AVR Scope Clock

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

"Enhanced" kit: $34.95

Look at the updated Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock, firmware version V3.5:

Hardware features:

	Connects to your analog scope in X-Y mode using BNC cables or probes (1x, 10x)
	Uses the new Atmel AVR Atmega328p with twice as much memory
	On board 5V power regulator for use with user provided wall adapter (8-15V DC center positive)
	Power plug (5.5mm outside diameter) included
	On-board Real-Time Clock 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.
	On-board true RS-232 level converter for the serial port
	Professionally made dual sided 3" x 3" PCB (with solder masks and silkscreen)
	Optional external 5V Power
	BNC connectors on PCB: use standard BNC cables
	DB9 connector on PCB: use a standard RS-232 cable.
	On-Off switch on PCB
	Two tactile switches on PCB
	Headers provide easy access to TTL level Serial Port
	Footprint on PCB for optional USB interface
	Header to select power from USB interface
	Header for External Clock Signal (GPS 1 Pulse Per Second, Rubidium Oscillator etc.)

Firmware features:

	Multiple applications pre-loaded: Clock, Terminal, Function Generator
	User control with 2 push button switches, including auto-repeat operation
	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
	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
	Select from Multiple Baud Rates on the menu
	Automatic Time and Date setting when connected to the NMEA Serial output from a GPS device
	Extensive FAQ document available on this website
	On board very small boot-loader, less than 512 words, leaving 31KB code space available
	Boot-loader is STK500V1 compatible and uses avrdude to upload firmware (see WinAVR)
	Firmware pre-programmed and upgradeable through the Serial Interface using the built-in boot-loader.

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
	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 the 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 switches; 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).

On Screen Menu

Binary Clock Display 08:35:27

This is what the assembled board looks like:

PCB Dimensions: 3" by 3"

A video showing the AVR Oscilloscope clock V3.1 in DEMO mode on a Tektronix 608 X-Y monitor is posted 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.

Any flickering visible in this video is due to interaction with the camera shutter. The AVR Clock has very high refresh rates and shows a rock solid image.

This AVR Oscilloscope clock is available as a kit, using all through-hole components. The kit shown below includes all the components necessary to assemble the board shown above (the Enhanced kit), including a preprogrammed ATmega328p microcontroller. It does not include an oscilloscope and requires an external wall adapter (8-15V DC, center positive) or +5V regulated power source. Most external wall adapters should fit without any problems. If it doesn't, use the included DC Power plug. Just make sure it is hooked up with the center as the positive side (outside shaft GND).

How to order the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope Clock kit:

The following reseller carries the Dutchtronix AVR Oscilloscope clock (Hardware 3-1 Enhanced kit):

South Holland Trading Co (USA)

You can also contact me directly at to purchase kits, specially if you want to buy a kit with the USB components included at an extra charge.

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
	Firmware upgrading instructions
	Terminal Application
	Function Generator Application

AVR Clock Flash Image V3.5a (Serial Download)

What others are saying about the AVR Oscilloscope Clock:

"No need to sit down for the kit price, at $35.00 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

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/
	Scope Clock box with built-in GPS time, based on this design

The picture to the right shows Ethan Dicks' AVR Oscilloscope Clock (hardware 2.0) 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, Joe Sousa and David Giller for technical assistance
	Amy for her patience, thanks!

Technical information:

	Datasheet ATmega328p (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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