Nixie Tap - an ESP8266 Nixie clock - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dino
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 09:10:30 am
content: Yes, I know, another Nixie clockThis one came out of desire to manufacture something that I can put on my desk. No to RGB lights, yes to orange glow and walnut.Project is almost complete, there needs to be one more revision of the PCB (to increase DC-DC efficiency), and then I'm happy.Features:Power and programming done via a single USB cableThere are 4 'slots' on the unit. Changing between slots is done by tapping the device, via a touch sensorFirst two slots are date and time, other slots are arbitrary. I set up mine to display Ethereum price, and local weatherConfiguration is done from a captive portal (WiFi Manager)To be implemented:Software: interaction via serial portHardware: more efficient 5V - 170V PSUProject page on Hackaday.io:https://hackaday.io/project/27349-nixie-tapGerbers and schematics on:https://github.com/mladendinic/nixietap

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:11:16 am
content: Nice. HV5812s

author: Rolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:15:46 am
content: Nice! Not having blue or rgb leds is a wise decision. There are just to many of those around.How do you display weather information on 4 numeric display's?

author: knapik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:32:15 am
content: Wow, that's a nice looking case. How was it made?

author: dino
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 11:30:59 am
content: Quote from: Rolo on July 08, 2018, 10:15:46 amWeather displayed is only temperature, for example by calling openweathermap API and parsing the resulting JSON.It could be programmed, for example to blink if there is rain.Quote from: knapik on July 08, 2018, 10:32:15 amThanks! The case was designed in Fusion 360. First, a few prototypes were 3D printed, and then I ordered some CNC machining service from Alibaba. Walnut is sealed with oil.

author: knapik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 01:31:21 pm
content: You've got me rather interested with how elegant and compact the design is. I've never had any custom work done through alibaba, how much did the wooden case end up costing you?

author: dino
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 07:46:16 am
content: I ordered from a few suppliers (to qualify them for the crowdfunding campaign), and all had similar quality. Price was also similar, ranging from $150 - $200 @ 1 pc.This includes cost of material, and final polishing and oiling.

author: Rolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2018, 04:11:41 pm
content: Looking at the schematic I see you use a RTC chip in this design. I'm curious if you thought/tryed to make the clock work without this RTC. Having WiFi and NTP sync should work, or did you want the clock still working when "stand alone" ?

author: dino
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2018, 03:33:55 pm
content: Quote from: Rolo on July 16, 2018, 04:11:41 pmYes, I wanted it to work standalone, when the WiFi is down. And it's easier to structure the code around external RTC, because the ESP will already be encumbered by a lot of stuff (wifi connection, timers for dot scrolling and display updating, serial communication).There is also a supercap backup, however I'm not sure whether I need this one.

author: radiokot
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2018, 09:29:45 am
content: Very beautiful watch case. I want to assemble a clock on an in-14.