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Obsolete Time

Minimalist desk clock based around Russian Nixie tubes.

operaptoropeRaptor
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We aim to develop a desk clock based on the legendary nixie tubes. Tackling the challenges of designing a product from scratch.

Design choices:

-IN-12 Russian Nixie Tubes
-Minimalistic
-Made of Premium materials
-Use of reed switches to allow control while not having buttons showing
-Android App to control all functionalities of the clock through Bluetooth

Design choices:

-ATmega 328 μController + DS1307

-Supertex HV5812

-IN-12 Russian Nixie Tubes

-Use of reed switches to allow control while not having buttons showing

  • 2 × INS-1 Neon Bulb
  • 2 × Supertex HV5812
  • 4 × IN-12 Russian Nixie Tubes
  • 1 × ATmega 328 μController Back to using the Arduino development platform

  • Evolution into O;TL

    opeRaptor • 03/20/2017 at 21:04 • 0 comments

    We are parking this project while we iron the new design we are working on in the Obsolete Time Lite Project!

    USB power, WiFi, atmospheric sensing... all that in an ALTOIDS tin!

    https://hackaday.io/project/20439-obsolete-time-lite

    Support the project by giving it a "Like" !


  • More unsuccessful PSU

    opeRaptor • 02/28/2016 at 15:58 • 0 comments

    We are at it again, prototyping a new power supply. Not yet 100% successful but I feel we are getting closer.

    If anything it is getting smaller!


  • Beauty shot!

    opeRaptor • 11/01/2015 at 01:10 • 0 comments

  • Update, finally!

    opeRaptor • 08/11/2015 at 13:27 • 0 comments

    We have been working on a new power supply for the clock. More efficient and would make USB power possible.

    And here is how we make PCBs using the laser cutter, we coat the bare copper with mat black paint and etch it off. The rest is like traditional toner transfer method using etching solution to get rid of the unwanted copper.

  • More cases!

    opeRaptor • 03/06/2015 at 19:45 • 0 comments

    Working with wood is difficult... but I believe we are getting there.

    Next up, bamboo! Stay tuned.

  • First Laser Cut Case

    opeRaptor • 12/15/2014 at 00:28 • 0 comments

    First case cut using a laser cutter. The result is pretty good, looking forward to try with good wood. Stay tuned.

  • Blender Render!

    opeRaptor • 12/05/2014 at 01:37 • 0 comments

    Matt is doing amazing things with a program he only just picked up!

  • The magic of Bluetooth

    opeRaptor • 11/19/2014 at 02:37 • 0 comments

    A desk clock with no buttons... Setting time using nothing other than a magnet...

    What if you had a full control panel on your favorite smartphone to set time directly from the internet, adjust brightness, start a countdown timer so your pizza doesnt over cook (trust me, it happens), change 12-24 hour time format etc?

    Here is the first draft of the app as working a proof of concept.


  • SWAMP Fest Swansea

    opeRaptor • 10/16/2014 at 19:16 • 0 comments

    Last weekend we went to showcase O;T at a Swansea (Wales UK) hackspace ran event. It was very good to get feedback from the general public.

    It was great to see the reactions when pointing out that nixie tubes are made up of layers. I guess there isnt anything like that anymore with flat "modern" displays.

    Having the prototype was great, the best was probably, and I quote:

    ""How did you fit all this into there?""

    Thank Swansea Hackspace for having us!

  • Lights ON!

    opeRaptor • 10/08/2014 at 00:20 • 0 comments

    Boards are populated and after some debugging and adjustments (cold solder joint oops) it lights up!

    It is great to see the driver board fit nicely in the case. For now the controller board is sitting outside for convenience but will be moved inside after the software debugging is finished.

    More updates updates and good pictures very soon.

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Discussions

ytub006464 wrote 12/15/2023 at 22:29 • point

Any plans to release the plans, etc? https://theressoapk.com/

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jared Bird wrote 12/17/2014 at 16:52 • point
Any plans to release the plans, etc?

  Are you sure? yes | no

opeRaptor wrote 12/19/2014 at 00:18 • point
The plans are constantly being modified while we develop the case for manufacturing. Until this is finalised, we cannot give out accurate specifications.

  Are you sure? yes | no

oasisontherun wrote 12/06/2014 at 18:20 • point
When will it be ready to buy, i WANT it!

  Are you sure? yes | no

opeRaptor wrote 12/07/2014 at 18:59 • point
Thank you for your enthusiasm about our project! We are currently working with a supplier to manufacture the cases, the last big step before production. We won't settle for anything other than exceptional. Stay tuned.

  Are you sure? yes | no

TinWhisker wrote 11/22/2014 at 00:05 • point
What power consumption does this have?
Can I get a spare dev board? Nixies? Cost?
Should I make note of your belongings before you next visit the canteen?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Jasmine Brackett wrote 08/06/2014 at 21:02 • point
Hello opeRaptor, WelshRussian, Dokupe and matsiongriff. Now is the time to add a few more details to your project to give it the best chance of going through to the next round of The Hackaday Prize.

By August 20th you must have the following:
- A video. It should be less than 2 minutes long describing your project. Put it on YouTube (or Youku), and add a link to it on your project page. This is done by editing your project (edit link is at the top of your project page) and adding it as an "External Link"
- At least 4 Project Logs
- A system design document
- Links to code repositories, and remember to mention any licenses or permissions needed for your project. For example, if you are using software libraries you need to document that information.

You should also try to highlight how your project is 'Connected' and 'Open' in the details and video.

There are a couple of tutorial video's with more info here: http://hackaday.com/2014/07/26/4-minutes-to-entry/

Good luck!

  Are you sure? yes | no

chris wrote 04/23/2014 at 13:49 • point
How about integrating a real time clock like the DS1307?

  Are you sure? yes | no

opeRaptor wrote 06/11/2014 at 19:20 • point
We have in the new design. Will keep time even with power off with a backup battery.

  Are you sure? yes | no

opeRaptor wrote 04/21/2014 at 04:17 • point
Feel free to comment on the work done so far or what you think might be a good idea.

  Are you sure? yes | no

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