Digital Clock Electronics Kit

Name: Digital Clock Electronics Kit
Brand: The Science Hut
SKU: Default
Price: 29.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Beginner-friendly digital clock project.
✔ Build a real working 6-digit clock.
✔ Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.
✔ No electronics experience necessary.
✔ Learn soldering step-by-step.
✔ Bright LED 24-hour time display.
✔ No coding required.
✔ Perfect STEM project for teens & adults.
✔ Makes a great tech gift.

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Desired option... With acrylic case Without case

Product variants

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Build Your Own Digital Clock

The Perfect Intermediate STEM Kit

Ever wanted to build your own digital clock from scratch? This hands-on electronics kit gives you everything you need to create a fully working 24-hour digital clock with a bright red display—no programming required! It’s the perfect DIY project for teens or adults who want to learn electronics while having fun.

With almost 400 soldering steps, 12 integrated circuits, and a crisp red 6-digit display, this is a serious kit that delivers both challenge and satisfaction. It provides lots of soldering fun—an ideal activity for parent-child bonding time! You’ll not only develop practical soldering and circuit-building skills, but also come away with a precise, long-lasting digital clock you built yourself. Expect questions — everyone will want to know where you got it, and you’ll feel a real sense of pride when you say, “I built it myself."

Whether you're learning at home, teaching electronics, practising soldering as part of your college education, or looking for a rewarding gift, this project makes time fly; in the best possible way. Refer to the dropdown sections below for further product information.

What's Included?

Includes all components required to build the 6-Digit Clock:

1 × PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
6 × 0.56" red 7-segment LED digital display blocks
Resistors:
- 2 × 470Ω
- 50 × 1KΩ
- 3 × 2.2KΩ
- 1 × 100KΩ
- 1 × 10MΩ
4 × 1N4148 diodes
3 × monolithic capacitors (103)
2 × 30pF porcelain capacitors
1 × 25V 100μF capacitor
1 × 32.768KHz crystal oscillator
1 × KF301-2P power connection block
2 × 5mm tactile push-button switches
1 × 12D07 toggle switch
10 × 16-pin IC sockets
2 × 14-pin IC sockets
6 × CD4511 BCD-to-7-segment ICs
3 × CD4518 dual BCD counter ICs
1 × CD4081 quad AND gate IC
1 × CD4060 oscillator/divider IC
1 × CD4013 flip-flop IC
4 × 3mm red LEDs
Acrylic case panels and fittings (version with case only).

Refer to the image gallery for photographs of each component.

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Understand Digital Circuits: Learn how digital logic, oscillators, and counters combine to track time.

Explore Frequency Division: Gain insights into how a high-frequency signal (32.768KHz) is divided down to a stable 1Hz pulse.

Work with Integrated Circuits (ICs): Gain hands-on experience placing and soldering ICs like CD4511, CD4518, and others.

Practice Soldering: Almost 400 connections provide ideal training for anyone looking to master soldering.

Discover Oscillation & Timing: Learn how crystals and capacitors work together to create a reliable clock signal.

Master Troubleshooting: Diagnose circuit issues and build confidence in debugging and repairs.

Boost STEM Confidence: Build a real product while learning about electronics, logic gates, signal processing, and more.

This kit is perfect for learners looking to level up from basic kits to more advanced, real-world builds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need any programming skills to build this clock?
A: Nope! This is a pure hardware-based kit—no coding knowledge is required.

Q: Is it suitable for complete beginners?
A: Yes, anyone can build this kit by following our illustrated instruction manual. Teens with some prior soldering experience will be able to complete this project entirely on their own. Young children or those who have never soldered before will require some help from a grown-up, making this kit a great activity for quality parent-child bonding time!

Q: Does the instruction manual include a circuit diagram and explanation of how it works?
A: Yes, our instruction manuals are tailored not only to provide details on how to assemble the kit, but also contain a huge amount of educational content that will help you understand how it works too!

Q: How accurate is the timekeeping?
A: This digital clock kit is highly accurate thanks to the use of a 32.768 KHz crystal oscillator, the same type found in most wristwatches. It generates a very stable signal that’s divided down electronically to tick precisely once per second. This setup ensures consistent timekeeping without the need for internet or manual syncing.

In normal conditions (room temperature and stable voltage), you can expect a drift of only about ±1 to 2 seconds per day—so over a full week, that’s typically less than 15 seconds of time gain or loss. For a DIY electronics build, that’s exceptional performance! Keep in mind that extreme temperatures or unstable power can affect timing slightly, but for most home use, this clock will keep very reliable time.

Q: What advantage does the version with the case have?
A: The version with the case provides both protection and polish. It shields the delicate circuit board and components from dust, moisture, accidental knocks, or static discharge—extending the lifespan of your clock. It also gives the finished build a professional, display-worthy appearance, making it more suitable as a gift or for use on a desk, bedside table, or workshop.

The clear acrylic casing allows you to still see your handiwork, showing off the internal components and soldering while keeping everything safe. It also prevents small parts like switches or jumpers from being accidentally nudged once set. If you plan to use your clock regularly, display it, or gift it, the version with the case is definitely worth it.

Product Specifications

Dimensions (approx., when completed):

Version with case:

Length: 14.1 cm
Width: 9.0 cm
Depth: 2.1 cm

Version without case:

Length: 12.9 cm
Width: 7.8 cm
Depth: 1.2 cm

PCB Type: All through-hole components.

Case material: clear acrylic with steel and nylon fixtures.

Power Supply: 4.5 to 5.5 V DC which can be supplied via the power connection block using a USB cable, 3xAA battery pack, etc.

Clock format: 24 hour format (hh:mm:ss)

Accuracy: typically to within 2 seconds per day (less than one minute drift per month).

Assembly and Usage Info

Anyone can build this Digital Clock Electronics kit following our detailed step-by-step instruction manual which can be downloaded from the link below. The password to open the manual was sent to the same email that you placed your order from. Can't find it? Just Contact Us!

Download: 6-Digit Digital Clock Kit Instruction Manual

Note: The manual requires a password. This was emailed to you after your order was processed. Didn't buy your kit from The Science Hut? You can purchase our manuals by clicking [HERE].

Skill Level: Intermediate
Age Rating: 12+ (adult supervision recommended for younger builders)
Assembly Time: Typically 3-6 hours

Tools and Materials Required

Tools required for this kit

Soldering iron
Solder wire

We sell these items as a Bundle which saves 10 percent or we have an excellent Electronics Soldering Kit that includes these tools and more—an excellent beginners tool kit! Just click the links above to see these products.

Of course, you only need to buy the tools once; you'll use them again and again for your future electronics projects!

GET THE TOOLS FREE!!!

Our Electronics Kit Bundles include tools completely FREE...

Click to view Bundles

Links and References

Our blogs & videos related to electronics kits:

Ultimate Guide to Electronics Kits

STEM Electronics as a Hobby

Youtube video: Tools, tips and tricks for soldering electronics kits

Shipping and Warranty Info

Shipping Information

Orders are processed for dispatch within 1–2 business days. Shipping timelines remain unaffected by the current Middle East conflict. All orders are being processed and delivered as normal. Typical delivery times following dispatch for this product, depending on region are:

US: 5-10 days
UK: 5-8 days
EU: 6-13 days
Canada: 7-14 days
Australia: 7-14 days

All orders are shipped with tracking, where available. Please refer to our Shipping Policy page for further detail.

Warranty & Satisfaction Guarantee

All electronics kits come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with your purchase, contact us and we’ll arrange a refund or replacement — no hassle. Please note that to qualify for a replacement or refund, kits must be in their original, unused condition. Please refer to our Returns and Refunds policy for more information.

Packaging

We aim to minimize waste while protecting your order. All electronic kits are securely packaged in padded mailing bags containing anti-static ESD bags and/or rigid plastic boxes (depending on the product) to ensure the safety of the electronic components. An example of electronics kit packaging can be viewed HERE. If you're purchasing this item as a gift and would rather that it was in a box, we also sell quality gift boxes at the following link: Quality Gift boxes.

Ships from: International Warehouse

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Digital Clock

I certainly agree with Dennis that this kit requires advanced soldering skills to assemble. Thus said it was a ton of fun to put together - starting with 42 resistors!
A huge shout out to The Science Hut for their detailed instructions and explanations. This is a god sent vs kits produced by others.
Start off with a more manageable kit from TSH and master your soldering skills. Now you are ready to tackle the Digital Clock

Hi Robert, thank you for your excellent review, we really do appreciate it! Our Technical Team do put a lot of effort into the instruction manuals, so they were delighted to receive your feedback. Glad you enjoyed building the kit and thank you for supporting our small business.

Great learning toolkit.

High quality pieces

Hi Jordan, thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we really appreciate it! We're so glad you enjoyed the Digital Clock Electronics Kit and were happy with the quality of the components. Thanks for your kind words and support!

Time to solder

A great kit with full on instructions to follow.
An easy to follow kit and very effective clock.

Hello Anthony, thank you for your review, we really appreciate it! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed assembling the kit and that the clock turned out to be effective.

Needs power supply

This is a fun kit. Haven’t got to test mine yet because I haven’t powered it up. I think the kit needs either an optional USB connection or a battery case. It was frustrating to get it all put together and then not be able to power it up right away.

Hello Mike, thank you for taking the time to leave your review, we really appreciate it. Glad to hear you enjoyed assembling the kit, but sorry to hear you weren't able to power it straight away. The kit includes a KF301-2P terminal block which is very versatile for connection to many different power sources including battery packs, dedicated power supplies, etc. We do have instructions on how to power it using an old USB cable (which almost everyone has laying about the house these days); these instructions are being added to the instruction manual with the next edit, but since you need the information now, I have asked Customer Care to email them onto you right away!

Great project! Enjoyable Build!

I bought this kit to relieve the times years ago when I used to assemble modules that combined to make a powerful analogue computer. In the days before fast PCs it was the only way to collect multiple channels of data at the frequencies we required. Whilst I can identify components and know what they do I don’t really understand how they interact so following the instructions and soldering everything together was just right for me. The clock worked as soon as I powered it up and it takes pride of place in my workshop above the lathe! The finished product with case looks great with a clear bright display and I’m very pleased with it!
A couple of observations:
There seem to be a huge amount of components, especially integrated circuits, for a simple clock. Not a problem as it looks impressive and gives plenty of soldering practice but it looks a bit excessive to me.
Secondly will the clock still run if I remove the flashing LEDs between the numerals? Easy enough to check I know but just wondered as the constant flashing is a bit distracting. Alternatively I could mount these LEDs on the back of the board so they light up the wall behind. Might look good!

Hello Paul, thank you for taking the time to write a detailed review, we really appreciate it, and we're glad you enjoyed the product. The large number of components is primarily aimed at making this kit ideal for soldering practice since there are so many solder joints, but also to demonstrate how many ICs can be configured to work together to accomplish tasks. And yes, you can remove the flashing 'colons' and the clock will still work. Easist way to accomplish this is just to remove them by desoldering them, then solder a small pice of copper wire (a 'jumper') in their place so the current can continue to flow throughout the circuit. Don't throw the LEDs away in case you decide at a later stage to reinstall them.