ESP32 GPS Clock & Weather Station is an open-source project that combines an ESP32 microcontroller with a GPS receiver and environmental sensors to create a satellite-synchronized digital clock and weather monitor. It displays precise time, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric data, making it ideal for DIY electronics enthusiasts, Arduino/ESP32 hobbyists, and IoT developers who need reliable, real-time information. With built-in support for auto-brightness control, OTA updates, and expandable hardware, this project works as both a GPS-based timekeeping alternative to NTP and a compact home weather station.🛰️
A different version of this project with physical buttons for better device configuration is available at:
ESP32-GPS-CLOCK-V2
| 🕒 Time | GPS-synchronized precise timekeeping |
| 🌡️ Environment | Temperature & humidity monitoring |
| 🔆 Display | Auto-brightness & power saving |
| 📱 Connectivity | WiFi with OTA updates |
| ⚡ Fast GPS Lock | 🌙 Auto Brightness | 🔄 OTA Updates |
| 📱 WiFi Manager | 🔋 Battery Backup | 🌡️ Environment Monitor |
Core Components 📋
| Component | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 devkit v1 | 🧠 Controller | DOIT version recommended |
| BH1750 | 💡 Light sensor | I²C interface |
| BME280 | 🌡️ Environment | Temperature/Humidity |
| GPS Neo 6m | 📡 GPS receiver | UART interface |
| ST7920 LCD | 🖥️ Display | 128x64 pixels |
| Buzzer | 🔊 Alerts | Active buzzer |
Optional Components 🔧
- 🔋 LiFePO4 AAA 80mAh (GPS backup)
- ⚡ TP5000 charging circuit
- 🔌 BMS with IN4007 diode
- 🛠️ Prototyping materials
Required Libraries 📚
| Library | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASyncTCP | ESP32Async | Latest version |
| ESPAsyncWebServer | ESP32Async | Latest version |
ℹ️ Note: We use the libraries from ESP32Async repository as they are regularly maintained and updated.
Initial Setup and Updates 🚀
| Step | Instructions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Initial Upload | Upload via USB/Serial first time | Required for initial flash |
| 2. LittleFS Upload | Generate & Upload HTML binaries | For web interface files |
| 3. OTA Updates | Enable ElegantOTA updates | For wireless updates |
ℹ️ Note: After initial USB upload, all subsequent updates can be done wirelessly via OTA.
- 🕒 Precise Timekeeping: GPS-synchronized time with battery backup
- 🌡️ Environmental Monitoring: Temperature and humidity tracking
- 📱 Smart Connectivity: WiFi enabled with web configuration
- 🔆 Adaptive Display: Auto-brightness with power saving
Due to significant accuracy issues, we recommend using BME280/BMP280/TMP117 instead.
🔋 GPS Battery Modification
The NEO-6M GPS modules often come with problematic internal rechargeable batteries that:
- Are frequently dead on arrival
- Fail to hold charge properly
- Only last 15-20 minutes when disconnected
- Cannot be reliably recharged
To resolve this, I've made the following modifications:
- Removed the internal battery and charging diode
- Installed a LiFePO4 battery (AAA size)
- Added TP5000 charging circuit for reliable charging
- Implemented BMS for deep discharge protection
- Added diode to drop voltage to 3V for GPS backup pin
- Keep Original Battery:
- Suitable if clock remains powered most of the time
- No modifications needed
- Modify Battery (Recommended):
- Better for frequent power cycles
- Eliminates 5-10 minute GPS lock delay on cold starts
- More reliable long-term solution
ESP32 GPS Clock Circuit Diagram
| 📝 Format | High-resolution PNG |
| 🔍 Zoom | Click image to enlarge |
| 💾 Download | Full Resolution |
Internal Components 🔧 |
PVC Case 🎨 |
Front View 📱 |
PCB Layout 🔌 |
Internal View 2 🔌 |
- Commercial use
- Modification
- Distribution
- Patent use
- Private use
- License and copyright notice: Include the original license and copyright
- State changes: Document all modifications
- Disclose source: Make source code available
- Same license: Use the same license for derivatives
- No liability
- No warranty
| 🍴 Fork | 🔧 Code | 📤 Push | 📫 PR |
If this project helps you, please consider:
⭐ Giving it a star
🐛 Reporting issues
💡 Suggesting improvements
🤝 Contributing code
- Clock favicon created by Those Icons - Flaticon
- 📚 Library maintainers of AsyncTCP and ESPAsyncWebServer
- 🌟 The amazing open source community for their contributions and support
Made with ❤️
