Virtuabotixrtch Arduino Library (2025)

If you are using the standard Virtuabotix DS1302 module, it typically requires a 3-wire interface (I2C is not used for the DS1302; it uses a serial protocol).

Typical Pinout:

(Note: Unlike I2C sensors, the DS1302 does not require specific hardware I2C pins (SDA/SCL); you can define the pins in the code.) virtuabotixrtch arduino library

#include <VirtuabotixRTC.h>
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
VirtuabotixRTC myRTC(6, 7, 8);
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);
void setup() 
lcd.begin(16, 2);
lcd.print("RTC Clock");
delay(1000);
 If you are using the standard Virtuabotix DS1302
void loop() 
myRTC.updateTime();
lcd.clear();
lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
lcd.print("Time:");
lcd.print(myRTC.hours);
lcd.print(":");
lcd.print(myRTC.minutes);
lcd.print(":");
lcd.print(myRTC.seconds); (Note: Unlike I2C sensors, the DS1302 does not
lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
lcd.print(myRTC.month);
lcd.print("/");
lcd.print(myRTC.dayofmonth);
lcd.print("/20");
lcd.print(myRTC.year);
delay(500);

#include <Wire.h>
#include <VirtuabotixRTC.h>
// Use the device address the library expects (example: 0x68) and set starting pin if required
VirtuabotixRTC myRTC(0x68); // constructor may vary by library version
void setup() 
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Wire.begin();
  // Optionally set time once:
  // myRTC.setTime(14, 30, 0); // hh, mm, ss
  // myRTC.setDate(9, 4, 2026); // dd, mm, yyyy or yy depending on library version
void loop() 
  // read time
  int hour = myRTC.getHour();
  int minute = myRTC.getMinute();
  int second = myRTC.getSecond();
  int day = myRTC.getDay();
  int month = myRTC.getMonth();
  int year = myRTC.getYear(); // check if returns full year or two-digit
// print formatted
  Serial.print(hour); Serial.print(":");
  if(minute < 10) Serial.print("0");
  Serial.print(minute); Serial.print(":");
  if(second < 10) Serial.print("0");
  Serial.print(second);
  Serial.print("  ");
  Serial.print(month); Serial.print("/");
  Serial.print(day); Serial.print("/");
  Serial.println(year);
delay(1000);

Notes: