Digital Clock LED Dot Matrix - ESP Matrix Android App

This article is proudly sponsored by PCBWAY.

PCBWAY make high quality prototyping PCBs for people all over the world. Try it for your self and get 10 PCBs for just $5 at PCBWAY with very great quality, Thanks PCBWAY. The ESP Matrix Board that I developed for use in this project uses PCBWAY PCB services. By following this instructable you can make a Digital Clock LED Dot Matrix at a relatively cheap cost and don't require coding skills, just follow it step by step from start to finish.

Here are the components that you will need to make this project:

• 1 x PCB ESP Matrix Board (PCBWAY)
• 1 x LED Dot Matrix MAX7219 4in1 Module
• 1 x NodeMCU Amica ESP8266
• 1 x USB to TTL CP2012 Module
• 1 x RTC DS3231 Module
• 1 x Active Buzzer 5V
• 1 x Tact Switch 22mm
• 1 x 5 pin Male Header 90 degree
• 2 x 5 pin Male Header
• 2 x 15 pin Female Header
• 1 x 4 pin Female Header
• USB OTG Adapter
• Micro USB Cable
• Case 3D Printing Part

• Acrylic transparent 3mm

To make this project you need to order a prototype PCB on PCBWAY. How to order is very easy and you will get 10 Pcs PCB for $5 with very great PCB quality.

Step to Order:

1. SignUp/Log in on pcbway.com

2. Open this PCB project link.

3. Click Add to cart.

4. Wait moment for PCB review, then Click Check Out.

Install all components on the PCB following the pictures and symbols on the PCB, for details you can follow step by step in the following video.

Then solder all components on the PCB, for details you can follow step by step in the following video.

Insert Male Pin Header 90 degree to USB TTL module, before soldering cut the header legs so that it becomes flat with the PCB.

Attach USB to TTL Module on the PCB following the pictures, solder it then cut the legs of pin header.

Remove the first and third order of LED Dot Matrix, then attach the two header pins as shown in the picture, then solder them. Last step reinstall the LED Dot Matrix.

Attach ESP Matrix Board into LED Dot Matrix which already has the two pin header, then solder it.

After you finish soldering all of component, next you can attach the RTC DS3231 and NodeMCU ESP8266 board, please attention when attach do not let it be reversed referring to the symbol on the PCB.

Download 3D STL file here:

thingiverse.com/thing:4695742

Use foam included from the purchase of Nodemcu modules, cut it in half then place it as shown in the picture.

This 3d printed case is design more slim and pressing to make it look solid and robust, so to install it is not so easy need a little pressed.

To make the light of the LEDs be more clear and diffused, on the LED surface add black transparent colored acrylic.

Now your ESP Matrix Device is ready to program with ESP matrix firmware.

1) To program the Nodemcu ESP8266 (ESP Matrix device) very simple, you only need to connect Nodemcu (ESP Matrix device) to an Android phone via a micro usb cable and OTG adapter, see picture. NB: Micro USB socket on back only for power use (not line to programming Nodemcu)

2) Then install the ESP Matrix Offline app from Google Playstore.

3) In the first welcome screen tap UPLOAD button.