Hello world!
by Jae686 on Dec.12, 2010, under Electronics, Nixie Clock
While I was looking for some information on VFD displays on wikipedia, I’ve came across this very old display technology used in the 50′s and 60′s, called Nixie tubes. After doing some homework, I’ve decided to build a nixie clock.
Nixie Tube IN-12
The main focus of the Nixie Clock was not to build a discrete time keeping circuit , but instead to build a transistor based discrete Nixie driver, handing over the time keeping tasks to a dedicated RTC and a µC, in this case an ATMEGA 168. Unlike my previous endeavours, this time I’ve decided to put all other hobby related projects on hold, and start focusing in one project at a time.
Besides building the clock, the project also became a way to re-learn techniques and procedures, like the PCB positive preparation, CAD PCB design and acquire (or build) the means necessary to build other projects, such as the UV box.
Nixie Clock Prototype
At this time, the clock is on a prototype stage, where the HW and SW are stable enough to work for several weeks without a HW reset.
I’m currently working on the test stage, were the clock will be assembled on a properly etched PCB, with a design being made on KICAD, a Electronics oriented EDA tool.
