{"id":7198,"date":"2024-06-22T20:53:51","date_gmt":"2024-06-22T15:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/?p=7198"},"modified":"2024-06-24T23:20:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T17:50:17","slug":"diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY GPS Clock Using Arduino, LCD &amp; GPS Module"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Get the power of an <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Atomic_clock\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">atomic clock<\/a> by using a GPS receiver (NEO-6M module) and an Arduino. This article will guide you to build a DIY clock without using an RTC (Real Time Clock). RTCs are used wherever precise timekeeping is necessary. RTCs use battery backup and memory to keep track of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a GPS receiver is often used to know the position or location, it can be used for time-keeping. GPS receivers are an alternative to these RTCs that can work anywhere globally. Such a time-keeping device can be useful in remotely installed long-term applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#How_GPS_Time_Works\" title=\"How GPS Time Works\">How GPS Time Works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Components_Required\" title=\"Components Required\">Components Required<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Interfacing_GPS_Module_with_Arduino\" title=\"Interfacing GPS Module with Arduino\">Interfacing GPS Module with Arduino<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#DIY_GPS_Clock_using_Arduino_LCD_and_NEO-6M_Module\" title=\"DIY GPS Clock using Arduino, LCD, and NEO-6M Module\">DIY GPS Clock using Arduino, LCD, and NEO-6M Module<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Wiring\" title=\"Wiring\">Wiring<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Arduino_Libraries\" title=\"Arduino Libraries\">Arduino Libraries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Arduino_Code\" title=\"Arduino Code\">Arduino Code<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Demonstration\" title=\"Demonstration\">Demonstration<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Troubleshooting\" title=\"Troubleshooting\">Troubleshooting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/diy-gps-clock-using-arduino-lcd-neo6m\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_GPS_Time_Works\"><\/span>How GPS Time Works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/united-states-92351_1280.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/united-states-92351_1280.webp 800w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/united-states-92351_1280-300x225.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/united-states-92351_1280-768x576.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>GPS or global positioning system uses a constellation of satellites. Each of these satellites has onboard atomic clocks which are extremely accurate and keep precise time to within a few nanoseconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each satellite continuously transmits a signal that includes the current time according to its onboard clock and the satellite&#8217;s position at the time of signal transmission. When a GPS receiver gets the signal, it notes the exact time of arrival of the signal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that the signal travels at the speed of light, the time taken for the signal to reach the receiver can be calculated if the receiver&#8217;s clock were perfectly synchronized with the satellite&#8217;s clock. GPS receivers have their own clock which are initially out of sync.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine its exact position, the receiver needs signals from at least four satellites. By comparing the time stamps from at least four different satellites, the receiver can solve a set of equations to find its own position and correct its own clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Components_Required\"><\/span>Components Required<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>NEO-6M GPS module.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any Arduino development board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16&#215;2 I2C LCD Module.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The U-blox NEO-6M GPS chip is commonly available in a breakout board module called the GY-NEO6MV2 or the GY-GPS6MV2. It can easily interface with a microcontroller using serial communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GY_NEO6MV2-Pinout-and-components-1024x740.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7153\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GY_NEO6MV2-Pinout-and-components-1024x740.webp 1024w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GY_NEO6MV2-Pinout-and-components-300x217.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GY_NEO6MV2-Pinout-and-components-768x555.webp 768w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GY_NEO6MV2-Pinout-and-components.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The LCD module used in this project contains an I2C port expander IC which helps us to easily interface it with just 4 wires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/I2C-LCD-16x2-1.webp\" alt=\"I2C LCD 16x2\" class=\"wp-image-6759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/I2C-LCD-16x2-1.webp 800w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/I2C-LCD-16x2-1-300x203.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/I2C-LCD-16x2-1-768x520.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I2C LCD module<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also read: <a href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/arduino-oled-display-tutorial-ssd1306-i2c\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"521\">Interface Arduino with SSD1306 OLED Display Using I2C<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interfacing_GPS_Module_with_Arduino\"><\/span>Interfacing GPS Module with Arduino<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is easy to interface with the NEO-6M GPS module using a readymade Arduino library and just 4 wires for data exchange and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We have already written an article that describes how to wire the GPS module with Arduino, get raw GPS data, and use the TinyGPS++ library to easily obtain meaningful data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read our <strong>in-depth guide<\/strong> here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/arduino-gps-module-guide-gy-neo6mv2\/\">How to interface NEO-6M GPS Module with Arduino<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"DIY_GPS_Clock_using_Arduino_LCD_and_NEO-6M_Module\"><\/span>DIY GPS Clock using Arduino, LCD, and NEO-6M Module<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this project, we shall only use the date and time information obtained from the GPS receiver and display it on an LCD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wiring\"><\/span>Wiring<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Connect the 16&#215;2 LCD module, Arduino UNO, and NEO-6M GPS module as shown below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"951\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/schematic-of-GPS-clock-using-Arduino-LCD-and-NEO6M-GPS-module-1024x951.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/schematic-of-GPS-clock-using-Arduino-LCD-and-NEO6M-GPS-module-1024x951.webp 1024w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/schematic-of-GPS-clock-using-Arduino-LCD-and-NEO6M-GPS-module-300x279.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/schematic-of-GPS-clock-using-Arduino-LCD-and-NEO6M-GPS-module-768x713.webp 768w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/schematic-of-GPS-clock-using-Arduino-LCD-and-NEO6M-GPS-module.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Schematic of GPS clock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We use Arduino\u2019s&nbsp;<em><strong>software serial<\/strong><\/em>&nbsp;library to interface with the GY-NEO6MV2 GPS module using digital pins. This allows us to use the hardware serial pins in Arduino to communicate with the <em>Serial Monitor<\/em> in Arduino IDE if required. Digital pins 4 and 5 in Arduino UNO are used as TX (Transmit) and RX (Receive) pins respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"mynote-yellow\">Note: The TX pin in Arduino is connected to the RX pin of the GPS module and vice versa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 16&#215;2 I2C LCD module connects to the default I2C pins on Arduino UNO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arduino_Libraries\"><\/span>Arduino Libraries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Arduino IDE, select the development board you are using and also select the correct serial port for your board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To interface the LCD, we require the <strong>LiquidCrystal I2C<\/strong> library by Frank de Brabander. You can install it in Arduino IDE by navigating to <strong>Tools<\/strong>&gt;<strong>Manager Libraries<\/strong>. Search for &#8220;LiquidCrystal I2C&#8221; and install it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"619\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/install-I2C-LCD-library.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/install-I2C-LCD-library.webp 800w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/install-I2C-LCD-library-300x232.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/install-I2C-LCD-library-768x594.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The NEO-6M GPS module requires the <strong>TinyGPS+<\/strong>+ library which can also be installed from the Library Manager in Arduino IDE by searching for &#8220;tinygpsplus&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"963\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tinygpsplus-library-installation.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tinygpsplus-library-installation.webp 963w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tinygpsplus-library-installation-300x226.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/tinygpsplus-library-installation-768x577.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 963px) 100vw, 963px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arduino_Code\"><\/span>Arduino Code<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After wiring the circuit as described and after the necessary libraries are installed, upload the following Arduino code to display the date and time on the LCD.<\/p>\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\" aria-describedby=\"shcb-language-2\" data-shcb-language-name=\"PHP\" data-shcb-language-slug=\"php\"><span><code class=\"hljs language-php\"><span class=\"hljs-comment\">#include &lt;TinyGPS++.h&gt;<\/span>\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">#include &lt;SoftwareSerial.h&gt;<\/span>\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">#include &lt;Wire.h&gt; <\/span>\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">#include &lt;LiquidCrystal_I2C.h&gt;<\/span>\n\nLiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(<span class=\"hljs-number\">0x27<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">16<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">2<\/span>);  <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ set the LCD address to 0x27 for a 16 chars and 2 line display<\/span>\n\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Define pins for SoftwareSerial<\/span>\n<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">const<\/span> int RX_Pin = <span class=\"hljs-number\">5<\/span>;\n<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">const<\/span> int TX_Pin = <span class=\"hljs-number\">4<\/span>;\n\n<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">const<\/span> int GPS_Baud_Rate = <span class=\"hljs-number\">9600<\/span>;\n\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Instantiate TinyGPS++ object<\/span>\nTinyGPSPlus gpsModule;\n\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Create software serial port named \"gpsSerialPort\"<\/span>\nSoftwareSerial gpsSerialPort(RX_Pin, TX_Pin);\n\nvoid setup()\n{\n  <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Initialize the hardware serial communication at 9600 baud<\/span>\n  Serial.begin(<span class=\"hljs-number\">9600<\/span>);\n\n  <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Initialize the software serial port at the GPS module's default baud rate<\/span>\n  gpsSerialPort.begin(GPS_Baud_Rate);\n\n  lcd.init();                      <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ initialize the lcd <\/span>\n  lcd.backlight();                 <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/turn the backlight ON<\/span>\n}\n\nvoid loop()\n{\n  <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Process incoming GPS data<\/span>\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">while<\/span> (gpsSerialPort.available() &gt; <span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>)\n    <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (gpsModule.encode(gpsSerialPort.read()))\n    {\n      display_on_LCD();\n    }\n\n  <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Check if no GPS data has been received for 5 seconds<\/span>\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (millis() &gt; <span class=\"hljs-number\">5000<\/span> &amp;&amp; gpsModule.charsProcessed() &lt; <span class=\"hljs-number\">10<\/span>)\n  {\n    Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"Error: GPS module not detected\"<\/span>);\n    <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">while<\/span> (<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">true<\/span>);\n  }\n}\n\nvoid display_on_LCD()\n{\n  lcd.clear();\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (gpsModule.date.isValid())\n  {\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"Date:\"<\/span>);\n      \n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">6<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.date.month());\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">8<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"\/\"<\/span>);\n      \n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">9<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.date.day());\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">11<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"\/\"<\/span>);\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">12<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.date.year());\n      \n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"Time:\"<\/span>);\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">6<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.time.hour());\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">8<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\":\"<\/span>);\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">9<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.time.minute());\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">11<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\":\"<\/span>);\n\n      lcd.setCursor(<span class=\"hljs-number\">12<\/span>,<span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>);\n      lcd.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(gpsModule.time.second());\n           \n  }\n  \n}<\/code><\/span><small class=\"shcb-language\" id=\"shcb-language-2\"><span class=\"shcb-language__label\">Code language:<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__name\">PHP<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">(<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__slug\">php<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">)<\/span><\/small><\/pre>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Demonstration\"><\/span>Demonstration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GPS-clock-using-Arduino-on-breadboard.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GPS-clock-using-Arduino-on-breadboard.webp 800w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GPS-clock-using-Arduino-on-breadboard-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GPS-clock-using-Arduino-on-breadboard-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">GPS clock on a breadboard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The GPS module needs some time for a position fix during a cold start. When the module is first powered on after a long time, it is called a cold start. After the initial power-up, subsequent power-ups (hot start) will require less time to get a fix. The onboard rechargeable battery on the NEO-6M module helps to get the Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of under 1 second during hot start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait for some time for the correct time to be displayed on the LCD. The position fix is quicker under a clear view of the sky but may take a few minutes indoors. When a position fix is found, the onboard LED on the NEO-6M module will start blinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/blinking-LED-on-NEO-6M-GPS-module.webp\" alt=\"blinking LED on NEO 6M GPS module\" class=\"wp-image-7194\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The time displayed on the LCD is GPS time which is similar to UTC but a little ahead of it (+18sec at the time of publishing this article). Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard globally used to regulate clocks and time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;The time &#8220;0&#8221; which first GPS timing started is midnight on January 6th, 1980 (UTC): in that year, the GPS time coincided exactly with UTC, as a result of corrective measures to UTC, today it differs by 18 (it was 17 until December 31st 2016 and 16 seconds until June 30th 2015), seconds compared to GPS time, which as written above, is not subject to any astronomical adjustment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<cite>&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipses.com\/eng\/in-depth-analysis\/standard-of-time-definition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ipses<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You can learn more about the relationship between UTC and GPS time by referring to <a href=\"https:\/\/aviation.stackexchange.com\/questions\/90839\/what-are-satellite-time-gps-time-and-utc-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this discussion on GPS time<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To display the local time in your DIY GPS clock, you need to make a few changes in the Arduino code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you stay in the Eastern Time Zone, the time is (UTC\u221204:00) when observing daylight saving time i.e. it is four hours behind UTC. In this case, you need to modify the Arduino code as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\" aria-describedby=\"shcb-language-3\" data-shcb-language-name=\"CSS\" data-shcb-language-slug=\"css\"><span><code class=\"hljs language-css\"><span class=\"hljs-selector-tag\">lcd<\/span><span class=\"hljs-selector-class\">.print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-selector-tag\">gpsModule<\/span><span class=\"hljs-selector-class\">.time<\/span><span class=\"hljs-selector-class\">.hour<\/span>()<span class=\"hljs-selector-tag\">-4<\/span>);<\/code><\/span><small class=\"shcb-language\" id=\"shcb-language-3\"><span class=\"shcb-language__label\">Code language:<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__name\">CSS<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">(<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__slug\">css<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">)<\/span><\/small><\/pre>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Troubleshooting\"><\/span>Troubleshooting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the characters are not visible in the LCD, you might need to adjust the contrast-adjusting potentiometer on the back of the I2C LCD module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/I2C-LCD-contrast-adjusting-potentiometer.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/I2C-LCD-contrast-adjusting-potentiometer.webp 800w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/I2C-LCD-contrast-adjusting-potentiometer-300x192.webp 300w, https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/I2C-LCD-contrast-adjusting-potentiometer-768x492.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another problem that may arise is the I2C address of the LCD module. The address is 0x27 in most cases. You can find the I2C address of the LCD by wiring the LCD with Arduino and then uploading the following Arduino code:<\/p>\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\" aria-describedby=\"shcb-language-4\" data-shcb-language-name=\"PHP\" data-shcb-language-slug=\"php\"><span><code class=\"hljs language-php\"><span class=\"hljs-comment\">#include &lt;Wire.h&gt;<\/span>\n\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ Set I2C bus to use: Wire, Wire1, etc.<\/span>\n<span class=\"hljs-comment\">#define WIRE Wire<\/span>\n\nvoid setup() {\n  WIRE.begin();\n  Serial.begin(<span class=\"hljs-number\">9600<\/span>);\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">while<\/span> (!Serial)\n     delay(<span class=\"hljs-number\">10<\/span>);\n  Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"\\nI2C Scanner\"<\/span>);\n}\n\nvoid loop() {\n  byte error, address;\n  int nDevices;\n\n  Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"Scanning...\"<\/span>);\n\n  nDevices = <span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>;\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">for<\/span>(address = <span class=\"hljs-number\">1<\/span>; address &lt; <span class=\"hljs-number\">127<\/span>; address++ )\n  {\n    WIRE.beginTransmission(address);\n    error = WIRE.endTransmission();\n\n    <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (error == <span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>)\n    {\n      Serial.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"I2C device found at address 0x\"<\/span>);\n      <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (address&lt;<span class=\"hljs-number\">16<\/span>)\n        Serial.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"0\"<\/span>);\n      Serial.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(address,HEX);\n      Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"  !\"<\/span>);\n      nDevices++;\n    }\n    <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">else<\/span> <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (error==<span class=\"hljs-number\">4<\/span>)\n    {\n      Serial.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"Unknown error at address 0x\"<\/span>);\n      <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (address&lt;<span class=\"hljs-number\">16<\/span>)\n        Serial.<span class=\"hljs-keyword\">print<\/span>(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"0\"<\/span>);\n      Serial.println(address,HEX);\n    }\n  }\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">if<\/span> (nDevices == <span class=\"hljs-number\">0<\/span>)\n    Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"No I2C devices found\\n\"<\/span>);\n  <span class=\"hljs-keyword\">else<\/span>\n    Serial.println(<span class=\"hljs-string\">\"done\\n\"<\/span>);\n  delay(<span class=\"hljs-number\">5000<\/span>);           <span class=\"hljs-comment\">\/\/ wait 5 seconds before next scan<\/span>\n}<\/code><\/span><small class=\"shcb-language\" id=\"shcb-language-4\"><span class=\"shcb-language__label\">Code language:<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__name\">PHP<\/span> <span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">(<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__slug\">php<\/span><span class=\"shcb-language__paren\">)<\/span><\/small><\/pre>\n\n\n<p>The address will be shown on the Serial Monitor of Arduino IDE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Change the following line of code to change the I2C address. Replace <strong>0x27<\/strong> with the hex address of your LCD.<\/p>\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><span><code class=\"hljs\">LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,16,2);<\/code><\/span><\/pre>\n\n\n<p>If the LED in the NEO-6M GPS module does not start blinking after being powered for a long time, take the circuit outside with a clear view of the sky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this tutorial, we discussed how to make a simple GPS clock using Arduino that brings the power of atomic clocks using just a few components. Also, read the following related articles on time-keeping:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/ds3231-rtc-esp32-micropython\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6695\">How to Interface DS3231 RTC with ESP32 using MicroPython Code<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/ds3231-raspberry-pi-pico-micropython-arduino\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"6600\">How to Interface DS3231 RTC with Raspberry Pi Pico &amp; MicroPython\/Arduino Code<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/raspberry-pi-pico-rtc-ds1302-micropython\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5902\">Raspberry Pi Pico RTC DS1302 Interfacing Tutorial with MicroPython Code<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get the power of an atomic clock by using a GPS receiver (NEO-6M module) and an Arduino. This article will guide you to build a DIY clock without using an RTC (Real Time Clock). RTCs are used wherever precise timekeeping is necessary. RTCs use battery backup and memory to keep track of time. Although a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7276,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[118],"tags":[124,13],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO.webp",1200,628,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO-300x157.webp",300,157,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO-768x402.webp",768,402,true],"large":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO-1024x536.webp",1024,536,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO.webp",1200,628,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/DIY-GPS-CLOCK-TUTORIAL-USING-ARDUINO.webp",1200,628,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Abhilekh Das","author_link":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/author\/abhilekh-2\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Get the power of an atomic clock by using a GPS receiver (NEO-6M module) and an Arduino. This article will guide you to build a DIY clock without using an RTC (Real Time Clock). RTCs are used wherever precise timekeeping is necessary. RTCs use battery backup and memory to keep track of time. Although a&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7198"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7198"}],"version-history":[{"count":80,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7344,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7198\/revisions\/7344"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/electrocredible.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}