Okay, it has been a while since I’ve done a video review and taken lots of photos of a gadget so let’s jump right in.  This is the Manuela_HR end view Nixie clock from NixieKits.eu and this little thing rocks.  Let’s quantify how this thing rocks:

Video Review:

{vimeo width="700" height="390"}20742895{/vimeo}

Text Supplement:

For starters, this clock is an upgraded version of the original Manuela design.  It looks similar and shares the same underlying software but the new Manuela_HR is definitely more refined.  This clock can be configured two different ways.  In this review, it is configured as a desk clock with the power and logic PCB stacked behind the tubes.  You can also configure the clock so the circuitry and the tubes face the same direction in a more flat layout.  See the photos below for an example.

Nixie Clock

The enclosure for the desk design is great – it is stacked Plexiglas to create a 100% custom enclosure.  The plastic is clear but the edges have a nice blue tint.  This new design takes up significantly less space than the original design and looks quite handsome.  Jürgen is working on an enclosure for the alternate clock format but I don’t have any photos as the design is still a work-in-progress.  

The Tubes:

The new tube option is where this clock really shines.  
The original designed used IN-12 tubes – the end view tubes with the inverted numeral 2 in place of a proper number 5.  IN-12’s are still an option but there are several new options as well.  Alternatively, you can purchase AEG ZM1100’s which look like the IN-12’s but have a proper numeral 5, you can purchase Telefunken ZM1100’s which have a traditional orange coating or you can purchase Siemens ZM1180’s which have a deep red coating.  The Siemens tubes are pictured in this review.

Nixie Tube Comparison

The Backlight:

The backlight scheme has changed a little bit.  The original design used 2-wire RGB auto-changing LEDs to add a nice backlight.  The brightness was user adjustable via a pot on the back of the clock.  The new design simplifies this.  The HR still has RGB LEDs as an option but you may also select single colors as well: cyan, ocean green, standard green, and cool white (shown in this review.)  The power is controlled via an on-off switch on the back and when the digits are switched on and off, they fade nicely in and out.  Watch the end of the video review to see this in action.

NixieKits.eu Nixie Clock

The Software:

The software as best as I can tell, is the same between the clocks and this is a good thing.  The original design worked and the same options and layout apply here.  The major software features are:
* Selectable leading zero suppression between 0:00 and 10:00
* Time format 24- or 12 hours mode
* Selectable digit cross fading
* Automatic date display with selectable display frequency and adjustable scrolling speed
* Automatic digit cycling with various effects and selectable frequency to prevent cathode poisoning
* Adjustable standard display brightness
* Dimmer control with start time and duration to save tube's life
* Tubes lighting follows tubes brightness
* Alarm with adjustable tone and snooze option
* Easy to set up with 3push buttons

Prices:

The pricing for this clock is a little more complex than the others because there are more options.  The prices are as follows:

  • The Electronics Kit: 110 EUR
  • The Enclosure: 25 EUR
  • AGE Tubes: 30 EUR
  • Telefunken Tubes: 30 EUR
  • Siemens Tubes: 50 EUR
  • IN-12 Tubes: 10 EUR

 

Alternate Layout:

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

 

More Photos:

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Update 3/2/2011

Jürgen sent me more photos of the clock to post showing off alternate LED colors.

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

Nixie Clock

 

 

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