LATEST IMPROVED QTC Kit - QTC+
QTC+ takes a new path for Nixie Clocks for mid-sized solder-in tubes.
Learning from our past experiences of thousands of kits sold, we recognise a major customer concern and possibly the biggest drawback with solder-in tubes: They are soldered in!
What's new on the QTC+?
Matte Black PCB with Gold pads
Reduced component count for RGB LEDs
Simpler Anode Drivers, with socketed Optoisolators, for easier assembly and troubleshooting
Double dot colon neons, with many more modes
Support for our XTERNA Wireless Time and Temperature Transmitter
Previously, a failed tube always meant a treacherous operation to delicately remove the tube whilst trying to preserve all traces intact. Whilst this was certainly possible, It was never easy, and made it uncomfortable to give a Nixe Clock as a gift in case a tube ever failed. With the QTC+ system (‘Quick Tube Change’), each tube is soldered only to its own mini ‘tube cell’ PCB. A tube can be changed in minutes with no danger to the main PCB. The small addition in cost is dwarfed by the huge advantage this gives. A single main board is capable of driving tens of different types of solder-in Nixie Tube. You can even completely change the tube type of your clock by installing new tube cells and tubes.
Hex standoffs not included. If you buy one of our cases, all hardware is included anyway. If you are making your own case and need some standoffs, we have several sizes here.
- Hours, Minutes and Seconds display on Six GNP-9A tubes with 13mm digit height (included)
- Uses a Quartz Crystal Oscillator as the timebase
- 12 or 24 hour modes
- Programmable leading zero blanking
- Date display in either DD.MM.YY or MM.DD.YY or YY.MM.DD format
- Programmable date display each minute
- Scrolling display of date or standard display
- Alarm, with programmable snooze period
- Optional GPS / WiFi / XTERNA synchronisation with status indicator LED
- Dedicated DST button to switch between DST and standard time
- Supercapacitor backup. Keeps time during short power outages
- Simple time setting using two buttons
- Configurable for leading zero blanking
- Double dot colon neon lamps
- 11 colon neon modes including AM / PM indication (top / bottom or left / right), railroad (slow or fast) etc.
- 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
- Rear Indicator LEDs dim at night to prevent sleep disturbance
- Weekday aware ‘Master Blank’ function to turn off tubes and LEDs on weekends or during working hours
- Separate modes for colon neons during night mode
- Standard, fading, or crossfading with scrollback display modes
- ‘Slot Machine’ Cathode poisoning prevention routine
- Programmable RGB tube lighting – select your favourite colour palette
- 729 colours possible. Have a different colour or your choosing every hour, or autochanging colours
- Not AC frequency dependent – works in all countries
- All user preferences stored to non-volatile memory
- Additional wireless functions if XTERNA module used:
- Display of outdoor temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
- Min / Max temperature in last 24 hours
- Wireless, Auto Sync of time from GPS with auxilliary TCXO
- GPS Sync time, and time since last GPS Fix
- Voltage of XTERNA module battery
SPARE GN-9A Tubes can be purchased here
Six new, British ITT GN-9A tubes are included with this kit
SPARE GN-9A Tubes can be purchased here
GN-9A are pin-compatible with more familar Z570M, Z573M etc
Download Kit Assembly Instructions Here
Glass neon cover tubes not included, but available here
SPARE GN-9A Tubes can be purchased here
Drive Mode
The former K155ID1 / 74141 nixie driver IC is now replaced by a modern HV5812 High Voltage Driver IC by Supertex. With 20 outputs, it is able to drive the six Nixie Tubes in a very comfortable and low noise 3X2 multiplex.
Time Synchronisation Options
A range Auto Synchronisation options are available: are GPS, WiFi, or our exciting new XTERNA Wireless Time and Temperature Transmitter:
Xterna Adaper plugged into the rear of the clock, to accept the tranmissions from the XTERNA module
The following electronic components are provided, including:
6 X Tube cell components for mounting the tubes
6 X ITT GN-9A Nixie Tubes, British Made
All transistors, resistors, capacitors, ICs, diodes
4 X Neon bulbs for hours:minutes:seconds separators
Double sided, plated - through - hole PCB with black solder resist
Fully pre-programmed PIC microcontroller, with socket
RGB LED Tube Lighting Pack
Power supply not included
Hex Spacers not included
Glass neon covers not included
Clear Plexi Case available in our store Here
Plexi case is available in the 'Cases' section of our store
You will need a 500mA 12V DC Power Adapter. It is not included, but you can find the specification here, and if you don't already have one at home or office, we have them for sale.
Download Kit Assembly Instructions Here