Nixie Tube Clock:

Embracing Vintage Charm with an Orange Glow

Introduction

Inspired by the captivating allure of nixie tube clocks, which I had seen on the internet and in movies, I decided to embark on a project to create my own unique timekeeping masterpiece. The mesmerizing orange glow of the nixie tubes had always fascinated me, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to craft a clock with these vintage electronic components. To kickstart the project, I acquired a kit from eBay, complete with a control shield and six nixie tubes. Additionally, I teamed up with fellow enthusiasts from my mechatronics class, each eager to create their own nixie tube clock from similar kits found online.

Design and Aesthetics

I envisioned my nixie tube clock as a tiered system, elegantly displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds. To achieve a classic yet refined look, I opted for a wooden base with copper pipeing to complement the warm glow of the nixie tubes. This design choice aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of vintage timepieces that exudes a timeless charm.

Initial Layout and Testing

At the outset, my primary goal was to meticulously cut all the necessary components and test-fit them to gauge how they would come together and to be able to tune the final look of the clock. Armed with a rough napkin sketch and measurements, I carefully hand-cut the pieces, assessing their fit without glueing or screwing them together initially. This approach allowed me to identify any adjustments needed to achieve a polished finish. Throughout this process, I grew increasingly excited about how the tiered system of the hours, minutes, and seconds would look in the end.

Conclusion

The journey of creating my nixie tube clock has been one of creativity and admiration for the vintage charm exuded by these glowing timekeepers. As I completed assembling the wooden base and incorporating the nixie tubes with precision, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the final result. With every step, I come closer to bringing to life a clock that not only tells time but also serves as an exquisite piece of art that captivates and fascinates all who behold its orange glow.

What's Left?

The final issue to fix is the electronics, something was messed up with the electronics by either poor soldering on my part or by mistakenly using solid core wire to snake through the copper pipeing. So fixing this is the final step to getting the clock finished.

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