Build the "7-uP" Alarm/Time-Switch

This gadget does much more than a consumer 7-day digital alarm clock.* It can automate the operation of appliances in your study, office or bedroom, e.g. on/off switching computer & peripherals, battery charger, radio, TV, MP3 player, lamp, heater, electric blanket, motorized blind, and so on.

The device is, in effect, an "entry level" home/office automation controller. You might also think of some ingenious ways to apply the 7-uP Alarm/Time-switch to wake yourself up in the mornings!

* If you just want a 7-day programmable alarm clock, with no control outputs, there are products available at prices much lower than the cost of parts for this DIY project (because mass-market consumer products are manufactured in "third-world" countries using slave labor, of course). Google with "7-day programmable alarm clock" and you will probably find a product to suit your needs.

Convenience and ease of use (ergonomic design)

• Intuitive local controls and setup menu
• Knob (rotary encoder switch) for easy time setting and data entry
• One-touch confirmation of pending alarm time and loudness

Multiple alarm "events" and weekly (7-day) schedule

• Program up to four alarm "events" in a 24-hour day
• Different alarm times each day of the week, if desired

Time-switch and Alarm-switch functions

• Four independent time-switch channels with 7-day ON/OFF schedule
• Control AC appliances (lamps, radio, TV/AV, computer & peripherals)*
• Alarm-activated output for controlling low-voltage DC accessories

Variable brightness display with choice of control modes

• "Automatic mode" — uses built-in ambient light sensor
• "Power-save mode" — display dims after a preset time
• "Manual override" — adjust brightness using knob

Programmable alarm sounds

• Choose from a variety of "interesting" preset alarm sounds
• Customise the preset sounds or create your own sounds
• Assign a different sound to each alarm "event"

USB link to host PC #

• Synchronize real-time clock with PC time/date
• Save and restore option settings, alarm event and time-switch schedules +
• Switch PC peripherals on automatically when USB bus power is detected
• Download firmware upgrades (feature enhancements and bug fixes)

Connections for plug-in accessories

• "Time-Switch Accessory" socket for controlling appliances (7-pin DIN) *
• "Alarm Accessory" socket for controlling alarm-activated devices (6-pin DIN)
• "Serial Accessory" port (RS485 bus) for remote control, 2nd display, wireless link, etc.

^ Requires optional mezzanine board with PCM/MP3 decoder and SD Flash memory.
* Requires optional 4-outlet solid-state relay board for controlling AC mains powered equipment.
# PC link uses the USB-CDC "Virtual COM port" API, also accessible using HyperTerminal.
+ Facilitiated by Windows GUI application software, to be offered by 3rd-party developers.

Overview article: "Build the 7-uP Alarm/Time-Switch" (PDF ~ 200kB)

Documentation
(Schematics, Parts Lists, Assembly Instructions, User Guide, PCB files, Artwork files, etc.)

Download doc pack (ZIP ~ 2MB)

Firmware
(incl. source code & Windows XP USB driver .inf file)

Download firmware pack v0.9 (ZIP ~ 125kB)

The "complete implementation" of the firmware (v1.0) will be released soon.

Windows utility software

To be offered as "shareware" by 3rd-party developers (?)

Bulletin Board / SAQ (Seldom Asked Questions!)

Watch this space for advice and announcements concerning the project.

Your feedback is appreciated. Let me know if you are interested in the project.

Would you be willing to help develop Windows utility software for the project?

Circuit boards
The doc pack contains Protel PCB files for fabrication of the two circuit boards. There are many companies which provide a PCB prototyping service at reasonable prices; for example, Futurlec and OurPCB. If there is sufficient demand, I will get a quantity of boards made, so that I can resell bare boards to "7-uP" builders at a lower cost. Please let me know if you plan to build the "7-uP" project, so that I have an indication of the quantity of blank PCBs to get made.

Support / Contact