Summary of Pete’s Blog
This article describes a DIY nixie tube clock project featuring a single microcontroller, software RTC, a software-driven boost converter to generate ~175 V DC, USB-based time/date/configuration with a Windows config app, and displays for time, date, temperature, and AC mains frequency. It notes NOS nixie sourcing and mentions new-production tubes at daliborfarny.com.
Parts used in the Nixie Clock:
- Nixie tubes (NOS or new-production)
- Microcontroller
- Boost converter components to generate ~175 V DC
- USB interface hardware
- Temperature sensor
- Power supply for low-voltage electronics
- Clock enclosure and mounting hardware
- PC running Windows for configuration application
If you’ve poked around the internets where electronics hobbyists collect, it is likely that you are acutely aware of our incontrovertible affinity for building timekeeping clocks. It is similarly unlikely that you have been able to evade the plenitude of nixie tube based projects. There is a reason for this.
Nixie tubes are cool. They have great aesthetic appeal with their difficult-to-photograph, warm orange glow, and dem curvy numerals. They add an organic je ne sais quoi to a hobby with ostensibly digital design cues. Further, they pose technical challenges in the way of producing and switching the ~175 V DC needed to light each tube element. And as far as I am aware, there are no new nixie tubes being produced; as such, procurement can be a challenge unto itself. My N.O.S. nixies came from Russia thru Ebay, and only 3 were duds. Incidentally the seller replaced those 3, FOC.
The strike thru text above results from a tip from +nicholasStock who points out new nixie tubes ae in fact being produced: http://www.daliborfarny.com/ The linked tubes are really impressive from a technical standpoint as well as asthetics. They seem to amplify all of the design cues we love about NOS nixies and the results speak for themselves. Might still be an issue with procurement, however…
- Single microcontroller design.
- Software based RTC.
- Software driven boost converter for ~175 V DC supply.
- Time, Date, and behavior configuration via USB
- Windows application for clock configuration.
- Time, Date, Temperature, and AC Power line frequency display.
For More Details: Pete’s Blog
- What is the core controller design of the Nixie Clock?
The clock uses a single microcontroller design. - How is the real-time clock implemented?
The project uses a software based RTC. - How is the high voltage for the nixie tubes generated?
The high voltage is produced by a software driven boost converter to achieve about 175 V DC. - Can time and date be configured via USB?
Yes, time, date, and behavior configuration are done via USB. - Is there a configuration application for a computer?
Yes, there is a Windows application for clock configuration. - What information can the clock display?
The clock can display time, date, temperature, and AC power line frequency. - Where did the author source nixie tubes?
The author sourced NOS nixies from Russia through Ebay, with few defects replaced by the seller. - Are new nixie tubes available?
The article notes new nixie tubes are being produced and links to daliborfarny.com.
