## Building a Nixie Clock is easier and cheaper then you might think
<!-- published: 2024_07_15 -->

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The Nixie Tube Clock is an example of geek luxury. It's rare, it looks cool, and there are only a limited number of [tubes](https://danyk.cz/digitrony_en.html) left in the world, adding to the elitism. And it gives your lab that evil genius vibe. But with the right knowledge and skills it is easily obtainable.

A set of 6 new tubes will cost you around $60, the closer you live to Eastern Europe - the cheaper. Just search for `nixie IN-12B` on Ebay. Used tubes are even cheaper, but bear in mind that they have a limited lifespan (5-10 years). And by "new" I mean made in the 1980s, because around that time mass production stopped.

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Then you will need a cheap [Control Board](https://gist.github.com/dmi3/26d3924f5b4600e5dc5197d1c3da7f43#nixie_clock) from Aliexpress and some [DB Terminal Connector 1.0mm Sockets](https://gist.github.com/dmi3/26d3924f5b4600e5dc5197d1c3da7f43#user-content-nixie_connector). The control board has all the necessary functions for timekeeping, as well as an anti-cathode poisoning routine to prolong the life of the tubes. Time separator LEDs and all necessary wires are included with the board. Board will also work with only 4 tubes connected if you don't care about seconds and want a smaller design.

Additionally you need a 12V power supply, or [USB 5V-to-12V converter](https://gist.github.com/dmi3/26d3924f5b4600e5dc5197d1c3da7f43#user-content-nixie_) (in case of USB, make sure that source have at least 3A).

!![Assembled](pic/nix_assembled.jpeg)

You need to solder the board wires to DB sockets or to tubes directly. Start from anode `A` which is identifiable by arrow or by white isolation:

!![Ultra professional wiring diagram](pic/nixie_wiring.png)

To make tube set easily mountable, I've made a 3D [printable STL](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6622823). Then you need to find a nice looking wooden or metal case to mount it in.

!![Nixie IN12 socket panel](pic/nix.png)

Then you print a [decorative panel](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5147645) for the front and paint it with bronze spray paint.

!![Decorative panel](pic/nix_panel.png)

In the end you get a nice fusion of modern and vintage technology that looks great. 

![On my shelf](pic/nixiemil.png)

### Or you can 3dprint a case

See compatible files on [Thingiverse](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7307846).
!![Front panel](pic/nix_front_panel_stl.png)

!![Fully 3d printed](pic/nix_front_panel.jpg)

🏷️DIY 🏷️STL 🏷️3Dprinting