# Adafruit PiRTC - Precise DS3231 Real Time Clock for Raspberry Pi

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** ADA4282 · **Brand:** [Adafruit](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/adafruit-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-pirtc-precise-ds3231-real-time-clock-for-raspberry-pi.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/adafruit-pirtc-precise-ds3231-real-time-clock-for-raspberry-pi.html.md))

This is the best battery-backed real time clock (RTC) you can get that allows your Raspberry Pi project to keep track of time if the power is lost. Perfect for data-logging...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $27.10 (inc GST) — $24.64 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $23.90 (exc GST) · 50+ $23.40 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- In stock, ships same business day if ordered before 2PM (Australia/Sydney).
- We can dispatch 1 today, and up to 500 more in 8–12 days.

## Restrictions

Restrictions apply to this equipment as it uses button/coin cell batteries:

- The equipment is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries
- The equipment is not intended for sale to the general public
- The equipment is not intended to be used where children are present
- You are aware that this equipment may not meet child safety testing requirements as it is not intended to be used by consumers or general public, but rather, is intended to be used in trades, professions or industries in conjunction with the limitations and restrictions listed above
- You are aware that these restrictions are due to a change in [A](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/businesses-on-notice-as-mandatory-button-battery-laws-commence)[ustralian legislation in 2022](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/businesses-on-notice-as-mandatory-button-battery-laws-commence) for button/coin cell batteries
 
![Button Battery Warning](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/uploads/iec-button-battery.png)

A declaration of use will need to be submitted during checkout.

## Description

This is the best battery-backed real time clock (RTC) you can get that allows your Raspberry Pi project to keep track of time if the power is lost. Perfect for data-logging, clock-building, NTP servers, time-stamping, timers and alarms, etc. Equipped with **a genuine DS3231** RTC, it works great with the Raspberry Pi and has native kernel support.

The datasheet for the **DS3231** explains that this part is an "Extremely Accurate I²C-Integrated RTC/TCXO/Crystal". And, hey, it does exactly what it says on the tin! This **Real Time Clock (RTC)** is the most precise you can get in a small, low power package.

Most RTCs use an external 32kHz timing crystal that is used to keep time with low current draw. And that's all well and good, but those crystals have slight drift, particularly when the temperature changes (the temperature changes the oscillation frequency very very very slightly but it does add up!) This RTC is in a beefy package because the crystal is inside the chip! And right next to the integrated crystal is a temperature sensor. That sensor compensates for the frequency changes by adding or removing clock ticks so that the timekeeping stays on schedule.

**Many "cheap" DS3231 RTC boards do not use genuine Maxim DS3231's - you'll get a non-calibrated RTC which does not maintain the timekeeping quality that is specified! Adafruit purchase these DS3231's from Maxim direct so they know they are 100% genuine.**

Works perfectly with any [Raspberry Pi (or similar single board linux computer)](https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-a-real-time-clock-to-raspberry-pi) including the Pi 1, Pi 2, Pi 3, Pi 4, Pi Zero, A+, B+ etc.

- Fully assembled & tested PCB plugs directly into your Pi's GPIO pins - **No soldering required!**
- Will keep time for 5 years or more

**Note: This product does not come with a CR1220 coin cell battery.** [Adafruit recommend you purchase a coin cell battery to use with this product.](https://core-electronics.com.au/cr1220-replacement-battery-for-icufflinks-inecklace.html)

## Technical Details

Product Dimensions: 21.3mm x 20.0mm x 13.6mm / 0.8" x 0.8" x 0.5"

Product Weight: 2.7g / 0.1oz

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/4/2/4282-04.jpg)