Roddy Scott

You should submit this clock to the DIY page of Paul Parry's Bad Dog Designs site Excellent work and a beautiful looking clock.

Homebrew Nixies, I had to laugh at this!He makes a replica of the Z568M called the R|Z568M and is in the process of developing some other Nixies.Have a look here - https://www.daliborfarny.com/ to see the whole story.

I would take it that you have seen Dalbor Farny's video and work. There is also a variation on the IN-18 called the ZIN-18 that has a 2.54 mm header base.When Nixies were produced in their millions in their day in Russia it would have given rise to the surface imperfections that you describe and to the 'rough and ready' gas mix.Where are you located that you get tubes at those prices? We have to pay around $50 per IN-18 in Europe.

Check out the Instructables on Brass Etching as an alternative to cnc.

There are a couple of close fonts, Pep Boys and Raceway come close and adding some outlines to the text would be in the ball park.

Nice to see an alternative clock design that is different from the norm. As a builder of Nixie Clocks I appreciate the work that went into the case for it as I build all mine from scratch as well.You got exceptional bargains with your materials for this clock as it is not often that you will still find the Nixies in an old instrument at that price. Pity you sacrificed the microscope as it looked amazing even if not working.The 'blue spot' you refer to is a bane to a lot of kit clock builders but utilising the correct anode resistance eliminates this issue. It affects IN-18 tubes more than any other for some reason and with European and US tubes it is not an issue even with the likes of ZM1040s, Z566Ms etc. I know that data sheets refer to some 'fixed' resistances but a lot of work by ot...

Nice to see an alternative clock design that is different from the norm. As a builder of Nixie Clocks I appreciate the work that went into the case for it as I build all mine from scratch as well.You got exceptional bargains with your materials for this clock as it is not often that you will still find the Nixies in an old instrument at that price. Pity you sacrificed the microscope as it looked amazing even if not working.The 'blue spot' you refer to is a bane to a lot of kit clock builders but utilising the correct anode resistance eliminates this issue. It affects IN-18 tubes more than any other for some reason and with European and US tubes it is not an issue even with the likes of ZM1040s, Z566Ms etc. I know that data sheets refer to some 'fixed' resistances but a lot of work by others has proved that even with the dreaded SN74141 and KM155ID1 chips getting the resistance right is key to eliminating the problem but your method is a good one too. Even with a modern chip such as the HV8512 this still can rear it's ugly head but anode resistance choice is the key factor.Re-inventing the wheel will have some folks throwing up their hands in disbelief but there is more than one way to skin a cat! I am working with a fellow enthusiast on a Wemos based clock using readily available modules such as the HV supply, a 12 v to 5 v buck converter, Neopixels and a BMP280 that just plug into a small format motherboard. One a rectangular version for remote tubes and a circular version with plug in tube boards for IN-18s, ZM1040s etc or any B13B based top view Nixie. Still in the prototype stage but coming along nicely.Nice work and an interesting concept! Definitely worth a vote indeed.

Jon,you can get ceramic B13B sockets from Ebay from a Chinese supplier and simplify the wiring. Also, you can go as low as 28 AWG for the wiring as the currents are negligible. The thinner the wire the easier it is to do but the connections are a bit more fragile and require heat shrink for sure. Ideally you need 11 colours to wire it up to prevent cross connections - I had those with the single colour and it is a pain to trace it all out! If you are building a 6 tube clock then I recommend the PV Electronics DINK kit as this is ideal for what you have in mind. To secure the sockets into the wooden holders, hot glue is ideal as it allows you to align them before it sets. Any problems just drop me a message.Roddy

If it is any help, the pin diameter of an IN-1 is 2.36 mm.

Got some info on the size you will need to fit the pins - 0.093" socket version, you just need to specify the wire size.This might be what you need from Farnell Element 14. 100 per pack.770146-12751574Data SheetAMP - TE CONNECTIVITY - Contact, Commercial 0.093" Series, Socket, Crimp, 18 AWG, Tin Plated ContactsProduct RangeCommercial 0.093" Series 5+ €8.00 10+ €7.80 25+ €7.64 50+ €7.49 More Pricing...AddMin: 1Mult: 1

Many thanks for the appreciation of my clock. I will look out for this additive for the next one because I want to use a Japanese style red lacquer on it with brass edging to the base. Again, thanks for the comment.Roddy

Thanks.

Sztylah,Making a clock like this is not outwith most peoples abilities. Wood work for it is very simple,the metal work takes just a little bit more skill and the electronics just require the ability to solder and follow build directions. The first clock I made was with a drill, a hammer and a soldering iron. Techniques for anything on this clock can be found in Instructables and the internet. Imagination is the thing you need most because if you can picture it you can most likely make it. I started off with basic things and just added the skills as I went along and there is no limit to resources to learn. Don't give up before you try and you will surprise yourself of what you might be capable of!Rgds,Roddy

Thanks for the appreciation.

Many thanks.

ZAP!!!!!

Water containers here are PET where you guys have polyethylene ones which are moldable. PET shrinks with heat as I use it for some applications. I suppose I could buy a polyethylene one some place.

Well deserved winner! Pity we do not have gallon sized containers here in Europe.

Hellboy,better late than never!I have a project clock in build that is mechanised with Z5660M tubes and is proving to be a real PIA! But persevering with it as it will be one of a kind when completed.

Hi Jack,the first clock I made was an addition to a Steam Punk lamp I made for my daughter. After that I got the bug for Nixies and have made quite a few since. Like you I have a mind that will not stay still and I have about 4 clocks in various stages of build. Some I have featured in Instructables and others I have not bothered to write up yet. I keep a photo log of the builds for future use and will probably write up as an Instructable. I just like the glow! I feature some of my stuff here - https://www.facebook.com/pg/noticksnotocks/posts/?ref=page_internaland participate at the Nixie Clocks Fan Page - here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/142414439207058/.I get weird ideas that are sometimes hard to make reality but love the challenge in trying to do it. The hardest thing is parti...

Hi Jack,the first clock I made was an addition to a Steam Punk lamp I made for my daughter. After that I got the bug for Nixies and have made quite a few since. Like you I have a mind that will not stay still and I have about 4 clocks in various stages of build. Some I have featured in Instructables and others I have not bothered to write up yet. I keep a photo log of the builds for future use and will probably write up as an Instructable. I just like the glow! I feature some of my stuff here - https://www.facebook.com/pg/noticksnotocks/posts/?ref=page_internaland participate at the Nixie Clocks Fan Page - here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/142414439207058/.I get weird ideas that are sometimes hard to make reality but love the challenge in trying to do it. The hardest thing is parting company with them! The SARA clock I am loathe to part with even though I have had a few offers for her. Others such as the Hands of Time and the Tesla Meets Edison I have repeated and parted with only to spend it on the next design!

Sorry to send such a late reply but I have not been attentive to my Instructables. You have done a great job in replicating my original and they look good.Well done!

Well executed project indeed.As you were going for minimal cost and achieving, it is on target. If you had opted to use sockets connected to the resistor sets you could have used patch leads to swap between voltage as with DIP switches there is always a chance of having two on at the same time if you do not check properly.Voted.

Well executed project indeed.As you were going for minimal cost and achieving, it is on target. If you had opted to use sockets connected to the resistor sets you could have used patch leads to swap between voltage as with DIP switches there is always a chance of having two on at the same time if you do not check properly, plus constant switching of budget types can lead to failure. More fun plugging in a lead than operating a switch!(had to edit as could not vote for it - should have looked closer!)On solder flux residue removal, IPA and a toothbrush produces excellent results and removes any possibility of on board capacitive issues from the flux paths. I learned this the hard way with one of my clocks having 'ghosting' on the numerals of the nixies due to flux residue which I thought...

Well executed project indeed.As you were going for minimal cost and achieving, it is on target. If you had opted to use sockets connected to the resistor sets you could have used patch leads to swap between voltage as with DIP switches there is always a chance of having two on at the same time if you do not check properly, plus constant switching of budget types can lead to failure. More fun plugging in a lead than operating a switch!(had to edit as could not vote for it - should have looked closer!)On solder flux residue removal, IPA and a toothbrush produces excellent results and removes any possibility of on board capacitive issues from the flux paths. I learned this the hard way with one of my clocks having 'ghosting' on the numerals of the nixies due to flux residue which I thought would not affect the circuit but did.

This is a masterpiece of engineering! It was your lantern clock that was one of the things that got me started in making Nixie clocks but nowhere near the complexity of your bulds.Excellent work and write up!

IsabelleJ1,if you go here - https://www.instructables.com/id/The-Tesla-Meets-Edison-Nixie-Clock/ - I show how to safely dismantle a light bulb for inserting anything you want.

Nobody should be ashamed at anything homemade, everything starts there and progresses from it.My prototypes were not exactly pretty or professional looking but as you progress you get better. Nobody starts out with perfection Liked your amplifier project, very original!

This is the first QTC kit I have used as normally I use the DINKs or Spectrums but the QTC is very adaptable too.You are welcome to use anything that you see here or in my previous clocks. People use and adapt ideas to suit their own projects and often can improve on the original by looking at it in a different light.Progress!

I hope that it did not get too damaged!Thanks for the compliment.

Hi Paul,recognised you from Neonixie posts!Lucky man to have ZM1177s! At the price of Nixies today it is getting harder to source good quality NOS & NIB tubes and the market prices are getting ridiculous considering that they were made in their millions at the time and folk are just sitting on stocks and letting them trickle out for high prices.I was going to build this with IN-14s but they do not compare with the GNP-7AHs let alone the ZM1177s. I got them from Joe English along with a few other sets as in Z566Ms, a set of inverted tubes and a few others to play with. I tend to avoid the Russian tubes these days unless someone wants a little FunKlock design. I have my sights on a set of Dalibor's tubes and a Zen clock system when I get time to rob a bank! That would definitely not b...

Hi Paul,recognised you from Neonixie posts!Lucky man to have ZM1177s! At the price of Nixies today it is getting harder to source good quality NOS & NIB tubes and the market prices are getting ridiculous considering that they were made in their millions at the time and folk are just sitting on stocks and letting them trickle out for high prices.I was going to build this with IN-14s but they do not compare with the GNP-7AHs let alone the ZM1177s. I got them from Joe English along with a few other sets as in Z566Ms, a set of inverted tubes and a few others to play with. I tend to avoid the Russian tubes these days unless someone wants a little FunKlock design. I have my sights on a set of Dalibor's tubes and a Zen clock system when I get time to rob a bank! That would definitely not be going into a case as his workmanship has to be admired at all times.BTW, you might like this from another contributor - [Upcycle It] Nixie Display #1 - Introduction

Thank you!A very time consuming build but worth it in the end.

Pity that I am in Ireland! Mind you, I could order them next time .Thanks for the info though.

To cap the comments on Tesla and AC.Tesla was probably one of the greatest minds when it came to inventing electrical equipment, just a pity he was not a good business man and had benefitted more from his ideas.AC vs DC has always been a bone of contention in the electrical world. Today we use so much AC converted into DC to power our laptops, phones, music devices, etc. The advent of HVDC is opening up the possibilities of DC powered buildings and where it would gain the most support is in server farms as the AC has to be converted to DC and the result is energy loss and heat production requiring air conditioning and cooling to combat it.HVDC is actually more efficient in transmission that AC as the losses are a lot less per unit transmitted. Maybe it will come of age but it will be a ...

To cap the comments on Tesla and AC.Tesla was probably one of the greatest minds when it came to inventing electrical equipment, just a pity he was not a good business man and had benefitted more from his ideas.AC vs DC has always been a bone of contention in the electrical world. Today we use so much AC converted into DC to power our laptops, phones, music devices, etc. The advent of HVDC is opening up the possibilities of DC powered buildings and where it would gain the most support is in server farms as the AC has to be converted to DC and the result is energy loss and heat production requiring air conditioning and cooling to combat it.HVDC is actually more efficient in transmission that AC as the losses are a lot less per unit transmitted. Maybe it will come of age but it will be a bit in the future before it does.Thanks to all who contributed to the comments on this.

Thanks!

Nice work and a well made Nixie clock.Originality is what sets these clocks apart from just building the kit and yours is very original.I like the idea of controlling the LEDs with a potentiometer. The DINK kit is ideal for designing your own clock as I have used a few myself in different Nixie clocks.Again, nice work!

Thank you for your comment in regards to the inventor of AC who was indeed Nikolai Tesla. I called Westinghouse the proponent of AC as he was the one who was promoting it as an electrical system after buying some of the patents from Tesla. Edison went to great lengths to prove the dangers of AC vs DC, the system he was promoting at the time, he went as far as electrocuting various animals including an elephant in what was known then as 'The War of Currents'.When Edison hired Tesla to try and improve the distribution capabilities of DC, Tesla told him that he would need to change his system to AC instead but Edison was adamant that his DC system was superior and ignored Tesla much to his misfortune when AC finally won the 'War of Currents'.

Reading some of the previous comments in regards to your excellent marking gauge I don't think that some people get the same satisfaction from making a tool for a specific purpose even though they can be bought commercially. I have made a lot of tools when I either could not get one for the purpose or the ones available were of inferior quality or over priced. One of the best I ever made was a former chisel from an old file, unfortunately someone else thought that it was a good tool too and it ended up 'walking'.The feeling that when you use a home made tool is that it just feels right and you have the satisfaction knowing that you made it yourself!

You know where they can stick their flat packs!Exceptional pieces of furniture and definitely worth the effort making them. Well done!

Neat idea! If I had room on my bench I would build one.

That was the original idea but it would have made for a difficult to read clock as it would have to have been the seconds in the top and bottom positions with the hours above the minutes.I went for practicality in the interpretation but have another idea brewing for a very complex dual clock design with a temperature readout too.A man needs a man cave. Just missing the beer fridge at the moment!

Tools that you make yourself are tools that you respect the most.Excellent Instructable!

I have been looking on the net for a decent guide to astrophotography and this will do nicely!Great photographs!