Steampunk VFD Clock : 5 Steps (with Pictures)

Hi,

here is a Steampunk Clock with VFD Tubes. I used a DIY Kit from Günther Rother, Germany. Many Greets from here to Him ;)

Step 1: The Beginning

We need:

Copper Tubes 60mm and 8mm

Divides from Brass Lamps

A VFD-Clock Kit

Thin Cables

Beach Wood

Wood Color

Some Screws

2 Brassballs 12mm

Solder Set

Hot Glue

Round Boards

Good Nerves *gg*

First we cut the 60mm Copper Tubes to Lenght and cut a Window in it to Display the Time. In the small 8mm Tubes we Rasp a small Window for the Led Second Signs.

Step 2: The Electronics

Now we cut 3 round Boards with a Diameter from the inner Diameter of the 60mm Copper Tubes. Then we solder the VFD Tubes to the Boards. Pls be carefull with the VFD Pins. They can break or the Glass can break. Now solder the DIY VFD Kit with all Resistors and Transistors but not with VFD Tubes! ( On Picture 4 it is complete soldered! )

Take the VFD Tubes and solder Cables to all the Pins ( Picture 3 ). The Cables leave enough long please and use different Colors. That is to be recognized better to find later the connections on the Board.

Step 3: Housing

The Shape of the Housing depends on your Fantasy. Not to Big and not to small. But please, leave enough space on the inside for the Cables. I selected a semicircular Form.

Color it with Wood Color before you make further with the Installation. I take a dark Nut Tree Color.

Put the Clock Board inside and solder the Cables from the VFD Tubes with the correct Position on the Clock Board. The cables would drive through the Copper Tubes and the Cover please before!! Also there are Switches and the 12 V Connection on the Clock Board. Solder them with Cables and extend them to fit later in the Housing.