Model 2D3

This is my completely new and original Nixie clock design using six Russian IN-14 tubes (manufactured in 1979 and stored unused ever since) with a digit height of 2cm combined with a modern microprocessor "brain". The custom made case is machined from a solid piece of Beech or Sapele hardwood, wrapped in polished stainless steel, standing on four black rubber feet. Pictured is the Sapele version.

The clock itself displays hours, minutes and seconds (in 12 or 24 hour format) and at the push of a button, day, month and year. The colon tubes can be set to one of sixteen steady or flashing patterns which can be different for AM and PM. Because Nixies were never designed for clock displays nobody is really sure of their working life in this application but it is expected to be several years which can be extended still further by the Tubesaver feature. The Tubesaver is simply a timer which can be set to change the display brightness to bright, dim or off up to six times a day. Setting the brightness to dim should at least double the tube life, and turning them off will use up no life at all. The brightness can be changed manually at any time if required.

The clock is expected to achieve an accuracy of better than one minute per month which can be further trimmed by the user. When properly set up, an accuracy of a few seconds a month is possible. To improve the basic accuracy it can be optionally connected to the serial (COM) port of an internet connected PC to allow the time and date to be periodically synchronised with the PC clock and in turn to a time server (NTP) on the internet. Set up like this it is possible to ensure that the clock is always correct to within a small fraction of a second.

Beech case (top) next to the Sapele version.

**NEW** Since the initial design of the 2D3 I have added a "real time clock" chip (as an optional extra) which keeps time even when the power is off... No more having to re-set the time and date when somebody accidentally pulls the plug! For those of you who have already bought a 2D3, the RTC chip can be easily retrofitted, see the price list below.

After you buy this clock and try it out, I would be happy to consider customising it's software to your requirements. Some ideas... sidereal time display for astronomers, speeded up time for model railway timekeeping, chess clock,  stopwatch display (remote stop/start is possible) or a countdown clock.  With some very simple external hardware it is possible do display external data such as temperature (multiple external sensors possible), voltage, current etc. Please ask.

Kit and module

I am also offering the clock without its case (module), a kit of parts, the bare PCB and a programmed microcontroller so you can build your own clock. If there is enough interest I may offer a complete kit in the future. The board will take other tubes such as XN11 or XN12 with some minimal modification to the software. Please ask.

Please be aware that making your own clock from the kit or bare PCB will require some experience in electronics construction. Also note that the circuit uses relatively high voltage (about 180V) which is potentially dangerous. The clock MUST be cased and care will be needed during construction when testing the uncased clock.

If you decide not to buy a power supply (PSU) from me you will need to provide one which supplies 12V regulated and at least 300mA. It will need to have a standard DC power plug with a 2.1mm pin (centre / pin positive).

The new "real time clock" chip add on can also be used with the kit, but please note that fitting it requires some minor modification to the PCB itself.

Technical details and pictures of the kit can be found here and the schematic, parts list and layout here.

Prices: (in UK pounds)

There is no online ordering on this site! Why? since I intend to make no more than 50 of these clocks it is just not worth the effort to set up. If you would like to buy, please send me an email or use my enquiry form. I accept payment via PayPal or sterling cheques drawn on a UK bank.

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