AVR Scope Clock 3-1

Scope Clock H3-1 Basic

Make your X-Y capable analog oscilloscope more useful!

Your oscilloscope can do a lot more using the

Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock

Now even better with hardware version 3.1, a major upgrade

"Basic" kit: $27.95

Look at the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock, firmware version V3.3:

Connects to your analog scope in X-Y mode using probes (1x, 10x) or cables.

On board 5V power regulator for use with user provided wall adapter (8-15V DC center positive)

On-board Real-Time Clock IC with 32.768kHz crystal and battery backup: this clock won't lose time!

Digital to Analog converter with built-in OpAmp (AD7302): no probes required.

150-250 Hz refresh rate (dependent on the selected clock face mode)

Set Time and Date using the on-board button switch.

Set clock options and modes with On Screen Menu using the push button switch

Roman Numerals Clock Display Option

Binary Clock Display option, together with Hexadecimal numeric Display (Bi-Hex clock)

Fractional Seconds display option showing time in 1/100 of a second increments.

A total of 30 different Clock Display combinations is possible.

Optionally add your own name to the Clock Display

Automatic Daylight Saving Time correction for the years 2008-2014 for the USA and the EU

Header for External Clock Signal (GPS 1 Pulse Per Second for example)

Automatic Screen Repositioning to prevent screen burn-in

Display Calibration mode

Intensity Control Output, both positive and negative going

Play modes to have some fun with the clock.

Clean Reset of the EEProm Configuration Data option

Automatic Time and Date setting when connected to the NMEA Serial output from a GPS device (TTL level only)

Professionally made dual sided 3" x 3" PCB (with solder masks and silkscreen)

Optional external 5V Power (clock side cable connector included)

Extensive FAQ document available on this website

Serial Connection is available at TTL (+5V) levels. Note that use of the serial connection is completely optional.

Firmware pre-programmed and upgradeable through the Serial Interface using the built-in boot loader (this will require an external RS-232 Level Converter circuit to connect to a PC)

PCB has footprints for various add-on components, including:

true RS232 level converter with standard female DB9 connector

BNC connectors to allow the use of BNC cables

USB interface

Extra push button switch

On-Off switch

Firmware V3.3 is specific to hardware version 3.1 but functionally identical to firmware version 3.0

Besides keeping accurate time using both clock hands and numeric display, this AVR clock provides a host of options like:

	Numeric time display field showing 12hr, 24hr, hexadecimal time or the date
	12 Hour, 24 Hour, Roman Numerals or mininal clock dial. For true geeks, we offer the binary clock display (with hex numeric display)
	No need to adjust the clock for Daylight Saving Time; it can be done automatically
	Show the clock features to others using the built-in demo mode
	Need more accuracy: turn on the chrono mode to see the time in 1/100 of a second increments.
	Calibration screen to optimally adjust the scope and probes.
	On board seconds indicator Led on or off
	Automatic Screen Repositioning on or off
	Play modes: run clock fast, in reverse or both

On Screen Menu

	Clean reset the clock to its virgin state
	Enter the name of your choice using the menu and it can be shown on the clock face
	Connect your GPS module using a TTL level Serial Connection and the clock will accurately display the current date and time

Changing the time or date is done using the on-board push button switch; the item being changed will flash. Depending on the selected display, this can be text (numeric display), a clock hand (analog clock only display) or even columns of "lights" (binary clock only display).

Binary Clock Display 08:35:27

A video showing the AVR Oscilloscope clock in DEMO mode on a Tektronix 608 X-Y monitor is available on YouTube. An X-Y monitor is essentially a low frequency oscilloscope without the time-base section. The Tektronix 608 has a very good CRT and the image quality is the best possible.

This AVR Oscilloscope clock is available as a kit, using all through-hole components. The kit includeds the components necessary to assemble the board shown below (the Basic kit), including a preprogrammed ATmega168 microcontroller. It does not include an oscilloscope and requires an external wall adapter (7-15V DC, center positive) or +5V regulated power source. It also includes a connector for the Power header on the board. The user can use this connector to build a +5V power cable.

PCB Dimensions: 3" by 3"

How to order the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock kit:

The following resellers carry the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope clock (Hardware 3-1 Basic kit):

	SparkFun Electronics (USA)
	Tuxgraphics (Canada)
	Electrokit Sweden AB (Sweden)
	Skandin (Denmark)

Low-end Digital Scopes will not work well, High-end Digital Scopes do work (Tektronix 2014B, HP54600B )

Please note that the firmware used on this AVR Clock is an Open Source application (the Source Code will be posted soon) and is completely free. The price of the kit covers the parts, labor, and distribution only; there is no charge for the firmware and it is programmed into the AVR microcontroller as a courtesy.

For more information, please email me at:

Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock Links:

	Assembly Instructions
	Operating Instructions
	Manual / FAQ
	Schematics and PCB
	Parts List
	AVR Clock Flash Image V3.3a (Serial Download)
	AVR Clock EEProm Image V3.3a (Serial Download)
	AVR Clock Source Code V3.3a
	Mini-DDS function generator (requires RS-232 Level Converter components)

What others are saying about the AVR Oscilloscope Clock:

"No need to sit down for the kit price, at $35.00¹ this will make a great addition to any workbench!"
(Alan Parekh on Hacked Gadgets)

"That pretty much puts all of the oscilloscope art I have seen to shame"

(NGinuity on Hacked Gadgets)

"The Geekiest Oscilloscope Clock Yet"
(James Grahame on Retrothing )

"This is a fantastic looking kit, turn an oscilloscope into a clock!"
"It's great. Makes an awesome clock out of an oscilloscope. Not bad for $35¹."
(Phillip Torrone in Make Magazine May 2007 and Make Magazine July 2007

1: The current price for the "Basic" kit is just $27.95

Clock with Roman Numerals

Calibration Screen

Looking for the original version of the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock? Click on the image below

Customer Links:

	ElectronixandMore: Look for Version 3: Build your own stand-alone scope AVR Oscilloscope Clock (but use a isolation transformer!)
	http://www.mbowyer.net Michael Bowyer uses a Mac to interface to the AVR Oscilloscope Clock
	http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/09/30/avr-oscilloscope-clock-and-ideas/ A detailed explanation of how the Scope Clock works by David Fowler
	http://llemarie.wordpress.com/category/oscilloscope-clock/
	Permanent Tektronix 603 Clock, based on this design
	Scope Clock box with built-in GPS time, based on this design

The picture to the right shows Ethan Dicks' AVR Oscilloscope Clock operating at the South Pole! Note that he's opted for the Roman Numerals Display, though Ethan likes the Binary Clock Display as well.

Credits:

	Frank Bemelman for doing the first Scope Clock using an Oscilloscope in X-Y mode
	Sascha Ittner for his vector coordinates generator example
	Dennis Tillman, John Miles and Joe Sousa for technical assistance
	Amy for her patience, thanks!

Technical information:

	Datasheet ATmega168 (Microcontroller)
	Datasheet AD7302 (DAC)
	Datasheet PCF8563 (RTC)
	Application Note on PCF8563

Oscilloscope Clock - Scope Clock - CRT Clock Links:

	http://www.cathodecorner.com/sc100.html
	http://www.franktechniek.nl/Kits/oscilloscopeclock/oscilloscopeclock.htm
	http://web.jfet.org/vclk/
	http://www.timefracture.org/vectclk.html
	http://www.webx.dk/oz2cpu/clock-scope/scope.htm
	http://www.timeguy.com/cradek/clocks
	http://www.leapsecond.com/pages/atomic-nixie/
	http://www.jogis-roehrenbude.de/Leserbriefe/Scope-Clock/Scope-Clock.htm (German)
	http://www.pambor.de/zeitstrahl/ZEITSTRAHL1100.htm (German)

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