# How to Build a Custom Circular LCD Wall Clock A step-by-step guide for DIY enthusiasts to create a personalized digital clock. - **Source:** [Hacker News: Front Page](https://brifing.si/source/b07aa772-b1a0-4a76-aa18-719c6f9e2dde) - **Published:** 2026-07-12 - **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/306f1c89-8e2c-4b10-ac63-05e1a9497c8f ## Project Inspiration The difficulty of reading the oven display as the only time indicator in the kitchen sparked this customizable circular LCD wall clock idea. Using a 7-inch Waveshare display and Raspberry Pi, the project allows users to code their own clock face designs. ## Required Hardware The project requires a 1080x1080 resolution 7-inch circular LCD, Raspberry Pi 3-5 series computer, microSD card, and suitable power supply. The screen's touch capability enables interactive clock face designs. Raspberry Pi 4 offers the best balance between performance and price. ## Setup Process After installing Raspberry Pi OS, screen connections are made. The touch port handles both power and data transfer. A shelf solution avoids extra thickness for physical mounting. The VNC server enables remote control functionality. ## Brightness Control The rear button cycles through 5 brightness levels. For night mode, Raspberry Pi 3 uses gammastep while newer models use Waveshare's Python script for automatic dimming. Software solutions simplify light adjustment. ## Custom Clock Faces Full-screen browser displays various clock designs. Users can code details like Swiss railway clocks' minute pause, minimalist indicators, or fun designs. Touch gestures allow switching between different clock faces. ## Result and Flexibility This project offers a fully customizable time display beyond standard clocks. Open-source solutions and touch interaction let users create and adapt digital clock designs to daily needs. A creative DIY home project that embodies maker spirit. ## Sources covering this story - https://blinry.org/lcd-clock/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._