Introduction: Retro-Futuristic Hybrid Clock

A Retro-Futuristic clock combining dual LCDs, 3-bit filament LEDs, and WS2812 effects—blending cyberpunk style with steampunk warmth.

Supplies

Raspberry PI PICO x1

ST7789 1.14 Inc x2

DS3231 x1

ULN2003 x1

WS2812 x1

FUSE 30mm x3

LED Filament x3

Step 1: Designed

The Retro-Futuristic Hybrid Clock is a time-keeping project designed to merge the precision of modern digital systems with the charm of physical analog light. Inspired by a blend of Cyberpunk and Steampunk, the clock delivers a unique way of displaying time—clean on LCDs yet warm and mechanical through real hardware lighting.

Powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 + CircuitPython and synced with a DS3231 RTC, the system manages multi-layer displays, binary hardware outputs, and animated light effects with impressive accuracy.

Step 2: Digital Display – Dual ST7789 LCD Panels

Two ST7789 LCD screens independently display hours and minutes.

Using custom bitmap Nixie-style digits, the clock preserves a retro aesthetic with the crisp clarity of modern LCDs.

Each display is controlled through its own chip-select pin (CS1 / CS2), allowing frame-accurate switching without flicker.

Step 3: Binary Output – 3-Bit Filament LEDs (GPIO Driven)

Beyond digital visuals, the clock adds an analog layer:

three LED filament bulbs driven through OUT1, OUT2, OUT3 (GPIO 13/14/15) operating as a 3-bit binary counter.

Each full cycle of the WS2812 “second counter” triggers the binary output to increase:

These glowing filament bulbs add a warm mechanical vibe—like a Steampunk indicator system controlled by a futuristic brain.

Step 4: Neo-Analog Light – WS2812 (0–10 Second Timer)

A WS2812 strip lights up from LED index 2 → 9, forming a 10-second sweep.

Each LED lights for exactly 1 second, creating a smooth “progress timeline.”

When the sweep completes:

→ The binary filament LEDs increment by 1

→ Giving a deep-layer representation of sub-minute time

This fuses cyberpunk neon motion with steampunk glow, creating a hybrid visual language.

Step 5: Circuit

The clock system uses a Raspberry Pi Pico2 to control all hardware in real time, featuring the following functions:

✔ 1) Dual LCD ST7789 Displays

The system uses two ST7789 TFT displays with separate CS1 and CS2 lines.

Each display operates independently and is used to show hours and minutes.

✔ 2) Nixie/Digit Style Hour–Minute Display

The digits shown on the ST7789 screens are not standard fonts.

They are rendered using custom Nixie Tube / Retro Digital graphics,

creating a vintage Nixie-style digital appearance.

✔ 3) Binary Output System (GPIO13/14/15 → ULN2003 → LED Filament)

The firmware outputs a 3-bit binary value via GP13, GP14, and GP15,

driving LED Filament tubes through a ULN2003A driver.

This output represents the tens of seconds.

Examples:

10, 20, 30, 40, 50 seconds → LEDs illuminate according to the actual binary code.

✔ 4) WS2812 Effect for 0–10 Seconds

A WS2812 (NeoPixel) LED strip is used to display a glowing “second hand”.

The animation is based on:

After 10 seconds, the effect resets and loops again.

✔ Summary of All Features

1. Two ST7789 displays
2. Nixie-style hour–minute digits
3. Binary Output on GP13/14/15 for tens-of-seconds
4. WS2812 running-pixel effect for 0–10 seconds
5. High-accuracy RTC DS3231
6. Synchronized dual-display updates
7. Pixel-running animation on the displays
8. Hardware 3-bit binary counter output

Step 6: Code

Comming Sooon