← Back to list

Final Project

Table Of Contents

  • Project Idea
  • Key Features
  • Draft Material List
  • Sketches and 3D

1. Project Idea

My project is a digital hourglass where the falling sand is replaced by LED pixels whose colours you can change. The user can set the duration of the hourglass by using a slider. Once the time is selected, the LEDs animate from top to bottom at a speed that represents how fast the “digital sand” should fall. If the hourglass is placed in a horizontal position, the pixels stop from falling, just like in a real hourglass with sand. The goal is to combine an hourglass with digital control and LEDs, creating a functional, decorative, and adjustable clock-like device.

2. Key Features

  • Adjustable timer: The user can choose the duration.
  • LED falling-sand animation: Pixels flow from the top to the bottom over the selected time.
  • Live color control: The user can change the color of the LEDs at any moment with a button.
  • Horizontal detection: The animation pauses automatically when the hourglass is laid horizontally.
  • Aesthetic design: 3D-printed shell inspired by a real hourglass, both functional and decorative.

3. Draft Materials List

  • 2 × RGB LED Matrix panels: Used for creating the colored “sand” animation.
  • Microcontroller (Arduino or ESP32): Controls timing, LEDs, colors, and sensors.
  • Potentiometer: Sets the timer duration.
  • Orientation sensor: Detects the horizontal position.
  • Push buttons: Used to change the LED color.
  • 3D-printed material: Forms the outer hourglass body.
  • Power supply or battery: Provides power for operation.
  • Wires / connectors / small PCB: Used for electronic connections.

4. Sketches and 3D

Initial Concept Sketch

Initial hourglass sketch

3D Model (Fusion 360)

Fusion 360 model

3D Printed Prototype

3D printed prototype