ESP Nixie Clock (ESP8266 CPU)

thingiverse

Building a Nixie Clock is a time-honored tradition among makers, and this DIY project is no exception. This unique clock features an ESP8266 development board that automatically syncs its time to NIST over WiFi, making it stand out from the rest. Its 3D printed frame and hand-solderable PCB add to its distinctiveness. Features of this clock include two case options: one with a colon separator between hours and minutes, and another without. The user can choose which option they prefer, as long as they have the corresponding PCB. For those who want to take their Nixie clocks to the next level, artist Jackson Fyfe's ceramic cases are definitely worth checking out. When turned on for the first time, this clock creates a WiFi access point at ESPNIXIE that can be connected to using a computer or smartphone. The user can then specify the WiFi network SSID and password, which will be stored in EEPROM for future use. The clock also comes equipped with a menu-driven OLED screen and rotary encoder, giving users a range of options to customize their experience. These options include setting the UTC offset, enabling automatic daylight savings time, choosing between 12 and 24 hour time formats, blinking the colon, protecting cathode poisoning, auto-shutoff, screensaver, and showing zero. In addition to these settings, holding down the rotary encoder button for more than three seconds will manually toggle the Nixie tubes on and off. If auto-shutoff is enabled, the Nixies will stay on or off as selected until the next auto-shutoff transition occurs. The software, PCB circuit design, and detailed instructions are available at my Github site: https://github.com/elkayem/ESP_NIXIE. For those who want to build their own ESP Nixie clock, please feel free to PM me for a set of printed circuit boards. I have extras that can be used to make a few more clocks. Parts needed include the NodeMCU V1.0 board, 4 IN-14 Nixie Tubes, 1 0.96" I2C 128x64 OLED display, 1 Rotary Encoder, 1 12VDC 1A Wall Adapter Power Supply, 1 NCH6100HV High Voltage DC Power Supply (or equivalent), and various other components such as male breakaway headers, IC sockets, resistors, capacitors, and M2 and M3 bolts. Most of these parts can be found on eBay or online Chinese retailers. Note: Nixie tubes are no longer manufactured but are still readily available at a cost of around $5-$10 per tube. I recommend using the NCH6100HV power supply for its ability to deliver 15 mA of continuous current at 170 V, which can be adjusted using an onboard potentiometer.