6-digit Nixie clock synchronized by GPS, adjustable to all time zones
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![elektor](https://cdn.xingosoftware.com/elektor/images/fetch/dpr_1,w_300,h_240,c_fit/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elektormagazine.com%2Fassets%2Fupload%2Fimages%2F16%2F20160315133855_166TV-NixiePlexy-nologo.png)
The new* Precise Nixie Clock published in the May & June 2016 issue of Elektor Magazine combines modern and legacy technologies. Now controlled by a PIC18F4420, the clock receives time signals from the GPS system and displays the time with six Nixie tubes. And this model also shows the seconds.
A tiny neon bulb was added as separator between minutes and seconds digits. The new version has IN-12 nixies, pin compatible with other oval shaped nixie tubes like the ZM1100 and CD56. Since these are top view nixies, we made a separate PCB for the display that can be mounted perpendicular to another PCB containing the rest of the hardware. Six 10-way (box) headers (spaced on a 100mil grid) are used for the connection between the two boards.
If you wish to use other tubes, it is easy to assemble your own display on Veroboard.
A very finely engraved transparent acrylic glass** enclosing with brass tubes and blue back light is now available in the Elektor shop together with the kit containing all the parts.
All your questions about this beautiful project will find their answers here.
* remake of the November 2014 Precise Nixie Clock
** Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), aka Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, or Perspex
Discussion (7 comments)
NickT 8 years ago
kirby 8 years ago
I do gripe a bit twice a year when the Daylight Saving settings don't match the oddball U.S. changes. One of the days it will bug me enought to dig into the code.
Lucky 7 years ago
denniscj7 7 years ago
Nice2Know 7 years ago
TeslaMan 6 years ago
My kit did not include C14 with a note but I still have the buzz sound from the coil and the transistor almost exploded... The only way I found to limit this is by putting the pot at min to not light up the nixies for a couple of seconds while the system powers on. After I tune the pot for proper Nixies to light up. I will review the circuits to see if I did not made a mistake there. Otherwise, I will review the design it self.
Lucky 6 years ago
For technical help with this project, see https://www.elektormagazine.com/labs/150189-6-digit-nixie-clock#/comments/51882