Wordclock

ESP32 based DIY word clock project

Internet of Things (IoT)C++Apache-2.0

Abstract

Wordclock is an open-source Internet of Things (IoT) project. ESP32 based DIY word clock project. Another take on the classic DIY word clock. This one requires a laser cutter but promises a very clean result and is quite cheap to make (about 50 €) while being feature packed with its 11x10 RGB LED matrix, RTC module (time setting survives power loss), light sensor, WiFi connectivity and more. It is built using C++, ESP32. The complete source code is publicly available on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0, making it a useful reference for students building an Internet of Things (IoT) mini project or final-year project.

1. Introduction

Another take on the classic DIY word clock. This one requires a laser cutter but promises a very clean result and is quite cheap to make (about 50 €) while being feature packed with its 11x10 RGB LED matrix, RTC module (time setting survives power loss), light sensor, WiFi connectivity and more.

This project was designed for the tools available in our makerspace. The largest square that can be cut in an Epilog Mini laser cutter is approximately 30x30cm, so the clock is designed around that constraint.

2. Objective

ESP32 based DIY word clock project

This project demonstrates how C++, ESP32 can be applied to a real-world Internet of Things (IoT) problem.

4. Technology Stack

C++ESP32
  • The faceplate is a glass panel from a cheap picture frame, that is spray painted on its back, then laser etched to mark the letters. The templates and instructions are located in the faceplate subdirectory.

5. System Requirements

General requirements for this technology stack — check the README for exact versions.

  • Arduino IDE / PlatformIO or a C++ compiler (g++)
  • Target board (e.g. Arduino, ESP32) where applicable
  • Git (to clone the repository)

6. Installation & Setup

git clone https://github.com/t0mg/wordclock.git
cd wordclock

Full setup instructions are in the project README.

7. Future Enhancements

Suggested extensions you can add to make this your own project.

  • Add a mobile dashboard using Blynk or Firebase
  • Store readings in a cloud database for history charts
  • Add alerts via SMS / Telegram when thresholds are crossed

8. Viva / Review Questions

Common questions examiners ask for projects in this domain.

  1. Which microcontroller / board and sensors are used and why?
  2. How does the device send data (Wi-Fi, MQTT, HTTP, Bluetooth)?
  3. Where is the sensor data stored and visualised?
  4. How is power consumption managed?
  5. How would you secure the device and its communication?

9. Source Code & License

This project is developed by t0mg and published on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0. Please follow the license terms and credit the original author when you use or modify this code.

View Source on GitHubDownload ZIP

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