2 clocks out of 5 total are for sale now. Clock 1 uses british Hivac XN11 tubes, Clock 2 uses german RFT Z570M tubes. See images for its actual appearance.

NICK2 is an open source 6-digit clock, made as a challenge to be as low profile and compact as possible. The clock is based on ESP8266, has USB-C for power and debugging/flashing and it’s super low profile (only 9mm base height!). It keeps up time via NTP instead of RTC so there are no buttons, instead all configuration is done via mobile friendly web UI (see images).

I made only 5 of these clocks, and I won’t be making more. Each clock is different and special in its own way, so make sure to check the images!

Quite a bit of time went into designing this so by buying this, you also support future projects like this. That said you can always head over to projects github and make your own, everything required is there :)

The clock has implemented (optional) crossfade, brightness setting, timezone setting with summer time and some other useful stuff – for example can be turned on and off remotely via GET requests.

The case is prited from Galaxy Black PLA or Red PLA. But you can easily disassemble it and make some wooden/metal enclosure for it (pcb has screw holes). Or print a different color cover, you will find the 3d models on project’s github page.

Hardware

• ESP8266 powered
• 6x nixie (nixie model depending on the particular clock)
• PWM dimming and crossfade
• Power consumption is around 400mA @ 5V. Quality 1A charger recommended (not included).
• 3d printed case (volcano black PLA but you can print your own, link to thingiverse on github)
• neopixel colons with configurable color and behavior
• USB-C connector for power and debugging / flashing.
• Screwless „snap-on“ design, can be easily disassembled
• I've made only 5 of these in total so there is a sense of uniqueness :)

Software

• Simple configuration web portal to set WIFI credentials and everything else
• Timezone settings including Daylight Saving time (optional)
• Cathode poisoning prevention
• Brightness settings + night mode
• OTA update support

IMPORTANT: Nixies require high voltage to run, disassembling and tinkering with the clock in any way is dangerous and at your own risk!

IMPORTANT: Please note that the nixies were hand-made back in the day, they can differ a bit in shape, numbers are not perfectly aligned etc. The Soviets valued functionality over design perfection… this is part of the oldschool magic but also can trigger your OCD so check out the photos before you buy! The tubes are very old, made in the 70s so I can't guarantee their long-term function.

If you want to know something specific about the clock, feel free to DM me.