The DS3231 is a real time clock utilized by the arduino micro-controller to remember and to trigger time based events. It features a CR2032 coin-cell backup battery pack, which will keep it powered for long periods of time when micro-controller power has failed by only powering the chip tasked with time keeping. During this power failure, the red LED which would normally be illuminated will be off during this time. Due to the various settings the module can be deployed it has a temperature-compensating chip that varies the oscillation cycle to adjust for high heat and cold. This unit retails on Amazon at 2 for $6.99 and is very easy to manipulate in the Arduino IDE.
Category: Arduino Tutorials
“Help, my Arduino’s not working!” …Did you plug it in though?