Six Digit Nixie Clock kit
******************** SOLD OUT ********************
I created a limited number of kits using this pcb design which have now all been sold.
Please check back here regularly for news of my new kits and projects currently in development.
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Combines a modern microcontroller with the retro neon orange
glow of Russian IN-14 Nixie tubes
(Click images to enlarge)
This nixie clock is is very configurable - it has over thirty
options. Customise it to look and work the way you prefer -
(see the features list below).
Timekeeping options are flexible - it can use the onboard
crystal oscillator or sync with the mains frequency (50 or
60Hz). It can decode time signals from external precise time
signal devices.
With a suitable interface, you can connect it to MSF, DCF77
or GPS receiver modules(not supplied), a PC serial port, a
one second pulse supply or a WWVB (USA) receiver
(Experimental only).
Instructions and diagrams for you to make the required simple
interface circuits and connections are provided.
The kit does not use any surface-mount components and the
assembly manual provides detailed instructions with photos of
each stage of assembly.
However, this kit uses many components and generates a high
voltage, so is not suitable for beginners.
You must provide a suitable case and AC adapter
(wall-wart)
- The core of the clock is a Microchip PIC16F876A 8-bit
CMOS microcontroller ic.
- It is programmed entirely in assembly language code.
- The nixie tubes are driven in a 2*3 line multiplex
which provides fast display refresh,lower driver chip count
and reduced power consumption.
- Uses six large IN-14 Nixie tubes with 19mm (3/4") high
digits.
- Normal clock timing is provided by the cpu crystal
which can be finely adjusted and stored using the
pushbuttons.
- Alternatively, the clock can derive timing from the 50
or 60Hz mains frequency (provided an AC power adaptor (Wall
wart) is used).
- It has the option to connect to MSF (UK), DCF77
(Europe) or GPS time receivers in order to obtain accurate
time and date updates.
- Can be interfaced to a Windows 98 or XP computer serial
port to synchronise with the PC time ("NixieSync" software
is supplied)
- The time can increment under the control of an external
1pps time pulse.
- An Experimental (untested on live broadcasts) option to
sync to a WWVB receiver (USA)is also provided.
- The high voltage for driving the nixies is controlled
and regulated directly by the microcontroller using Pulse
Width Modulation and regulated using P.I.D algorithms.
- It is continuously monitored for possible high voltage
fault conditions and has "soft start" at power on with
diagnostics, fault indication and overload shut-off.
- The high voltage is initially pre-set to 180V, it can
be adjusted if desired using the pushbuttons and stored in
EEPROM memory.
- All clock option settings are easily adjusted using
just two pushbuttons and are retained in the controller
memory during power-off.
- The clock is fully configurable with over 30 main
options with many setting choices - configurations are
retained in memory.
- Digit cross-fading effects (5 levels) - blends digits as
they change.
- Scrolling date effects - 4 options for scrolling the
date plus a random effect selection option.
- Manually controlled display brightness selection (5
levels)
- Time controlled display dimming and/or turn-off.
- Light level controlled display dimming and/or turn-off
to increase tube life.
- Digit cycling effects - 8 different effects plus a
random selection option. The cycling effect speed and run
intervals are configurable.
- A special long cycle effect can be set to run at
midnight - to help prevent Nixie "cathode poisoning".
- 12/24 hour time modes with leading zero blanking
options.
- Date display in UK/US or International format with
display interval and duration configurable.
- Leap year automatic adjustment.
- Selectable time zone - The clock can offset the time
received from MSF/DCF77, GPS or WWVB sources by up to +/-
14 hours.
- Six bright tube illumination LEDS (Either Blue or
optional UV (Purple) which can dim along with the nixies
and configured to be continually on/off or switch on or off
during date display etc.
- Dimmable neons for colon display - these can be
controlled in various ways to be on/off/flashing(two
speeds) or indicate AM/PM.
- A (decimal point) type nixie AM/PM indicator which is
configurable and dims with the display.
- One button can be reconfigured from it's default
dimming function to switch between 12/24 hour time, show
the date,toggle cross-fading or switch to a completely
different whole clock configuration for personal
preferences.
- Because it is powered from a low voltage, It can be
used worldwide (with an appropriate ac adapter)
- There is a user re-settable tube hours usage counter.
- Two status LEDs provide an indication of normal clock
activity, external time pulses and any errors. These can be
switched-off when not required.
- The whole clock configuration can be reset back to
"as-new" defaults if you ever wish to.
- A CD containing a detailed, illustrated assembly
instruction manual with full circuit diagram in PDF file
format together with a user manual and details on
interfacing to optional time sources, plus a circuit
description and datasheets for the main components.
- Compact PCB dimensions: 150mm x 60mm and 20mm underside
clearance. (5.9in X 2.4in X (0.79in)
- A few CAD "dxf" and "emachineshop" files to act as
templates for your possible case design are included.
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Optional connection to external time sources
- technical requirements
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The clock may optionally be connected to an MSF (UK)
or DCF77 (German) time receiver. The manual shows details of
simple interface circuits for connection to commercially
available modules or for modifying cheap complete "radio
controlled" type clocks instead.
GPS connectivity requires the use of an "OEM" GPS module
meeting the following specification -
- Data output levels - TTL or CMOS compatible (0-5V)
- Serial comms - 4800 baud, 8 bits, No Parity, 1 Stop bit
- Protocol - NMEA 0183
- Required Sentences - RMC (GGA may also be used in
addition if available)
- Low power consumption - If powering the module from the
clock 5V output.
Alternatively, it can be connected to an accurate
(TTL/CMOS levels) 1pps time pulse to increment the seconds on
each positive going pulse.
Another option is to synchronise to a Windows XP or 98 PC via
an interface to the computer serial port. The easy to install
software for this option is included on the kit CD.
Finally, an "Experimental" WWVB (USA) timecode decoder option
is provided.
It is not possible to receive WWVB time transmissions in the
UK, so it can not be fully tested.
Simulated WWVB timecodes have been decoded ok - it
"should" work if you wish to try it.
See a short movie of the
clock working.
(Windows Media Player file size 1.6Mb)
Complete manuals and the "NixieSync" program are provided on
the CD supplied with the kit.
Download the
Assembly Manual
in Adobe PDF format (1Mb compressed for web download)
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Price List: in GB Pounds Sterling (GBP). (Secure
payment can be made via "PayPal")
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Complete Kit (with standard Blue tube
LEDS)
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£ 79 SOLD OUT
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UK mainland insured next-day delivery
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£ 6
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Europe insured airmail delivery
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£ 8
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USA and rest of world insured airmail delivery
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£ 10
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(Optional) - UK customers only - UK type AC Power
adaptor
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Free with UK orders
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(Optional) - MSF type LCD Alarm clock (for
modifying as a UK time source)
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£ 5
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The kit is NOT available Pre-Assembled
Please state if you prefer UV (purple) tube leds instead of
Blue. (note that their appearance is not as bright as blue
leds due to the high UV content of the light and lower LED
light output spec.)
Green neons (as shown below) for the colons instead of the normal orange ones
are available for £1.00 extra per pair.
The clock requires an AC power adapter (wall wart) able to
provide either 9V AC or 12V DC @500mA or better.
You should be able to purchase an inexpensive AC
adapter locally.
Nixie Clock Kit Availability - SOLD OUT (updated 30th October 2007)
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Sales/Contact:
Please email me to arrange a purchase via secure
transaction using "PayPal" or request further
information.
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DISCLAIMER
This kit generates a high voltage.
Only persons who are competent at electronics
assembly and understand the dangers of high
voltages may attempt to assemble this kit!
Safe assembly and operation of this kit is the
users responsibility.
This information is provided 'as is'.
No responsibility is accepted for any damage,
injury or death as a result of assembling this
kit.
The assembled unit must be properly en-cased to
prevent contact with high voltages and kept out of
reach of children.
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Site Last Updated Monday 30th of June 2008
