Arduino Clock - Kick Visualizer for Volca & Eurorack (Free DIY Project)

Arduino Clock Visualizer for Sequencers This project is a small DIY clock visualizer designed for hardware sequencers and analog clock systems like Korg Volca or Eurorack modular synthesizer system setups. It receives a standard analog clock signal and advances one LED on an 8×8 LED matrix every bar in 4/4. In practice, every LED represents a kick cycle, creating a visual reference for the groove. The idea behind this project came from live jam sessions with friends. When multiple people are playing different machines, it's easy to lose track of the timing. This device gives everyone a clear visual reference of the rhythm, helping to know: when to start sounds when to drop elements when to mute or change patterns It’s basically a visual metronome for hardware jams. ⚙️ Features Arduino based 8×8 LED matrix visualizer Works with analog clock signals Compatible with Volca clock and modular systems 3D printable enclosure Simple and inexpensive components 🔌 Power The device accepts 5–35V DC input. An onboard DC-DC step-down converter regulates the voltage to 5V for the electronics. 🧰 Components You will find the full bill of materials below. Main parts include: Arduino Nano 8×8 LED matrix module DC-DC step-down converter perfboard (millefori) DC power jack 3.5mm clock input jack 📺 Build Video A full video of the project and the build process is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rOh3fwN0tBw 📦 Files Included This project includes: STL files for the 3D printed case wiring reference Arduino code 🎛️ Use Case This tool is especially useful for: hardware jam sessions modular synth setups live techno performances visual timing reference ⚠️ Notes / Known Issue There will be updates to this project. At the moment I noticed a strange behavior with the clock input. When the sync jack is inserted fully, the clock reading becomes unstable and the visualizer behaves unpredictably. However, if the sync jack is inserted slightly (not completely) the device works perfectly and the clock is read correctly. This suggests there might be a grounding issue or signal conditioning problem on the clock input stage. I’m currently investigating the cause and will update the project with a proper fix soon. ////// MATERIAL LIST ////// In addition to basic tools like a 3D printer, wires, jumper cables, soldering iron, etc., here are the specific parts needed for this project: 2 DC 12V 5.5/2.1 mm Female Connectors https://amzn.to/4svNAjW 2 3.5 mm Female Jack Connectors https://amzn.to/4b4YeIT 1 DC-DC Converter with LM2596 https://amzn.to/4b1fK0w 1 Normally Open Push Button (RESET) https://amzn.to/4lohKU9 1 Capacitor 47V 100µF https://amzn.to/4lo2AxZ 1 Resistor 1.0 kΩ https://amzn.to/3MXtxw1 3 Resistors 220 Ω https://amzn.to/3MXtxw1 3 LEDs 6 mm (Red, Yellow, Green) https://amzn.to/47seBg9 8×8 LED Matrix with MAX7210 integrated (or you can place the MAX7210 driver on the perfboard and wire only the screen, your choice) https://amzn.to/47seBg9 Arduino Nano https://amzn.to/3P4pcaP Perfboard 50×70 mm https://amzn.to/4ltmvfg