Boluder clock replacement

Boulder Clock Replacement Board

This project provides the source code and design files for the Boulder Clock Replacement Board, designed as a direct drop-in replacement for the original Boulder Clock hardware. The board is fully compatible with existing clock circuitry—no additional wiring or modifications are required.

Features

• Drop-in replacement for Boulder Clock boards—no extra wiring needed
• Open-source hardware and software design (GPLv3 license)
• Improved time accuracy
• WiFi configuration via web interface (WiFi Manager)
• Adjustable GMT offset, DST settings, and 12/24 hour mode
• Easy-to-follow assembly instructions

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of electronics and soldering
• Appropriate tools for PCB assembly
• PlatformIO installed for firmware upload

Installation

1. Clone the Repository

   git clone https://github.com/mickdassive/boulder_clock_replacent_bord.git
   cd boulder_clock_replacent_bord

2. Review Design Files

   • Check the hardware/ or pcb/ directory for PCB layout and schematics.
   • Review the firmware/ directory for microcontroller code.

3. Build and Assemble

   • Order the PCB using the provided Gerber files.
   • Source and solder components as listed in the bill of materials (BOM).

4. Upload Firmware Using PlatformIO

   • Open the project in PlatformIO IDE (recommended for VS Code).

   • Connect your microcontroller board to your computer via USB.

   • In PlatformIO, select the correct environment for your board (see platformio.ini).

   • Build and upload the firmware:

     pio run --target upload

     Or use the "Upload" button in the PlatformIO IDE.

   • The firmware is pre-configured for the Boulder Clock Replacement Board. No code changes or configuration should be necessary for standard operation.

WiFi Manager Configuration

The board features a built-in WiFi Manager interface for easy configuration of time and connectivity settings:

1. Initial Setup

   • After powering on the board, if no WiFi credentials are stored, it will automatically start in WiFi Access Point mode.
   • Connect to the WiFi network broadcast by the board (SSID will be " Boulder Clock fwv x.x" or similar).

2. Access the Web Interface

   • Open a web browser and navigate to 192.168.4.1 to access the configuration portal.

3. Configure WiFi and Clock Settings

   • Enter your local WiFi credentials.
   • Set the following options in the web interface:
     • GMT Offset: Adjust the clock’s time zone offset from GMT (e.g., +1, -5, etc.).
     • 12/24 Hour Mode: Choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour display.
     • Daylight Saving Time (DST): Enable or disable automatic DST adjustment.

4. Save Settings

   • Save your changes and allow the board to reboot. It will connect to your WiFi and keep time according to your chosen settings.

Usage

• Install the assembled board in place of the original Boulder Clock board.
• No extra wiring is needed—simply drop in as a replacement.
• Power on and configure settings via the WiFi Manager if needed.

Repository Structure

hardware/      # PCB schematics, layouts, and Gerber files
firmware/      # PlatformIO project, microcontroller code
platformio.ini # PlatformIO configuration file
LICENSE        # GPLv3 license information
README.md      # This file

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you have suggestions, improvements, or bug fixes, please submit a pull request or open an issue.

License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. See the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Inspired by the original Boulder Clock hardware

For additional help or questions, please open an issue in this repository.