[neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-08 Thread blave
Sorry to throw out a link, but I wanted to make sure you're aware of this 
nixie shield for the Arduino: http://arduinix.com/

I have built the kit (v1); it went together fine and I ended up debugging 
some of the crossfade code for the 6-digit daughtercard. I also used the 
Arduinix for a non-clock application: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kbrIwxNr9g

cheers,

Dave B.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-08 Thread Matt

There are three things that are stopping me from building my own clock:

1) I only like simple shinny metal and glass, neither of which I can build or 
design on my own.

2) I only would consider direct drive circuits.  If I needed to reduce the brightness, I would PWM it myself, but I do not want the 
multiplex circuit limiting the maximum brightness.


3) Time.  Creating a direct drive PCB from scratch is a bit much.

I would prefer a simple Arduino shield or daughter board, but it is difficult to find something that is direct drive and in a form 
factor that is appropriate for a clock.  I would prefer something using https://pinocc.io/ so that I can get time from NTP instead 
of GPS.


On 02/08/2015 03:34 PM, blave wrote:

Sorry to throw out a link, but I wanted to make sure you're aware of this nixie 
shield for the Arduino: http://arduinix.com/

I have built the kit (v1); it went together fine and I ended up debugging some of the crossfade code for the 6-digit 
daughtercard. I also used the Arduinix for a non-clock application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kbrIwxNr9g


cheers,

Dave B.
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[neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-07 Thread 'Terry S' via neonixie-l
Ok, so I went ahead and started designed my own clock, borrowing heavily 
from an existing open source design.

Here's what it entails. I have IN-18's and love those tubes, so naturally 
it uses them. I designed a main module that has the Arduino interface, 
power supply, control logic, 2 anode drivers, and 2 IN-18 tube socket 
footprints. At the end of that module there is a 20 pin connector to mate 
with a 2nd board I designed, identical in shape and size to the main 
module, but only has the 2 IN-18 socket footprints and the corresponding 
anode drivers. This slave module also has the 20 pin connector at far end.

The result is that a clock can be configured using 1, 2, or 3 modules. If 
someone wanted, they could build a 2 digit clock (not sure why you would do 
that) or a 4 digit (my preference) or a 6 digit clock.

I will be including provisions for under-tube LED lighting, even though I 
dislike it, and colons, which I do like. The colons will be controllable. I 
prefer a flashing colon on 4 digit clocks, and a static colon on 6 digit 
clocks.

Since it's Arduino driven, the end user can do whatever he/she likes as far 
as timekeeping, (GPS, etc) features, etc. I will be producing a number of 
boards excess to my needs, so let me know if you are interested. I will NOT 
be supporting software that will be up to you. The board is designed 
such that the open-source software should work without modification, or 
with very little, for basic 4 or 6 digit clock functionality.

The boards will have both thru-hole and surface mount parts. You will need 
to be able to solder your own SMT components.

Any interest? As far as pricing, I'm only going to be looking to recover my 
blank board costs. 

Terry

On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10:09:35 AM UTC-6, Terry S wrote:

 I know there's a plethora of IN-18 kits out there -- please tell me about 
 your favorite. I've got tubes and I want to build my own case this time. If 
 you're selling kits and want to blow your own horn I'm good with that as 
 well. I'd design my own and have done so in the past, but I know there are 
 already many choices.
  
 I can do SMT work no problem, would like a highly featured clock with GPS 
 sync capability, but it should be able to operate stand-alone as well.
  
 Would consider either 4 or 6 tube, 6 preferred. LED lighting is 
 unnecessary, colons are necessary.
  
 Arduino based would be nice so I can play with the code a little easier, 
 PIC ok as far as that goes too. 
  
 Compact form factor is a plus, as is low cost. 
  
 Please don't just throw out links I can find those. I'd rather hear 
 about your actual experience with the kit.
  
 Thanks in advance,
  
 Terry


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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-07 Thread Dylan Distasio
I'm interested.
On Feb 7, 2015 3:30 PM, 'Terry S' via neonixie-l 
neonixie-l@googlegroups.com wrote:

 Ok, so I went ahead and started designed my own clock, borrowing heavily
 from an existing open source design.

 Here's what it entails. I have IN-18's and love those tubes, so naturally
 it uses them. I designed a main module that has the Arduino interface,
 power supply, control logic, 2 anode drivers, and 2 IN-18 tube socket
 footprints. At the end of that module there is a 20 pin connector to mate
 with a 2nd board I designed, identical in shape and size to the main
 module, but only has the 2 IN-18 socket footprints and the corresponding
 anode drivers. This slave module also has the 20 pin connector at far end.

 The result is that a clock can be configured using 1, 2, or 3 modules. If
 someone wanted, they could build a 2 digit clock (not sure why you would do
 that) or a 4 digit (my preference) or a 6 digit clock.

 I will be including provisions for under-tube LED lighting, even though I
 dislike it, and colons, which I do like. The colons will be controllable. I
 prefer a flashing colon on 4 digit clocks, and a static colon on 6 digit
 clocks.

 Since it's Arduino driven, the end user can do whatever he/she likes as
 far as timekeeping, (GPS, etc) features, etc. I will be producing a number
 of boards excess to my needs, so let me know if you are interested. I will
 NOT be supporting software that will be up to you. The board is
 designed such that the open-source software should work without
 modification, or with very little, for basic 4 or 6 digit clock
 functionality.

 The boards will have both thru-hole and surface mount parts. You will need
 to be able to solder your own SMT components.

 Any interest? As far as pricing, I'm only going to be looking to recover
 my blank board costs.

 Terry

 On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10:09:35 AM UTC-6, Terry S wrote:

 I know there's a plethora of IN-18 kits out there -- please tell me about
 your favorite. I've got tubes and I want to build my own case this time. If
 you're selling kits and want to blow your own horn I'm good with that as
 well. I'd design my own and have done so in the past, but I know there are
 already many choices.

 I can do SMT work no problem, would like a highly featured clock with GPS
 sync capability, but it should be able to operate stand-alone as well.

 Would consider either 4 or 6 tube, 6 preferred. LED lighting is
 unnecessary, colons are necessary.

 Arduino based would be nice so I can play with the code a little easier,
 PIC ok as far as that goes too.

 Compact form factor is a plus, as is low cost.

 Please don't just throw out links I can find those. I'd rather hear
 about your actual experience with the kit.

 Thanks in advance,

 Terry

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-07 Thread Michail1 via neonixie-l
Terry,
 
I am interested.
 
Michail  Wilson
206-920-6312  

 
In a message dated 2/7/2015 12:30:08 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
neonixie-l@googlegroups.com writes:

 
Ok, so I went ahead and started designed my own clock, borrowing heavily  
from an existing open source design.


Here's what it entails. I have IN-18's and love those tubes, so naturally  
it uses them. I designed a main module that has the Arduino interface, power 
 supply, control logic, 2 anode drivers, and 2 IN-18 tube socket  
footprints. At the end of that module there is a 20 pin connector to mate with  
a 2nd 
board I designed, identical in shape and size to the main module, but  only 
has the 2 IN-18 socket footprints and the corresponding anode drivers.  
This slave module also has the 20 pin connector at far end.


The result is that a clock can be configured using 1, 2, or 3 modules. If  
someone wanted, they could build a 2 digit clock (not sure why you would do  
that) or a 4 digit (my preference) or a 6 digit clock.


I will be including provisions for under-tube LED lighting, even though I  
dislike it, and colons, which I do like. The colons will be controllable. I  
prefer a flashing colon on 4 digit clocks, and a static colon on 6 digit  
clocks.


Since it's Arduino driven, the end user can do whatever he/she likes as  
far as timekeeping, (GPS, etc) features, etc. I will be producing a number of  
boards excess to my needs, so let me know if you are interested. I will NOT 
be  supporting software that will be up to you. The board is designed 
such  that the open-source software should work without modification, or with 
very  little, for basic 4 or 6 digit clock functionality.


The boards will have both thru-hole and surface mount parts. You will  need 
to be able to solder your own SMT components.


Any interest? As far as pricing, I'm only going to be looking to recover  
my blank board costs. 


Terry

On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10:09:35 AM UTC-6, Terry S  wrote:

 
I know there's a plethora of IN-18 kits out there -- please tell me  about 
your favorite. I've got tubes and I want to build my own case this  time. If 
you're selling kits and want to blow your own horn I'm good with  that as 
well. I'd design my own and have done so in the past, but I  know there are 
already many choices.
 
I can do SMT work no problem, would like a highly featured clock with  GPS 
sync capability, but it should be able to operate stand-alone as  well.
 
Would consider either 4 or 6 tube, 6 preferred. LED lighting is  
unnecessary, colons are necessary.
 
Arduino based would be nice so I can play with the code a little  easier, 
PIC ok as far as that goes too. 
 
Compact form factor is a plus, as is low cost. 
 
Please don't just throw out links I can find those. I'd rather hear  
about your actual experience with the kit.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Terry



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[neonixie-l] Re: Itching to build...

2015-02-02 Thread Jeff Walton
I've built the IN-18 Blue Dream from Dieter Wachter (Nocrotec.com).  The 
kit (6 digit) is very easy for most as the SMT devices are already mounted 
so that all you are left with is the through hole items (relatively few). 
 Once upon a time I would have been comfortable with SMT but the shrinking 
geometries and my aging eyesight make it more of a challenge.  The kit does 
include a stainless steel base (which is gorgeous) but does not have any 
other cover.  I love the IN-18 tubes as they are among the most beautiful 
tubes ever made. I think that you can purchase the PCB and parts without 
the base.  GPS (optional) is easy and the clock operates flawlessly.  One 
thing I am doing with this clock is using a motion control to turn the 
tubes off when no one is around.  The kit already has programmable time of 
day brightness and adding the motion sensing will maximize the lifetime. 
 This clock is supposed to sustain all settings and features for 6 years 
without external power so there is no issue with turning off the external 
power for hours at a time.  There are no annoying start-up noises, flashes 
or loss of volatile settings when power is turned on/off.  The kit has 
colons in glass tubes and blue LED base lighting that can be turned on or 
off.  I'm not sure what you are looking for but the final product was 
excellent for me.  I get the impression that your skill level for assy and 
coding is probably far beyond the skill needed to handle this kit but you 
can decide that.

One thing I would love to find is a IN-18 clock that uses a remote control 
unit like the ones that YanZeyuan (Nixieclock.org) did for his smaller 
clocks (IN-8-2  VFD)  The remote functions are so much easier than the 
multi-button approach on the clocks.  I don't know if YanZeyuan has a kit 
for IN-18 but if he did, I'd look at it. 

Jeff 



On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10:09:35 AM UTC-6, Terry S wrote:

 I know there's a plethora of IN-18 kits out there -- please tell me about 
 your favorite. I've got tubes and I want to build my own case this time. If 
 you're selling kits and want to blow your own horn I'm good with that as 
 well. I'd design my own and have done so in the past, but I know there are 
 already many choices.
  
 I can do SMT work no problem, would like a highly featured clock with GPS 
 sync capability, but it should be able to operate stand-alone as well.
  
 Would consider either 4 or 6 tube, 6 preferred. LED lighting is 
 unnecessary, colons are necessary.
  
 Arduino based would be nice so I can play with the code a little easier, 
 PIC ok as far as that goes too. 
  
 Compact form factor is a plus, as is low cost. 
  
 Please don't just throw out links I can find those. I'd rather hear 
 about your actual experience with the kit.
  
 Thanks in advance,
  
 Terry


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