WiFi Nixie Tube Clock
A WiFi-controlled clock using Soviet-era tech
This WiFi-controlled clock uses a discontinued type of Soviet-era neon display (Nixie tubes) to show accurate time and weather information. I undertook this project at the age of 16, completing all aspects of the design myself. This clock posed a unique challenge in that the displays run off a nominal 200V DC, whereas the clock itself needed to be powered over standard 5V USB. The device is based around an ESP32 development board, and uses a multiplexed topology to scan through the digits on-screen. Through the use of an API the clock is able to constantly maintain accurate time without need for correction for time zone changes, and can parse weather information to display minimum, maximum, and current temperatures for any desired area.
I built this clock at age 16, after winning the tubes in an Ebay auction. The project was a fun lesson for me in industrial design, where for the first time I was required to consider the form of the finished item over its function. This led to some creative 3-tiered daughterboard setups, which allowed me to fit the electronics into a very compact enclosure compared to a lot of other similar designs. I’m proud to say that this clock is alive and well 6 years on, and sits happily on my desk. It has been continuously powered on for most of that time, the nixie tubes are yet to show any signs of wear.
