Nixie Tube Clock ‘Dink’
Issue 9 (10 November 2017)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
- 1 -
Assembly Instructions
And
User Guide
Nixie Clock Type
‘Dink’
Nixie Tube Clock ‘Dink’
Issue 9 (10 November 2017)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
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REVISION HISTORY
Issue
Number
Date Reason for Issue
9 10 November 2017 Modification to 5V Power Circuit
8 17 November 2013 WWVB no longer supported
7 19 June 2012 Different Inductor type added
6 30 May 2012 New Board revision 18 May 12
5 5 Feb 2012 Errors corrected
4 28 Jan 2012 Errors corrected, new C4 value
3 24 Jan 2012 Revised for new PCB dated 1 Jan 12
2 08 July 2011 Errors in schematic corrected
1 29 May 2011 New document
Nixie Tube Clock ‘Dink’
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 About the clock
Nixie clock type ‘Dink’ is a Nixie Clock Driver PCB, specially designed for
driving remotely-placed tubes. Connections are provided for simple
wiring of tubes using a multiplex configuration. Connections may be
made at the board by either screw terminals (supplied), direct solder
connections or 0.1” pin headers/ sockets.
1.2 Clock Features
Nixie clock type ‘Dink’ has the following features:
- Tubes connected remotely via screw terminals or pin headers
- Hours, Minutes and Seconds display
- 12 or 24 hour modes
- Date display in either DD.MM.YY or MM.DD.YY format
- Alarm, with programmable snooze period
- Programmable date display each minute
- Output for LED tube lighting
- Uses a Quartz Crystal Oscillator as the timebase
- Optional DCF / MSF / GPS synchronisation with status indicator LED
- Supercapacitor backup. Keeps time during short power outages
- Simple time setting using two buttons
- Programmable leading zero blanking
- Five programmable neon colon settings (Flashing AM/PM indication,
illuminated AM/PM indication, both flashing, both on, both off)
- Maintains time during setup mode, eg. When changing between
Standard Time and Daylight Savings Time
- Seconds can be reset to zero to precisely the set time
- Programmable night mode - blanked or dimmed display to save tubes
or prevent sleep disturbance
- Separate modes for colon neons during night mode
- Standard or fading change of digits
- ‘Slot Machine’ Cathode poisoning prevention routine
- All user preferences stored to non-volatile memory
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1.3 SAFETY
DANGER: The clock pcb includes a switched-mode voltage booster
circuit. This generates nominally 170 Volts DC, but is capable of
generating up to 300 Volts before adjustment. Assembly may only be
undertaken by individuals who are suitably qualified and experienced in
electronics assembly, and are familiar with safe procedures for working
with high voltages. If in doubt, refer to a suitably qualified engineer
before proceeding.
The voltages generated by this circuit can give a potentially
LETHAL ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DISCLAIMER: This product is supplied as a kit of parts, intended only for
suitably qualified electronic engineers, who are suitably qualified and
experienced in electronics assembly, and are familiar with safe
procedures for working with high voltages. The supplier, his agents or
associates accept no liability for any damage, injury or death arising from
the use of this kit of parts.
This is not a finished product, and the person assembling the kit is
responsible for ensuring that the finished product complies with any
applicable local regulations governing electrical equipment, eg. UL, CE,
VDE.
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2. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
2.1 Tools required to assemble the PCB.
The following tools will be required to assemble the PCB:
- Soldering iron with a small tip (1-2 mm)
- Wire cutters (TIP: A small pair of nail clippers works very well for this
function)
- Wire strippers (TIP: A small pair of scissors is quite suitable)
- Multimeter for voltage tests and for identifying the resistors.
- Small flat screwdriver for adjusting the high voltage supply
2.2 Materials you will need.
Solder – lead / tin solder is preferred. Lead free solder, as now required
to be used in commercial products in Europe, has a much higher melting
point and can be very hard to work with.
Desoldering wick (braid) can be useful if you accidentally create solder
bridges between adjacent solder joints.
2.3 Other items you will need.
The clock kit does not include a power adapter. This is because the kit is
sold to many countries around the world, each with very different
household mains outlet socket types. It is more efficient for the user to
buy a suitable adapter locally. This saves shipping a heavy adapter with
the kit, and also the extra costs of managing stocks of many varied
power adapters. If you are using a WWVB, DCF or MSF receiver, it is
recommended to avoid switching regulators as they can cause a lot of
interference issues.
The type of power adapter can be obtained at very low cost. The
following type of adapter should be obtained and used with the kit:
Output 12V DC
Minimum power output capability of 250 mA.
Output plug: 2.1mm pin, centre positive.
A suitable adapter is shown below:
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3. LIST OF COMPONENTS
3.1 Table of components
Circuit Designation Part Description
Resistors
R1 390K, ¼ Watt
R2 4.3K, ¼ Watt
R3 10K, ¼ Watt
R4 390K, ¼ Watt
R5 – R7 560R, ¼ Watt
R8 - R10 10K, ¼ Watt
R11 560R, ¼ Watt
R12, R13 10K, ¼ Watt
R14 - R19 2K7, ¼ Watt
R20 – R25 390K, ¼ Watt
R26 – R33 10K, ¼ Watt
R34, R35 390K, ¼ Watt
Capacitors
C1, C2 100nF Ceramic
C3 1uF, 250V, Electrolytic
C4, C5 33pF Ceramic
C6 0.22F
C7 100nF Ceramic
C8 470uF 16V Electrolytic low ESR
C9 100nF Ceramic
Transistors
Q1 IRFD220 MOSFET
Q2, Q3 MPSA42 NPN
Q4 – Q9 MPSA92 PNP
Q10 – Q17 MPSA42 NPN
Diodes
D1, D3 1N5817 or 1N5819
D4 UF4004
D5 – D8 1N4148
D9 5mm Green LED
D10 5mm Yellow LED
Integrated Circuits
IC1 7805 5V voltage regulator
IC2 PIC16F1936 8-bit microcontroller
IC3 K155ID1 Nixie driver
Miscellaneous
L1 100uH inductor
SW1, SW2, SW3 Miniature push button
VR1 1K Potentiometer
IC Socket 28 Way IC socket for IC2
J1 2.1mm PCB power socket
GPS / RFT 3.5mm Jack socket connector
LS1 Piezo sounder
FUSE 500mA resettable Fuse
Tube Connectors 2.5mm pitch screw terminals
X1 32.768KHz watch crystal
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The resistors used in the kit are 1% tolerance metal film. They are
marked with 4 coloured bands to identify the value. However it is
sometimes unclear in which direction the bands should be read.
Therefore, we recommend that the resistors be identified with a
multimeter.
Note that there is no D2 or D5.
The fuse is a resettable type, and looks similar to the picture
below, so don't confuse it with a capacitor.
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3.2 Parts list / Packing sheet
Part Description Quantity
Resistors
560R, ¼ Watt 4
2.7K, ¼ Watt 6
4.3K, ¼ Watt 1
10K, ¼ Watt 12
390K, ¼ Watt 10
Capacitors
470uF, 16V, Electrolytic, low ESR 1
1uF, 250V, Electrolytic 1
100nF, Ceramic 4
33pF, Ceramic 2
0.22F 1
Transistors
IRFD220 MOSFET 1
MPSA92 PNP 6
MPSA42 NPN 10
Diodes
1N5817 or 1N5819 2
UF4004 fast recovery diode 1
1N4148 4
5mm Green LED 1
5mm Yellow LED 1
Integrated Circuits
7805 5V voltage regulator 1
PIC16Fxxxx 8-bit microcontroller 1
K155ID1 Nixie driver 1
Miscellaneous
100uH inductor 1
Miniature push button 3
1K Potentiometer 1
28 way IC Socket for IC2 1
2.1mm PCB power socket 1
3.5mm Jack socket connector 1
Piezo sounder 1
500mA resettable fuse 1
2-Way terminal connector 5
3-Way terminal connector 4
32.768KHz watch crystal 1
It is recommended that the kit is checked against the list above, to
ensure all parts are present before commencing assembly. Don’t be
alarmed if there are some extra components, as some component
bags are shared between different kit types.
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4. ASSEMBLY OF THE PCB
4.1 Low Voltage Power Components:
D1 and D3 (1N581x)
D5 (1N4148)
IC1 (7805)
C1 and C2 (100nF)
J1 (DC Connector), FUSE
Parts bags from serial 0691 onwards require a 1N4148 diode to be
inserted into the middle leg of the 7805 voltage regulator. First,
clip the middle lead so it is 4-5mm long, then solder the diode as
shown. It can be then used as per the remaining instructions. But
please note, the photos in the rest of the instructions show the
7805 without this addition.
Start assembly of the PCB by installing D1 and D3. Align the white
band on the components with the band marked on the PCB. Then
mount C1 and C2.
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4.2 Continue to mount IC1 with D5 attached. After placement, IC1 can
be placed and bent over to reduce the height of the assembled
PCB. The fuse and J1 may now be placed in position.
The PCB should now look like the picture below, but with the
addition of the diode D5 to the middle lead of IC1:
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4.3 4.2 Testing Low Voltage Power Components.
Identify the test GND, 5V and 170V test points as shown below.
Plug in the power supply, and then test using a DC voltmeter:
Touch the black probe on the GND test point and the red probe on
the 5V test point. The voltage should measure between 5.3 and 5.7
Volts. If not, disconnect power and check your work. Do not
proceed with the assembly until the error is corrected. Once the
test is completed, disconnect the power.
4.3 High Voltage Generator components:
R1 (390K), R2 (4.3K) and R3 (10K)
Q1 (IRFD220)
D4 (UF4004)
C3 (1uF 250V)
C8 (470uF, 16V)
VR1 (1K)
L1 (100uH inductor)
Socket for IC2
Note that due to part availability, one of two types of inductor may
be supplied. An Axial inductor will fit the PCB marking easier. If you
have the radial part, refer to the photograph on the next page for
mounting instructions.
Pay attention to mount D4 with the white band aligned with the
PCB marking. Insert the 28 way IC socket into the PCB at the IC2
position, ensuring that the notch at one end is aligned with the
corresponding marking on the PCB.
Q1 has two pins that are joined together. The orientation of the
joined pins is marked on the PCB.
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Resistors R1-R3, indeed all the resistors on the board need to be
mounted upright to save space. The leads need to be formed as
shown below. Bend the leads of each resistor as shown and solder
in to the correct postion, making sure the component body is as
close to the board as possible.
After installation of step 4.3 components, this is how the PCB
should look:
If your kit contains the radial inductor, use a short piece of wire to
extend one lead of the inductor as shown below:
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4.4 High Voltage Generator Test.
- Refer to the warnings on page 4
- Insert IC2 into its socket. Orient the notch on the IC with the
notch on the IC socket and the PCB marking.
Power up the PCB, and using the GND and 170V test points,
measure the high voltage generated. It should be initially 150190V. Using the VR1 brass screw, slowly adjust the screw until the
voltage is between 168 and 172V. Disconnect the power supply.
Finally, remove IC2 from its socket and replace on its staticprotective foam. It is best kept safe until later.
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4.5 D6 - D8 (1N4148)
C6 (0.22F)
C7 (100nF)
C6 is a high capacity ‘Super Capacitor’, intended to keep the
processor powered for short periods in the event of a main power
failure. It is vital that it is placed in the correct orientation. See
below. There are arrows on the component that need to be
pointing the same way as the arrows on the PCB.
4.6 C4 and C5 (33pF)
X1 (32.768 Khz Crystal)
These are the timekeeping components: 32.768KHz crystal and
two load capacitors.
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4.7 IC3 (K155ID1 Nixie Driver IC)
Align the notch on the IC body with the corresponding PCB mark.
See below:
4.8 Q2, Q3, Q10 – Q17 (All MPSA42)
After placement of these 10 transistors, the board should look like
this:
4.9 Q4 – Q9 (All MPSA92)
After placement of these 6 transistors, the board should look like
this:
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4.10 R20 – R25 (390K)
R26 – R31 (10K)
R14 – R19
These are the current limiting resistors for the Nixie Tubes. For
medium sized tubes with a current requirement of 2-3mA per digit,
2.7K are recommended and these are the value supplied. If your
tubes differ from this requirement, you will need to calculate and
supply an alternative value.
See picture below:
4.11 R8 - R10, R32, R33 (all 10K)
R5, R6, R7, R11 (560R)
R4, R34, R35 (390K)
If you are going to use LEDs for the AM / PM colon indicators then
do not install R34 and R35 at this stage. Refer to step 6.2
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4.12 ALARM, ADJ, SET Switches
GPS / RFT Connector
C9 (100nF)
LS1 (Piezo buzzer)
4.13 D9 (5mm Green LED)
D10 (5mm Yellow LED)
These two LEDs should be mounted with the longer lead in the hole
marked +. You can choose to mount them facing sideways like the
switches, or vertically.
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4.14 Screw Terminal Connectors
Note that the screw terminals may be omitted and the tube
connections made either by direct solder connections or by using
the subsidiary 0.1” spaced pin – terminal headers.
Make up the screw terminal connectors into blocks by sliding
together to attach as shown below:
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5. CONNECTING THE NIXIE TUBES
5.1 Referring to the diagram below, connect all the same cathodes
from each tube together. This is because this is a multiplex design,
so all the cathodes for each digit are connected, and each anode is
energised in turn. Only the first 3 tubes are shown, however NX4,
NX5 and NX6 are connected in exactly the same manner.
There will be just 16 wires from the tubes leading back to the PCB
(10 for the cathodes and 6 for the anodes). Connect to either the
screw terminals or the pin headers (via sockets / pins if you wish)
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6. CONNECTING THE OTHER INDICATORS
6.1 About the colon indicators
Provision is made for two multifunction colon indicators – they can
be set to flash the seconds, indicate AM /PM, or a combination of
both. Each colon (AM or PM) has a + and a – terminal. The
indicators can be either neon lamps or LEDs.
The indicators are fed from point J8. This needs to be connected to
either 170V (for neons) or 5V (for LEDs)
6.2 Neon lamps for the colon indicators
Locate J8 – it is adjacent to the 170V test point. Solder a small
connection between J8 and the 170V test point.
Now wire up small indicator neons to the AM and PM connection
points. If the brightness needs to be adjusted, you can change the
values of resistors R34 and R35 as appropriate
6.2 LEDs for the colon indicators
Locate J8 – it is adjacent to the 170V test point. Make a small wire
connection between J8 and the 5V test point.
Install suitable current limiting resistors for R34 and R35. Do not
draw more than 30mA per LED.
6.3 Show LEDs
Provision is made in hardware and software for a series of ‘Show’
LEDs that illuminate the tubes for added attraction. If you do not
want this feature, you may omit these.
6.4 Connecting Show LEDs
Connect up the LEDs as shown below to the + and – Show
Terminal Connections. Use appropriate current limiting resistors,
calculated to draw no more than 20mA per LED.The LEDs are
powered by 12V DC.
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7. HOW TO OPERATE THE CLOCK
The three buttons have the following functions:
SET: Exit tube test routine on cold power-up;
Show date;
Set: time, date;
Enter configuration menu;
ADJ: Call DCF / MSF;
Adjust: time, date, alarm time, configuration parameters;
ALARM: Set alarm time; snooze; cancel snooze/alarm;
Entering configuration mode:
The principal settings of the clock are stored in flash memory – your
preferred configuration is stored even after powering off the clock for
extended periods. To access the configuration mode press and hold the
‘Set’ button. After 2 seconds the seconds will become highlighted.
Continue holding the button a further 3 seconds until the clock displays
in this format:
00-XX-99. The ‘99’ in the seconds digits tells you that you are in the
configuration menu.
In configuration mode the hours digits diplay the current parameter
being adjusted, and the minutes digits display the current value stored
against the parameter.
For each parameter, and referring to the table below, scroll through the
range of possible values by pressing the ‘ADJ’ button. When the desired
value has been reached, move on to the next parameter by pressing the
‘SET’ button. When the last parameter has been set, pressing ‘SET’ one
more time will revert the clock back to time display mode. The first
parameter (0) cannot be changed as it is the software revision number.
It will show for several seconds and then move to parameter 1.
In all correspondence on support issues, please quote the board type,
revision date and software version.
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Parameter Description Values
0 Software revision 30 = version 3.0, 31 = version 3.1 etc
1 12 / 24 Hr mode 0 – 12 Hr (default)
1 – 24 Hr
2 Date format 0 = MM.DD.YY (default)
1 = DD.MM.YY
3 Leading zero blanking
eg. 01:54:32
0 – leading zero blanked (default)
1 – leading zero displayed
4 Night mode start hour 0 - 23
5 Night mode end hour 0 - 23
6 Night mode 0 – Tubes off (default)
1 – Dimmed display
7 Display mode 0 – standard change of digits(default)
1 – fading digits
8 Night mode override
period (minutes)
0 – 50 (default 3)
1
9 Snooze period 0 – 6 minutes (default)
1 – 9 minutes
2 – 12 minutes
3 – 15 minutes
10 Colon neons mode 0 – AM/PM Indication, flashing
1 – AM/PM Indication, illuminated
2 – Both flash (default)
3 – Both illuminated
4 – Both off
11 Colon neons during
night dimmed mode 2
0 – AM/PM Indication, flashing
1 – AM/PM Indication, illuminated
2 – Both flash
3 – Both illuminated (default)
4 – Both off
12 Radio time signal
source
0 – No Radio Time source (default)
3
1 – DCF
2 - reserved
3 – MSF
4 - GPS
13 GPS Baud rate 0 – 4.8 Kbps (default)
1 – 9.6 Kbps
2 – 19.2 Kbps
3 – 38.4 Kbps
14 Radio time offset hours 0-13 (default 0)4
15 Radio time offset mins 0-45 (default 0)4
16 Radio time offset
polarity
0 - minus time (default)
1 – plus time
17 Disable /Set DST in
GPS mode
0 – No DST offset
1 – 1 hour DST offset5
18 Auto date display each
minute
0 – Off
1 – On (default)6
19 LED backlights 0 - Always off
1 - Always on
2 - On, and follows tube nightblanking
(default)
20 Crystal calibration
value
0 - 997
Each increment equals 0.2 sec per day
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21 Crystal calibration
polarity
0 - Make clock run slower7
1 - Make clock run faster
22 Slots Mode8 0 – Slots disabled
1 – Slots every minute
2 - Slots every 10 minutes (default)
3 - Slots every hour
4 – Slots at midnight
23 RFT Sync Mode9
0 – DCF / MSF Sync once per day only as
per parameter(24)
1 – DCF / MSF Sync every hour (default)
24 RFT Daily Sync Hour 0 – 23 (default 2)
25 RFT Seek Blanking 0 – Keep tubes lit for DCF / MSF seek
(default)
1 – Blank tubes for DCF / MSF seek
26 Reserved – leave as 0 0
27 Reserved – leave as 0 0
28 Restore default settings 0 – Keep user settings
1 – Restore original default settings10
Notes:
1. Press ‘SET’ briefly during blanking to show time for prescribed period.
2. Night time neons mode is active when night mode is set to dim. During night time
blanking the tubes AND neons are disabled.
3. Clock is fully functional without DCF / MSF / GPS synchronisation. Set time manually.
4. Enter your time zone offset from the synchronisation source. Note that WWVB
transmits UTC.
5. In GPS Sync mode, this parameter is used to set DST. Set to ‘1’ during DST.
6. Date will be displayed each minute between 50 and 55 seconds past the minute.
7. Use parameters 26 and 27 to tune the crystal timebase. Each increment of
parameter 26 makes an adjustment of approx 0.2 sec per day.
Set the clock against a known time standard. Note the time drift after 5 full days (120
hours). This is the value to program into parameter 20. Program parameter 21 with 0
or 1 to make the clock slower or faster.
8. Visual effect / cathode poisoning prevention – all digits on all tubes are cycled for 10
seconds. This setting overrides night blanking or dimming for the duration of the effect
(10 seconds).
9. DCF /MSF synchronisation takes place on the hour. If no valid frame is received in 6
minutes, the clock reverts to normal operation.
10. Set this parameter to ‘1’ to restore original default settings. Internal operations will
then load the original factory settings and restore the value to ‘0’
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Setting the Time and Date:
From time display mode, press and hold ‘SET’ button for 2 seconds until
the seconds digits are highlighted.
Press the ‘ADJ’ button to reset seconds to zero.
Briefly Press ‘SET’ again and the hours will be highlighted
Press the ‘ADJ’ button to set the minutes.
Briefly Press ‘SET’ again and the hours will be highlighted.
Press the ‘ADJ’ button to set the hours.
Proceed in this fashion to set the calendar: Year, Month and Day.
Finally, briefly Press ‘SET’ again to revert to normal clock operation.
Showing Date:
From time display mode, briefly press ‘SET’ button. Date will be shown
for 5 seconds, then revert to time display.
Auto Date Display:
Setting parameter (18) to ‘1’ will enable auto display of date between 50
and 55 seconds past each minute.
Night Blanking Override:
During programmed night blanking, the blanking may be overridden to
see the time by briefly pressing the ‘SET’ button. Tubes will remain lit for
the period defined in parameter (8).
Manual RFT Call:
In DCF / MSF modes, pressing ‘ADJ’ briefly during time display will
initiate a manual time seek for maximum 6 minutes, or until a valid time
frame is received.
Setting Alarm:
Press the ‘ALARM’ Button. The seconds digits show the on / off status of
the alarm: 00 or 01 (off or on)
Set on / off status, then minutes followed by hours by using the ‘ALARM’
and ‘ADJ’ buttons. When set, the alarm LED will also light.
Canceling Alarm:
Press ‘ALARM’ briefly to cancel alarm and enter snooze mode, or a longer
press until the clock bleeps, to cancel snooze. Alarm remains set for the
next day.
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8. USING A RADIO FREQUENCY TIME RECEIVER OR GPS
RECEIVER
The clock can automatically synchronise time from DCF (Europe),
and MSF (UK) long wave time transmitters.
The clock can also receive time from a GPS receiver that transmits
information using NMEA-0183 protocol, using the $GPRMC
sentence.
8.1 Configuring for RFT or GPS Synchronisation.
Set parameter 12:
1: DCF
2: unused
3: MSF
4: GPS
If using GPS, set the baud rate in parameter (13)
Set parameters 14 and 15 for the hours and minutes your time
zone is offset from the synchronisation source. This is usually
only whole hours. Examples:
o UK is 1 hour offset from the time transmitted by the DCF
transmitter
o France has no offset from the time transmitted by the DCF
transmitter
Set parameter (16) to identify whether the offset is minus (0) or
positive (1) of the time source.
Set parameter (23) to select between hourly seek and daily
seek in DCF / MSF modes.
If you have selected daily seek, use parameter (24) to set the
time of the daily seek in DCF / MSF modes.
If you intend to place the RFT receiver module closer to the
clock PCB than 6 ft / 2 metres, the clock will need to disable HV
and switch off the tubes for time seek, otherwise the switchmode power supply will prevent reception. Select blanking
during time seek by setting parameter (25) to 1.
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8.2 Connecting a Radio Time receiver
The clock has been designed for, and tested with our Radio
Frequency Time (RFT) Receiver Modules. (available separately from
PV Electronics).
DCF Module: For receiving time signals from transmitter at
Frankfurt, Germany. Reception is possible within a 2000Km radius
of Frankfurt.
MSF Module: For receiving time signals from the transmitter at
Anthorn, UK. Reception is possible within the UK, Eire, Northern
France, and Norway.
Please note:
1. The long wave signals propagate further at night, so the clock is
configured by default to synchronize at 2am.
2. Suitable Power Supplies: If using a switching power supply, it
must have an earth connection. Cheap Chinese switching adapters
cause too much interference and will not work. Alternatively use an
old-fashioned transformer type AC to DC adapter.
3. The time signals are intended that a receiving clock may collect
time data intermittently. The signal strength and fidelity is not like
a 'TV Signal', where one can get a perfect signal any time at will.
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8.3 Setting Up for First Reception.
1. Ensure the correct setting has been applied to Config 12:
1 = DCF
3 = MSF
2. For the first tests, ensure Config 25 is set to value 1, to make
the HV converter switch off for synchronisation. This stops any
noise created by the HV converter.
3. Set Config 14 - 17 for your location's time zone offset from the
transmitter.
4. Connect the receiver, and place horizontally by a window,
broadside on to the transmitter as far as is possible.
5. Wait until after dark, and preferable the early hours.
6. Command a manual seek, by pressing the middle 'Adj' button.
The tubes should switch off. The LED on the receiver module will
now not be affected by the HV converter, and after 15-30 seconds
start to flash regularly, showing the one pulse per second data
from the transmitter.
If your Module's red LED does not start to flash regularly, go back
and check 1-6. of this section. If the red LED does not flash
regularly, you will not get synchronisation!
7. At the start of the minute, the clock should start collecting data,
and if so it will start flashing the green LED rapidly. Look for any
LED activity at the start of the minute, using a known time source
as the reference.
8. After 60 seconds of gathering data, the clock will illuminate the
green LED, set the time and switch the tubes back on.
9. Once the system has been seen to work correctly, you can
experiment with the antenna in different locations, and it may be
possible to have the tubes stay on for time synchonisation.
10. Many other electrical applicances such as TVs and mobile
phones reception when in close proximity. Metal objects cause
reception problems too Place and design your case so the antenna
is as far away from the PCB as possible.
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8.4 Connecting a GPS receiver
The clock has been designed for, and tested with our Micro GPS
Receiver (available separately from PV Electronics)
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8.5 Function of the GPS / RFT indicator LED (D9):
No Radio Synchronisation source installed (parameter (12) = 0)
LED is permanently off
RFT or GPS Synchronisation enabled (parameter (12) = 1-4)
The LED will be ON if the clock has synchronised in the last two
hours; slowly flashing if the last synchronisation was between 2
hours and 24 hours ago; and off if the last synchronisation is older
than 24 hours.
If DCF or MSF mode is selected, the indicator will flash rapidly
whilst the clock is actually receiving and processing a valid time
frame.
Additionally, the indicator will flash very briefly each second whilst
seeking a RFT frame.
The function of the RFT indicator LED may be summarised in the
table below:
Radio Time
Source
Sync <
2 Hrs
Sync >2 Hrs
Sync < 24
Hrs
Sync > 24
Hrs
Seeking
RFT Frame
Aquiring
RFT
Frame
None Off Off Off - DCF / MSF On Slow Flash Off Intermittent
Flash
Fast Flash
GPS On Slow Flash Off - -
Nixie Tube Clock ‘Dink’
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9. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Nixie Tube Clock ‘Dink’
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