Arduino 6-Digit "All In One" IN-14 Nixie Clock with Removable Tubes

This is a simple to build kit based on Arduino (Atmel ATMega micro controller), packed full of features and able to drive 6 IN-14 tubes. You don't need to own an Arduino to use this kit! It is self contained and runs without an external Arduino board.

The tubes are mounted on small PCBs and you can quickly and easily change a broken or defective tube, or try out other tubes.

The PCB is small (15cm x 5cm), needs no extra heat management. All of the parts, except for the front panel components (switch and LDR) are mounted on the PCB.

What you get:

  • PCB Only: You get only the PCB, you will need to add all parts and tubes, and program the micro-controller.
  • PCB and controller: You get the PCB and a pre-programmed micro-controller. You have to add your own components, IN-14 tubes and external power supply (7.5VDC - 12VDC)
  • Module Kit: You get the PCB and all parts. You will need to add tubes. The micro-controller is pre-programmed. (Note the picture shows the assembled module, but you get the kit of parts, and not the assembled module).

Please see the User Manual and Kit Instructions. If you have any questions, contact us using the address in the manual, or via Ebay!

For full details and the the construction manual, please see: Instruction Manual

The clock a battery backed real time clock module (readily available on Ebay), accurate to 1 second per month, or a Wifi time provider module (available here).  The Wifi module accesses a WiFi network (using an SSID and password) and gets the current time, meaning you never ever have to set the clock, even after changes in Daylight Savings Time! The clock is always right and will never be more than 1 second out! The WiFi module is available in the listing for the WifiTimeModule.

Easy Build

All components are through hole (easy assembly, no special tools required). The component count is low, and the step by step instructions take you through the build process, explaining each step in detail (e.g. how to know which way round the components go, what to test, trouble shooting tips and common errors are also included).

The construction time for someone with average soldering skills: around 2 hours. All tests can be done with a standard multimeter.

For full details and the the construction manual, please see: Instruction Manual

Features:

  • 6 digit clock with digit fading, dimming and scroll back effect
  • Fully RGB back lighting allows you to set the the color of the back lighting to practically any color you desire
  • (RTC module) Battery backed, temperature compensated, high accuracy clock. The accuracy is ±2ppm from 0°C to +40°C. (Maximum 1 minute per year)
  • (WiFi module) Never needs setting, automatically compensated for Daylight Savings Time. (Maximum 1 second)
  • Retains the date and time even when turned off
  • Leap Year Compensation Valid Up to the year 2100
  • Based on the Arduino micro-controller: Easy to program an well documented
  • Open source hardware and software. Nothing is hidden in this clock.
  • You may modify and load the software with a normal PC
  • Low power consumption
  • Anti Cathode Poisoning (ACP) makes sure that the tubes will stay healthy for many years with no intervention from you
  • All settings are stored in non-volatile memory. Once they are set, they are remembered forever, or until you change them again
  • Ambient light sensing, with automatic tube dimming, which sets the tube and LED brightness according to the light conditions. The tubes could be disturbing during the night if they are left at full brightness
  • Absolutely silent operation. Some Nixie clocks emit an irritating “buzz” or “hiss” which is especially annoying if you keep the clock in a bedroom
  • No hardware jumpers, all settings are held in EEPROM
  • Factory reset mode if you get anything wrong: Just hold down the button when powering on

Open Source

The clock software is open source, using an Atmel micro-controller as used in the Arduino. The program can be changed in the Arduino IDE, and uploaded using a standard programmer, or using an Arduino UNO. You don't have to do this if you don't want to: The chip comes pre-programmed!

The code is on GitHub.

Optional Components

Instead of the RTC (Real Time Clock) module, you can buy an IoT internet connected time provider. You will never need to set the clock again. It connects to your home WiFi and gets the atomic time from an Internet server. You can purchase the optional modules here.

Shipping

All packages are sent via tracked priority shipping. Economy shipping is no longer available due to repeated delivery problems.

Please also see other shipping options and modules.