The hardware design features a two-board stack: the control board integrates the ESP32 with a high-voltage boost converter and RTC, while the display board houses the nixie tube, a BCD-to-decimal decoder and a WS2812B RGB LED.
The enclosure is crafted from a 3D-printed base, overlaid with chopped carbon fiber and accented with brass hardware, drawing inspiration from automotive design.
The firmware is developed in C++ using the ESP-IDF framework.
For a detailed look at the schematics, PCB designs, and firmware, visit the GitHub repository
Below you’ll find project logs:
Final log of the nixie clock project featuring ESP32 upgrade and improved design.
Created a unique artistic nixie clock enclosure using 3D printing, chopped carbon, and brass details inspired by supercars.
Replaced PlatformIO with Git submodules and makefiles, simplifying project setup, build and flashing for the nixie clock.
Designed and 3D-printed an enclosure for the nixie clock, giving the electronics a proper case.
PCBWay sponsored a batch of PCBs. Lessons learned from this batch.
Migrated designs from EaglePCB to KiCAD and learning not to overcurrent Nixie tubes.
Rebuilt the frontend from jQuery Mobile to plain HTML/CSS/JS, making it faster, lighter, and more responsive.
Description for the first version of Display board
Description for the first version of control board