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Vacuum tube clock kit
This lovely clock is made from a new kit from Adafruit Industries. Once they're back in stock you can get the whole kit for $65 or just the PCB for $15. If you truly want to do everything yourself you can make the whole thing yourself with instructions here.
HOWTO make a vacuum fluorescent display clock
Comments
11 years ago
Some of the blue LED display clocks sold today remind me of the fluorescent display ones sold years ago.
11 years ago
I keep meaning to justify the expense of putting a nixie-tube clock together...
Reply 11 years ago
I know what you mean, even one like this one would do for me.
Reply 11 years ago
Have y'all heard of Numitron displays?
These are Nixie "lookalikes," but only require a low voltage to operate (~12V.) Much simpler (and safer, too.) Easy to find on the old ebay...
Reply 11 years ago
interesting! never heard of Numitrons. they look pretty cool, and simpler and safer sounds good too.
Reply 11 years ago
some vintage and retro items are just not the same if fiddled with too much (what's the fun in making it so safe one hasn't much need for care being put into their work?). :-)
Reply 11 years ago
I don't get your point. Numitrons are "vintage"--they just aren't nixies (which aren't particularly old technology themselves.)
(Speaking as someone who works on more dangerous retro tech things than most here...)
But suit yourself.
Reply 11 years ago
umm what's a nixie?
Reply 11 years ago
Nixies tubes are retro display devices from the 50's and 60's.
Reply 11 years ago
thanks for explaining :0)
Reply 11 years ago
Just because I haven't published anything that was dangerous doesn't mean I haven't worked with dangerous things ;-)
I could, from past experience, publish such guides as:
How NOT to ground an automobile coil (with you hand while kneeling on the bumper)
5 things not to do with gasoline, including pouring it into a sink hole and igniting it
5 things not to do with gunpowder
Hints on archery and where / what not to shoot arrows at
One sure fire way one should NOT use to make a TV tube safe
Things one should not punch
And what kind of wire not to use for a 10,000 VDC power supply
And etc.
Reply 11 years ago
Sorry, I'm just trying to understand your original comment. To me it reads as:
"When using vintage technology, I'm incapable of proper care and craftsmanship, unless there's a potential danger involved. "
And I'm having a hard time believing that's what your saying...
I've built and serviced a lot of stuff with HV and vacuum tubes, but I enjoy modern semiconductors, too. They're just different. I've never noticed any projects turning out better simply because there was HV involved.
Reply 11 years ago
I was kind of teasing a bit really, but I do like having to be a bit careful with my work (one, two, or 3 piece puzzles don't make the grade ;-)
No need to be sorry, I am sorry that I didn't indicate more clearly that I was not totally serious. I have repaired a few tube radios, but that was mostly a HACK job of replacing filter caps etc. I once took a VERY old toaster apart, to replace the cord for my wife's grandma......I NEVER got it back together again.....holy Toledo, millions of little pieces ! *sigh* and they went everywhere....but I am off on another tangent again....BTW: I like different and I DO build most of my stuff with somewhat modern parts (I still have difficulties with SOT though).
Reply 11 years ago
Maybe we all take more pride in building something outside our comfort zone...be it valves, microcontrollers or cookies...
Reply 11 years ago
Something dangerous is outside my comfort zone really.
Actually, anything to do with electricity is outside my true comfort zone (I am deathly afraid of electrical shocks) , and yet I picked it as my hobby of choice.
I do like to grow in my understanding and that requires leaving one's comfort zone. ;-)
Reply 11 years ago
Exactly.
11 years ago
Adafruit Industries can create some amazing kits. This one is absolutely beautiful!
11 years ago
The display works like a CRT (electron-impact on phosphor) so strictly speaking it's not fluorescent. L
Reply 11 years ago
true, that would make it phosphorescent ;-)
11 years ago
That does look really nice
Reply 11 years ago
I like the blue coloured numbers.