The Nixie tube whose name comes from Numeric Indicator Experimental - 1, is a product of the mid

50's to early 90's and no longer manufactured. They are the predecessor to the light emitting diode (LED), and more recently the LCD. They look like vacuum tubes, but are in fact a form of neon lamp filled with a mixture of Neon gas and a small amount of  Mercury or Argon. Inside the tube is a common screen mesh Anode at the front and, behind that, 10 successive formed wire digits or cathodes. Each cathode digit and the common Anode has a pin at the bottom of the tube. To light a digit you simply apply approximately 175VDC between the common Anode and the digit pin. When energized the digit illuminates with the warm glow of neon surrounded by just a hint of azure tinge caused by the Mercury.

My obsession with these beautiful and fascinating tubes of yesteryear has driven me to own/modify/create several clocks designed around them. Some clocks were purchased pre-assembled and kept as such and some modified afterwards. The rest are based on Nixie clock kits, the electronics modified, and custom cases designed and built around the electronics. In the pages to follow I offer a subjective review for each of these pre-assembled clocks and also the kit electronics with lots of pictures. ( I like lots of pictures!)

Lately I am obsessed with experimenting with the larger and more rare Nixie tubes still ‘available’ like the German Z5680M and Z568M, the American made NL8091 and B7971,  and most recently, the French F9020AA. Building these clocks incorporates many of the things I love to dabble in; electronics, woodworking, metalworking...but mostly, they serve as a medium for me to be creative with no rules.

Please have a look at all my clocks below and click on the pic to take you to the respective page. Feel free to contact me with comments, questions, or if you just want to chat about Nixies. Email is on the last page.