Make Nixie Clock With Arduino in MDF Wood Case

All of them is put in MDF wood case. After completion, the clock is looked like a product: good looking and compact firmly.

Let's start

Step 1: Part List

To make clearly, let's see part list to make this project

1. Arduino UNO (1set) https://amzn.to/2P58O7s

2. Real time clock module DS3231 https://amzn.to/2SIyEzI

3. DC step-up module 12VDC to 150VDC (1set) https://amzn.to/30kpdK9

4. Nixie tube (6pcs) https://amzn.to/3aHyJvX

5. Isolation chip TLP627-4 (4pcs) https://amzn.to/2wiN0PG

6. Resistor 10K https://amzn.to/3bmySnM

7. Header pin https://amzn.to/2QFcr5q

8. Breadboard cable https://amzn.to/3ae8vk0

9. Power supply module 220VAC/12VDC (1pc) https://amzn.to/39dqNk2

10. Button (2pcs) https://amzn.to/2UIoXCH

11. MDF wood 3mm thickness (laser cut) https://amzn.to/33Q4LTz

12.White glue (for MDF wood) https://amzn.to/2WKo7YJ

13. Permanent magnetic plate https://amzn.to/2QGfDxX

Buy electronic component on utsource.net

Step 2: Circuit Design

Make a circuit as in picture design

Nixie tube needs high voltage (around 150VDC) to light on, but it uses low current (1-2mA). DC step-up module 12VDC -> 150VDC is suitable for this application.

This circuit will use Arduino UNO as main controller, it will control nixie tube via isolation chip TLP-627.

60 lamps (of 6 nixie tube) is connect as matrix connection, this connection will help to save Arduino pin -> use only 16 pinout from Arduino (10 pin for column, 6 pin for row)

By matrix connection, it can only show 1 tube at a time. In order to show 6 tubes, 1 tube is shown, then off, then next tube will be shown, so on to 6th tube. By high frequently showing, human eye can see it as permanent view.

Display sequence will be done by Arduino code.

Realtime clock module DS3231 is used to keep the time (even turn off power, it uses cell battery to keep the time)

And I use 2 button to adjust the time

Step 3: Make PCB Isolation

I made PCB for isolation for easy connection with Arduino. With header pin, we can use breadboard cable to connect from PCB to Arduino easily

PCB design can be download here, you can make it by your own https://bit.ly/3ab6PHL

Step 4: Make Cable for Nixie Tube

Because nixie tube consumes low current, so I use copper wire (take from old transformer) for wiring nixie tube.

This copper wire is easy for working: easy for soldering, high isolation, small size, easy to layout

Then, six nixie tube connected together as in column and row as in design circuit. Then, it is connected to isolation board PCB

Step 5: Cut the MDF Case by Laser

Laser cnc machine will help to cut MDF wood (3mm thickness) in exactly dimension. I design each part matched together, then will use glue to fix them.

Design file for laser cut can be downloaded here https://bit.ly/3ab6PHL

Note: using Corel Draw to read design file

Step 6: Make 1/2 a Box

In this step, make 1/2 a box with glue, then install nixie tube into middle frame, then install it into the box.

Step 7: Install PCB/ Button and Do Wiring

Install all PCB into MDF frame, install button also, then do wiring for all as circuit design

Wiring in this step is a challenged, please pay attention for it. Maybe, you will get wrong connection order for nixie tube, however, you can re-connect easily

Step 8: Download the Code

Download the code for Arduino

The main code will do this job: read real time from module DS3231, then show on nixie tube via isolation PCB.

It's also be able to adjust the time by two buttons: when push two buttons at same time, (2 numbers of) second will be blinking, wait for adjusting time by pushing button left or right to increas or decrease number. When finish adjust number in second (or not adjust number in second), then number of minute will be blinking (wait for adjusting number), next, the number of hour will be blinking. After finish, no number will be blinking.

Code can be downloaded here https://bit.ly/3ab6PHL

Step 9: Make Back cover

I use four magnetic plate to hold back side MDF plate. It will help to hold back side firmly without using glue, so that we can open the box easily in case troubleshooting.

Step 10: Adjust the Time

Push two button at same time to start adjusting the time of 6 nixie tube

Sequence of changing time:

1. Push two button to start changing number

2. Two number of second will blink (wait for adjusting number)

2a. If adjust, push button left/right to increase/decrease number

2b. If not adjust, do nothing

3. Wait a while, two number of minute will be blink (wait for adjusting number)

3a. If adjust, push button left/right to increase/decrease number3b. If not adjust, do nothing

4. Wait a while, two number of hour will be blink (wait for adjusting number)4a. If adjust, push button left/right to increase/decrease number

4b. If not adjust, do nothing

5. All number will not blink, on clock view

Step 11: Make the Mask

My friend tell me MDF wood surface looks not so nice, so I decide to use wood with veneer surface for this clock. Also, make a tag name for clock.

Final, the clock looks perfect :)