Waveshare Rectangle Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico Green 190mm LED DS3231

Description

Product Overview

The Waveshare Rectangle Clock is a purpose‑built timing module that pairs perfectly with the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. Its 190mm green LED matrix provides crystal‑clear numeric readout, making it ideal for both hobbyist projects and professional prototypes that require a reliable visual time reference. Constructed from high‑quality plastic housing, the unit balances durability with lightweight handling, weighing just 4.54 g. Inside, the DS3231 real‑time clock chip delivers high‑precision timekeeping, complete with an integrated temperature sensor that automatically compensates for environmental variations. A dedicated backup battery ensures continuous operation even when the main power source is disconnected, preserving accurate timestamps for data logging or scheduling tasks. The board also includes a versatile USB port that serves dual purposes: power delivery and in‑system debugging, allowing developers to upload firmware, monitor serial output, and troubleshoot without additional hardware. All components are open source, and the accompanying software libraries support both C and Python, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred development environment. The design leverages the SM5166P and SM16106 driver solution, minimizing I/O pin usage while maximizing display brightness and contrast, resulting in a clean, professional appearance that stands out in any application.

Usage

This clock module excels in a wide range of scenarios. In educational settings, instructors can demonstrate real‑time data acquisition, time‑based event handling, and low‑power design principles using the built‑in RTC and backup battery. For IoT developers, the LED display offers an immediate visual cue for device status, sensor readings, or network connectivity, reducing the need for external monitors. The compact form factor fits comfortably into custom enclosures for smart home controllers, environmental monitoring stations, and portable instrumentation. Its USB debugging capability streamlines firmware development, allowing rapid iteration and testing directly from a laptop or development workstation. Because the module supports both C and Python, it integrates seamlessly into existing codebases, whether you are building a simple alarm clock, a data logger that timestamps each entry, or a complex scheduling system that coordinates multiple peripherals. The robust plastic enclosure protects the electronics from dust and minor impacts, making it suitable for field deployments where reliability is paramount.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the Waveshare Rectangle Clock means selecting a product that combines precision engineering with developer‑friendly features. The DS3231 RTC is renowned for its accuracy, offering less than 2 ppm drift, which translates to less than a minute of error per year—critical for applications that rely on exact timestamps. The integrated temperature sensor further refines accuracy by adjusting the clock frequency in response to ambient changes. Our open‑source approach ensures that every hardware schematic, driver, and example code is freely available, empowering users to modify, extend, or repurpose the design without licensing constraints. The dual‑purpose USB port reduces the component count and simplifies wiring, while the SM5166P/SM16106 driver pair delivers bright, uniform LED illumination with minimal power consumption. Quality control is rigorous: each unit undergoes functional testing, RTC calibration, and visual inspection before shipment. Additionally, Waveshare provides comprehensive documentation, tutorial videos, and responsive technical support, guaranteeing that both novices and seasoned engineers can get the most out of the product.

Key Features

• Bright 190mm green LED matrix delivers clear numeric display for easy time reading in any lighting condition.
• High‑precision DS3231 RTC with built‑in temperature sensor ensures reliable timekeeping with automatic environmental compensation.
• USB port doubles as power source and debugging interface, simplifying development and reducing extra wiring.
• Open‑source C and Python libraries provide flexible programming options and extensive community tutorials.
• Robust plastic enclosure protects components while keeping the module lightweight for portable and embedded applications.
• Dedicated backup battery maintains accurate time even during power outages, preventing data loss.
• Efficient SM5166P/SM16106 driver solution minimizes I/O usage and maximizes display brightness.
• Responsive Waveshare technical support and detailed documentation ensure smooth integration and long‑term reliability.

FAQ

What power supply does the clock require?

The module operates from a standard 5 V USB source, which can be provided by the Raspberry Pi Pico itself or an external USB power adapter. The built‑in voltage regulator ensures stable operation for the LED display and RTC.

Can I replace the backup battery?

Yes, the backup battery is a standard coin cell (CR2032) that can be easily swapped when its voltage drops below the operating threshold. Replacement instructions are included in the user manual.

Is the LED display configurable for different colors?

The supplied version features a green LED matrix, but the driver circuitry supports other single‑color LEDs. Users can source alternative LED modules and adjust the firmware to match the new color specifications.

How do I program the RTC to set the correct time?

Using the provided C or Python library, you can call the rtc_set_time() function with the desired date and time values. The library also includes utilities to read the current time, configure alarms, and retrieve temperature data.

What kind of support is available if I encounter issues?

Waveshare offers comprehensive technical support through email and community forums. Detailed schematics, driver source code, and step‑by‑step tutorials are available on the product page, ensuring you have all resources needed to troubleshoot and optimize your design.