Digital Clock Electronics Kit

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

$29.95

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Desired option... With acrylic case Without case

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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

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 for just €25.95 (or currency equivalent) which saves 10 percent! Just click the link below to select your countries plug type and add to your order.

SOLDERING IRON & WIRE BUNDLE

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. Typical delivery times following dispatch for this product, depending on region are:

US: 5-8 days (Orders are shipping as usual. The U.S. government shutdown isn’t causing any delays.)
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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A very fun project - highly recommend.

Completed this project yesterday and I'm very pleased that I purchased it. Lots of fun soldering and component manipulation to provide a good sense of accomplishment. Recommend being very careful with installation of the 8 segment LED units so that they are flush with the PCB because if they aren't and you try to unsolder and then resolder them, you may run into big troubles. Big electrolytic capacitor in the lower left corner should probably be installed laying flat rather than upright. Note to Science hut - an IC socket or two arrived with a pin missing or highly damaged so I had to buy some replacements - no big deal. I bought a USB-C power cable to hook to the terminal strip and then will provide power via an iPhone type charger. Note that for whatever reason, I was not successful in getting +5V DC using a USB-C (to USB-C) iPhone type charger; rather I ended up having to use a USB-A type iPhone charger and attaching a USB-A to USB-C cable to it. Not a big deal. Another note to Science Hut: consider making the terminal strip a USB-C receptacle and that would solve a lot of problems for builders. I recommend getting the acrylic case.

I think I will purchase the FM radio next for additional fun!

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review—we really appreciate it! We're especially grateful for your advice and tips, as they’ll be helpful for others building this kit. Your suggestions for improvements are also invaluable, and we’ll certainly take them on board.

Sorry to hear that some sockets were damaged, but we're glad you found a workaround to complete your kit. Just so you know, we do offer replacements for damaged components as outlined in our Returns & Refunds Policy. Feel free to email us at info@thesciencehut.com or reach out via Facebook—we’re happy to help, whether it’s for technical support, product issues, or general inquiries.

Thanks again!

A quality clock in a very fun kit to assemble

I enjoyed building this one, it's a step up from the more simple clocks and is a good challenge for next steps if you've built some simpler kits before. You'll get a little of everything, from standard components to IC sockets to placing ICs. I used a USB-pigtail cord to power it, these can be easily found online. Building this will not only test your skills, but your ability to finesse the detail (like careful alignment of some components like the switch and power connector). I like to learn something from any project I do, and this was worth the experience. All in all, a really fun kit with a great result (I'd recommend getting the acrylic case - fits perfectly and makes it look really nice!) Mine keeps perfect time!

Hi Dave, thank you for taking time out of your day to leave this review—we really appreciate it. Delighted to hear you enjoyed building this kit and got learning benefits from doing so, and that you're happy with the finished product. Our technical team received your email feedback relating to the need for the capacitor to be laid flat to facilitate assembly of the acrylic case—they have since revised the instruction manual based on your feedback to include that detail, so thank you for highlighting to us—we're always grateful to receive feedback that helps us to improve our products or services.

Fun project to build. Took a little over four hours. Bent one pin on a 16 pin IC socket and it broke off. Luckily have multiple spare 16 pin sockets. Replacement socket is much stronger.

Hi David, thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review, we really appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed the project and happy to hear you had a spare component when one of the pins on the IC socket broke off. If ever a component breaks that you don't have a spare for, we can supply them—just drop us an email at info@thesciencehut.com.

Digital Clock

Great kit

Hi Frank, thank you very much for taking the time to rate the digital clock electronics kit, we really appreciate it. We're glad that you're happy with it!

Digital Clock

The Digital Clock Kit is a good-looking finished product. You should not attempt this kit unless you are fairly proficient at soldering or have lots of time. As the Hut warns, there are nearly 400 solder joints you must make. There are a couple of other warnings I would give: be very careful straightening bent pins on either the sockets or the ICs – they are fragile (a small pair of needlenose pliers is helpful here); look up a how-to on inserting ICs into sockets – you can’t just shove them in, the pins must be realigned beforehand and this takes considerable care.
Once assembled, if you choose to run off battery power, be aware that three AA cells will only last about a week. After that length of time, my clock stopped updating the hours and the LED colons went off, but replacing the batteries restored everything to working order. In view of this I recommend using a phone charger to power your clock. Just be sure to check the voltage first.
Finally, the clock is reasonably accurate. Mine gains less than 40 seconds a day. Yours may perform differently – there are many factors that can cause small errors.
I am happy with my purchase. Oh, and for you USA customers, it clearly says that this is a 24-hour clock on the Hut website, so don’t say you weren’t warned. I’m an amateur radio operator, so that suits me fine. I have it set on UTC.

Hi Paul, many thanks for another very fair, very balanced and very detailed reviewed packed full of advice and recommendations for other people considering this product, we really appreciate it! I have asked Technical to take a look at the battery longevity since a week doesn't seem very long, but perhaps it's due to the brightness of the display. If needed, we could potentially look at a modification to reduce brightness to extend battery life without taking too much away from the aesthetics of the final device. That said, your suggestion of using a phone charger is probably the best option, negating the need for batteries altogether and fairly straightforward to accomplish using an inexpensive USB cable.

Digital Clock Electronics Kit

Build Your Own Digital Clock

What's Included?

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

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Product Specifications

Assembly and Usage Info