How to Make NTP Clock Using ESP-12E and 74HC595 [V2.0]

Several months ago I had completed the NTP clock project. I made the project myself starting from the design, schematic, PCB layout and hardware manufacture. I didn't expect much about the quality of the watch because of the limited tools and materials to make it. So I feel that the clock is not optimal when used. but in terms of functionality it is still in accordance with what I expected. for the clock-making process you can see here "How to Make NTP Clock Using ESP8266 and 74HC595 [V1.0]".

There were several problems that I experienced while using the watch. such as the LED that turns itself on and the error display. The cause of the problem is a bad connection between the display PCB and the Controller PCB and there is a shor between the two. that's why in this article I want to make another version of this NTP clock.

I give this project the name clock NTP Version 2.0. Like my previous story, this watch is an upgraded version of the NTP V1.0 watch that I made earlier. There have been some improvements that I made to this hour. Starting from the hardware and software side.

I divided the project documentation into two forms. The first is a video that explains the clock-making process from the very beginning to the finish. the second is in the form of articles as a place to store files that I cannot provide in video form. these files include schematic, layout, Gerber files, and Arduino sketch.

For a more complete and detailed tutorial you can watch it in the video above. In this video, I have explained the process of making it in full and in stages so that it is easy to understand.

If watching videos is too old and boring, you can also follow the tutorial on this article.

Not only upgrading in hardware, I also upgraded the features at this watch. Broadly speaking, my features are divided into 2, namely the main features and additional features. for details on these features are as follows:

Main feature :

• Display Clock
• Displays the Date

Additional features:

• Buzzer -> for notifications
• Subscribe Counter
• Alrm
• Three navigation buttons

Of the features that I have mentioned above, I will make it gradually. I did this because it took a long time to make the firmware. I have to do various trials or trials and errors.

In order to be well documented, I will record every update that I make in this step.

Change Log :

[05 March 2021]

• V2.0
  • Display Clock
  • Display the date

After determining the features, I then prepared the necessary components and modules. This step is quite important because all the features that I have made will not be realized if the hardware does not support.

Below I have divided the components and modules based on their function:

• Microcontroller
  • 1* ESP-12E

• Display
  • 1* 0,36" 4x7segment CA
  • 4* 2" 7segement CA
  • 2* Red LED

• Sensor
  • 1* LM35

• Controls
  • 3* Capsen Module

• Sound
  • 1* Buzzer

• Pasif Component
  • Resistors
  • Capacitors

• Active Component
  • 6* Transistor NPN
  • 2* IC 74HC595

• Supply
  • 1* IC 1117
  • 1* Micro USB
  • Header Male 4*1
  • 1* T-Block 2P

Here you can find PCB schematics and layouts. Schematic and layout can be seen in the image above. Besides images, I also provide them in PDF form which can be downloaded below:

To make 2 Layer PCB with good quality. I use PCBWay service to make it. You can see the finished 2 layer PCB in the image above.

Reference link :

• High Quality 10 PCs PCBs for only $ 5 & new member First order Free: www.pcbway.com

The gerber file to make this VU meter PCB can be downloaded below :

Assemble all components according to the given scheme and the supply configuration used.

Proses and Finished results can be seen in the image above

The last step is to upgrade the Arduino program to the NTP Clock module. this is the most important step. If not done, the module cannot be used.

Here is how to upload Sketch to the NTP CLock V2.0 module:

• Download Sketch below then open it
• Connect the NTP Clock 2.0 Module to the Computer using USB TTL
• Enter the ESP8266 flash mode
• click Upload

below I have provided Sketch for NTP CLock V2.0:

You can see the final result in the image above.

Stay tuned for upgraded versions of this V2.0 digital watch.