comes with English user manual and online PDF file can check the list of components, circuit diagram and English instruction in the images, which will guide you how to finish step by step, perfect for school basic electronics experiment projects.
- The kit contains a 150MM single-head power supply line, the end with the terminal can be directly plugged into the PCB power supply socket. The other end has no terminal, and can be connected to the power supply after stripping the wire.
What to check when choosing compatible parts
- Matrix: confirm that the module uses a MAX7219 and is compatible with the project’s display code. The chip manufacturer lists LED matrix displays among its applications.
- Controller: retain the Nano R3 specified by the project or check pinout and sketch compatibility before using a different board.
- RTC: identify the actual module and match it to a supported library driver and the project’s wiring; the published parts list and sketch conflict.
- Indicator LED: compare the LED type and pin arrangement with the project’s two-pin code and listed common-cathode RGB component.
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