“There’s always a Next Time — to create, to learn, and to grow.”
Sometimes, all it takes is a tiny spark to ignite big ideas. That’s exactly what this little cube of inspiration is all about.
Next Time is a minimalistic yet meaningful IoT desk clock designed to be your silent motivator.
With its compact size, clean look, and bold digital display tucked inside a sleek enclosure, it’s more than just a timekeeper — it’s a reminder that every second counts.
Whether you’re studying, working, or building your next DIY innovation, this tiny clock sits quietly on your desk — reminding you that there’s always a next time to improve, refine, and grow.
- 🕒 Real-Time Clock via NTP Server – Fetches accurate time over Wi-Fi without any RTC module.
- ⚡ Powered by DFRobot Beetle ESP32-C6 – Compact yet powerful microcontroller with Wi-Fi 6 support.
- 💾 Lightweight and Efficient Code – Written in Arduino IDE for simplicity and flexibility.
- 🎨 Minimal Design – Sleek 3D-printed enclosure designed in Autodesk Fusion 360.
- ✏️ Customizable Motivation – Personalize the display with words like Focus, Create, Next Step, or Dream.
- 🔋 Low Power Consumption – Perfect for all-day use on your desk.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| DFRobot Beetle ESP32-C6 | Main microcontroller board |
| 0.96" OLED Display (SPI) | Time display interface |
| 350mah Lipo Battery | Making It Rechargeable |
| 3D Printed Case | Custom-designed in Fusion 360 |
| USB Type-C Cable | Power and programming |
| Wi-Fi Network | For NTP time synchronization |
The clock connects to a Wi-Fi network and syncs its time using an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server.
This eliminates the need for an external RTC module while maintaining precise and reliable timekeeping.
Once connected, it automatically updates and displays the real-world time on the OLED display — no manual setting required.
| Folder | Description |
|---|---|
| CAD Design | STL files here for 3D printing. |
| Circuit Diagram | complete circuit Diagram. |
| Code | Source code for the clock. |
- Open the
.inofile in the Arduino IDE. - Select the correct board (ESP32-C6) and port.
- Add required libraries:
WiFi.hNTPClient.hAdafruit_GFX.hAdafruit_SSD1306.h
- Enter your Wi-Fi SSID and password in the code.
- Upload the sketch and enjoy your stylish IoT desk clock!
Kishan Pratap Singh
Founder & CEO of SMART BUILDX
🌐 Official Links:
- 🔗 Instructables
- 💡 Hackster.io
- ⚙️ Hackaday
- 🤖 DFRobot Community
- 🎥 YouTube – Next Builder
- 📷 Instagram – @next_builder
This project is open-source under the MIT License.
Feel free to modify and build upon it for your own creative projects.
💬 If you build your own version, don’t forget to share it and tag me — I’d love to see your Next Time clock in action!