[EU Preferably] Make me a clock from a VFD - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DeadlyChemist
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 09:36:50 pm
content: Long story short, I have a VFD display and I would like it into a clock. (there is a story behind the display/clock)Requirements:- USB type C input- battery to keep the time- good looking case, if 3d printed, sand it or use resin printer or whatever.- I'm paying max 30€ for shipping, what you pay, I don't care (more below)Bonus points:- ability to set the time using a pc (somehow, easily, or heck, add a GPS or smth for stupid winter/summertime)- very good looking caseThe part I supply is in the pictures, there is no board, case, anything except the display and dirt (you need to carefully clean it off)Pay?300€, I know, I know, not a lot, the parts should cost you <100€if you go with fancy case and gps or whatever I can add some money on topWhy don't I do it myself?- I'm awful at making anything look pretty- Don't have a desk to work on or even time to work on projects, lately been rollercoaster life :/- I don't wanna ruin the display, burn it, break it or whatever, sentimental value, please take care.Pay, 300€, shipping back to me is on you.

author: mk_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 09:55:20 pm
content: Quote from: DeadlyChemist on January 31, 2023, 09:36:50 pm

author: KaneTW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 10:25:39 pm
content: I'm sorry, but you're not going to get anyone to do this for 300 Euro. Try 10x-20x that.

author: pqass
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 10:39:20 pm
content: If it looks like white chalky stuff under the glass on the left edge (with terminals oriented down) then it's FUBAR.So, I don't think the only part you supply is even in a working state.I suggest visiting your local thrift store for a VFD clock and modifying that.

author: KaneTW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 10:43:43 pm
content: If you want an equivalent display, a ИВЛ1-7/5 is a couple of euro from Russia (if you can somehow import it).

author: DeadlyChemist
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 10:49:33 pm
content: Quote from: KaneTW on January 31, 2023, 10:43:43 pmnot the point, but one day i might get few and build something with themQuote from: pqass on January 31, 2023, 10:39:20 pmthe clock was working (few segments), before i ripped the pcb out because it had many many problems/damageQuote from: pqass on January 31, 2023, 10:39:20 pmnot the point

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2023, 10:50:45 pm
content: Dont listen to the naysayers,i'll build it for 300€,just build mind , that dont cover the design fee ,research and development cost ,any software development ,prototyping or materials.

author: Trader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 12:03:05 am
content: What about eBay?

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 12:43:47 am
content: Quote from: DeadlyChemist on January 31, 2023, 10:49:33 pmWell, what is the point? Why does it have to be that particularly dirty VFD instead of an identical new one? Once it's in the case, how would you even know?Here are some clocks using that type of VFD:http://www.ebay.com/itm/224042108416If that's not close enough, maybe the seller can customize it, or you might be able to find someone on fiverr.com to build one for you.

author: DeadlyChemist
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 10:06:16 am
content: Quote from: edavid on February 01, 2023, 12:43:47 amsentimental value, and i assume the "seller" aint a dick and won't swap it out, since thats not the point

author: chekhov
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 11:32:47 am
content: In case you really really want clock with similar display, why just not to get complete clock at least.Try searching for "elektronika clock" = "часы Электроника" (there might be different spellings of elektronika in listings) on ebay or maybe some other EU platforms in post-USSR countries.

author: cio74
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 12:08:43 pm
content: He made it very clear yet...He does not want a different one, a better one, a larger, smaller, wider, greener one...He wants THAT ONE!So everytime he looks at it to bring back some sort of past memories or recollection of life events.Why some engineers are completely insensitive jerks...

author: DeadlyChemist
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 12:22:39 pm
content: Quote from: cio74 on February 01, 2023, 12:08:43 pmThe one from my grandma is still going strong, cleaned and fixed it (i remember it as a child, im 25), passed to my momThe one from my father (or grandma?) (long story) is in rough shape because the place was half trashed, half burned, half robbed etc i.e. it's missing all the parts, the display have been in my ownership for 10 years or so, needs a bodyIf i wanted another clock i would buy one from ebay for 1/3 the priceThanks for understanding (or not)I'm not in a hurry either

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 12:38:21 pm
content: The one shown in the link edavid posted (http://www.ebay.com/itm/224042108416) looks very similar. Has the same number of pins as far as I can tell.You could order one and swap the display yourself.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 03:19:28 pm
content: Quote from: DeadlyChemist on February 01, 2023, 10:06:16 amOK, then send your VFD to the eBay seller and ask them to swap it into the clock.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 03:59:28 pm
content: Tryhttps://www.bad-dog-designs.co.uk/woodclocks/

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 07:41:06 pm
content: Quote from: artag on February 01, 2023, 03:59:28 pmAargh, vandals! Who would turn a valuable old Wimshurst machine into a Nixie clock?Their DIY gallery is a horror show of trashed TE too.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 08:12:42 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on February 01, 2023, 07:41:06 pmTacky tacky tacky.The kind of "art" I would make, therefore best aoided.I wonder whether the voltages on the exposed nixies conform to consumer safety regs.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 08:13:15 pm
content: I knowI don't really like the Avos, it seems such a strange mashup. But he does offer custom clocks and clearly has expertise.In general, I don't like uplit Nixies either. I know there's a technical point to it but the mixture of LED and neon does nothing for me. Now, an argon uplighter, that would be OK.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 08:25:58 pm
content: I would not recommend sending it outside the Europe Union to not get slapped with taxes. The OP's preference is EU and I think that is the best solution to avoid customs getting involved.Receiving goods from the UK over a certain value, even if it is a present, will bring customs knocking on your door for tax and customs duty.Info for France, but I guess also applies to other European countries.https://www.frenchentree.com/brexit/posting-items-between-france-and-the-uk-post-brexit-customs-and-duties/

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2023, 09:28:43 pm
content: I would buy a similar one on ebay and swap the display.On the AVO meter nixie clock, I plan to build one. I have all the parts for years... And before you all complain, the AVO is already ruined. It needs a second life!