This project is an Arduino based Fast Clock implementation. This project was built for the Youtube Model Builders and especially the YTMB Arduino Workshop group. Because this was for that Arduino Workshop, there is a complete build video linked below.

Please visit the Youtube Model Builders web site for more information, and dont forget to download and subscribe to their amazing free YTMB eMag.

Typically used in model railroading, this fast clock runs faster than an ordinary clock. You can specify exactly how fast you want it to run. For example, if set to a 2:1 ratio, it will advance 2 minutes for every 1 real minute. When set to 10:1, it will advance 10 minutes for every 1 real minute. Or stated anoter way, it will advance one minute every 6 real seconds.

Note: Because of the way the fast clock runs, it is best to select a speed ratio that is an even multiple of 60, otherwise it may not appear to update smoothly. i.e. choose one of the following: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 10:1, 12:1, 15:1.

The following video is episode #21 recorded Apr 11, 2018. It will walk you through a complete build for the Fast Clock. Enjoy.

• 1 - Arduino Uno or similar
• 1 - 4x20 LCD display with I2C backpack
• 1 - TM1637 LED display w/SPI connections
• 1 - Rotary Encoder
• 1 - DS3231 RTC (Real Time Clock) module
• 2 - 100 nF capacitor (0.1uF) (# 104 may be printed on the cap.)
• 2 - 10K Resistor (Brown, Black, Orange)

The following libraries musty be installed for this project.

Click here for instructions How to Install Libraries from Github

• LiquidCrystal_I2C by marcoschwartz Get it here on GitHub

  Note This library may conflict with the NewLiquidCrystal library. If you have NewLiquidCrystal library installed, you may need to uninstall it and use this library instead.

• TM1637Display by Avishay Get it here on GitHub

  Note As of4/10/2018, there is a bug in this library which prevents it from being seen by the ArduinoIDE. This can be easily fixed by finding the TM1637 library in your libraries folder. Open the library.properties file and add maintainer= as a new row in the file. Update This issue was fixed on 4/16/2018. Downloading this library after then should not require this modification.

• DS3232RTC by Jack Christensen Get it here on GitHub

• Bounce2 by Thomas O Fredericks Get it here on GitHub

• TimeLib by Paul Stoffregen Get it here on GitHub

• LiquidMenu by Vasil Kalchev Get it here on GitHub

  Note: By default, the LiquidMenu library will not work with an I2C 4x20 LCD. To fix that you will need to edit the "LiquidMenu_config.h" file. Change the I2C option from "false" to "true". You will find the LiquidMenu_config.h file in the library folder. You can use Notepad or any other text editor to make the change.

  Or - You can download the version that's included with the this project in github. See above.

The source code for the Fast Clock project can be found in the "Fast_Clock.ino" file.

The easiest way to copy the code to your Arduino IDE is to

1. Open the code by doing one of the following:
   • Click on the file name ( Fast_Clock.ino ). It will open the code on a new page. Find and click the "Raw" button. It's near the top of the code block about 2/3 the way over on the right side of the screen. That'll open the code in a window with nothing else.
   • Click this link to go directly to the Raw code.
2. Hit Ctrl-A then Ctrl-C.
3. Open the Arduino IDE and open a new blank project.
   1. Delete any code that Auduino inserts
   2. paste (ctrl-V) the code into the blank Arduino Window.
4. Save the project with a meaningful name like "Fast_Clock".

• How does a Rotary Encoder Work
• Debouncing a Rotary Encoder with hardware
• Osh Park Rotary Encoder board that includes debounce - Use 10K resistors and 100 nF Capacitors.

Are you having problems or noticed a bug in the code? At the top of this page is a tab called "Issues". Click there, then open a "New Issue" and tell me about the problem, you're having. If it's a code problem, I can work on fixing it.