16. DS1307 RTC Module

An RTC module is a highly useful component in projects that require precise timekeeping. Unlike your Arduino's built-in timer, which resets every time the power is cycled, an RTC module retains the correct time and date even when powered down, thanks to its onboard battery backup.

Materials

Component	Image
Breadboard
Jumper wires
Arduino Uno R4 Minima
DS1307 RTC Module

Instructions

1. Make the following connections using the breadboard and jumper wires.

Connections

• GND to GND
• VCC to 5V
• SDA to SDA
• SCL to SCL

2. Download the "RTClib" library from the Library Manager in the Arduino IDE.

3. Paste the following code into your main Arduino sketch:

Code

// Importing the necessary libraries
#include <Wire.h>
#include <RTClib.h>

RTC_DS1307 rtc;

void setup() {
  // setting the serial monitor to print the output
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();

  if (!rtc.begin()) {
    Serial.println("Couldn't find RTC");
    while (1);
  }

  if (!rtc.isrunning()) {
    Serial.println("RTC is NOT running, let's set the time!");

    rtc.adjust(DateTime(F(__DATE__), F(__TIME__)));
  }
}

void loop() {
  DateTime now = rtc.now();
  // printing out the present date and time
  Serial.print(now.year(), DEC);
  Serial.print('/');
  Serial.print(now.month(), DEC);
  Serial.print('/');
  Serial.print(now.day(), DEC);
  Serial.print(" ");
  Serial.print(now.hour(), DEC);
  Serial.print(':');
  Serial.print(now.minute(), DEC);
  Serial.print(':');
  Serial.print(now.second(), DEC);
  Serial.println();
  // print every second
  delay(1000);
}

4. Connect your Arduino to your laptop using a USB-C cable and upload the code to the arduino.

5. Test! Observe the serial monitor print out the date and time on the serial monitor.

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