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7-Segment Temperature Display

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Zafar Bhayat
    Twitter

Video

Initialization and going to the correct temperature (yes, it is hot in my room)

Project Idea

I came across a video where an engineer built a clock using 7-segment displays and servo motors. I loved the mechanical design and decided to put my own spin on it. Instead of a clock, I built a thermometer—partly because my room gets unbearably hot and I wanted a more fun way to track the temperature.

This was my first real dive into 3D printing and robotics, and it was a great hands-on learning experience.

Side View

How It Works

  • I 3D printed two large 7-segment displays.
  • Each segment uses a rack and pinion mechanism, driven by a servo motor.
  • The servos are connected to an Arduino Nano, which controls the angles to show the correct number.
  • I added a BMP180 sensor to read the temperature.
  • Based on the temperature reading, the Arduino calculates the ones and tens digits and moves each servo to the right angle (e.g., angle 70 = number 4).
  • I also connected a real-time clock (RTC) module so the whole setup powers down at night to reduce noise.
Wiring

Tech Stack

  • Arduino Nano
  • Breadboard
  • Jumper wires
  • BMP180 temperature sensor
  • RTC module
  • 3D printer (for the 7-segment display parts)
  • Hobby servo motors
Front View

Future Improvements

  • Move from a breadboard to a custom PCB for cleaner, more reliable wiring
  • Add logging to track temperature changes throughout the day
  • Build a simple dashboard or interface to visualize the data