I'm unable to make an RTC module to work: RTC module ds3231, BPI M2Z and ARMBIAN Bookworm i2c pins 3 and 5 Driver RTC-ds1307 loaded, because RTC-ds3231 is not available. Why do I need a RTC-module? Often in the field I'm not online but I do need the right time on my observation camera's. My application does not allow me for having a monitor. My system does the recordings by motion detection, and the recordings do need the right time on it. armbian-config i2c0 set Tools installed: apt install python3-smbus i2c-tools i2cdetect -y 0 Detects address 068 and not UU as proof of driver been loaded File "hwclock-set" adapted #if [ -e /run/systemd/system ] ; then # exit 0 #fi Fake hwclock removed sudo apt -y remove fake-hwclock sudo update-rc.d -f fake-hwclock remove armbianEnv.txt overlay and dtoverlay correctly set modules.conf added: rtc-ds1307 Still, after a power down, the hardware clock shows 1970 as the date The same module tested on my RPi Zero 2W, and all is working perfect. If somebody can help me, that would be wonderful.

@going @djurny @IBV Reason why I need an working hardware clock: Because my access point need to work without internet connection, but with always the right date and time. Following made the battery operated hardware clock ds3132 to work: OS: Armbian Bookworm from 24-04-2025 apt-get update (No upgrade! ) Edit /boot/armbianEnv.txt add following lines: overlays=i2c0 dtoverlay=i2c-rtc,ds1307 Edit /etc/modules add following lines i2c-dev aml_i2c Edit /etc/rc.local add following lines echo ds1307 0x68 > /sys/class/i2c-adapter/i2c-0/new_device hwclock -s Reboot Check date and eventual correct date and time. Check if the i2c has the right status with: i2cdetect -y 0 ==> address 068 should show UU Check hwclock is communicating with: hwclock --verbose Save the right system time to the hwclock with: hwclock -w Check if you can read hwclock with: hwclock -r

Unable to make it to work: RTC module ds3231, BPI M2Z and ARMBIAN Bookworm

Banana Pi BPI-M2 ZERO

By Ed van den Enden
April 22 in Beginners

https://forum.armbian.com/topic/51369-unable-to-make-it-to-work-rtc-module-ds3231-bpi-m2z-and-armbian-bookworm/

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Go to solution Solved by Ed van den Enden, May 12

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Ed van den Enden

Posted 1 hour ago

Author

Posted 1 hour ago (edited)

Hi @djurny

Just to inform you that, after cleaning out some mess I made, your overlay and armbianEnv.txt update to make the external RTC ds3231 to work, did the job.
For my SBC's I use the Banana Pi M2 Zero and v25.5 rolling for Banana Pi M2 Zero running Armbian Linux 6.6.75-current-sunxi

My application needs to work in the field as an Access Point with an RTC, the right date and time is important info in the diagnostics of my applications.
A remark on the mentioned Armbian release:
For using the GPIO pins of the SBC, python3-libgpiod works great.
I use USB camera's (V4L2 camera). After any update or upgrade, my USB camera's won't work anymore. Not really a problem for me, because I'm happy as it works right now, no updates or upgrades needed.
Thanks again for your great help.
Met vriendelijke groet, Ed

Edited 1 hour ago by Ed van den Enden

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