Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video is about time! A word clock is a creative digital clock that displays the time using illuminated words instead of numbers, making it both functional and visually interesting. The ANAVI Word Clock is an entirely open-source project that combines electronics, programming, PCB design, and 3D printing to create a unique and customizable way of telling the time. The project includes several printed circuit boards, an 8×8 panel of NeoPixels, a 3D-printed case, and custom firmware that controls the LEDs. Initially, the word clock was built around the ANAVI Miracle Emitter, but later a special PCB was designed specifically for the project, making the overall design more compact and organized. During the development, the controller was also changed from the XIAO ESP32-C3 to the XIAO ESP32-C6. The XIAO ESP32-C6 acts as the main controller of the clock, processing the current time and controlling the individual NeoPixels so that the correct letters light up and form words representing the time. KiCad is used to design the electronic circuits and printed circuit boards, allowing the components, connections, and layout to be planned carefully before the boards are manufactured. The 3D-printed case then holds the electronics and NeoPixel panel together, creating the finished clock. Overall, this project shows how a small microcontroller, addressable LEDs, custom PCBs, firmware, and 3D-printed parts can work together to create a practical but visually appealing device. It also demonstrates the benefits of open-source hardware, because the design and software can be studied, modified, and improved by other people who want to build their own version of the word clock.
🔗 Useful Links
===
Seeed Studio Fusion
seeedstudio.com/fusion.html
Seeed XIAO ESP32C6
seeedstudio.com/Seeed-Studio-XIAO-ESP32C6-p-5884.html
ANAVI Word Clock design files
github.com/AnaviTechnology/anavi-word-clock
ANAVI Miracle Emitter
crowdsupply.com/anavi-technology/anavi-miracle-emitter
📚 Chapters
===
0:00 Intro
2:35 ESP32C6
5:12 PCB
8:07 Assembly
12:08 Conclusions
This video is about time! A word clock is a creative digital clock that displays the time using illuminated words instead of numbers, making it both functional and visually interesting. The ANAVI Word Clock is an entirely open-source project that combines electronics, programming, PCB design, and 3D printing to create a unique and customizable way of telling the time. The project includes several printed circuit boards, an 8×8 panel of NeoPixels, a 3D-printed case, and custom firmware that controls the LEDs. Initially, the word clock was built around the ANAVI Miracle Emitter, but later a special PCB was designed specifically for the project, making the overall design more compact and organized. During the development, the controller was also changed from the XIAO ESP32-C3 to the XIAO ESP32-C6. The XIAO ESP32-C6 acts as the main controller of the clock, processing the current time and controlling the individual NeoPixels so that the correct letters light up and form words representing the time. KiCad is used to design the electronic circuits and printed circuit boards, allowing the components, connections, and layout to be planned carefully before the boards are manufactured. The 3D-printed case then holds the electronics and NeoPixel panel together, creating the finished clock. Overall, this project shows how a small microcontroller, addressable LEDs, custom PCBs, firmware, and 3D-printed parts can work together to create a practical but visually appealing device. It also demonstrates the benefits of open-source hardware, because the design and software can be studied, modified, and improved by other people who want to build their own version of the word clock.
🔗 Useful Links
===
Seeed Studio Fusion
seeedstudio.com/fusion.html
Seeed XIAO ESP32C6
seeedstudio.com/Seeed-Studio-XIAO-ESP32C6-p-5884.html
ANAVI Word Clock design files
github.com/AnaviTechnology/anavi-word-clock
ANAVI Miracle Emitter
crowdsupply.com/anavi-technology/anavi-miracle-emitter
📚 Chapters
===
0:00 Intro
2:35 ESP32C6
5:12 PCB
8:07 Assembly
12:08 Conclusions
