====== IrtcBegin() ======

''IrtcBegin()'' checks the DS3231 RTC connection and starts using it.

{{:en-us_commands:reference:irtcbegin.svg?900|IrtcBegin command operation flow}}

''bool IrtcBegin()''

===== Commands =====

^ Command ^ Arguments ^ Return Value ^ Operation ^
| ''IrtcBegin()'' | None | ''bool'' | Checks the DS3231 RTC connection and starts using it. |


===== Example =====

<code cpp>
void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);

  if (!IrtcBegin()) {  // Check the DS3231 RTC connection and begin operation.
    Serial.println(F("DS3231 connection failed"));
    return;
  }

  // Run once initially, then comment out.
  // IrtcSet(2026, 8, 10, 14, 30, 0);
}

void loop() {
  IrtcDateTime now;
  if (IrtcRead(now)) {  // Read the RTC date and time.
    Serial.print(now.year);
    Serial.print('/');
    Serial.print(now.month);
    Serial.print('/');
    Serial.print(now.day);
    Serial.print(' ');
    Serial.print(now.hour);
    Serial.print(':');
    Serial.print(now.minute);
    Serial.print(':');
    Serial.println(now.second);
  }
  delay(1000);
}
</code>

===== Precautions =====

Run each device's corresponding ''Begin'' command first. Check I²C addresses and pin sharing; if the ''bool'' return value is ''false'', inspect wiring and power.

===== Built-in Commands in the Same Category =====

  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcread|IrtcRead() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcset|IrtcSet() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcunixtime|IrtcUnixTime() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcgettemperature|IrtcGetTemperature() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtctimevalid|IrtcTimeValid() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcclearoscillatorstopflag|IrtcClearOscillatorStopFlag() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcsetalarm1|IrtcSetAlarm1() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcsetalarm2|IrtcSetAlarm2() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcalarmenable|IrtcAlarmEnable() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcalarmenabled|IrtcAlarmEnabled() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcalarmtriggered|IrtcAlarmTriggered() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtcsquarewave|IrtcSquareWave() View detailed description]]
  * [[:en-us_commands:reference:irtc32khz|Irtc32kHz() View detailed description]]

[[:en-us_commands:builtin|← Built-in Command List]]