NEONTIME Nixie clock model 2D3
Serial Number
__________________ RTC fitted: yes / no
Thank you for
buying one of my Nixie tube
clocks, I hope you enjoy using it as much as I have enjoyed making
it. The model 2D3 is limited to a batch of no more than 50 units
each one assembled by hand, by me.
Although I have not tested the long term accuracy
of the design, it is expected to be accurate to within 1 minute per
month. The accuracy can be improved to atomic time standards by
connecting the clock to a PC with access to the internet. A time
client program synchronises the PC clock with one or several time
servers and a small specially written program sets the Nixie clock
to the PC clock. The PC does not need to be on continuously and
synchronising the clock once each time the PC is switched on is
quite sufficient to ensure the clock always displays the correct
time.
Connection
Connect the clock to a mains supply using the mains adapter supplied. The standard adapter is designed for UK MAINS. If the optional time synchronisation facility is to be used, connect the clock to a COM port on your PC using the optional cable. If you supply your own mains adapter it should be a 12V regulated type and be able to supply at least 300mA. The clock will accept a 2.1mm DC plug, but not the universal ‘spider’ or ‘cross’ type.
Details of how to set up the PC to perform time synchronisation are given in a separate guide which is on the software CD.
Operation
When the clock is first powered, it will display its serial number. After a couple of seconds the time will be displayed and pressing the right button will show the date.
To enter the setup system you press the right button (date is displayed) release it then press and hold the buttons as follows:
· Right: Set the time and date.
· Left: Set the Tubesaver timers.
· Both: System setup: Colonflash pattern, 12/24 hour, leading zero for 12 hour mode, USA or European date format, fast/slow time correction and load system defaults.
In each case the left button steps through the things to set (indicated by the numbers in the following tables) and the right button does the actual setting. The thing being set at any time is indicated by flashing digits.
Time setting:
The display shows the time (HH MM SS) then the date (DD MM YY or MM DD YY for the USversion)
Time is displayed (seconds flashing)
1. Zero seconds
2. Advance minutes
3. Advance hours
Date is displayed (day flashing)
4. Advance day
5. Advance month
6. Advance year
Returns to the normal time display.
Note: setting the time is always done using the 24 hour system regardless of the display setting.
Tubesaver setting:
The display shows HH MM BN where H=hours, M=minutes B=required brightness level and N=the timer (1-6) being set. The brightness number (0-3) is 0=do nothing (this timer is not in use) 1=off 2=dim 3=bright. The tubesaver settings are remembered when the power is off.
Tubesaver 1 is displayed (hour flashing)
1. Hours of timer 1
2. Minutes of timer 1
3. Brightness level to set when the actual time matches that set in steps1 & 2.
Tubesaver 2 is displayed (hour flashing)
4. Hours of timer 2
5. Etc…
Returns to the normal time display.
System Settings:
The left pair of tubes display the menu function number which can be changed with the left button the right button executes the function. The current value is shown on the right of the display. These settings are remembered when the power is off.
Colon mode number is displayed
00. Save settings and exit.
01. Set the colon flash pattern for 24 hour mode or 12 hour AM. The pattern being set is demonstrated by the colon tubes.
02. As for 01 except you are setting the flash pattern for 12 hour PM.
03. Set the date mode. 1=DD:MM:YY (Euro mode) 2=MM:DD:YY (USA mode)
04. *Set the correction polarity. 1=run faster (if running slow) 2=run slower (if running fast).
05. *Increase the correction factor. This is calibrated as “seconds in 30 days”
06. *As 05 but decrease.
07. Set 12/24 hour mode.
08. Set leading zero blanking for 12 hour mode.
09. Load defaults. Note: also loads default tubesaver settings.
Returns to menu item 00.
* These settings are not available on clocks with the RTC chip fitted.
When the time is being displayed, pressing the left button will bring the display up to full brightness. This allows the time to be read even when the tubesaver has blanked the display. While holding left, the right button will step through the brightness modes and the selected brightness will remain until the tubesaver timer changes it again.
RTC battery
If your clock has the optional Real Time Clock chip fitted, it will show the correct time even after a loss of power. While the power is off, the RTC is maintained by a small lithium battery. The battery has a life expectancy in excess of 10 years. If you find that the clock goes through a display test and reverts to default settings with incorrect time when powered it is likely that the battery needs replacing. Here’s how:
1. Obtain a new battery: It is a type CR1225 (or equivalent) lithium coin cell.
2. Disconnect the power supply.
3. Remove the stainless steel base by undoing the four screws in the centres of the rubber feet.
4. Remove the four screws in the lower circuit board. Remove the board by pulling it towards you. Pull by the ends applying equal force to each end until the board comes away.
5. Turn the board over and place it on a non metallic surface. The lithium cell is located in a holder on the lower left corner of the board. Remove the old one by inserting a small flat screwdriver between the holder and the cell.
6. Fit the new cell. It simply snaps into place.
7. Refit the board to the clock. Make sure that the pin connectors at each end are lined up and apply an even pressure to both ends together, until the connectors mate. Replace the four screws.
8. Refit the base and the four rubber feet.
9. Re-power the clock. It will go through a short display test, and then enter time setting mode. The system setup and tubesavers will have returned to default so you will need to set these as well.
Care
You may remove dust with a dry duster while the clock is powered. If further cleaning is
Required, please disconnect the power first. The woodwork should be cleaned first and separately from the rest of the clock with a good quality wax furniture polish used as recommended by the manufacturer. Try not to get any polish on the tubes or metalwork. The tubes and stainless steel can be cleaned by wiping with (in order of preference) a clean dry cloth, a mild detergent solution or methylated spirit. Please try the least aggressive option first and use the others only if necessary. Finally, dry and polish with a soft dry cloth.
Note: it is possible that cleaning will remove the lettering from the rear of the tubes.
Safety
Please note:
· Although the clock uses a safe external power supply of 12 volts, the internal circuitry converts this to 180V at up to 10mA. While coming into contact with the internal power supply is not likely to cause permanent harm to most people, it could be potentially lethal to anyone with a heart condition, and in any case would be quite unpleasant.
· The tubes are made of glass and so will not react well to being dropped or having objects dropped on them.
· The tube electrodes carry the high voltage internal supply. If an accident occurs and the tubes become damaged, the electrodes may become exposed. You should immediately disconnect the mains supply and not power the clock again until it has been repaired.
· The design was created with only the supplied mains adapter in mind.
· This clock is not a toy.
Please do not:
· Power the clock with the bottom cover removed.
· Power the clock if any of the tubes become physically damaged.
· Allow liquids to be spilled on the clock
· Place the clock where it is likely to get damaged.
· Use a mains adapter other than the one supplied.
· Allow children to play with the clock.
Support
My website is:
In case of any problems you can contact me via email:
Please note, I will not accept any returns without prior arrangement, and I will not be responsible for breakages or losses in transit however caused. You are advised to arrange insurance when shipping.
Peter Neale