Nixie clock Home Omnixie Plus User Manual

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Omnixie Plus

User manual v1.0.3

Designer: Yan Zeyuan. China
Website: http://www.nixieclock.org
http://www.nixie.ai
E-mail: [email protected]

© 2019-06-28 NCH

Web v1.1.2
Software v1.3.6
Hardware v1.3.1

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Attention

◇ Attention: To prevent accidental damage, do not place the Omnixie on

an uneven surface.

◇ Warning: The Omnixie has an internal high voltage circuit. DO NOT

open; DO NOT touch the components while the Omnixie is operating.

◇ Warning: In order to ensure normal operation, please use only the

included power adapter and USB cable.

◇ Warning: The Omnixie is for indoor use only.
◇ Warning: Please keep out of the reach of children.

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Contents

Introduction

Package Contents……..……………………………………………………….……………………….…………… 5
Appearance.…………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… 6
Dimension………...…………………………………………………………………….……………………………….. 7
Technical Specifications………………………………………………………….………………………………… 8
Features………...……………………………………………………………………….……………………………….. 9
IR Remote…………….………………………………………………………………….……………………………… 10
Power Adapter.….….………………………………………………………………….……………………………… 10

Get Ready Before Use

Install Nixie Tubes……..…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Plug In Power Cable…..…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
WIFI Status Indicator……………...…………………………………………………………………………...…… 11
Cleaning…….…...……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

WIFI Connection

WIFI Introduction......………….……………………………….………………….………………………………… 12

WIFI Configuration with iPhone……………………………………………………………..…………...…… 15
Open Dashboard on iPhone…………………………………………………………..………………...…….… 17
WIFI Configuration with Android……………………………………………………………………………… 19
Open Dashboard on Android……………………………………………………………………………...…… 21
WIFI Configuration with Microsoft Windows………………………………….…………………...…… 23
Open Dashboard on Microsoft Windows…………………………………….……………………...…… 25

Setup the Omnixie Using the Omnixie Dashboard

Introduction of the Dashboard………………………………………………………………………………… 27
Set Language of the Dashboard…………………..….………………………………….……………...…… 27
WIFI Setup……………………….……………………………………….………………………………………...…… 28
System Status……..…………………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 29
NTP Setup……..…………………………………………………………………………………………………...…… 30

General Setup…….…………………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 31
Display Setup……..…………………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 32
Setup Alarms…….………..…………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 33
Advanced Setup……………………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 34
Upgrade Firmware…………………..……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 35

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Setup the Omnixie with IR Remote

Power On/Off…..…….………………………………………………………….…………………………………..… 37
Set Brightness.………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 37

Talking Clock……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 38
Set Volume…….………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 38
Display Time…….……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39
Set Time..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 40
Display Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 41
Set Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 42
Display Alarms….……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 43
Set Alarms……..………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 44

Set Auto On/Off Time……………………………………………………………………………………………… 45
System Menu…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………… 46

Menu Setup

Menu 1 Set Time Format……...………………………………………………….……………………………… 47
Menu 2 Set Date Format..…….………………………………………………….……………………………… 47
Menu 3 Set Interval of Time Display………………………………………………………………………… 47
Menu 4 Set Interval of Date Display……………………………………….……..………………………… 48
Menu 5 Set Leading Zero……..………………………………………………….……………………………… 48
Menu 6 Set Switching Effects of the Digits...…………………………….……………………………… 48
Menu 7 Set Switching Speed of the Digits……………………………….……………………………… 49
Menu 8 Set Colons Animation Effects……..……………………………….……………………………… 49
Menu 9 Set Alarm Sound Tone..……………………………………………….……………………………… 49
Menu 10 Set Alarm Volume.….…………………………………………….……………………………… 50
Menu 11 Set Talking Clock Language…….…………………………….……………………………… 50
Menu 12 Set Interval of Talking Clock……..………………………….……………………………… 50
Menu 13 Set Backlight Effects……………………..……………………….……………………………… 51
Menu 14 Set Backlight Color……………….……………………………….……………………………… 51
Menu 15 Set Interval of CP Prevention……………..……………………………………….………… 51
Menu 16 Set Running Time of CP Prevention……..…………………………………….………… 52
Menu 17 Display Firmware Version………………..…………………….……………………………… 52

Reference

Special Remarks……………………...……………………….……….………………………………………...…… 52

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Package Contents

Before getting started, please check the contents of the package. If any parts are
missing, please contact the seller. Package consists of the following items:

Omnixie Plus Clock base Colon tubes

Power adapter IR Remote Controller

Nixie Tubes (optional)

◼ The included power adapter can handle high current and therefore allow normal

operation. DO NOT use other type of power adapter.

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Appearance

IR Receiver

Speaker

Nixie Tubes (6pcs)

Light Sensor

Aluminium

alloy plate

Colons (2pcs)

Power Socket

◼ Over three tube variations were designed for the Omnixie, each type of tube has a

different appearance.

WIFI Status Indicator

(Underneath)

Backlights (6pcs)

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Dimension

◼ Different types of Nixie tubes have different heights. (The dimension listed above is

for your reference only)

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 

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 

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Technical Specifications

Name

Specifications

Nixie Tubes Omnixie Plus IN

IN-18 (Rovno made in Soviet Union)

Omnixie Plus ZM

ZM1040/ZM1042(Mullard/Philips/Tesla/Siemens/Valvo.Ultron)

Power input

DC12V 600mA(Max) / DC3.5-1.35

WIFI

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

Frequency range

2.412GHz – 2.484GHz

Antenna

Built-in PCB board antenna

Dimension

Base 320mm(L) x 103mm(W) x 10mm(H)

Height of Nixie tubes 62mm – 71mm(Based on tube types)

Material of housing

Aluminum panel
Hardwood frame
Stainless steel base plate.

Operation temperature

0℃ - 60℃

Weight

~9120g (Only the Omnixie clock)

~1100g (Complete packaging)

◼ The Omnixie will be compatible with additional Nixie tubes, please visit our website

for more information.

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Features

Name

Description

Swappable Nixie tubes

and colon tubes

Compatible with dozens of different types of Nixie tubes, gold-plated
connectors ensure stable and reliable connection with easy tube replacement.

WIFI synchronization

Built-in WIFI module, connect to router automatically and sync date and time
from NTP server (NTP time accuracy can reach 1-50ms) after initial setup, never
worry about the accuracy, leap year, leap seconds. Daylight saving time can be
automatically adjusted. High-precision network time please refer to

https://time.is

Web configuration

(Support iOS, Android，Mac
OS, Windows)

Built-in web server, open any web browser to access the interface page
(Dashboard) to configuration of all Omnixie features including WIFI parameter
settings, NTP settings, system status, general settings, display settings, alarm
settings and firmware upgrade.

DHCP 、 mDNS 、 SSDP
support

Support DHCP settings for external network access, supports mDNS for
browser domain name access (no need to remember device IP address),
supports SSDP for fast network discovery.

OTA firmware upgrade

The system firmware can be upgraded directly through the Web interface
without any special equipment.

Support GMT setting

Supports GMT time zone setting. The system will automatically convert the
local date and time according to the GMT time zone settings.

Support DST setting

Supports DST settings. Customize the start and end dates for daylight saving
time to adapt to different countries daylight saving time rules.

Brightness adjustable

8 brightness levels for Nixie tubes and backlights, which can also be

automatically adjusted according to ambient light conditions (to allow sleep
at night).

Talking clock

Intelligent speech system in English, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese and German.
The interval and alarm music are user customizable.

Alarm

Four individually configurable alarm clocks, supports snooze function.
(weekend activation optional)

Music key tone and
alarm

Variety of key tone sound effects for easy setting confirmation. 12 kinds of
alarm music, the alarm volume can be set independently.

Switch On/Off
automatically

On and Off time can be set for longer tube lifetime.

IR remote

IR remote controller operation.

Volume adjustable

8 volume levels. Independent Alarm volume, mute does not affect the alarm
sound.

Digits transition effects

1. Normal 2. Fade in-out 3. Crossfading 4. Slot machine.

Transition speed adjustable

Ten speeds available for the transition.

Colons effects

1. Fade in-out 2. Blinking 3. Always on 4. Always off

Background light effects

1. Always on 2. Fade in-out 3. Always off

Background light color
scheme

15 types of background light color scheme can be configured.

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IR Remote

Power Adapter

Power Power ON/OFF
LIGHT Set Brightness
SET Enter setup
DATE Display date
ALARM Display alarm
TEMP --NOT IN USE-­LEFT/RIGHT Move cursor position
FUNC Enter menu
OK/CANCEL Save/Abort
NUMBER Enter numbers

◼ The IR remote uses (1) CR2025 cell. Transportation rules may not permit shipment with

lithium battery installed. Please insert battery or remove the protective insulator to
operate.

◼ In order to insure proper operation, only use the supplied power adapter and high

current USB cable.

⚫ Input: 100-240VAC, ~180mA, 50/60Hz.
⚫ Standard DC3.5/1.35 output.
⚫ Output DC 12V, Max 1A.

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Get Ready Before Use

Install Nixie tubes (Skip this section if Nixie tubes are installed)

Plug in Power Cable

WIFI Status Indicator

The color of Omnixie`s WIFI status indicates the current WIFI link status with the
following color information:

Color

Status

Red

WIFI router not connected, waiting for configuration.

Yellow

WIFI connected, but the NTP server is not connected.

Green

WIFI connected, and the NTP server is connected.

Cleaning

Consider the notes bellow before cleaning the Omnixie.

⚫ Please power off and disconnect USB cable before cleaning.
⚫ Do not use any cleaning agent or wet wiper.
⚫ We suggest use soft cloth or brush to avoid scratching the housing finish.

⚫ Plug the power plug into the socket

on the back of the Omnixie to turn on
the power.

⚫ The Omnixie will start working

immediately after power is applied.

⚫ Face the dights of Nixie tube, align the

pins with the sockets and gently insert
the tube.

⚫ Adjust the vertical angle of the Nixie

tubes after all tubes are inserted.

⚫ If a tube cannot be easily inserted,

please check whether the pins are
misaligned or bent.

⚫ Face the neons of colon tube, align

the pins with the sockets and insert.

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WIFI Introduction

The Omnixie can connect to routers via WIFI and access NTP time servers to get
accurate network time (NTP servers are located all over the world and choose the
fastest connected server based on your location). Additionally, a phone or computer
can use the same WIFI connection to set all features of the Omnixie.

⚫ For the first connection, about 10 seconds

after the Omnixie is powered on, the WIFI
status indicator will light up in red to
indicate that the Omnixie WIFI is not
connected to any network and is waiting for
configuration. At this point you can use any
of the following methods to connect and
configure the WIFI network.

Internet

NTP Server

NTP Server

NTP Server

NTP Server

WIFI router

IPhone Android PC or Mac

Omnixie Clock

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⚫ The Omnixie needs to be set to use your home network and requires a “one time”

setup.

⚫ On first power-up, the clock creates a WiFi hotspot for the initial configuration.
⚫ On your phone or PC: Go to the WiFi settings and look for an SSID like:

NCHxxxxxx. This is your Omnixie clock.

⚫ Temporarily connect to the clock WiFi SSID and a configuration window should

open, or simply browse to http://192.168.4.1

⚫ Teach your Omnixie to connect and use your own WiFi network by selecting your

home SSID and providing the network password.

⚫ When completed, the Omnixie will reboot and automatically connect to your WiFi.
⚫ Your phone or PC will automatically reconnect back to your home network.
⚫ Omnixie configuration will now use your WiFi network. Use your phone or PC

browser to view your Omnixie for complete clock configuration information.
Detailed steps for Android, iOS and Windows PC follow.

WIFI Introduction

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WIFI Configuration with iPhone

iPhone

Other iOS devices can refer to this method.

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WIFI Configuration with iPhone

Open the Settings->WLAN, turn on WLAN, select NCHxxxxxx (xxx is a serial # of your
clock) in the list. After the network is connected, the WIFI configuration interface will
pop up automatically and start to scan the available WIFI networks as shown in the
following figure:

7

WIFI Connection

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After scanning, all nearby available WIFI networks will display, click the WIFI name and
enter the password, then click Save button to save the configuration. If no nearby WIFI
networks are displayed, please click Scan again button to rescan.

After the WIFI configuration is completed, The Omnixie will reboot and connect to the
WIFI automatically. If the connection is successful, the WIFI status indicator will light
yellow or green. If WIFI status indicator still red after rebooting, it indicates that the
WIFI password just entered is incorrect, please select again to make settings.

WIFI Connection

◼ Omnixie`s network name starts with NCH followed by 6-digit identifier.
◼ For more information of colors of WIFI status indicator, please refer to Get Ready

Before Use-> WIFI Status Indicator.

◼ To reset WIFI settings please refer to Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie

Dashboard -> Advanced Setup.

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Open Dashboard with iPhone

Method one: Open Safari, type nch.local to open Dashboard.
Method two: After open Dashboard, click MENU button below, click Add to Home
Screen button, then you can open Dashboard on the phone desktop as an App.

WIFI Connection

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WIFI Configuration with Android

Android

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WIFI Configuration with Android

Open the Settings->WLAN, enable WLAN, select NCHxxxxxx in the list. After network
is connected, the WIFI configuration interface will pop up automatically and start to
scan the available WIFI networks as shown in the following figure:

If WIFI configuration interface does not pop up automatically, please open browser
and type 192.168.4.1 to open WIFI configuration interface.

WIFI Connection

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After scanning, all nearby available WIFI networks will display, click the WIFI name and
enter the password, then click Save button to save the configuration. If no nearby WIFI
networks are displayed, please click Scan again button to rescan.

After the WIFI configuration is completed, The Omnixie will reboot and connect to the
WIFI automatically. If the connection is successful, the WIFI status indicator will light
yellow or green. If WIFI status indicator still red after rebooting, it indicates that the
WIFI password just entered is incorrect, please select again to make settings.

WIFI Connection

◼ Omnixie`s network name starts with NCH followed by 6-digit identifier.
◼ For more information of colors of WIFI status indicator, please refer to Get Ready

Before Use-> WIFI Status Indicator.

◼ To reset WIFI settings please refer to Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie

Dashboard -> Advanced Setup.

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Open Dashboard on Android

Please download WiFiman (freeware) from the Google Play Store. Or download at
NCH website http://www.nixieclock.org/upload/WiFiman-1.1.2.apk

Method one: Open WiFiman, click Discovery, then click NCH, The Dashboard shows up.
Method two: After open Dashboard, click menu button, click Tools button, click Add
shortcut, click OK, then you can open Dashboard on the phone desktop as an App

WIFI Connection

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WIFI Configuration with Windows

Windows

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WIFI Configuration with Microsoft Windows

Open the Start->Settings->Network and Internet->WLAN using a computer with
Windows 10 installed, then select the network NCHxxxxxx in the WLAN list on the
right. Waiting for the network connection, WIFI configuration page will pop up
automatically and start scanning available WIFI networks. If the WIFI configuration
interface does not pop up automatically, please open any browser and enter

192.168.4.1 to open the WIFI configuration interface as shown below:

WIFI Connection

◼ Omnixie`s network name starts with NCH followed by 6-digit indetifier.

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After the WIFI configuration is completed, The Omnixie
Will reboot and connect to the WIFI automatically. If the
connection is successful, the WIFI status indicator will
light yellow or green. If WIFI status indicator still red
after rebooting, it indicates that the WIFI password just
entered is incorrect, please select again to make settings.

WIFI Connection

◼ Omnixie`s network name starts with NCH followed by 6-digit identifier.
◼ For more information of colors of WIFI status indicator, please refer to Get Ready

Before Use-> WIFI Status Indicator.

◼ To reset WIFI settings please refer to Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie

Dashboard -> Advanced Setup.

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Open Dashboard on Microsoft Windows

Method one: Open the browser, enter nch.local to open the Omnixie dashboard.
Method two: Open the Network, in the Home Automation category will see the

Omnixie`s icon, double-click the icon to open the Omnixie Dashboard. You can also
right-click the icon to see the Omnixie device properties. You can also set the page
address as a shortcut on the desktop.

WIFI Connection

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Setup the Omnixie using the

Omnixie Dashboard

NCH™ Clock Dashboard

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Set the Omnixie using the Dashboard

Introduction of the Dashboard

The Dashboard is an interface for remote control and operation of the Omnixie, it
includes eight functional modules: WIFI Setup, System Status, NTP Setup, General
Setup, Display Setup, Set Alarms, Advanced Setup, Upgrade Firmware.

Set Language of the Dashboard

Click the language button in the upper right corner to switch Dashboard language as
shown below:

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WIFI Setup

Wifi network parameter setting.

Name

Option

Description

Device Name

The default is NCH, network name of the Omnixie.

SSID

The name of the connected network, this is usually the SSID name of the connected router.

Scan

Click Scan button and select the name in the list if you want to connect a different router.

WiFi Password

The password of the network.

DHCP
Enabled

Default

Disabled

Username

admin, cannot be changed.

Password

Access password for the Omnixie Dashboard.

Confirm Password

Repeat password.

Disable mDNS

Multicast DNS. (Advanced network settings)

Allow Anonymous

(Advanced network settings)

SoftAP always ON

(Advanced network settings)

Disable Captive DNS

(Advanced network settings)

◼ “Advanced network settings” items usually do not need to be set.

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

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System Status

View operating parameters of the Omnixie system.

Name

Description

Version

System version

Host name

Configurable

IP address

Configurable

Gateway

Configurable

Net mask

Configurable

MAC address

Unique

SSID

Configurable

Wifi status

Connect status

NTP address

Configurable

NTP status

Connect status

Last sync time

The latest time of sync with NTP

Time zone

Configurable

Day light saving

Configurable

DST start

Configurable

DST end

Configurable

System uptime

System uptime from power up

Auto ON time

Configurable

Auto OFF time

Configurable

Serial number

Unique

License status

Software license

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

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NTP Setup

NTP parameters setting.

Name

Option

Description

NTP Server

Default pool.ntp.org is a commonly used NTP server pool.

Time zone

UTC+14:00 – UTC-11:00

Default UTC +08:00 CST

Daylight Savings
Enabled

Disabled

Default

Week of DST Start

First, Second, Third, Fourth,
Last

Default Second
Day of week of DST Start

Sunday – Saturday

Default Sunday

Month of DST Start

January – December

Default March

Hour of DST Start

0 – 23

Default 2

Week of DST End

First, Second, Third, Fourth,
Last

Default First
Day of week of DST End

Sunday – Saturday

Default Sunday

Month of DST End

January – December

Default November

Hour of DST End

0 – 23

Default 2

◼ Please set the time zone correctly, Omnixie will automatically convert the local date and time

according to UTC time.

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

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General Setup

Set the basic function parameters of the Omnixie.

Name

Option

Description

Time Format
24H

Default

12H

Date Format

YY-MM-DD

Default

YY-DD-MM

DD-MM-YY

MM-DD-YY

Leading Zero
Enabled

Default

Disabled

Time Display Interval

0 - 60 sec

Default 0 sec

Date Display Interval

0 - 60 sec

Default 0 sec

Brightness
Auto

Default

1(Darkest)-8(Brightest)

Language

中文普通话(Chinese mandarin)

Default

English

日本語 (Japanese)

Deutsch

Interval

Disable

1.2.3.5.10.15.20.30.60 Min

Default 60 Min

Volume

Mute

1(Min) – 8(Max)

Default 5

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

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Display Setup

Set digits and LED backlight display effects.

Name

Option

Description

Digits Switching Effects

Normal

Fade in fade out

Corssfade

Default

Flip

Colon Blinking Effects

Fade in fade out

Default

Blink

Always on

Always off

Switching Speed

0(Fastest) – 9(Slowest)

Default 6

LED Blinking Effects

Always off

Crossfade

Always on

Default

LED Color

Change color together

Default Change color each L->R

Red, Orange, Green, Purple, Blue, Cyan, White

Change color each/all(L->R, R->L, Out->In, In->Out)

Rainbow days Base-light color will following rainbow colors from Monday-Sunday

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

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Setup Alarms

Setup alarms and automatic On/Off parameters.

Name

Option

Description

Alarm 1/2/3/4 Time

Set Hour and Minute of Alarms

Status

Disabled

Default

Enabled (Only working days)

Enabled (All days)

Alarm Music

Music 1 – Music 12

Default Music 1

Alarm Volume

1(Min) – 8(Max)

Default 7

Auto Power On/Off

Disabled

Default

Enabled (Only working days)

Enabled (Everyday)

Auto ON Time

Hour and Minute of Auto On

Auto OFF Time

Hour and Minute of Auto Off

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

◼ The working days means Monday – Friday.
◼ Alarm Volume is different with General Setup -> Volume.

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Advanced Setup

Set relevant parameter of Nixie tube and default settings.

Name

Option

Description

Nixie Tube Type

Compatible Nixie tubes

Selected the correct Nixie tube type.

CPP interval

Interval of the cathode poisoning prevention. Default 10 Minutes

CPP Run

Running time of the cathode poisoning prevention. Default 5 Seconds

Restore all

Restore all settings including Wifi settings.

Restore Settings

Restore all settings except Wifi settings.

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

◼ Nixie tubes have an unwanted side effect called ‘cathode poisoning’ (CP) which causes
metal molecules from the glowing cathodes (digits) and attach to non-glowing cathodes. This
will cause deterioration and finally failure of the tube. To avoid this effect, non/seldom glowing
cathodes need to be periodically switched on. Since cathode poisoning varies between
different types of tubes, there is an adjustable cathode poisoning prevention setting.
◼ The cathode poisoning prevention function default settings are to run every 10 minutes
for 5 seconds duration. The switch on of the non-glowing digits will be achieved by a fast
sequential scrolling through the digits (slot machine effect). This feature can be adjusted in
duration and frequency of scrolling.

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Upgrade Firmware

The Omnixie firmware can be upgraded via browser.

Setup the Omnixie using the Omnixie Dashboard

◼ Do NOT access the Dashboard page during the upgrade process, do NOT

power off, the Omnixie will automatically restart after the upgrade is
completed.

◼ Wifi network parameters need to reconfigure after upgrading.

Upgrade steps:

1. Click the Choose File button to select the upgrade file, make sure the

file is the Bin file used for upgrade.

2. Clock the Upload button to start the upgrade and wait patiently for

complete.

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Setup the Omnixie with IR Remote

IR remote

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Basic Operations

Power On/Off

Toggle the Omnixie on/off by pressing POWER button on IR remote controller.

Set Brightness

Brightness of tubes and backlight can be set to eight levels or automatically adjusted
according to ambient light conditions.

⚫ Press POWER button of IR remote to power off.
⚫ Press POWER button again to power on.

◼ With the Omnixie display off, the high voltage power to the tubes is completely

removed for long tube life.

◼ During long periods of non-use, please disconnect the power.

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12;34;56
12;34;56
34;56;78
00;00;00

Level 1 (the darkest)

Level 2

Level 3

Level 8 (the brightest)

Automatic

◼ When brightness is set to automatic, the ambient light controls the brightness of tubes

so that the clock will not disturb your sleep at night.

◼ The brightness of back light will be adjusted to the lowest brightness in automatic

mode.

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Talking Clock

Internal phonetic chip can speak the clock time.

Set Volume

Volume of talking clock or other sound effects can be set to eight levels.

Basic Operations

⚫ Press OK button or 0-9 button to trigger talking

clock.

⚫ Set the time interval of automatic talking clock by

following MENU 12.

◼ Talking clock can be triggered any time.
◼ Built-in speech system in English, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese and German. Speech

system setup at MENU 11.

◼ Volume of talking clock is controlled by the system volume.

01;23;45
01;23;45
34;56;78

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button to set volume.

Mute

Minimum volume

Maximum volume

◼ This volume setting is only for talking clock and sound effect during operating. The

volume of alarms is independent.

◼ To set volume of alarms please consult MENU 10.

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Display Time

⚫ The Omnixie will display real time after power on.

E.g.: now time is PM 08:15:30, will display:

20:15:30

◼ To set 12/24 time format, please use MENU 1.
◼ To set leading zero, please use MENU 5.
◼ To control digital switching effect setting, please use MENU 6.
◼ To control digital switching speed setting, please use MENU 7.
◼ To set colon display effect, please use MENU 8.

⚫ Digits on the left are HOURS; dights in the middle

are MINUTES; digits on right are SECONDS.

08:15:30

⚫ Time will display as shown left when time format

set to 12H.

20:15:30

)8:15:30

⚫ Time will display as shown left when time format

set to 24H.

⚫ Time will display as shown left when Leading Zero

Disabled.

20:15:30

⚫ Date will display for seconds with set interval.
⚫ To set the interval, please consult MENU 3 and

MENU 4.

17:01:01

Basic Operations

40 / 52

Set Time

Time can be set manually or synchronized from NTP server via WIFI.
To set time manually:

⚫ Press SET button enter time setting mode, 2 digits on the right start blinking.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button select position of setting.

⚫ Press 0-9 button input HOUR, MINUTE or SECOND.

⚫ Press OK button to save setting, press CANCEL button to abort.

20:15:30

◼ Time will display in 24 hour mode HH:MM:SS during setting mode.
◼ Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the time entry is valid

when you save it. Invalid times will not be saved.

20:15:30

20:18:30

20:18:30

Basic Operations

41 / 52

Display Date

Omnixie can display year, month, day and Chinese lunar date.

⚫ Press DATE button once to display date; press twice to display Chinese lunar date.
E.g.: Now date is Dec 1, 2016, Chinese lunar date is 2016-11-03.

Basic Operations

◼ After 3 seconds of display date, the Omnixie will return to time display mode.
◼ Date and time can be displayed alternately, please consult MENU 3 and MENU 4.
◼ Date format can show YY-MM-DD, YY-DD-MM, DD-MM-YY or MM-DD-YY, please

consult MENU 2 to set the date format.

⚫ Press DATE button once, display date.

⚫ Press DATE button twice, display Chinese lunar

date 2016-11-03, shown left.

16;12;01

⚫ Display date 2016-12-01, shown left.

16;11;03

16;12;01
16;01;12
01;12;16
12;01;16

⚫ Date format set to YY-MM-DD, shown left.

⚫ Date format set to YY-DD-MM, shown left.

⚫ Date format set to DD-MM-YY, shown left.

⚫ Date format set to MM-DD-YY, shown left.

42 / 52

Set Date

Date can be set manually or synchronized by NTP server via WIFI.
To set date manually:

⚫ Press DATE button to show the date.

⚫ Press SET button to enter set date mode, 2 digits on the left start blinking.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button to select setting position.

⚫ Press 0-9 button to enter YEAR, MONTH or DAY.

⚫ Press OK button to save setting, press CANCEL to abort.

Basic Operations

16;12;01

◼ In setting mode, the date format always displayed as YY-MM-DD.
◼ Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the date entry is valid

when you save it. Invalid dates will not be saved.

◼ Chinese lunar date does not need to be set, the system will calculate it automatically.

16;12;01

16;12;02

16;12;02

16;12;01

43 / 52

Display Alarms

The Omnixie can support 4 alarms, each can be active in working days or every day
separately.

⚫ Press ALARM button to check alarm 1, press twice/three times/four times to check

alarm 2/3/4.

E.g.: Alarm 1 set to 7:00 AM.

Basic Operations

1):07:00

⚫ Press ALARM button to display alarm 1 as shown

left.

⚫ Press FUNC button during display alarm to

activate or disable alarm.

◼ The Omnixie will return to time display mode from display alarm after 3 seconds.
◼ Alarm will sound for 60s.
◼ When the alarm sounds, you can press 0-9 button to snooze, the alarm will alarm again

after 1-10 minutes (1-9 button for 1-9 minutes and 0 for 10 minutes), or press any
other button to stop the alarm.

⚫ Alarm disabled as shown left.

⚫ Alarm activated in working days as shown left.

⚫ Alarm activated every day as shown left.

1);07;00

1):07:00

1):07:00

44 / 52

Set Alarms

⚫ Press ALARM button to select alarm, digits on the left will show alarm number, 1

means alarm 1, 2 is alarm 2.

⚫ Press SET button to enter alarm set mode, HOUR blinks during setting.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button to select set position.

⚫ Press 0-9 button to input HOUR or MINUTE.

⚫ Press OK button to save setting, press CANCEL to abort.

Basic Operations

1);07;00

◼ Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the alarm time entry is

valid when you save it. Invalid alarm times will not be saved.

◼ Consult DISPLAY ALARMS for information on how to enable/disable alarm.

1);07;00

1);07;30

1);07;00

1);07;30

45 / 52

Set Auto On/Off time

Press ALARM button 5 times to display AUTO ON time, press 6 times to display AUTO
OFF time. Colon blinking means active on working days, colon always on means active
every day, colon does not light up means disabled.

E.g.: AUTO ON time set to 8:00 AM, AUTO OFF time set to 10:00 PM.

⚫ Press SET button to enter auto on/off time setting mode, HOUR blinks.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button to select setting position.

⚫ Press 0-9 to input HOUR or MINUTE.

⚫ Press OK button to save setting, press CANCEL to abort.

Basic Operations

5):08:00

◼ Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the time entry is valid

when you save it. Invalid times will not be saved.

◼ The Omnixie default will check auto on/off mode and time every minute.

5);08;00

5);08;30

5);08;00

5):08:30

6):22:00

46 / 52

System Menu

There are 17 different items in the menu for setting system parameter.

Menu Setup

There are 17 items in the menu to set parameters.

Basic Operations

◼ The Omnixie will return to time display mode after 3 minutes if there are no menu

operations.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT to select menu items.
⚫ Press SET button to set current menu item.

⚫ Press FUNC button to enter menu.

⚫ Press SET button to enter setting mode.

⚫ Press LEFT/RIGHT button to change setting

position.

⚫ Press OK to save setting.
⚫ Press CANCEL to abort.

47 / 52

Menu 1 Set Time Format

Menu 2 Set Date Format

Menu 3 Set Interval of Time Display

Display

Parameter

Remarks

01;));24

24 hour

Default

01;));12

12 hour

Display

Parameter

Remarks

02;));)1

YY-MM-DD

Default

02;));)2

YY-DD-MM

02;));)3

DD-MM-YY

02;));)4

MM-DD-YY

Display

Parameter

Remarks

03;));00

0 second

Default

03;));01

0 - 60 seconds

03;));60

60 seconds

Menu Setup

02;));)1

03;));00

01;));24

48 / 52

Menu 4 Set Interval of Date Display

Menu 5 Set Leading Zero

Menu 6 Set Switching Effects of the Digits

Display

Parameter

Remarks

04;));00

0 second

Default

04;));01

0 - 60 seconds

04;));60

60 seconds

Display

Parameter

Remarks

05;));)1

On E.g.:

Default

05;));)2

Off E.g.:

Display

Parameter

Remarks

06;));)1

Normal

06;));)2

Fade in-out

06;));)3

Cross-fading

Default

06;));)4

Slot machine

Menu Setup

04;));00

06;));03

05;));)1

08:30:00

)8:30:00

49 / 52

Menu 7 Set Switching Speed of the Digits

Menu 8 Set Colons Animation Effects

Menu 9 Set Alarm Sound Tone

Display

Parameter

Remarks

07;));01

01 Fastest

07;));07

01-10 10 level in total

Default 07

07;));10

10 Slowest

Display

Parameter

Remarks

08:)):)1

Fade in-out

Default

08:)):)2

Blinking

08:)):)3

Always on

08;));)3

Always off

Display

Parameter

Remarks

09;));01

No.01 to No.12

Default No.01

07;));07

Menu Setup

08:)):)1

09;));01

50 / 52

Menu 10 Set Alarm Volume

Menu 11 Set Talking Clock Language

Menu 12 Set Interval of Talking Clock

Display

Parameter

Remarks

10;));)7

Level 1(Min) to 8 (Max)

Default 7

Display

Parameter

Remarks

11;));)1

Chinese Mandarin

Default

11;));)2

English

11;));)3

Japanese

11;));)4

German

Display

Parameter

Remarks

12;));00

Talking clock disabled

12;));01

0,1,2,3,5,10,15,20,30,60 Minutes

12;));60

60 Minutes

Default

12;));60

Menu Setup

10;));)7

11;));)1

51 / 52

Menu 13 Set Backlight Effects

Menu 14 Set Backlight Color

Menu 15 Set Interval of CP prevention

Display

Parameter

Remarks

13;));01

Backlight disabled

13;));02

Fade in-out

13;));03

Always on

Default

Display

Parameter

Remarks

14;));09

No.01-No.15

(Preview when setting)

Default 09

Display

Parameter

Remarks

15;));00

CP disabled

Not
recommended

15;));10

0,1,2,3,5,10,15,20,30,60 Minutes

15;));60

Max 60 Minutes

Default 10 Mins

Menu Setup

14;));09

13;));)3

15;));10

◼ Nixie tubes have an unwanted side effect called ‘cathode poisoning’ (CP) which
causes metal molecules from the glowing cathodes (digits) and attach to non-glowing
cathodes. This will cause deterioration and finally failure of the tube. To avoid this
effect, non/seldom glowing cathodes need to be periodically switched on. Since
cathode poisoning varies between different types of tubes, there is an adjustable
cathode poisoning prevention setting.

52 / 52

Menu 16 Set Running Time of CP Prevention

Menu 17 Display Firmware Version

Special Remarks

⚫ These Nixie Tubes were produced between 1960 to 1980, and there may be some

differences between tubes and manufacturing lots. This is normal, and will not
have any effect on the tube operation.

⚫ The Omnixie will become warm or little hot during operation due to the internal

DC-DC converter circuitry. This is normal operation and no cause for concern.

⚫ The bottom plate of the Omnixie is made from stainless steel and is heavy. Please

take care not to drag the unit by the Micro-USB cable to avoid damage to the
Micro-USB socket.

Display

Parameter

Remarks

16;));05

05-30 Seconds

Default 5 Seconds

Display

Parameter

Remarks

17;)1;22

v1.2.2

Designer: Yan Zeyuan. China
Website: http://www.nixieclock.org
http://www.nixie.ai
E-mail: [email protected]

Menu Setup

16;));05

17;)1;22