NixieClock

IN-14 Nixie Clock

A connected IN-14 Nixie tube clock combining classic display technology with modern embedded control.
This repository contains the complete project: firmware, electrical schematic, PCB design, and case design.

Overview

The project is built around an ESP-based controller and drives IN-14 Nixie tubes to display time with network-connected features such as:

• Automatic time synchronization
• MQTT integration
• OTA firmware updates
• Persistent settings storage

Repository Contents

• Firmware — ESP-IDF project for clock control, MQTT, OTA, and LEDs
• Schematic — electrical design of the clock hardware
• PCB — board layout and manufacturing files
• Case design — enclosure files for the finished device

Firmware Features

• IN-14 time display control
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• SNTP time synchronization
• MQTT status and command topics
• Home Assistant discovery support
• OTA firmware update over HTTPS
• LED effects and persisted LED state

Hardware

This project is designed for IN-14 Nixie tubes and includes the supporting electronics required for:

• high-voltage tube driving
• logic/control circuitry
• power distribution
• decorative or ambient LED lighting

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Manufacturing

1. Order the PCB from a manufacturer such as JLCPCB or PCBWayusing the provided KICAD project files.
2. Assemble the components according to the schematic and PCB layout.
3. 3D print or fabricate the case using the provided FreeCAD design files.
4. Paint the case if desired and allow to dry before final assembly.
5. Mount the DC power jack and brass inserts into the case, then secure the PCB inside the case using screws and inserts.
6. Solder wires to the DC power jack and connect them to both 12V input of the PCB and the NCH6100HV power supply input. Ensure proper polarity and secure connections.
7. Connect the NCH6100HV 180V output to the J2 high voltage input on the PCB, ensuring secure and insulated connections to prevent accidental contact with high voltage.

Build

Firmware is based on ESP-IDF. First you need to configure it, specyfying your WiFi and MQTT creedentials. Then you can build and flash the firmware with:

idf.py build
idf.py -p <PORT> flash monitor

Configuration can be adjusted with:

idf.py menuconfig

Project Structure

main/               ESP-IDF application sources
PCB/                PCB layout and fabrication files
NixieClock.FCStd    FreeCAD case design file
NixieClock.3mf      Case design export for 3D printing

Notes

Nixie clocks operate with high voltage. Hardware assembly, probing, and testing should be performed carefully and only with appropriate experience.

License

This project is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.
See the LICENSE.md file for full license text.

Status

This repository is intended as a complete source package for building an IN-14 Nixie clock from electronics to enclosure.

A compact Nixie clock project with both vintage character and modern connectivity.