Toyota Corolla AMOLED Clock

Custom clock project using the LilyGo T-Display-S3 AMOLED

Features

• Display the time on a high resolution AMOLED display
• Different colour/brightness based on interior lighting state (on/off)
• Colour Settings (digit colour, background opacity, whiteness level)
• Size Settings (width, thickness, padding)
• Automatic display timeout when accessory is off

Dependencies

• ESP-IDF <= v4.4.6
• Arduino-ESP32 <= v2.0.14 (Place inside components folder)
• TFT-eSPI <= v2.5.31 (Place inside components folder)
• Required Libraries (See Official ESP-IDF Installation Steps)
  • Additionally: python3-virtualenv

Configuration

• menuconfig (Type "menuconfig" in Command Palette)
  • Set all TFT_eSPI driver configuration pins to 0 (we are using rm67162.h and rm67162.cpp for driving the display)
  • "Autostart Arduino setup and loop on boot" should be enabled
• CMakeLists.txt
  • Make sure main.cpp and rm67162.cpp are both in SRCS entry for idf_component_register
  • INCLUDE_DIRS should be set to "." (Relative path of main directory, includes the header files)
• VSCode (ESP-IDF)
  • Set device to esp32s3
  • Set flash method to UART

Step-by-Step DIY Tutorial

This project requires a clock with 3 buttons (Asia/Pacific Model). If your clock does not meet this specification, you will need to purchase a separate clock housing.
A Linux-based OS is necessary to flash the software. Debian Desktop or Ubuntu are recommended.

1. Procure T-Display-S3 AMOLED and Necessary Materials

   • T-Display-S3 Amoled (https://www.lilygo.cc/products/t-display-s3-amoled)
   • Wire cutters
   • Soldering iron
   • Solder
   • Heat-resistant cables (compatible with 2.54mm spaced pins)

2. Order PCB via JLCPCB Service

   • Register an account at https://jlcpcb.com/
   • Navigate to https://cart.jlcpcb.com/quote/Upload and upload the gerber file located in /docs/schematics
   • Select "PCB Assembly"
   • Proceed with the checkout process, providing the files located in docs/schematics.

3. Order 3D Print via JLC3DP Service

   • Log in using the same account
   • Repeat the following process for both models:
     • Navigate to https://jlc3dp.com/3d-printing-quote and upload the STL file located in /docs/models
     • Choose a material that can withstand high temperatures
     • Add to cart and proceed with the checkout process

4. Software Flashing

   • Download Visual Studio Code from https://code.visualstudio.com
   • Install the dependencies as specified in the README
   • Follow the configuration steps as specified in the README
     • Clone the project: git clone https://github.com/Cxmrykk/Corolla-Clock.git
     • Navigate to the project directory: cd Corolla-Clock
     • Open with VSCode: code .
   • Connect the T-Display-S3 AMOLED board via USB-C and click the "Flash" button at the bottom

5. Soldering Process

   • Trim the wires on both sides (approximately 0.5cm) and tin them using the soldering iron
   • Solder wires to the T-Display-S3 AMOLED pins as follows:
     • GPIO 42: LAMP
     • GPIO 43: ACCESSORY
     • GPIO 44: RESET
     • GPIO 45: HOUR
     • GPIO 46: MINUTE
     • VBUS: VCC
     • 3.3V: 3.3V
     • GND: GND
   • After soldering, trim the ends to prevent contact (trim the top of the board, not the cables)
   • Solder the other ends of the cables to the PCB (refer to the pin map above)
   • Verify that all pins are soldered and none are touching

6. Clock Removal and Assembly

   • Remove the clock by following a tutorial on YouTube
   • Disassemble the clock by following a tutorial on YouTube (Exercise caution as the clock housing clips are brittle)
   • Remove the existing buttons and circuit board
   • Secure the new PCB to the clock housing using the existing screw
   • Insert the 3D printed mount and buttons (some force may be required for proper insertion)
   • Insert the Screen and PCB:
     • The USB-C port should be on the right side. The LILYGO logo should be upright (same orientation as clock housing)
     • Insert the screen first, then clip in the rest of the housing (with the PCB attached)
   • Finally, reinstall the clock and reassemble your car.

7. Adjusting Alignment and Time

   • Press the reset button (:00) to toggle the mode overlay
   • Press the hour button twice (H) to cycle to the vertical positioning menu
   • Press the reset button once more and hold the H and M buttons to adjust the screen position
   • Adjust the screen position as needed for clear text readability
   • Configure your clock as required (Set time, align screen, colours, sizing, brightness, etc)