Hollow Clock V remix (wifi internet time sync) - 23/08/26 update

FOREWORD

This remix does not modify the Shiura clock, which looks perfect, but proposes a method for using a mini ESP32 instead of the initial RP2040 zero

It also accepts the more recent Shiura design based on the SEEED XIAO C6 chipset.

Although the original sketch delivers the expected functionnality, using Wifi provides additional features

The provided sketch enables WiFi in HC5, with different way for using it :

+ Using Smartconfig (and the ESPtouch phone application) to setup wifi credential initially (default mode). Clock time is synchronised on Internet

+ Using Standard Wifi by entering credentials in the sketch or on a Web page. Clock time is also synchronised on Internet

+ Making the clock a Wifi access point ; in this case, the clock time is synchronised to the browser one. This is useful on location with no direct Internet access

All modes provide a Web Server for updating parameters (ex: night-time, test mode) and adjusting / tuning displayed time

MOUNTING

The same mounting principle as for the RP2040 is used for the ESP32; however, due to a different pin mapping, the ESP32 board protudes, and the RP2040 box cannot be used

A remix of the base (front and rear parts) feeting specifically the C3 mini/plus or the S3_zero mount is provided (for the XIAO C6, the original model parts are used)

As an option, an RTC clock may be implemented. This RTC module is not really useful when clock is connected to Internet (just speed up the init process). But it is of great use when the clock operates in standalone mode (without internet access), because clock starts ticking immediately instead of waiting the time synchronization by the user through the Web pages

When using the RTC option, a space for the rtc module is reserved in the provided base-rear-rtc parts (these parts may also be used when rtc module not present). The _ant version as an extra hole for exiting the C3 plus external antenna

Mounting the RTC module implies removing the black connector in order to weld the cables directly on the board

GND power for the RTC is taken from the stepper board, and 3.3V on the ESP board (as well as SDA and SCL)

Some pictures are given in Annex.zip to provide guidance (comes from an other clock, HLC, so drop any LED indication not applicable for HC5)

RTC module has been bought on Ali, searching for "rtc ds3231"

A back cover STL for the hour hand (cover the magnet) is also provided

You may need to adjust the size under the slicer to obtain the appropriate clearance

Only modified or added parts are given. Other parts shall be taken from the original Shiura model, as well as mounting instructions

CONFIGURING AND GENERATING THE SOFTWARE

A new version of the sketch is provided by the HC5.zip archive

(For historical purpose, the previous sketch and remix details is provided in Previous.zip)

This software is quite complex (applies to several LED / motor clocks, and adds a lot of functions)

Instructions for configuring and generating the software are given at the end of HC5-clock-howto.pdf

This document also describes the use of the Web interface