The VFD-Tube clock (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) uses an NTP server on the Internet to keep the time synchronized. It is built around an ESP32-DevKitC module.
This Arduino compatible board not only has a powerful processor but also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth onboard. The Wi-Fi connection is used to synchronize the time.
When the clock is switched on, it connects to the network and synchronizes with the NTP server instantaneously. This is significantly better than synchronization via radio time servers or even via GPS.
Six widely available Russian IV-22 7-segment VFD-Tubes make up the display of the date and time, in combination with two DM160 VFD indicators, flashing between the hours, minutes and seconds.
The program for the VFD-Tube clock was written using Arduino IDE v1.8.5. An Arduino core for the ESP32 software package available as an extension to the Arduino IDE.
Level | advanced |
Time | 4 h |
Tools | - Soldering tools - Computer with Arduino IDE |
This product uses the same layout as in the New Precise Nixie Clock, published in the May/June 2016 issue of Elektor.
Update 29-05-2018:
Firmware update with new features:
Assembly Manual Revision (v3) (see details below)
SKU | 18455 |
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Manufacturer | Elektor Labs |
Editorial Number | 170573 |
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VFD_Clock_Assembly_Manual_rev_3 (Size: 8.33 MB) |