Summary of WINTER IS COMING, THIS CLOCK WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN
This article describes a Game of Thrones-themed motorized clock featuring 3D printed elements that spin to the show's theme song. The project utilizes an Arduino with a custom PCB shield to integrate audio playback, LED displays, and motion control. While currently requiring manual operation via physical buttons and a toggle switch, the author suggests future upgrades like adding an RTC module or switching to an ESP8266 for automatic time synchronization via NTP.
Parts used in the Game of Thrones Motorized Clock:
- 3D printed model components
- DFPlayer Mini MP3 player module
- Small 2 watt speaker
- Motor
- Four digit LED display module
- Arduino microcontroller
- Custom PCB shield
- Two small push buttons
- Large toggle switch
For Game of Thrones fans, it’s an awkward time. The show has ended its run on HBO (not without a certain level of controversy), the planned prequel is still years away, and who knows when George R. R. Martin will actually get around to writing the final books in the series. Fans have no choice but to entertain themselves while waiting for further tales of adventure from Westeros, which is how we get things like this motorized clock from [Techarge].
Inspired by the now iconic opening sequence from the HBO series, elements of the 3D printed model spin around while the theme song is played courtesy of a DFPlayer Mini MP3 player module and small 2 watt speaker. The audio hardware, motor, and four digit LED display module in the front are all connected to an Arduino with a custom PCB shield, giving the inside of the clock a very clean and professional appearance.
Around the back side [Techarge] has two small push buttons to set the hour and minutes, and a large toggle to control the music and movement. As of right now it needs to be switched on and off manually, but a future enhancement could see it kick on hourly. We’d also like to see an RTC module added to the PCB, or better yet, switch over to the ESP8266 and just pull the time down from NTP.
Who knows? By the time you’ve built one of these clocks for yourself, and the hand-made Iron Throne phone charger stand to go with it, maybe ol’ George will have slipped out a new book. But don’t count on it.
Source: WINTER IS COMING, THIS CLOCK WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN
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How does the clock play the theme song?
The audio is played courtesy of a DFPlayer Mini MP3 player module connected to a small 2 watt speaker. -
What controls the spinning elements of the clock?
A motor spins the iconic opening sequence elements while the music plays. -
Can the clock be set to turn on automatically every hour?
Currently no, as it needs to be switched on and off manually, but this is suggested as a future enhancement. -
What hardware is used to connect the internal components?
All hardware including the audio, motor, and display are connected to an Arduino with a custom PCB shield. -
How do you adjust the time on the device?
You use two small push buttons located on the back side to set the hour and minutes. -
What is the best way to improve the clock for automatic time keeping?
The author suggests adding an RTC module to the PCB or switching over to an ESP8266 to pull time from NTP. -
Does the clock have a digital display?
Yes, it features a four digit LED display module on the front.
