Word Clocks by Angry Electrons

Word clocks fuse timekeeping with the occasional word or three. Many years ago, alphanumeric tubes (like B7971’s) were used but they have become extremely expensive due to their rarity. Angry Electrons has designed a number of word clocks using relatively inexpensive displays, like alphanumeric LEDs or IV-4/17 Russian VFDs. There is also a B7971 version for those who are fortunate enough to possess those tubes. Stocks Clocks has these kits for sale (including a limited number of the VFD displays). Please note that cases are not included in the sale price.

Clock features include:

  • Initial setup and configuration is accomplished using a web browser on a PC or mobile device.
  • UTC offsets with 30 and 45 minute time differences are supported 
  • Daylight Saving Time (DST) start and end times are automatically handled.
  • A GPS satellite receiver (not included) connection is available, or open or WPS password protected Wi-Fi networks.
  • Three override modes turn off or dim the display and backlight, optionally switching to time only based on weekdays, weekends, or both.
  • Background RGB LED effects are available with a variety of patterns and options. A language indicator option will light the back light behind LEDs 1-5 in green to indicate a word from Language 1-5 of the Word file, and red for the Expletive file (yes, there are swear words for those inclined….parents beware!)
  • Up to five language libraries can be used simultaneously.
  • Expletive file is included for some libraries with four levels of offensiveness, off->mild->medium->strong. Additional expletive files can be added and edited by the user.
  • Ability to add and change libraries easily using a text editor.
  • Two words or word groups can optionally be included on each line in the word file to a maximum of 64 characters, separated by the pipe (|) symbol. The second word group will be displayed after the first word group. This can be used for any purpose including language learning, as long as both languages use the same font file. Words longer than six characters will scroll. Example language files in Hebrew and Spanish are included. A Proverbs library is also included to demonstrate scrolling text.
  • All this is accomplished by holding the languages on the included SD card. For example you could use the clock as an educational device by pairing words in different languages! 

WordClock 1 – Uses alphanumeric LED displays in 1 inch size in either 6 or 8 letter format.

WordClock 2 – Uses alphanumeric LED displays in 2.3 inch format like WordClock 1 (6 digit shown below – case not included): This clock is bright and will light a darkened room quite nicely…

Super Bright LEDs - Light A Dark Room Up Nicely

WordClock 3 uses Russian IV4 or IV17 VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) tubes individually socketed. It is available in 6, 8 or even 16 digit varieties (for those who like a lot of soldering… :))

Pictures Don't Do This Clock Justice - Looks Amazing in Person

WordClock 4 – This uses B7971 tubes in either a 6 or 8 digit format. Not a cheap clock by any means (current prices per tube, if you can find them, are in the hundreds of dollars….).

Simply A Huge Clock - WiFi Timekeeping With Amusing Words Thrown In For Good Measure!

All of these clock kits contain SMD (surface mount device) parts but are easy to install if you have a little soldering experience and good quality tools. We can offer pre-built clocks on a POA basis and even custom cases (as shown). Any questions, then don’t hesitate to use the ‘Contact Me…‘ link. The current user guide can be found here..

New for 2025 – Word Clock 5

A new version of a word clock is now available, a WiFi enabled clock that tells the time in either 5 or 1-minute increments with all sorts of animations and color patterns!

A Beautiful Word Clock For Your Office - 5 Minute Version
A 3D Printed Stand For Desk Use or Keyholes For Hanging
The Larger 1-Minute Version

The clocks are available as either kits of parts or pre-built. There are some SMD parts to solder, but nothing too small. The LED array is made up of APA106 leaded parts for ease of construction. The construction manual can be found here and the operation manual can be found here.

The clocks are very bright and like the other word clocks by Angry Electrons are initially setup through a WiFi portal via any web browser. There are a number of different animations that can be selected (or cycle through them all!) and also different color palettes. These are also changeable manually with two push buttons at the rear of the clock. The display can be also dimmed at set time intervals and DST is automagic!

There are other languages available for the Single Board clocks, namely Hebrew, Italian and Spanish. Other languages may be available in due course.

Current Price List (excluding cases).

WordClock 1 (Small LED)

  • 6 Digit – $139
  • 8 Digit – $159
  • 16 Digit – $189

WordClock 2 (Large LED)

  • 6 Digit – $199
  • 8 Digit – $219
  • 16 Digit – $429 (Simply ENORMOUS, measures over 36 inches across when built and will illuminate a room nicely..)

WordClock 3 (IV4/17 VFD)

  • 6 Digit – $199
  • 8 Digit – $219
  • 16 Digit – $279

WordClock 4 (B7971 – No Tubes)

  • 6 Digit – $299 
  • 8 Digit – $329 

WordClock 5 (Multi-color LED)

  • Kits
    • Single board (5 minute accuracy) – $199
    • Double board (1 minute accuracy) – $279
  • Prebuilt
    • Single board (5 minute accuracy) – $249
    • Double board (1 minute accuracy) – $399 

Please use the Contact me…link to order. Note, all sales in CA are subject to sales tax. Shipping charges also apply.