IN-18 Nixie Tube Clock Kit

NIXIE CLOCK KIT FOR
IN-18 NIXIE TUBES

Highly Accurate TCXO Timebase
Lithium Cell Backup

Software Release RTC-1


Please note: Tubes are NOT included in the listing

The clock features:


- Hours, Minutes and Seconds display
- Timebase is a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO)
- Real Time Clock with Lithium Cell backup of time and all user settings stored to flash memory
- Simple time setting using two buttons
- 12 or 24 hour modes
- Programmable leading zero blanking
- Five programmable neon colon settings (Flashing AM/PM indication, illuminated AM/PM indication, both flashing, both on, both off)
- Maintains time during setup mode, eg. When changing between standard time and daylight savings time
- Seconds can be reset to zero to make small adjustments / precisely set the time
- Infinitely programmable night time blanking period to save tubes
- Separate modes for colon neons during night time blanking
- Four display modes: Dim, Bright, Fading digits, Blanked
- Ten different possible fade speeds in fading digit mode

The kit of electronic parts is fully inclusive except for tubes and power supply

Completed kit with tubes installed (tubes not included)

'Mouser' sockets are included - the tubes are
inserted into the sockets so can easily be changed

The use of a precision TCXO chip as the timebase gives supreme long-term timekeeping accuracy of +/- 1 minute per year. Every 64 seconds, the TCXO IC measures the temperature of it's in-built quartz crystal oscillator and adjusts the load capacitance to compensate for temperature effects. Ordinary quartz crystals usually keep 20ppm accuracy or special crystals can be found with 10ppm accuracy. However, this is a theoretical accuracy and PCB layout effects can significantly reduce the accuracy. The DS3231 IC integrates crystal, temperature compentation and real-time clock into a single IC to achieve true 2ppm accuracy over a wide use-temperature range of 0C to 40C (32F to 104F)

Mounting the DS3231 SMD IC

The clock kit is fully inclusive, except for tubes and power supply:

All electronic components are provided, including:

72 socket pins for the IN-18 Nixie tubes (Often called 'Mouser' pins, they are actually gold plated sockets made by Harwin)
2 X Neon bulbs for hours:minutes:seconds separators
Double sided, plated - through - hole PCB
Fully pre-programmed PIC microcontroller, with socket
.

Uses AC or DC power supply (9-12V, minimum 250 mA) This is not supplied - It is more economical for the winning bidder to buy a suitable adapter locally, suitable for local power outlet type. Full details of the power supply are provided in the comprehensive documentation, and it is very easy to obtain cheaply, including from ebay.

Typical power supply suitable for the clock

Assembled clock kit, ready for mounting in a case of your own design

Example of clock mounted in case made of American Cherry (Not included but available separately)

The kit is supported by a 23 page fully detailed user instruction guide to assembly. The assembly instructions include many detailed photos, and step - by - step instructions for building, testing and using the clock. The kit uses one surface mount device - the DS3231 TCXO IC as pictured below. The IC is not available in through-hole packaging. The comprehensive instructions explain a simple technique to reliably solder this device. The pitch of the pins is the widest of any surface mount device so soldering in place should be easily within the capabilities of the average electronics hobbyist.

The user guide and assembly instructions can be downloaded here

Close-up showing timekeeping components

The two buttons have the following functions:

SW1: Set / Blank
SW2: Up / Reset Seconds

Setting the time:
Press and hold 'Set / Blank' button for 2 seconds until the minutes flash. Press the 'Up / Reset Secs' button to set the minutes.

Briefly Press 'Set / Blank' again and the hours will flash. Press the 'Up / Reset Secs' button to set the hours.

Briefly Press 'Set / Blank' again to revert to normal clock operation.

Display modes:
Briefly Press 'Set / Blank' button to toggle between display modes:

Dim ---> Bright --->Fading --->Blanked

Resetting seconds:
From normal clock operation, press and hold 'Up / Reset Secs' button for 2 seconds. Seconds will be set to zero, and held until the button is released.

Entering configuration menu:
Press and hold 'Set / Blank' button for 4 seconds.

Clock PCB mounted in American Cherry case (not included, but available separately)

Note About Feedback: Please leave me feedback when you have received your item and are happy with the transaction. I will do the same for you. If you have any concerns, PLEASE contact me first before leaving negative feedback. I will always try very hard to resolve any problems.

Note About Postage Costs: The delivery price charged is for handling, packing, postage, and driving to the post office to post. The postage is as displayed on this auction, but please note this cost WILL be different to the value of postage / stamps on the package. Should you wish, all my items can be collected from South Tyneside, UK by arrangement, with no handling or shipping costs.

Note About Delivery Time: I try to send your item as soon as possible, Normally no later than 2 days after payment is received.

If you have any questions: Please ask me a question, or email me - ebay@pvelectronics.co.uk

Component side of finished PCB showing power socket (lower) and operating buttons on the right

Clock in digit fade mode - you can see the '8' fading in as the '7' fades out