DCF77 Analyzer/Clock v2.0

Visualize the DCF77 radio signals with this clock.

Jul 30, 2016

54099 views

54 respects

Components and supplies

1

Arduino Mega 2560

1

Arduino UNO

Project description

Code

Superfilter sketch

arduino

DCF Analyzer / Clock v2.1

arduino

2020-01-18 bug release: power save switch fixed

Superfilter sketch

arduino

DCF Analyzer / Clock v2.1

arduino

2020-01-18 bug release: power save switch fixed

Downloadable files

All files needed to make this project

All files needed to make this project

DCF77 Analyzer Clock v2.0 Schematic

DOWNLOAD to view details!

DCF77 Analyzer Clock v2.0 Schematic

All files needed to make this project

All files needed to make this project

DCF77 Analyzer Clock v2.0 Schematic

DOWNLOAD to view details!

DCF77 Analyzer Clock v2.0 Schematic

Documentation

PCB2: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

This is my PCB design for the very compact smaller 7 segment displays

PCB2: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

PCB: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

This is a PCB I made for the Time and Date displays

PCB: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

Audio files for the Adafruit Sound FX board

Ticking sound and Chime sound, see text for explanation

Audio files for the Adafruit Sound FX board

PCB: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

This is a PCB I made for the Time and Date displays

PCB: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

PCB2: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

This is my PCB design for the very compact smaller 7 segment displays

PCB2: 7 Segment display, 8 Digits, Maxim 7219

Comments

Only logged in users can leave comments

Image
Image

andreas_promoteus1965

a month ago

Good day, everyone, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am an electronics technician… and 60 years old! Currently, I am taking my first steps with Arduino. Some time ago, I came across the project DCF77 Analyzer/Clock v2.0. As far as I can see, I have understood it. However, implementing the two programs (main program and filter) is causing major problems! I am asking for help here… Just to clarify upfront… To the best of my knowledge, everything has been installed correctly. The include files have been integrated as far as I can tell. However, I suspect there are issues with the versions. I would like to exchange ideas… … so that I can complete this major project (and make it to the last bit of my retirement). Thanks for any responses!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Well done! I will take a look at your filtering levels as this is the tricky thing to make DCF-77 work reliable. Kudos!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Wow this is one of the coolest projects I have seen, not just the technical stuff, but the panel just looks amazing.

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Hi Erik Geweldig leuk project!! Complimenten hoor! Ik heb het inmiddels nagebouwd en alles lijkt prima te functioneren. Gelukkig waren er nog wat uitdagingen - frezen frontplaat bv - anders wordt het zo saai. Een ding heb ik echter niet kunnen vinden: de aansluiting van de option 1 en option 2 schakelaars. Zal er wel overheen hebben gekeken... Kun je me hiermee helpen? Alvast bedankt hiervoor Vriendelijke groet Bert de Jong

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Beste Erik, Heb de klok al vaak bekeken. Ik loop tegen enkele zaken aan die me nog steeds weerhouden om ermee te starten. Natuurlijk tijd en geld investeren. Maar vooral de printen en het voorfront. Ik heb een CNC frees en zou het dus met graveerplaat kunnen maken. Jij hebt het ergens laten drukken en daarna handmatig geboord. Dat lijkt me toch beter uiteindelijk. Dan de printen. Ik heb er geen enkele ervaring mee: bestanden opsturen en dan krijg ik de printen thuis. Zou je me wat meer info kunnen geven over het laten drukken van het voorfront en het laten maken van de printen. Arduino programmeren lukt me en de zaak aansluiten ook en de componenten bestellen ook. Complimenten in ieder geval voor het fantastisch mooie project!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Its a big WOW!!! from me........ Looks professional and I can understand the hard work and dedication put into this wonderful project.

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Thank you! Yes it was hard work, hundreds of hours of learning but so rewarding...

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Yeah, you forgot the RTC Module. Doesn`t matter, I will add it accordingly. Many Thanks from Bavaria/Germany

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Congratulations for this well done project which I really like. I`ll try to downgrade it to its basics, time, date a.s.o. without the scientific part. Instead I will improve some functionalities like alarm clock function, display of temperature and humidity and will use huge 7 segment LEDs. Two question arose while studying the sketch and schematics: 1. You are using the RTC library, but I cannot find any RTC module. Does the DCF module deliver RTC code ? 2. Probably I will have to use 7 segment LEDs with common catode, which is the original way for the MAX72xx. Does this change your sketch for the MAX72xx ?

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Thanks Maxdidi for your comments... to answer your questions: 1. I can't believe I forgot to put the RTC in the schematic!?!? I connected a standard RTC module on the I2C port of the Arduino. 2. The Maxim chip IS designed to work with Common CATHODE displays so you have no problems using the Maxims. I would like to see your version of the clock, have fun making it!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Nice project ! I am very impressed by your programming and constructing skills and searching for someone with that skills and passion for the materia of time working together on a bigger project. It would be nice if there is a way getting in contact to share some more Informations.

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Prachtig project!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Beautiful and very inspiring project, really great. I will try to fit it to my design thoughts. I recognized one cool thing i don't really know how you did it: You have 2 ":" in your time display, but the PCBs are set up for standard 7-segment-LED-modules also for this position. Those 7-segment-display-modules (also the recommended Kingbright SA39-11SRWA) just have the one digit-point. Afaik, there are no modules (just) with round ":". How did you manage to get this feature? Did you just solder round mini-LEDs in or have you found special modules?

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Musikus, If you look at the photo section you can find out how special signs are made. https://www.flickr.com/photos/edr1924/albums/72157666568222444 I myself is harvesting parts to build one Analyser clock. Sture

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

I have a question could you please make a list of the components or is there already one? I would like to build it because it is a nice project

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

A question I still can they please at least tell me where they have the boards for the 7 segment display?

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

I'm sorry I don't have a components list. It is an advanced project but with the provided sketch and schematic one should be able to build it as several others did already with succes. I hope you also will be able to complete this project, have fun!

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Well if you cannot find this basic thing by yourself, this project will be a challenge... I spent hundreds of hours searching the internet and fora to learn because I did not have any knowledge about the Arduino and receiving/decoding DCF77 signals. Anyway: try Ebay.com and type in the search field "8 digit 7219" You need 7 segment boards with the Maxim 7219 or 7221 chipset. Alternatively, you can download my PCB designs and order them at any PCB manufacturer. Due to health issues I cannot give more support, sorry about that...

Image
Image

brettoliver

2 years ago

Hi Erik. Another fantastic clock! I built a version of your clock some years back but always preferred your decoding LED layout to my Dot matrix layout. I have now built a MKII version using 1.5mm alluminium sheet to mount the displays. I have made a number of changes to the hardware ... 2 Unos and 2 cheap sound modules to name a few. I am currently writing up my build but you can see a sneak preview here http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/DCF77_Analyzer_Clock_Mk2/Arduino_DCF77_Analyzer_MK2.htm Thanks again for publishing all the details on your clocks. Brett.

Image
Image

Anonymous user

2 years ago

Hi, is this possible to buy Version 2.0 directly from you?

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

No, sorry... this is DIY... ;)

Image
Image

Musikus

5 years ago

Beautiful and very inspiring project, really great. I will try to fit it to my design thoughts. I recognized one cool thing i don't really know how you did it: You have 2 ":" in your time display, but the PCBs are set up for standard 7-segment-LED-modules also for this position. Those 7-segment-display-modules (also the recommended Kingbright SA39-11SRWA) just have the one digit-point. Afaik, there are no modules (just) with round ":". How did you manage to get this feature? Did you just solder round mini-LEDs in or have you found special modules?

Image
Image

Sture_Nystrom

2 years ago

Musikus, If you look at the photo section you can find out how special signs are made. https://www.flickr.com/photos/edr1924/albums/72157666568222444 I myself is harvesting parts to build one Analyser clock. Sture

Image
Image

Anonymous user

5 years ago

Hi Erik Geweldig leuk project!! Complimenten hoor! Ik heb het inmiddels nagebouwd en alles lijkt prima te functioneren. Gelukkig waren er nog wat uitdagingen - frezen frontplaat bv - anders wordt het zo saai. Een ding heb ik echter niet kunnen vinden: de aansluiting van de option 1 en option 2 schakelaars. Zal er wel overheen hebben gekeken... Kun je me hiermee helpen? Alvast bedankt hiervoor Vriendelijke groet Bert de Jong

Image
Image

brettoliver

6 years ago

Hi Erik. Another fantastic clock! I built a version of your clock some years back but always preferred your decoding LED layout to my Dot matrix layout. I have now built a MKII version using 1.5mm alluminium sheet to mount the displays. I have made a number of changes to the hardware ... 2 Unos and 2 cheap sound modules to name a few. I am currently writing up my build but you can see a sneak preview here http://www.brettoliver.org.uk/DCF77_Analyzer_Clock_Mk2/Arduino_DCF77_Analyzer_MK2.htm Thanks again for publishing all the details on your clocks. Brett.

Image
Image

Anonymous user

6 years ago

Hi Erik, Thanks for sharing your project. I'm also building a clock with a DCF77 module (https://hackaday.io/project/93650-easy-alarm-clock). Currently the hardware only exists on breadboard. I have trouble getting acceptable DCF77 reception quality. I hoped to put the antenna and the receiver inside the same housing as the rest of the electronics (just like the commercial clock dials). I'm currently powering the circuitry with a USB output from the laptop. I noticed that the USB lines cause a lot of interference. A USB power bank works much better. I also get better results when keeping the receiver and antenna away from the other circuitry. I'm about 420km away from Mainflingen, so this should be well within range of the transmitter. You only touched it briefly in your video, but I saw that you're also leaving the antenna and DCF-receiver out of the housing. Do you only get acceptable receiving quality near a window? What DCF-module and antenna are you using? Have you evaluated different sources? I'm currently using the EM6 DCF 3V receiver from HKW with the AFET 77.5-10x100/70 antenna, also from HKW.

Image
Image

AlGio65

6 years ago

Hi, is this possible to buy Version 2.0 directly from you?

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

No, sorry... this is DIY... ;)

Image
Image

roosiedb

6 years ago

Prachtig project!

Image
Image

Jackshobby

7 years ago

Beste Erik, Heb de klok al vaak bekeken. Ik loop tegen enkele zaken aan die me nog steeds weerhouden om ermee te starten. Natuurlijk tijd en geld investeren. Maar vooral de printen en het voorfront. Ik heb een CNC frees en zou het dus met graveerplaat kunnen maken. Jij hebt het ergens laten drukken en daarna handmatig geboord. Dat lijkt me toch beter uiteindelijk. Dan de printen. Ik heb er geen enkele ervaring mee: bestanden opsturen en dan krijg ik de printen thuis. Zou je me wat meer info kunnen geven over het laten drukken van het voorfront en het laten maken van de printen. Arduino programmeren lukt me en de zaak aansluiten ook en de componenten bestellen ook. Complimenten in ieder geval voor het fantastisch mooie project!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

7 years ago

Its a big WOW!!! from me........ Looks professional and I can understand the hard work and dedication put into this wonderful project.

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Thank you! Yes it was hard work, hundreds of hours of learning but so rewarding...

Image
Image

maxdidi

7 years ago

Yeah, you forgot the RTC Module. Doesn`t matter, I will add it accordingly. Many Thanks from Bavaria/Germany

Image
Image

maxdidi

7 years ago

Congratulations for this well done project which I really like. I`ll try to downgrade it to its basics, time, date a.s.o. without the scientific part. Instead I will improve some functionalities like alarm clock function, display of temperature and humidity and will use huge 7 segment LEDs. Two question arose while studying the sketch and schematics: 1. You are using the RTC library, but I cannot find any RTC module. Does the DCF module deliver RTC code ? 2. Probably I will have to use 7 segment LEDs with common catode, which is the original way for the MAX72xx. Does this change your sketch for the MAX72xx ?

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Thanks Maxdidi for your comments... to answer your questions: 1. I can't believe I forgot to put the RTC in the schematic!?!? I connected a standard RTC module on the I2C port of the Arduino. 2. The Maxim chip IS designed to work with Common CATHODE displays so you have no problems using the Maxims. I would like to see your version of the clock, have fun making it!

Image
Image

noel2905

8 years ago

I have a question could you please make a list of the components or is there already one? I would like to build it because it is a nice project

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

Well if you cannot find this basic thing by yourself, this project will be a challenge... I spent hundreds of hours searching the internet and fora to learn because I did not have any knowledge about the Arduino and receiving/decoding DCF77 signals. Anyway: try Ebay.com and type in the search field "8 digit 7219" You need 7 segment boards with the Maxim 7219 or 7221 chipset. Alternatively, you can download my PCB designs and order them at any PCB manufacturer. Due to health issues I cannot give more support, sorry about that...

Image
Image

edr1924

2 years ago

I'm sorry I don't have a components list. It is an advanced project but with the provided sketch and schematic one should be able to build it as several others did already with succes. I hope you also will be able to complete this project, have fun!

Image
Image

noel2905

2 years ago

A question I still can they please at least tell me where they have the boards for the 7 segment display?

Image
Image

Anonymous user

8 years ago

Nice project ! I am very impressed by your programming and constructing skills and searching for someone with that skills and passion for the materia of time working together on a bigger project. It would be nice if there is a way getting in contact to share some more Informations.

Image
Image

Anonymous user

9 years ago

Well done! I will take a look at your filtering levels as this is the tricky thing to make DCF-77 work reliable. Kudos!

Image
Image

Anonymous user

9 years ago

Wow this is one of the coolest projects I have seen, not just the technical stuff, but the panel just looks amazing.