Ok, maybe it isn’t a big deal for most of you here, as you might be very familiar with the digital clocks. However, have you ever tried to build a super cool flashing digital defocus clock by your own? Well, if you haven’t, then it’s the best moment to test out your ability and building skill…

For the project, a Dorkboard is going to be used as the microcontroller. Honestly, it’s an Arduino system, which is based on the Atmel ATmega128 microcontroller.

The real time clock is made with the use of a DS1307 board with battery backup. It’s a very important component, as it can be used to communicate with the Arduino using an I2C interface. A MAX7219 LED driver IC is necessary, as it has the ability to multiplex the LED digits.

Furthermore, the L298N dual full-bridge driver IC is used to drive the DC motor, by simply using the source voltage of 32V. Hence, a 32V DC power supply is needed to feed into a LM2574 buck regulator IC to provide a 5V supply.

The whole concept is so simple, as you can develop and finish it within several hours. It would be even better, if you’re building this digital defocus with your children, as it let the youngsters to learn more electronics stuffs.