Starter Shield EN(Tick Tock shield) v2
Starter Shield EN(Tick Tock shield) v2
The Starter Shield EN(Tick Tock shield) v2 is a real-time clock and data logging expansion shield designed for Arduino and compatible microcontroller platforms, featuring an integrated DS1307 RTC module with battery backup and EEPROM storage. Electronics engineers, IoT developers, and hobbyists use this shield to add precise timekeeping and persistent data storage capabilities to embedded systems without requiring complex external circuitry. This shield solves the critical problem of maintaining accurate time across power cycles and enabling timestamp-based data logging for environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and research applications.
Product Overview
The Starter Shield EN(Tick Tock shield) v2 integrates a DS1307 real-time clock IC with I2C communication protocol, allowing seamless interfacing with Arduino boards through standard SDA and SCL pins. The shield operates on a 3.3V to 5V power supply and includes a CR2032 coin cell battery for maintaining time during power loss. The RTC module provides year, month, date, hour, minute, and second information with automatic leap year compensation, while the onboard EEPROM offers 56 bytes of non-volatile memory for storing critical sensor calibration data or system parameters. The v2 revision includes improved PCB layout for reduced noise, enhanced pull-up resistor values optimized for 5V Arduino boards, and stackable header connectors enabling multi-shield configurations.
This shield eliminates the need for external RTC modules and breadboard prototyping, reducing assembly time and minimizing connection errors in production environments. The I2C interface operates at standard 100kHz and fast-mode 400kHz frequencies, providing flexible timing options for different application requirements. Built-in status indicators and test points facilitate quick hardware diagnostics, while the compact form factor maintains full Arduino shield compatibility without obstructing access to other I/O pins. The battery-backed design ensures continuous operation during microcontroller resets or temporary power interruptions, critical for applications requiring uninterrupted timestamp accuracy.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Real-Time Clock Expansion Shield with EEPROM |
| Brand | Arduino Compatible |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| RTC IC | DS1307 with I2C Interface |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V to 5V DC |
| Battery Backup | CR2032 Coin Cell (included) |
| EEPROM Storage | 56 bytes Non-volatile Memory |
| I2C Clock Speed | 100kHz Standard / 400kHz Fast Mode |
| Time Accuracy | ±2 seconds per month at 25°C |
| PCB Dimensions | 68.6mm x 53.3mm (Standard Arduino Shield) |
Key Features
- DS1307 Real-Time Clock IC providing precise date and time with automatic leap year compensation for long-term accuracy in data logging applications
- Battery-backed operation using CR2032 coin cell ensures continuous timekeeping for 10+ years during power loss or microcontroller resets
- 56 bytes of non-volatile EEPROM memory for storing sensor calibration data, system configuration, or event timestamps without external storage modules
- I2C communication protocol with dual-speed support (100kHz and 400kHz) enabling flexible integration with Arduino Uno, Mega, and compatible boards
- Stackable header connectors allow daisy-chaining with other shields for multi-function embedded systems without pin conflicts
- Integrated pull-up resistors optimized for 5V logic levels reduce external component requirements and improve signal integrity
- Status indicators and test points facilitate rapid hardware debugging and functionality verification during development
Applications and Use Cases
- Environmental monitoring systems requiring timestamp-synchronized sensor data collection for temperature, humidity, and air quality measurements across extended periods
- Industrial automation and process control applications needing synchronized event logging and alarm timestamp recording for regulatory compliance and failure analysis
- IoT weather stations and agricultural monitoring platforms utilizing precise time synchronization for data correlation across distributed sensor networks
- Battery-powered embedded systems requiring persistent timekeeping without external power, enabling sleep mode operation with accurate wake-up scheduling
- Educational robotics and Arduino projects requiring time-based control sequences, scheduled task execution, and data acquisition with temporal accuracy
- Access control and security systems needing event logging with precise timestamps for audit trails and intrusion detection analysis
How to Use
To set up the Starter Shield EN(Tick Tock shield) v2, first insert the CR2032 battery into the coin cell holder on the shield, ensuring correct polarity with the positive side facing upward. Stack the shield onto your Arduino board, aligning the header pins with the Arduino's digital and analog connectors, ensuring secure seating without bent pins. Connect your Arduino to a computer via USB cable and install the DS1307 RTC library from the Arduino IDE Library Manager by searching for DS1307 or RTClib. In your Arduino sketch, initialize the I2C communication using Wire.begin() and create an RTC object using the library functions, then set the current time using the RTC.adjust() function with the DateTime object containing year, month, date, hour, minute, and second parameters.
For reading time data, use the RTC.now() function in your loop to retrieve the current date and time, accessing individual components through the returned DateTime object properties. When logging sensor data, combine the RTC timestamp with your sensor readings and store them in the EEPROM using the Wire library for I2C communication or use higher-level functions provided by the RTC library. The shield operates independently once powered, maintaining accurate time even during Arduino sleep modes or temporary disconnections. For applications requiring extended data storage beyond the 56-byte EEPROM limit, consider interfacing with SD card modules or cloud platforms using the timestamp provided by this shield as a reliable time reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the CR2032 battery last in the Starter Shield EN v2?
The CR2032 coin cell battery typically provides 10 to 15 years of continuous operation for the DS1307 RTC module when the main power supply is disconnected. Battery life depends on ambient temperature and the frequency of I2C read operations. At higher temperatures or with frequent data access, battery life may reduce to 8-10 years. The battery is user-replaceable, allowing simple maintenance without soldering or specialized tools.
Can I stack multiple shields on top of the Tick Tock shield v2?
Yes, the Starter Shield EN v2 features stackable header connectors that allow additional shields to be mounted on top without pin conflicts. The I2C interface uses only SDA and SCL pins, which are shared across multiple shields, enabling daisy-chaining of I2C-compatible devices. Ensure that each I2C device on the stack has a unique address to prevent communication conflicts. Some shields may require address configuration through solder jumpers or software settings.
What is the accuracy of the DS1307 RTC on this shield?
The DS1307 maintains an accuracy of approximately ±2 seconds per month at 25°C ambient temperature. Accuracy can drift by ±5 to 10 seconds per month at temperature extremes (0°C to 50°C). For applications requiring higher precision, consider implementing periodic time synchronization with an external NTP server or GPS module. The RTC does not include temperature compensation, so temperature-controlled environments yield better long-term accuracy.
Can I use the EEPROM on the shield for storing large datasets?
The Starter Shield EN v2 includes only 56 bytes of EEPROM, which is suitable for storing small configuration parameters, calibration values, or a few timestamp entries. For applications requiring larger data storage, consider interfacing an external SD card module or EEPROM expansion via I2C. The 56 bytes can store approximately 9-10 complete timestamp entries (year, month, date, hour, minute, second) or sensor calibration data for multiple sensors.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
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- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
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