![]() ![]() (Without rapid prototyping capabilities, the long wait time time and relatively high costs between prototypes can seriously slow down development. There are some issues with the PCB that I go over in the next section, but they weren't too bad. Feel free to modify them or use them to etch your own PCBs at home. However, the KiCAD files are also available on GitHub and in a zip below. If you order from them, you can make three clocks! The price also seems a little high, but remember that OSHPark sells PCBs in batches of three. I know this seems a little counter-intuitive to DIY, but I simply didn't have the materials to make my own at home. I designed this board to be the same width as the high voltage boost converter board so it will fit into a box nicely at the end. ![]() ![]() (I would recommend redoing the layout for this board, especially with regards to the high voltage sections, to ensure sufficient clearance between other wires.) I think for now it will get the job done since the signals are only digital and not high speed. I have no idea how to "properly" layout PCBs, and if any of you have any suggestions, I would be more than happy to get some feedback. Don't kill me for the horrendous layout I know mine is a little messy (as I wasn't sure how to go about making multi-sheet schematics) and you can definitely improve on it. You will first need to layout the schematic for the entire circuit. Several passives are used for pull-up resistors on the I2C lines, current-limiting resistors for the Nixie tubes, and filtering capacitors. A DS3231 RTC provides the accurate timing, and three buttons allow for user configuration. The circuit uses an ATmega328P for the brains, and two HV5622 high voltage shift registers prove the necessary control lines to independently control each tube's digits without multiplexing. Also, I had to learn how to use KiCAD because the free version of Eagle doesn't supports boards larger than 4" x 3.2". This board was going to have a much tighter fit and SMD components (along with some through-hole parts). And that time I was using Eagle for PCB design and only through-hole components. Prior to this project, the last time I had designed a PCB and had it made was over two years ago. The power supply board and Nixie tubes were from eBay. I ordered some of the electronics components from Mouser, and the rest I had on hand (can also be ordered from Mouser, Digikey, or your other favorite part distributor). Optional: CNC Mill / Laser cutter / 3D Printer etc. To build this clock, you will need the following:Ģx IN-3 Nixie Indicator Bulbs (they come in a pack of 10)ģx Right Angle Push Buttons (I had some on hand I didn't remember where I got them from.) ![]()
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