WordClock 16x8 LED matrix (2023-V3)

BIG news on 18.07.2026: Software version V5.0.0 available!

WordClock 16x8 received its biggest update yet. I fully rewrote the configuration portal and added lots of new features and improvements to the software.

To name a few of them please read this list and have a look at the pictures below.

I am really looking forward to know your feedback and impressions.

As you might expect this was a tone of work and you can download the new update for free via the internal software update of your WordClock or with the ESP32 flash script as usual.

Details can be found in this article: https://www.printables.com/model/749967-wordclock-16x8-2024

Enjoy and I hope you will like it 😊😁😊

Here are informations about WordClock 16x8 from before the update V5.0.0:

WordClock 2024 variant of this model is available too.

You can choose between 4 different fonts. Click here for details. =)

WordClock using a 16x16 LED matrix and a regular font.

Super easy print and build, 3 wires to solder only.

Video instructions available to help you with the code setup.

These languages are available:

- German

- English

- Dutch

- Swedish

- Italian

- French

- Swiss German

- Swabian German

- Bavarian

- Luxemburgish

- East German

Note: New upcoming languages might be added to the 2024 model only. Click here for details.

For those who don’t like the stencil font from the 1st new WordClock variant of 2023 or the font used in the 2nd new WordClock variant of 2023 here is a new 3rd variant using a rounded regular free font as version 2023-V3. All features and the code are the same as for 2023-V1/V2 . So “just“ the design is changed and needed quite a few changes to make this work. It uses a printed diffuser instead of the piece of paper like 2023-V1 does. This also requires 1 color change during printing of the front part. To avoid that the currently set off neighbour letters would light a bit as well, the matrix part was redesigned too and “cuts” into the front part to separate the letters. The lid part was changed a bit as well to make it look cleaner when placed on a desk. All in all this does increase the print time again, yes, but I think this is a 1 time print for most of you and will give you an even better design and should be worth it…

If you already printed WordClock 2023-V2 you can just print the new 2023-V3 front and it will fit onto your existing frame. So you can switch between these fonts easily. =)

Hope you like this new variant =)

NOTES:

- 20.07.2026 - New way to install the software:

- Method 1 (NEW):

- Use the ESP32 Web Flasher: https://awsw-projects.de/esp32-web-flasher/

- Method 2:

- Please use the ESP32 flash script to update your device.

- 10.11.2024: Added a new script to flash the ESP32 without the need of the Arduino IDE:

- 25.12.2024: Software update V4.0.0 is now available including several new functions:

- Direct software update without the need of an computer or the Arduino IDE as introduced with WordCalendar 2024 before. Watch this video for details. You will need to select the used ESP32 board after the update to this version to download the correct files for your used ESP32 in future. A new page asking for this information will be shown when you enter the web configuration portal after the update.

- Faster startup on reboot.

- Added a “ test mode ” in the “Maintenance” section to check all time word output texts faster.