2025 One-Hertz Challenge: It's Unix Time in Hexadecimal Format
In the world of technology, unique finds are always intriguing. One such discovery is Hexa U.T.C, a clock that stands out from the crowd by displaying the current time in hexadecimal format.
While direct alternatives to Hexa U.T.C are scarce, the concept of representing Unix time or current time as a hex number is not entirely unheard of. Traditional Unix time, or epoch time, counts seconds since 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC and can be expressed in hexadecimal by converting the decimal timestamp into base 16. However, typical clocks don't display hex time for everyday use.
In hobbyist projects, some digital clocks or clock hacks might use hex digits for colour codes, display segments, or custom time formats. A digital clock application in C++, for instance, allows customization and uses hexadecimal (0-F) for display purposes, though not necessarily converting all time units into hex for display.
Creative time display hacks, such as the "shadow clock" operated by solenoids and controlled by microcontrollers, occasionally experiment with unconventional time displays. These hardware clock projects, however, do not typically feature hexadecimal displays as a mainstream feature.
Hexa U.T.C, entered in the 2025 One-Hertz Challenge, is a notable exception. It displays the current Unix time in hexadecimal format, making it a fascinating educational tool for explaining the Year 2038 problem. The build incorporates a 7-segment display module driven by the TM1638 I/O expander, and the synced Unix time is displayed in hexadecimal format on the displays.
However, reading the time on Hexa U.T.C can be challenging due to its design. The seconds displayed by Hexa U.T.C must be converted into years, days, hours, minutes, and seconds to determine the actual time. This makes it a unique challenge for both programmers and hackers alike.
Despite its difficulty, Hexa U.T.C is a captivating addition to the world of Unix clocks. If you're intrigued by this unique timepiece, you can find a video of the Hexa U.T.C build after the break.
Gadgets that showcase technology in unconventional ways can spark curiosity, and Hexa U.T.C is one such example, being a clock that displays the current Unix time in hexadecimal format. In the realm of digital devices, despite being rare, the concept of representing time in hexadecimal format isn't completely foreign.
