The design files for this kit were originally available on SparkFun.com under a Creative Commons license, which allowed me to make some minor modifications before assembling it. This video provides a detailed walkthrough of all the assembly steps.
This kit is an excellent choice for learning the basics of soldering. It features the SparkFun ClockIt, a simple alarm clock with a buzzer based on the popular ATMega328 microcontroller. If you’re new to soldering, you should expect to spend about 15-20 minutes assembling the kit. For seasoned soldering enthusiasts, it’s a straightforward and enjoyable project that can be completed in 5-10 minutes.
To make the kit more beginner-friendly, we’ve made several modifications. The footprint for the ATMega is now wider, so there’s no need to bend any pins during assembly. Additionally, we’ve added more silkscreen printing to clearly indicate the polarity of the components.
No external programmer is required, as the ATmega comes preloaded with the necessary firmware!
For a comprehensive guide on how to assemble this kit, check out the detailed instructions available at Build Circuit.