RTC slows down after a few minutes and doesn't keep the correct time pace

[Dabi_Aljv]

Hello everyone.

I'm working on an automatic irrigation system using Arduino Mega 2560, TFT screen ILI9488, RTC module DS3231 and a KY-023 joystick module in a physical assembly (schematics are shown below).

Everything works fine. The problem is that the RTC doesn't keep the correct time. When the system is switched on, after a few minutes it starts to get delayed by seconds. The more time it is on, the more delay it gets. I'll leave the code I used here. It's a long code, mainly because of the screen part (it's also in Spanish, as it's my first language, you could ask some AI to translate the comments for you, sorry for that).

I would be very grateful for your help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bluejets]

You will find the ds3231 is an accurate device.
Suggest you build a basic circuit with just the ds3231 and the arduino, upload some basic code and verify via the serial monitor.
Also read intro at top of the forum pages.

 

[ahsrabrifat]

Either it is a bad crystal oscillator or a bad coin cell battery. Check the battery voltage and see if it is 3V. If you need the proteus library, you can get it from here: https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2021/05/cr2032-lithium-coin-library-for-proteus.html
Using the DS3231 can be a better solution as somebody has already suggested.

 

[Bluejets]

If a dry cell is fitted to the ds3231 without disabling the charge circuit, that too could be loading the supply voltage to the point of failure.

 

[Delta Prime]

Either it is a bad crystal oscillator

The 32 kHz TCXO is embedded in the module.

Using the DS3231 can be a better solution as somebody has already suggested

Nobody suggested anything, that is what the thread starter:
( is not using )so…you got a point there!(AI)

Everything works fine

It would probably work better if you connected the DS3231.
Pin(1) Is your 32kHz output .
Schematic is incomplete.
Please provide a link to where you have acquired your information.

https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/ds3231.pdf

 

[Dabi_Aljv]

The 32 kHz TCXO is embedded in the module.

Nobody suggested anything, that is what the thread starter:
( is not using )so…you got a point there!(AI)

It would probably work better if you connected the DS3231.
Pin(1) Is your 32kHz output .
Schematic is incomplete.
Please provide a link to where you have acquired your information.

https://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/ds3231.pdf

Everything is well connected. The 32khz pin is not necessary here and SQW is not used because I don't use interruptions in this program (I've already researched this and realized that using interruptions is the best way to operate the DS3231 module, so I'm working on it).

 

[Delta Prime]

I've already researched this and realized that using interruptions is the best way to operate the DS3231 module, so I'm working on it).

Very good something was lost in translation.Schematics are a universal language in electronics.
I know you will be successful, update your schematic. Update your code, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[Bluejets]

What happened to testing in a basic circuit first...????

 

[Delta Prime]

You poor thing; you can’t read schematics can you?

 

[Bluejets]

You poor thing; you can’t read schematics can you?

I have no problem....the op does and it still remains regardless of any suggestion from you.

 

[Delta Prime]

I have no problem....the op does

This is true you are a wealth of information. Thank you for your contributions. I was not addressing you.
But I did have to take you off my ignore list just for this moment.