Description
Functionally identical to our IN8-2/19 coppertop clock but much more affordable thanks to the lower cost nixies and featuring a Perspex cylindrical case with solid teak end caps.
Features:
All interaction using IR proximity sensors – no buttons or remotes.
Single alarm
12/24 hour display
Display dim on/off times
GPS sync input possible
Seconds tick on/off
Variable seconds on/off
IR link to sync multiple clocks into one extended display
Low power less than 2W
Fitted with one IN-15 and four IN-12 nixies the PCB is fully visible through the clear plastic case and held in place by two solid teak end caps. There are no external controls, all functions being controlled by our infrared proximity control system.
The kit includes all parts required to build and use the clock, including a USB power supply and USB lead. Complete PCB assembly, case part sanding and polishing skills required.
Bryce –
My wife got me this kit for Christmas this year and I was thrilled. I put around 10 hours in to finish the kit end to end, and enjoyed every minute of it. I only had a few minor issues that probably would have been solved by having a more experienced hand.
First was that I misunderstood how to thread the blue LEDs through their respective sockets. This meant that the tubes sat a little higher than I’m sure is intended.
Second, because of my amateur experience level, some of my components were soldered too far off the board, or with too much pin/solder left on the opposite side. When sandwiched together it makes for a very tight fit into the case. A little more leeway would have gone a long way for a beginner like me.
That being said, I haven’t soldered a PCB since I was in middleschool, and I got mine to work first try. Great fun!
Tracy –
My friend bought me this as a gift and it was a real challenge to make. I didn’t have any soldering experience so enlisted the help of a friend. I enjoyed the whole process but you do need experience (or a friend who has some) and patience. The finished item is stunning, the photos don’t do it justice.
Tony –
Thank you for your comment, I’m afraid it was lost amongst the spam for a while and I’ve only just found it.
Dirk Heuer –
My son bought the 5 digit tube clock as a present for me. Great fun to assemble. I Have not tried yet since I had to buy some capacitors and resistors (missing).
My question to LASERMAD: Would it be possible to get the teak endpieces instead of the other cheap looking staff?
Tony –
Hi,
I may have a spare set left – the paxolin is quite a bit more expensive than the reclaimed teak and not at all cheap – With work, it will polish up to resemble Bakelite.
John Silver –
Great clock – but mine has developed a weird fault?? I have lost one of the virtual buttons??? I can select the ‘up’ key ie shown by a ‘П’ being displayed. BUT the lower ‘select’ key shown by a ‘n’ (and sounded with a beep) has disappeared????? Everything else works. I Have tried a new PIC and re-programmed it but this made no difference. I tied to register with the forum to get help but never got my account verified so I cannot post? I assume, that the Nixie driver, HT circuit and IR detectors must be working so maybe there is a fault with the PCB. I will take both IC’s out and do a point to point wiring check against the circuit diagram. I was convinced that the fault was a PIC output line fault ???
Tony –
Hi,
It’s almost certainly the LED itself that’s the problem.