what are nixie clocks?

[Jaybird]

so I just learned of nixie clocks. i dont know much about them but I thought a desk nixie clock would look nice. the prices on these however are a bit over the top for a clock. I was wondering if someone could educate me a little bit about these devices. is $300 for these things a fair price? 

[xToFxREAPER]

Ive been looking at one of these myself, I would love to know the same thing! Ive seen them for about $150 but im scared to purchase one and find out its a piece of sh*t

[RevoltTrain]

I didn't know this was a thing. I think I might buy one now.

[ZetZet]

old russian tech that got murdered by lcd's.

turns out it's not russian, just russian tubes are used now because they still make some.

[QueenDemetria]

so I just learned of nixie clocks. i dont know much about them but I thought a desk nixie clock would look nice. the prices on these however are a bit over the top for a clock. I was wondering if someone could educate me a little bit about these devices. is $300 for these things a fair price? 

Nixie is love, Nixie is life. They are really cool looking clocks that use Nixie tubes(which are similar to the tubes used in tube amps, or anything prior to the 60's) to display the time. Each tube has 10 numbers inside, but the revolutionary thing is that each number can be lit individually while only taking up the space of one tube(It was revolutionary for the day). Tubes are just unique, and also the primary reason for the cost, because these tubes really aren't produced any more(so collectors bring up the price) and for the few manufactures that are currently making them, they are charging a premium. Cool clocks nonetheless, but if you want one then $300 isn't too bad of a price for one(it also depends on the model, quality, and how much its been used).

[Jaybird]

Nixie is love, Nixie is life. They are really cool looking clocks that use Nixie tubes(which are similar to the tubes used in tube amps, or anything prior to the 60's) to display the time. Each tube has 10 numbers inside, but the revolutionary thing is that each number can be lit individually while only taking up the space of one tube(It was revolutionary for the day). Tubes are just unique, and also the primary reason for the cost, because these tubes really aren't produced any more(so collectors bring up the price) and for the few manufactures that are currently making them, they are charging a premium. Cool clocks nonetheless, but if you want one then $300 isn't too bad of a price for one(it also depends on the model, quality, and how much its been used).

 

 

 

I found this http://store.tubeclock.com/index.php/nixie-tube-clocks/clocks/52-in14-brushed-aluminum-clock-350 and it has a nice case but I dont know if i like the look of the viewable PCB, like you posted, over the clean case. are the tubes frangle enough that they need to be enclosed?

[Yummychickenblue]

I know you can get one for sub-$100 if you feel like building it yourself from MakerShed:

 

http://www.makershed.com/products/ice-tube-clock-kit

[Charger]

nixie tubes are an old type of display which are still not that hard to find because of mass amounts of surpluses made so it is just a clock made with them. They look cool and come in a lot of different shapes and sizes and people are now even faking the look of them since nixie tubes use high voltage people would rather use something like le wire or underlit etched plexiglass

[Jaybird]

nixie tubes are an old type of display which are still not that hard to find because of mass amounts of surpluses made so it is just a clock made with them. They look cool and come in a lot of different shapes and sizes and people are now even faking the look of them since nixie tubes use high voltage people would rather use something like le wire or underlit etched plexiglass

well, if you know me, you'll know I want the most dangerously awesome one. how could anyone pass up high voltage. 

[QueenDemetria]

I found this http://store.tubeclock.com/index.php/nixie-tube-clocks/clocks/52-in14-brushed-aluminum-clock-350 and it has a nice case but I dont know if i like the look of the viewable PCB, like you posted, over the clean case. are the tubes frangle enough that they need to be enclosed?

That's a nice looking one, I wonder if they have an anodized version . The Tubes are somewhat fragile, but not to where you should always be worrying. Since the tubes are exposed, the main thing I could see happening is them bending, but that shouldn't be too hard to fix if it ever happens. Luckily the tubes are socketed, so if one were to break you could theoretically replace it(assuming you can find one that looks exactly the same). If you live in a house where things don't get knocked over all the time then the exposed tubes should be fine(I couldn't, my little brother would knock it over within 5 minutes lol).

[Jaybird]

That's a nice looking one, I wonder if they have an anodized version . The Tubes are somewhat fragile, but not to where you should always be worrying. Since the tubes are exposed, the main thing I could see happening is them bending, but that shouldn't be too hard to fix if it ever happens. Luckily the tubes are socketed, so if one were to break you could theoretically replace it(assuming you can find one that looks exactly the same). If you live in a house where things don't get knocked over all the time then the exposed tubes should be fine(I couldn't, my little brother would knock it over within 5 minutes lol).

excellent. good to know. I think if i do buy one I will go for the exposed tubes.