VFD-based tube clocks

We've got our hands on a working pre-release version of the IV-12 VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny from NixieKits.eu.  As usual, full review coming shortly!

Video

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Photos

VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny

VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny

VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny

VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny

VFD Uhrenbausatz / Clock Kit Jenny

Links

I just got my IV-17 Four Letter Word generator.  It has a dictionary of 5,400 words including common acronyms and a few proper nouns too.  For those of you keeping this at your office, it even has a word filter to prevent offensive words from being shown.  Be sure to check out the video and photos below.  Learn more here.

Operation is pretty simple.  There are two exposed buttons that are used to set the time.  The alphanumeric nature of the display makes this a much easier task than on a nixie clock.  There are also a few hidden settings internally.  Using a jumper, you can set the transitions between words, change the frequency that the time is displayed, and enable or disable the NSFW filter.

The kit comes pre-assembled and costs $120.  For the amount of engineering that went in to this, it is a pretty good deal.  Now go check out Pete's site.

 

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Four Letter Word VFD

Four Letter Word VFD

Four Letter Word VFD

Links

Here is a build up animation of the base of the clock.  It is composed of several layers of laser-cut acrylic and PCB.  The final PCB is in production and should be done shortly.

IV-12 Clock

Layers Shown

  1. Bottom Layer: black plastic cover, 3 mm thickness
  2. The first black spacer, also 3 mm thickness
  3. The PCB with 1.6 mm
  4. The 6 mm tube socket holder and spacer
  5. The 2nd spacer with 6 mm, so you will have a clearance of total 12 mm for the parts height's
  6. The top cover with 3 mm

 

Links

 

Update 8/23/2010

It looks like the PCBs are in.  Jürgen just emailed me a photo of them.

 

Price:   159 €

By Jürgen Grau


Jürgen just sent in a new clock that he will soon be selling as a kit on his website.  It is an IV-12 based vacuum fluorescent tube clock with a clean looking sandwich style acrylic enclosure.  The kit will also include a power supply, lead forming tool and gloves.  The completed enclosure should be 196mm X 65mm X 23mm.

Photos

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

IV-12 VFD Clock

 

 

 

Video:

Features:

 

  • Fading digits with adjustable speed
  • Leading zero suppression
  • Scrolling date with adjustable speed and frequency
  • Two levels of brightness
  • Software adjustable correction of the crystal's deviation
  • Alarm with adjustable tone and snooze time
  • Soft flashing column LEDs with simulated VFD colors (RGB type LEDs)
  • Built in RGB controller for many lighting styles and millions of colors


P.S. Be sure to check out his IN-12 Nixie clock too.

Links

 

UPDATES 8/1/2010:

  • Jürgen sent in some great photos and a video of the clock in action.

UPDATES: 8/8/201:

  • Jürgen sent in nearly-finished product shots.  The only difference between the photos and the final product will be the PCB color.  The finished design will be blue with white printing.
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