JR-ProjectsBuild your own wordclock with the NiftyChrono kit
Instead of digits, words light up. Behind the front sit 110 individually addressable RGB LEDs in an 11×10 matrix. Housing from my 3D printer, firmware and guide from me, and you source the electronics from the parts list.
What is in the kit
Move the slider and try out time and colours. Unlit letters stay invisible on the front, just like in the photo. The photo shows the German front.
The NiftyChrono for real
Guide & firmware
Downloads are for buyers of the kit. You receive your login by email or message after your order in the shop or on Etsy. The package contains the build guide as a PDF with your name, the firmware, the web interface and the icons. Licence: personal use only.
Four steps to your finished clock
- 01
Prepare the parts
Lay out the housing parts, LED matrix and controller from the parts list.
- 02
Assemble
Mount the LED matrix, connect the boards, close the housing.
- 03
Flash the firmware
Flash the firmware from the package onto the ESP8266 or ESP32 and restart. For the ESP8266 the easiest way is the one-click browser flasher (page in German): plug in USB, click, done.
- 04
Set up
Connect to Wi-Fi, check the time, choose colour and brightness.
Questions about the wordclock kit
Are the electronics included in the wordclock kit?
No. The kit contains the housing parts, the firmware and the guide. You source the LED matrix and controller from my parts list.
Which controller do I need?
The firmware runs on ESP8266 and ESP32. The parts list in the guide tells you exactly which components fit.
Where do I get the guide and firmware?
After your order in the shop or on Etsy you receive a login by email or message. Use it on this page to download your personal package.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Send me a short message, ideally with photos or a short video. We will figure out the next step together.
Tell me about your project
A few sentences are enough. I usually reply within 24 hours, and the first conversation is free.
- You write to meFor parts, ideally with photos and dimensions. For apps, a short description of the idea.
- We have a quick callBy phone or video, in English or German. We clarify what you need and by when.
- You get a quoteIn writing, as a fixed price or based on effort. Take your time to decide.