LED Sandglass Timer Kit

Includes all components required to build the LED Sandglass Timer:

• Printed circuit board (PCB)
• 32 mm 8x8 LED dot matrix (2)
• STC8G1K17A SMD microcontroller (1)
• 16-bit SMD LED driver (1)
• TP5400 5V/1A Booster IC (1)
• 5 mm tactile push button (4)
• 5V active buzzer (1)
• CD43 10 µH SMD power inductor (1)
• Mercury tilt switch (1)
• Self-locking switch (1)
• SS34 SMD Schottky diode
• 47 µF electrolytic capacitor (1)
• 5mm red LED (1)
• SMD 1 kΩ 0805 resistor (6)
• SMD 22 µF 0805 capacitor (2)
• SMD 100 nF 0805 capacitor (5)
• SMD micro USB port (1)
• USB-A to micro-USB cable (1)
• Acrylic case and fixtures (1 set)

Refer to product image gallery for pictures of all components.

Advanced Electronics Skills: Take your electronics knowledge to the next level by assembling a sophisticated LED dot matrix sandglass. This project combines both SMD (surface-mount) and through-hole soldering techniques, making it an excellent progression from beginner electronics kits while building confidence with the types of components used in modern electronic devices.

Understand Modern Electronic Components: Gain practical experience identifying and installing a wide range of electronic components, including LED dot matrix displays, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits (ICs), a microcontroller, LED driver, power management circuitry, buzzers, switches, and a gravity sensor. Learn the role each component plays within a complete working circuit.

Microcontrollers and Embedded Systems: Discover how a programmable microcontroller coordinates the timer, LED animations, push buttons, gravity sensing, and audible alerts. This project provides an excellent introduction to embedded electronics and demonstrates how software and hardware work together to create an interactive device.

Sensor Technology and Real-World Applications: Learn how a tilt sensor detects orientation and allows the timer to behave like a traditional sandglass. Explore how electronic sensors can be used to detect movement and trigger different behaviours within an electronic system.

Circuit Assembly and Troubleshooting: Develop valuable troubleshooting skills by learning to identify poor solder joints, polarity mistakes, solder bridges, and other common assembly issues. The comprehensive instruction manual also introduces techniques used by experienced electronics makers to diagnose and repair circuits.

Develop Precision and Patience: Working with fine-pitch SMD components helps improve soldering accuracy, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. These are transferable skills that will make future electronics projects significantly easier and more enjoyable.

A Functional Project You'll Want to Display: Unlike many educational kits that are packed away once completed, this project becomes a fully functional gravity-sensing LED sandglass with adjustable timing, bright animations, and a clear acrylic case that proudly showcases your workmanship.

Q: Is this kit suitable for beginners?
A: This is an advanced electronics kit (or for makers at an intermediate level if you've previously worked with SMD components). It contains both SMD (surface-mount) and through-hole components, including several very small integrated circuits that require careful soldering. If you've already completed plenty of through-hole only soldering kits and want to take your skills further, this is an excellent next project.

Q: What age is this kit suitable for?
A: The kit is recommended for ages 12 and above. Builders under 16 should be supervised by an adult, particularly when using a soldering iron.

Q: Does the kit include instructions?
A: Yes. Every kit includes a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual with clear assembly guidance, soldering advice, troubleshooting information and operating instructions.

Q: How does the gravity sensor work?
A: A built-in tilt switch detects when the timer is turned upside down. After the countdown finishes, simply flip the timer over and the LED "sand" begins falling in the opposite direction while keeping the same timer setting—just like a traditional hourglass.

Q: Can I choose the countdown time?
A: Yes. The timer is fully adjustable between 1 and 99 minutes using the onboard buttons, making it ideal for study sessions, cooking, work breaks or timing hobbies.

Q: What powers the timer?
A: The timer is powered using the included Micro USB cable, which can be connected to a USB charger, computer or power bank. The PCB also includes support for an optional rechargeable lithium battery if you wish to add one later. The kit actually includes a TP5400 rechargeable lithium battery control IC, so you can install a rechargeable lithium battery (up to 250 mAh) inside the case and recharge it using the supplied USB cable. We do not include the battery with the kit, since lithium batteries are restricted items on all the shipping channels we use. However, you can buy rechargeable batteries at hobby stores or even salvage one from an old phone/device.

Q: Does it make a sound when the time is up?
A: Yes, the sandglass timer includes a 5V active buzzer that sounds when the set time has elapsed.

Q: How accurate is the timer?
A: While this kit isn't designed as a precision timing instrument, it provides excellent accuracy for everyday use. In our testing, the countdown timer was typically accurate to within approximately ±2%. For example, a 3-minute timer completed in around 2:56 to 3:04, while a 50-minute timer completed in approximately 49:00 to 51:00.

Dimensions (approx., when completed):

• Height: 10.9 cm
• Width: 5.9 cm
• Depth: 2.5 cm

Weight (after assembly, excluding cable): 80g

PCB Type: combination of through-hole components and SMD type components.

Power Supply: 5V DC (cable included).

Note: includes connections and components to allow for the installation of a rechargeable lithium battery (not included, due to international freight restrictions).

Anyone can build this LED Sandglass Timer 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: LED Sandglass Timer Electronics 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 to Advanced
Age Rating: 12+ (adult supervision required for under 16's)
Assembly Time: Typically 2-4 hours

Tools required for this kit

• Soldering iron
• Solder wire with rosin core

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! Just click the links above to see these products.

While not essential (assuming your solder wire includes sufficient rosin), we also recommend solder flux paste for working with the SMD components. We also sell this here: Solder Flux Paste.

Some components are quite small so a tweezers is required for manipulating them. You possibly already have a tweezers at home, but if not, we sell them here: ESD Tweezers.

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

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