Totally Mechanical NIXIE TUBE Clock 

A totally mechanical Nixie Clock?

Yes... I decided to DO-IT-MYSELF, rather than use modern computer chips. There were 2 reasons why I chose to BITE off a mechanical version NIXIE TUBE CLOCK:

1.) I hate modern electronics - I don't know what goes on inside a chip!

and 2.) It's more fun to build the timing control mechanism myself.

I chose to "think" about using 3 CLOCK mechanisms to control the timing to the hours, minutes and seconds: Using large wall clocks, with a sliding contact. I may use magnetic 'nixie tube' switches, but I haven't decided this yet. Which ever is easier, accurate and more practical.

Now, after I began to "think" about it's ''mechanical'' design and after starting to build the tube's filament contact terminal boards, I realized that there's going to be a LOT of wires, terminals, soldering and such..... But SO WHAT!  I have a garage full of wire and junk, and I don't have anything better to do. Plus, it will make for a visually exciting tube clock as well as a great new web page! As to the clock's case, I'll stuff it all into an old 1948 floor model antique TV Box and have nixie tubes replace the TV';s picture tube.

Yep!... A 100+ lb wood cased Nixie Tube Clock!

I will post more pictures and crazy 'wirings' very soon.

Sincerely,... needing all the ideas and help I can get!

ROSS MARSHALL

 Nixie Tube & Homemade Socket made from Mayo Jar Lid.

  Pins used are brass tubular connectors. Wires soldered to it run to filament board, numbered from Filament No.1 to 15.

  Pin connections insulated and secured with Glue Gun 'Glue'.  Wires run to Filament Board numbered 1-16 and Anode Common. This will be eventually connected to a control board running from the clock timing selection  device made from a large Wall Clock.

Power supply is an AC transformer 110v to 180 volts. The big adjustable 280 ohm resistor in the middle is not being used.)

A Full Rectifier is added to convert AC to DC voltage. The transformer actually puts out only 159.8 volts, so I do not have to reduce the voltage with a resistor. But, I added a 10K Res.,  ( the red one in pic. above) to secure and stabilize the voltage. Otherwise, I get a funny over burning on the filaments. (? They just don't light right without it.  Any ideas what this is, let me know?)

Anyone interested in corresponding, please contact me at: philco@bigvalley.net ROSS

THE  CRAZINESS  TO BE CONTINUED...