Arduino Nano - OLED Clock

This tutorial instructs you how to create an OLED clock by using Arduino Nano, RTC module and OLED display. The tutorial provides instructions for both DS3231 and DS1307 RTC modules. In detail:

You can choose one of two RTC modules: DS3231 and DS1307. For more information, please refer to DS3231 vs DS1307.

Hardware Preparation

1×Arduino Nano
1×USB A to Mini-B USB cable
1×SSD1306 I2C OLED Display 128x64
1×Real-Time Clock DS3231 Module
1×(Optional) Real-Time Clock DS1307 Module
1×CR2032 battery
1×Breadboard
1×Jumper Wires
1×(Optional) 9V Power Adapter for Arduino Nano
1×(Recommended) Screw Terminal Adapter for Arduino Nano

Or you can buy the following sensor kits:

1×DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1×DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)
Disclosure: Some of the links provided in this section are Amazon affiliate links. We may receive a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support.

Overview of OLED, DS3231 and DS1307 RTC module

If you are unfamiliar with OLED, DS3231 and DS1307 (pinout, how it works, how to program ...), the following tutorials can help you:

Install OLED and RTC Libraries

  • Click to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
  • Search for “SSD1306” and locate the SSD1306 library by Adafruit.
  • Press the Install button to complete the installation.
Arduino Nano OLED library
  • You will be prompted to install some other library dependencies.
  • To install all of them, click the Install All button.
Arduino Nano Adafruit GFX sensor library
  • Search for “RTClib” and locate the RTC library created by Adafruit. This library is compatible with both DS3231 and DS1307.
  • Press the Install button to install the RTC library.
Arduino Nano RTC library

Reading time from DS3231 RTC module and display it on OLED

Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram between Arduino Nano and DS3231 OLED

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Arduino Nano Code - DS3231 and OLED

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-oled-clock */ #include <Wire.h> #include <Adafruit_GFX.h> #include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h> #include <RTClib.h> #define OLED_WIDTH 128 // OLED display width, in pixels #define OLED_HEIGHT 64 // OLED display height, in pixels Adafruit_SSD1306 oled(OLED_WIDTH, OLED_HEIGHT, &Wire, -1); // // create SSD1306 display object connected to I2C RTC_DS3231 rtc; String time; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // initialize OLED display with address 0x3C for 128x64 if (!oled.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C)) { Serial.println(F("SSD1306 allocation failed")); while (true); } delay(2000); // wait for initializing oled.clearDisplay(); // clear display oled.setTextSize(1); // text size oled.setTextColor(WHITE); // text color oled.setCursor(0, 10); // position to display // SETUP RTC MODULE if (! rtc.begin()) { Serial.println("Couldn't find RTC"); Serial.flush(); while (true); } // automatically sets the RTC to the date & time on PC this sketch was compiled rtc.adjust(DateTime(F(__DATE__), F(__TIME__))); time.reserve(10); // to avoid fragmenting memory when using String } void loop() { DateTime now = rtc.now(); time = ""; time += now.hour(); time += ':'; time += now.minute(); time += ':'; time += now.second(); oled_display_center(time); } void oled_display_center(String text) { int16_t x1; int16_t y1; uint16_t width; uint16_t height; oled.getTextBounds(text, 0, 0, &x1, &y1, &width, &height); // center the display both horizontally and vertically oled.clearDisplay(); // clear display oled.setCursor((OLED_WIDTH - width) / 2, (OLED_HEIGHT - height) / 2); oled.println(text); // text to display oled.display(); }

Detailed Instructions

  • Copy the code and open it with the Arduino IDE.
  • Click the Upload button in the Arduino IDE to send the code to the Arduino Nano.
  • Place the sensor in hot and cold water or hold it in your hand.
  • Check out the results on the OLED.

Reading time from DS1307 RTC module and display it on OLED

Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram between Arduino Nano and DS1307 OLED

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

Arduino Nano Code - DS1307 and OLED

/* * This Arduino Nano code was developed by newbiely.com * * This Arduino Nano code is made available for public use without any restriction * * For comprehensive instructions and wiring diagrams, please visit: * https://newbiely.com/tutorials/arduino-nano/arduino-nano-oled-clock */ #include <Wire.h> #include <Adafruit_GFX.h> #include <Adafruit_SSD1306.h> #include <RTClib.h> #define OLED_WIDTH 128 // OLED display width, in pixels #define OLED_HEIGHT 64 // OLED display height, in pixels Adafruit_SSD1306 oled(OLED_WIDTH, OLED_HEIGHT, &Wire, -1); // // create SSD1306 display object connected to I2C RTC_DS1307 rtc; String time; void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // initialize OLED display with address 0x3C for 128x64 if (!oled.begin(SSD1306_SWITCHCAPVCC, 0x3C)) { Serial.println(F("SSD1306 allocation failed")); while (true); } delay(2000); // wait for initializing oled.clearDisplay(); // clear display oled.setTextSize(1); // text size oled.setTextColor(WHITE); // text color oled.setCursor(0, 10); // position to display // SETUP RTC MODULE if (! rtc.begin()) { Serial.println("Couldn't find RTC"); Serial.flush(); while (true); } // automatically sets the RTC to the date & time on PC this sketch was compiled rtc.adjust(DateTime(F(__DATE__), F(__TIME__))); time.reserve(10); // to avoid fragmenting memory when using String } void loop() { DateTime now = rtc.now(); time = ""; time += now.hour(); time += ':'; time += now.minute(); time += ':'; time += now.second(); oled_display_center(time); } void oled_display_center(String text) { int16_t x1; int16_t y1; uint16_t width; uint16_t height; oled.getTextBounds(text, 0, 0, &x1, &y1, &width, &height); // center the display both horizontally and vertically oled.clearDisplay(); // clear display oled.setCursor((OLED_WIDTH - width) / 2, (OLED_HEIGHT - height) / 2); oled.println(text); // text to display oled.display(); }

Detailed Instructions

  • Copy the code and open it in the Arduino IDE.
  • Click the Upload button in the Arduino IDE to send the code to the Arduino Nano.
  • Place the sensor in hot and cold water, or hold it in your hand.
  • Check out the result on the OLED.

Video Tutorial

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