MSP430 Nixie Clock

[Kman 3]

Dave's clock

 

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That is a fantastic clock!  I love it.  Now I want to go looking for an old timing light box!

 

I'm glad to join this thread, I'd been working a little with Rob offline before about the IN-8 vertical tubes.

[RobG 1,892]

@@zeke, can you email me close up picture of the problem area?

I just got second compliant about cut trace (different section of the PCB.)

[zeke 693]

@@RobG

 

Coming right up!

[RobG 1,892]

Very cool how to assemble video from Joe:

 

[RobG 1,892]

Time to upgrade my Nixie clock.

Here's what's new:

1. the number one complaint about my current version is battery, or lack of it, done. The new version will come with backup battery.

2. hour and minute divider (colon,) done. Added two INS-1 Nixie tubes. 

3. improved HV power supply, it is now more efficient and quieter.

Few other tiny improvements.

 

Should be ready for holiday season.

 

 

[cubeberg 540]

@@RobG - make sure to post back when it's available.  I've been meaning to pick one up for my younger brother for a while now.

[RobG 1,892]

Any day now @@cubeberg

 

I am now adding software features requested by users. 

There were few requests for effects that will prevent cathode poisoning, so I will add two effects, slot machine and blanking.

Slot machine will basically scroll all numbers for a few seconds every so often.

Blanking will keep display off and show time for few seconds every few seconds.

 

 

[cubeberg 540]

@@RobG - hah - that's what I was going to try to add

[RobG 1,892]

I had one request for alarm, but I don't think many would use this clock as an alarm clock.

There's room for a small, 12mm piezo, but I figured if someone wants to add alarm, they can either use available J1 header or use (flash) digits, separator, or LEDs to signal alarm. 

 

Also, couple of days ago, I was thinking about adding IR receiver (utilize J1 for this.)

Several people mounted this clock in enclosures or high above, making switches hard to reach. IR receiver in combination with cheap IR xmtr or TV remote, would allow setting time/functions remotely. Maybe next revision.

[cubeberg 540]

@@RobG - I'd have to agree on the piezo - this type of clock is probably too bright for an area where you'd want an alarm.  I have a spot for one on my VFD clock but only populated it for my first test device.  I have three on my desk at work, one with a buzzer that beeps on startup - I should honestly pull the thing off of the board.

[RobG 1,892]

Here's short video.

 

I am looking for suggestions re separator and AM/PM indication. 

I have 4 modes for the separator, off, on only when PM, blinking every second, and one blink AM/two blinks PM

My wife says double blinking is annoying, so what do you think?

 

 

[dubnet 238]

Like the idea of solid on for PM. Find the flashing seems to distract from the clock display. My 2 cents.

[Fmilburn 446]

Great clock Rob. I agree with your wife and find the blinking distracting also :-)

 

Here is a thought for an enclosure. Keep everything clear acrylic but include sides and have right angle pushbuttons accessible through the side - something like these: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5-Pcs-Blue-Round-Cap-Right-Angle-Momentary-Tact-Pushbutton-Switch-12-X-12Mm-X-8Mm/32752171836.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.27.aSrfjS&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_4,searchweb201603_1&btsid=42e3f2a1-9de1-4e95-b17b-7a8120f6bb2c

[RobG 1,892]

Regarding slot machine effect, I can't decide if I should scroll 4 or 3 digits when clock is in 12 hr mode and hour is < 10.

For example, when time is 3:00, leftmost digit is off, so slot machine is shown only on 3 tubes.

[cubeberg 540]

@@RobG - I'd say all 4, otherwise the 1st tube isn't treated for cathode poisoning as much as the other tubes.