Advanced Customisation

The AL60 is designed with open standards in mind. While it works perfectly as a standalone clock, its true potential is revealed when you dive into its firmware and integration options. At its core, the AL60 uses a powerful ESP32 C3 microcontroller running firmware built with ESPHome.

Open Hardware and Software

We believe in the Right to Repair and the freedom to customise. Almost every aspect of the AL60's behaviour can be modified, from the way it renders the clock hands to the sounds its buzzer makes. You can:

• Modify the Firmware: Change the ESPHome YAML configuration to adjust existing features and preferences, or extend the C++ external component to add new features.
• Extend the Hardware: The internal I²C bus is accessible for adding additional sensors.

Warranty & Support

While NIX labs encourages exploration, modifying the hardware or firmware incorrectly can lead to unintended behaviour. Modifying the product does not automatically void the warranty; however, you may be required to return it to its factory state before technical or warranty support can be provided.

Safety First

Never attempt to modify the physical hardware within the enclosure while it is powered on.

Source Code Structure

The AL60's firmware is modular. It consists of a core ESPHome YAML configuration, additional package files, and a custom external component. You can find the full source code on the GitHub project.

• al60.yaml Main device configuration
• al60_factory.yaml Factory firmware configuration
• Directorycomponents/ring_clock/ Ring Clock external component

  • __init__.py
  • ring_clock.h
  • ring_clock.cpp
• Directorypackages/

  • al60_core.yaml ESP and Wi-Fi setup
  • al60_inputs.yaml Button and mode logic
  • al60_light.yaml LED ring and effect definitions
  • al60_sensors.yaml Environmental and motion sensor setup
  • al60_time.yaml SNTP and RTC management
• Directoryblueprints/ Templates for Home Assistant automations

  • …

The Ring_Clock Component

The ring_clock custom component is the "brain" of the display. It handles:

• Dual Ring Rendering: Mapping 108 LEDs into two concentric rings.
• State Machine: Managing the transitions between time, timer, stopwatch, and sensory modes.
• Physics-based Fading: Smooth animation logic for "Hands".

Compiling Your Own Firmware

While the AL60 comes ready to use, you may wish to modify and compile the firmware yourself to unlock advanced customisations or manage the device entirely offline.

ESPHome Version Support

The AL60 firmware utilises custom components that may be sensitive to upstream changes in the ESPHome project. NIX labs provides support for the ESPHome version active at the time of our firmware release.

ESPHome Adoption

This method allows you to make small changes to the clock's configuration. It uses remote packages, meaning your clock will automatically pull the latest NIX labs features and fixes.

1. Ensure you have the ESPHome Device Builder installed and open your Dashboard.

2. Look for a new device card labelled al60 under the "Discovered" section. Click Adopt.

3. Give your device a permanent name and enter your Wi-Fi credentials.

4. ESPHome will perform an initial "Install." This links the device to your dashboard for future wireless (OTA) updates.

5. Once finished, the device card will turn green, indicating it is online and managed by your local dashboard.

Manual Import

Choose this method for total control. By downloading the source files locally, you can modify the underlying YAML and ring_clock component, or build your firmware without an internet connection.

1. Clone the Repository: Obtain the source code from the GitHub project.

2. Move Files to ESPHome: Copy the relevant YAML and component files into your local ESPHome configuration directory.

3. Customise Substitutions: Modify the substitutions block in the YAML files to match your device names.

4. Flash the Firmware: Use the ESPHome command line or dashboard to compile and install the firmware.

Adding Features

Bluetooth Proxy

To add bluetooth functionality in Home Assistant add the followin lines to your al60.yaml file:

esp32_ble_tracker:

bluetooth_proxy:
  active: true

External Temperature/Humidity Sensors