Nixie-based tube clocks

Apple TV Nixie Clock

As Apple launched its redesigned Apple TV, many users are wondering what to do with their first generation model.

Daniel Kurth (www.kurth.lu), designer of the Nixie Concrete Clock (www.nixie-concrete.com) came up with the idea of recycling its body to build the ATV 1 Nixie Clock (www.kurth.lu/nixie).

Kurth has reused every structural element, integrated a nixie controller board, tube holders and replaced the top acrylic plate with a new CNC routed PVC plate. The heavy duty tissue cable doubles as power cord and wall mount string. Similar to the Nixie Concrete Clock, the rearranged tubes allow the user to enjoy the playful interaction between the six tubes.

All electronic components in the fully functioning clock are assembled by hand.

Technical specifications:

  • Recycled Apple TV 1 body
  • 12 / 24 hr mode
  • 108 cable connections
  • Up to 200.000 hours tube lifespan
  • 9 V AC/500mA
  • Eco-saver automatic dimming function/automatic OFF
  • Auto Detection of 1Hz, 50Hz or 60Hz clock pulse input mode
  • DCF77 Module can be added externally
  • 6 x Z560M Nixie Tube (unused) running at 170 VDC
  • Dimming via push button
  • Handmade assembly of all electronic components
  • CNC routed tube holders (DIBOND) and cover plate (PVC)
  • Made in Luxembourg
  • Wallmount possible

Apple TV Nixie Clock

Apple TV Nixie Clock

Apple TV Nixie Clock

Apple TV Nixie Clock

MORE INFO ON THE MICROWEBSITE:

(via press release)

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I'm pretty sure that this is the largest nixie clock currently for sale.  With 8 B7971 tubes, this thing is impressive.  I'm working on a video review but in the meantime, here is a software demo.  Bob was kind enough to post his demo Perl script online.  Enjoy!  As usual, if you have any questions, post them in the comments and I'll try to answer them.

Links:

 
 
 
Partially Finished:

   

YouTube User Dercebe uploaded an amazing video of an all tube nixie clock.  I've posted a comment asking for more information.  In the meantime, this is his description:

All tube Nixie Tube clock. Still without case.
Featuring all tube electronics, no semiconductors apart from 1N4007s,
mainly in the BCD decoder circuit. Timebase derived from line frequency. 
Neon indicators show state of the flip-flops, making it a dual binary/dec clock.
Flip-flops and active parts in the decoder are E92CC Telefunken tubes NOS.
Display Tubes are russian IN18 in custom designed sockets.
Timebase frequency scaler using E1T beam deflection tubes.
PSU offering 3 tube stabilized outputs.
Direct setting via BCD logic switches. 
Aprox. 1500 components, over 4000 solder joints, ca400 Watts
of power consumption.

Links:

Every now and then we get a product that is not a clock but that will probably still be of interest to you and this is one of those days.  This is the Temp’n’Glow from Nocrotec and Nixiekitworld.com.  It is a two-digit thermometer that uses Russian IN-16 tubes for the display and is housed in a handsome all-black acrylic enclosure called the “Black Brilliance” case.  Let’s take a closer look:

Video Review:

{vimeo width="700" height="390"}26850232{/vimeo}

Written Review:

This device is only sold as a kit.  It is up to you to assemble the parts and follow the instructions.  This is a through-hole design is it should be pretty safe for beginners but if you’re curious, you can always download the assembly manual ahead of time here.  You will also need to assemble the Black Brilliance case but this is a simple matter of fitting some precut acrylic pieces together.

This device supports up to two temperature probes.  You can order the cable in multiple lengths so you can one reading the indoor temperature and one reading the outside temperature.  The readout can be displayed in either degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.  The actual temperature measurement is performed using Dallas DS18S20 sensors on various length probes.  The manual states that the temperature sensors work between -55C and +99C.  Hopefully you never encounter these ambient temperature extremes in real life.

The nixie tubes look great on the black acrylic enclosure.  The surface is slightly reflective and this causes  the digits to look like the are floating above the surface slightly.  The underside of the tubes are illuminated with blue LEDs.  (As a side note, the LEDs must be sealed off on the underside of the board or you would see light leaking through the enclosure seams. )  Lastly, there is a neon tube positioned horizontally to act as a +/- indicator.

Lastly, this device ships with a nice printed manual and a microfiber cloth.  This is a nice little touch; I always like having a printed manual.  The microfiber cloth is useful for removing fingerprints from the device.  I find that if you handle it on the edges that it won’t leave any marks but when someone does leave a large thumbprint on it, you can use this to clean it off.

The only advice I would give someone buying this device is to treat the probes with care.  The connection to the device is fragile and you want to avoid putting stress on the conductors.

With all of that said, I’ve been really happy with the device.

Photos:

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Temp'n'Glow Nixie Thermometer

Links:

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