6-Digit Retro Nixie Clock...with optional GPS time

摘要

We've had so many people ask us about Nixie Clocks that we decided it was time for a super project. Essentially, a Nixie tube is a neonfilled tube with 10 differently-shaped cathodes. A high voltage is applied between the anode and one of the cathodes, causing the gas around that cathode to become excited and glow. Nixies were used heavily before vacuum fluorescent displays, LED 7-segment displays and LCDs replaced them. The biggest drawback of Nixie tubes, apart from the high voltage required to drive them (150V+), is their complex construction and thus cost. This type of Nixie tube is no longer manufactured and what stock is left will only get more expensive over time - so, if you want to build one of these clocks, now is the time!