akastanley/nixieclock

Nixie Tube Clock

Nixie Tube Clock

From scratch design of a Nixie Tube Clock, with a twist. This clock sets its time using a GPS reciever, so it has the correct time anywhere around the world--and you don't have set it.

Read the "Notes on Nixie Tube Clock.rtf" for more details on the actual design. Here are some images of the design. All the Code, PCB, and 3D model files are included here if you want to make your own. BOM cost will run you at least 250$ though, so maybe think twice...

The Finnished Clock

The Clock Powered Off

PCB Top side

PCB Bottom side (with fix)

Circuit Overview

Circuit Detail

From left to right:
12vDC to 180v boost circuit Max1771, HV shift register 1 for Hours, arduino MCU, GPS antenna, HV shift register 2 for minutes (underneath GPS)

3D Printing

I bought an Ender 3 V2 and modeled a base and some trim parts for this clock.

"Naked" Tube legs

Angled Base

3D printed ring to cover them

Tubes!

Turns out you can get unlucky and your vintage tubes will just die one day...They aren't getting any cheaper to replace.
In 2020, the larger IN-18 tubes were 50$ each, and the smaller IN-8-2 were a measly 18$. Shipped from a random wearhouse in Belarus.