Introduction: Make Your Own Retro Nixie Clock With an RTC!
In this project I will show you how to create a retro nixie clock. That means I will show you how you can control nixie tubes with a high voltage DC power supply and then I will combine 4 nixie tubes with an Arduino, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a custom 3D printed enclosure in order to create the nixie clock. Let's get started!
Step 1: Watch the Video!
The video gives you all the information you need to create your own retro nixie clock. During the next steps though I will present you some additional information.
Step 2: Get Your Components!
Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):
Aliexpress:
4x IN-14 Nixie tube: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dYxadSB
4x K155ID1 Nixie tube driver: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ02DLv
1x LM7805 5V regulator: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTT11Yx
1x Arduino Pro Mini: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dWjf2yn
1x DS1307 RTC: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6iyPCF
SMD Capacitors (1206 10uF, 100nF): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSt10Z1
Male+Female Header: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8CsUsJ
4x 10kΩ Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVrRxir
1x 170V DC Supply: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dTNNUVZ
1x DC Input Jack: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Bf7oDayn
Ebay:
4x IN-14 Nixie tube: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
4x K155ID1 Nixie tube driver: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x LM7805 5V regulator: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x Arduino Pro Mini: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x DS1307 RTC: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
SMD Capacitors (1206 10uF, 100nF): http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Male+Female Header: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
4x 10kΩ Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x 170V DC Supply: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
1x DC Input Jack: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...
Amazon.de:
4x IN-14 Nixie tube: https://amzn.to/342RTrt
4x K155ID1 Nixie tube driver: -
1x LM7805 5V regulator: https://amzn.to/2qB7iBL
1x Arduino Pro Mini: https://amzn.to/2LBpBy3
1x DS1307 RTC: https://amzn.to/2YAUrMy
SMD Capacitors (1206 10uF, 100nF): https://amzn.to/356UnGy
Male+Female Header: https://amzn.to/38nmZ0v
4x 10kΩ Resistor: https://amzn.to/33ZDpbS
1x 170V DC Supply: https://amzn.to/36l52NY
1x DC Input Jack: https://amzn.to/2qAbVvL
Step 3: Order Your PCBs!
Here you can download the Gerber files for the PCB that I created. Upload them through https://jlcpcb.com/quote#/ to order them.
Attachments
Step 4: Solder the Components in Place!
Here you can find the schematic of the circuit along with reference pictures of my own assembled PCB. Feel free to use them in order to finish your own PCB.
Step 5: Upload the Code!
Here you can find the code for the clock. Upload it to the Arduino with the help of an FTDI breakout board.
Also you will need to download and include the following DS1307 library: https://github.com/MajicDesigns/MD_DS1307
Attachments
Step 6: 3D Print the Enclosure and Assemble the Clock!
Here you can find the files for 3D Printing the enclosure along with reference pictures of the assembly of my clock.
Step 7: Success!
You did it! You just created your own retro nixie clock!
Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects: http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab
You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:
