Alarm clocks are cheap and abundant, but they’re pretty boring. If you want to make your own, Instructables user Paranoid Legend shows you how to build one with an Arduino.

Instead, Make shows you how to build an internet-connected alarm clock using an Arduino and Google. All you'll need is an Arduino Yúnm a touch screen, a USB speaker, and a few cables.

He’s using an Arduino Uno and an Ethernet breakout board to hook it up to the network. This allows him to send text messages to himself when the alarm system is armed, disarmed, or triggered.

His binary clock uses an Arduino Duemilanove (which fits perfectly in the tin) to keep time and control the indicator LEDs.

Instead of throwing away an old alarm clock because it doesn't work or it's not your style, consider repurposing it with one of these creative ideas.

1. Arduino Nano Microcontroller: This small yet powerful microcontroller will be the brain of your clock, handling all the logic and control for the LEDs. 2.

Makers considering building a Nixie tube clock, may be interested in a new Arduino shield which has been specifically created to make building a nixie tube clock and easier process. The Nixie ...