Nixie Clock CD81-6-V3 (SOLDOUT)

Note: not available as kit anymore. Replaced by IN16-6-V1.

The V1 and V2 versions were almost identical, and the V3 was the logical evolution. It's schematics are in fact the same as V2, but now all parts are located on one single PCB. The advantage is that the height of the clock is reduced by 6mm and this is a great cosmetical improvement, I believe. Its dimensions are 172mm x 63mm x 65mm (WxHxD).

Wow, is that a beautiful clock or what!?  As I just said, the schematics are the in principle the same as the V2 version, and it also runs on the same V2.xx software. The size of the PCB hasn't changed either, so it all fits using the same stainless steel plates and what have you. The inset picture tries to show the 'fading nixie' effect, which gently fades the digits from one to the next. 

This new board also provides a better solution for the RTC option and for the DCF77 time receiver. It has place to fit the extra RTC components and a voltage dropper for particular DCF77 modules that run on lower voltages. Check the schematics to see how it's done, there are some instructions there as well.

Okay, here's another picture showing the electronic heart of the clock. At the righthand side you can still see the HV generator that converts 12V into a regulated 142V, the supply for the nixie tubes. The PIC microcontroller is fitted on the bottom side of the PCB, together with a 5V regulator. You can also see the RTC components, in front of the first tube, the Dallas DS1302, a 32.768 KHz crystal and the SuperCap, which is on the bottom.

This clock is soldout. I ran out of CD81 tubes. I still have some tubes left for spares. If you own one of these clocks, you can order spare tubes while stock lasts. I still have some other parts for this clock:

Spare CD81 tubes, only sold to existing customers for use as spares. I honestly believe you don't need spare tubes, but if you insist... These tubes are desoldered from never used replacement display units. 
A programmed PIC 16F87x processor.
designer laser-cut 2mm heavy stainless steel top & bottom plates.
Extra RTC clock components, such as DS1302, crystal and SuperCap. For some reason not many people actually order this option, which I don't understand as it is a very nice option to have, and not very often found in other Nixie clocks.
Black wooden frame

Files for Nixie Clock CD81-6-V3

Assembly Instructions For Nixie Clock
User Manual For Nixie Clock
Nixie Controller Schematic
Nixie Driver Schematic
Bill Of Material

List of Nixie Clock V3 Owners

0038 - Contant, Netherlands
0039 - Erik, Netherlands
0040 - Patrick, Hong Kong, see picture here
0041 - Patrick, Hong Kong
0042 - Dave, UK
0043 - Alfred, Netherlands, see picture here
0044 - Alexander, Netherlands
0045 - Mike, UK
0046 - Alfred, Netherlands, see picture here
0047 - Stephen, UK
0048 - Candice, U.S.A.
0049 - Brian, U.S.A.
0050 - Russel, UK
0051 - Simon, Hong Kong
0052 - Andrew, UK
0053 - Robert, UK
0054 - Rex, U.S.A., , see picture here
0055 - Young, South Korea
0056 - Stéphane, France
0057 - Huw, Sweden, see picture here
0058 - Chiel, Netherlands, see picture here
0059 - Gavin, U.S.A.
0060 - Michael, Germany, visit his website here
0061 - Thomas, Germany
0062 - Assembled version - Last one in stock!!!
0063 - This one I keep myself

Last updated 18 Nov 2004