Here is a functional retro clock made with 6 IV-11 VFD tube DIY Kit, it has alarm and temp display, with a remote controller to edit clock and change led mode.

Printable instructions: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3w2uIW46VgQWW1B...

~Need soldering skill~

Store

https://8x8x8item.com/collections/shop

ebay.com and ebay.co.uk

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/NIXTCLOCK

***Do not download this instruction, just click next step is OK.***

Step 1: The Parts and Soldering

You can see the marking/label on the PCB actually tells which parts goes where, and which direction should be. if you need more reference on the way to put the parts, here is the original photo https://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F81/TSNE/I...

There are 3 smd parts, which soldered before shipping, else you have to solder it with iron and some solder flux for the leds, because the led pins is too close to each other, you better have some flux

1. Solder the leds before the VFD tube, the longest led pin get into the rectangle through hole.

2. The "power" connector with two through hole need to connect/shorted

3. The MCU (U17) has program in it, it will work when power on.

4. U9 and 5B16 parts are removed and no need to solder as show on the pictures.

5. Cut 1-10mm uneven length of the VFD tube pin will help easy insert to the pin hole.

6. The parts 1N5819 and 1N4007 look the same but solder in different place.

7. The longest pin of the led goes into the rectangle hole.

8. The 4 pin header are not included and no need to solder, they are not in use.

Step 2: Before Power Up... Checking

-You need a 5V1A power source, 5V0.5A doesn't work. 5V2A is maxium.

-Check with the photo show above may be help easier.

-The "power" mark on the PCB I made it connected as the last photo show.

-The parts 1N5819 and 1N4007 look the same but solder in different place.

-RP1 to RP6 has a white dot, need align to the square solder hole

Step 3: The Remote

All button function

Battery may not included because of air shipping

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update:

5 change YYMMDD MMDDYY DDMMYY

6 change Celsius/Fahrenheit

7 change 12/24 Hour

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On the alarm setting mode, by clicking the 200+ button, turn on/off the alarm

- A alarm off

CA alarm on

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Step 4: The Functions

Something may help to know better of the clock

--The ds39b20 or ds18b20 is a temperature sensor, you may solder it with a cable connect out of the clock to avoid PCB and led light heat.

- The leds can’t solder with iron temp over 350`C or 662`F

Step 5: No Case?

I manage to put the clock near a white background, the led light shine on the wall create a dramatic visual effect, so it's not necessary for a case if you have put it on a white background.

Step 6: Trouble Shoot Q&A

The led work, the remote work, but the tube no light or no text displayed.

Check the big capacitor on the left bottom corner, it should have 24-28 Voltage of power, or it is the problem of the U11 and L1, U11 transform 5volt to 2x volt. Need to double check the diode if they are in correct direction, or see any parts has too much heat.

If ever thing above is good, try to remove the MCU and power on the clock, the tube should display a letter 8.

One of the VFD tube not working, or partly working

Try to replace ULN2803APG and SN74HC00N behind it, by exchange with other tube's

Also see if any broken connector inside the tubes