Mechanical Seven Segment Clock Kit with Arduino Mega + Servo
Mechanical Seven Segment Clock Kit with Arduino Mega & Servo Magic
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Imagine a clock where time isn’t just displayed — it physically moves. Fourteen micro servos push and pull individual acrylic segment flaps to form digits, creating a hypnotic mechanical ballet every second. This kit transforms the classic seven-segment display into an art piece, driven by an Arduino Mega and a real-time clock for flawless accuracy. It’s designed for makers who want a show-stopping desk spectacle that blends electronics, mechanics, and code.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a fully functional mechanical clock that uses 14 SG90 servos to flip 7 physical segments per digit (two digits for hours, a colon, two digits for minutes). A DS3231 RTC ensures time stays set even after power loss. An OLED screen adds a digital backup, and the entire system is controlled by an Arduino Mega through a PCA9685 servo driver. The final result is a sturdy, acrylic-framed clock that clicks and flutters with every minute change — a perfect blend of retro charm and modern engineering.
What You'll Learn
- Write Arduino code to synchronize 14 servos via I2C using a PCA9685 driver, avoiding timing conflicts.
- Interface a DS3231 real-time clock module and read time with sub-second accuracy over I2C.
- Design and calibrate mechanical linkages so each segment flap moves exactly 90° without binding.
- Troubleshoot power distribution for high servo loads and clean signal integrity with capacitors.
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| SG90 Servo | x14 |
| PCA9685 Servo Driver | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | x5 |
| 100nF Caps | x10 |
| 5V 5A PSU | x1 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x3 |
| Acrylic Sheet | x2 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This is an advanced project for B.Tech ECE/EEE students, Smart India Hackathon teams exploring unconventional displays, and tinkerers from IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS Pilani who want a hardware challenge beyond blinking LEDs. If you’ve already built simpler Arduino clocks and crave a mechanically intricate, code-heavy build, this kit delivers a portfolio-worthy masterpiece. The included soldering iron assumes you have prior soldering skill — this isn’t a beginner’s first kit.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code on the box to chat with our AI companion, trained on this exact clock project. If you need human help, reach us on WhatsApp — we typically respond within hours.
How accurate is the timekeeping? Will it drift?
The DS3231 RTC is temperature-compensated and accurate to ±2ppm, meaning it may drift only a few seconds per month. It keeps time even when the clock is unplugged, thanks to a backup battery.
Can I customize the number of digits to show seconds?
The mechanical design uses 14 servos for a four-digit HH:MM display. You could scale it by adding more servo arrays and modifying the code, but the kit’s acrylic layout is pre-cut for this format. It’s an excellent extension challenge for hackathons.
Is soldering strictly necessary?
Yes. The servo driver, capacitors, resistors, and OLED must be soldered onto the prototype boards. The kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire, and we recommend prior soldering experience for a smooth 6-8 hour build.
Servos mechanically move physical segment flaps to show time. DS3231 RTC drives the movement schedule.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items