NIXIE CLOCK Artclusive NCL-1 VFD Clock.Retro IV-22 Glow Meets Modern Wi-Fi Tech. a Nixie-Style Masterpiece With ESP-12

Building a Retro-Modern IV-22 VFD Clock

This project is based on vintage IV-22 VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) tubes. It combines a beautiful, elegant retro aesthetic with modern functionality, displaying both the time and local temperature. The clock automatically synchronizes via Wi-Fi to ensure high precision and up-to-date weather data.

Required Tools and Components

To assemble this clock, you will need a basic electronics toolkit and the following components:

Tools: Soldering iron, multimeter, and ideally an oscilloscope for signal testing.

Display: 6x IV-22 VFD tubes.

Controller: ESP-12 (ESP8266) Wi-Fi module.

Driver: PT6311B VFD controller IC.

Hardware: Custom PCB, high-frequency transformer components, and various SMD/discrete elements.

Power: USB-C cable and a 5V/2A power supply (a standard smartphone charger or power bank works perfectly).

The Power Supply Unit (PSU)

The first step is assembling the power supply, which is the most critical part of the build. The IV-22 tubes require two specific voltages to operate:

Filament Voltage: 1.2V AC (ranging from 1.05V to 1.35V).

Anode/Grid Voltage: -27V DC (ranging from 25V to 32V).

To achieve this, you will need to wind a custom high-frequency transformer. Use a ferrite core and carefully wind the primary and secondary windings in sequence as specified in the schematics.

The Logic and Driver

The Driver (PT6311B): This chip is the heart of the display logic. It acts as the interface between the microcontroller and the tubes, directly controlling the segments of the IV-22.

The Brain (ESP-12): We use the ESP-12 module because it is a fast, reliable microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi. This allows the clock to fetch data from the internet without needing external buttons for time adjustments.

The IV-22 tubes were manufactured primarily between 1980 and 1990. In the past, they were commonly found in Soviet-era calculators and specialized laboratory equipment. Unlike Nixie tubes, which use neon gas, these are Vacuum Fluorescent Displays that emit a soft, characteristic cyan-green glow.

Initial Setup and Wi-Fi Configuration

Once all elements are soldered and the board is powered via USB-C, the clock needs to be configured:

Connect to the Clock: On your smartphone, search for Wi-Fi networks and connect to "ARTCLUSIVE NIXIE CLOCK".

Password: Enter 12345678.

Access the Web Interface: Open your browser (Chrome, Safari, or Edge) and type 192.168.4.1 into the address bar.

Network Settings: * WIFI SSID: Enter your home router's name.

WIFI PASSWORD: Enter your home Wi-Fi password.

Weather Integration: * To display the temperature, go to OpenWeatherMap, register for a free account, and generate an API Key. Paste this key into the OpenWeather API Key field.

In the City field, enter your location in the format: City,CountryCode (e.g., Chicago,US or London,GB). Ensure there are no extra spaces and the city name is capitalized correctly.

After saving, the clock will reboot, connect to your network, and begin displaying the precise time and current weather. Additional settings in the web menu allow you to adjust brightness, backlight colors, and display modes.