Every ham radio shack needs a clock; ideally one with operator-friendly features like multiple time zones and more. [cburns42] found that most solutions relied too much on an internet connection for his liking, so in true hacker fashion he decided to make his own: the operator-oriented Ham Clock CYD.
The Ham Clock CYD is so named for being based on the Cheap Yellow Display (CYD), an economical ESP32-based color touchscreen LCD which provides most of the core functionality. The only extra hardware is a BME280 temperature and humidity sensor, and a battery-backed DS3231 RTC module, ensuring that accurate time is kept even when the device is otherwise powered off.
It displays a load of useful operator-oriented data on the touchscreen LCD, and even has a web-based configuration page for ease of use. While the Ham Clock is a standalone device that does not depend on internet access in order to function, it does have the ability to make the most of it if available. When it has internet access over the built-in WiFi, the display incorporates specialized amateur radio data including N0NBH solar forecasts and calculated VHF/HF band conditions alongside standard meteorological data.
The CYD, sensor, and RTC are very affordable pieces of hardware which makes this clock an extremely economical build. Check out the GitHub repository for everything you’ll need to make your own, and maybe even put your own spin on it with a custom enclosure. On the other hand, if you prefer your radio-themed clocks more on the minimalist side, this Morse code clock might be right up your alley.
DS3231 RTC for the win!
A perfect use for a $30 tablet from a pawn shop. Suitable android application could be hacked together in two afternoons.
+1.
simple html/js file fullscreen is even simpler. i have something similar from old tablet for monitoring my solar system (and of course the time)
Until the abused battery catches fire while you are away and burns down your ham shack.
i agreee
What? No WWV?
How do you get WWV without a radio receiver?
This build doesn’t even have a GPS receiver, relying on NTP (and a good holdover RTC).
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Well, most hams would have some sort of receiver.
Yah but they aren’t going to want it tied up with keeping the clock on time!
Every Ham Shack Has A PC. Do Not Needs A Ham Clock.
I have a “radio room’ clock.
Cost EUR 3,00 from a charaty shop. Has nice big visible hands and runs off of 2x AA batteries.
It is set to UTC, something understood by pretty much every radio operator.