A new project has been published to the Hackster.io website this week from Jeremy Cook, who has created a unique single nixie pendulum POV clock powered by an Arduino Nano microcontroller together with a NixieTube (IN-12b). As you can see from the image above, as the pendulum swings back-and-forth, the time is written in the air.
“It is a pendulum clock with a NixieTube (IN-12b) that plots the time in the air it passes. A magnet at the bottom of the pendulum gets pushed by a stationary air coil, as soon as it ‘looks’ directly down. The positions of the plotted numbers are acquired by an accelerometer.”
How the Pendulum Clock Works
The pendulum clock designed by Jeremy Cook is a fascinating blend of vintage technology and modern electronics. The core of the clock is the NixieTube (IN-12b), a type of electronic device that was used in the mid-20th century to display numbers. These tubes have a nostalgic charm and are highly sought after by enthusiasts of retro technology.
The pendulum itself is driven by a magnet at its bottom, which interacts with a stationary air coil. This interaction is precisely timed so that the pendulum receives a push whenever it is directly downward. This push is crucial for maintaining the pendulum’s motion and ensuring that the time display remains accurate.
An accelerometer is used to determine the exact position of the pendulum. This sensor detects when the pendulum is at its highest point, allowing the system to synchronize the display of the time. The accelerometer’s data is processed by the Arduino Nano, which is the brain of the clock.
“Control for the device is via an Arduino Nano, with accurate timing provided by an RTC. An accelerometer near the pendulum’s pivot tells the device when it’s straight up and down, at which point it’s given a ‘push’ by an electromagnetic coil with the help of a MOSFET. Another component used here is a DC-to-DC converter, which boosts 5V up to the 170V needed to activate its single Nixie tube.”
Technical Components and Their Roles
The Arduino Nano microcontroller is central to the operation of this pendulum clock. It processes the data from the accelerometer and controls the timing of the electromagnetic coil’s push. The Real-Time Clock (RTC) module ensures that the time displayed is accurate, even if the power is interrupted.
The electromagnetic coil, controlled by a MOSFET, provides the necessary push to the pendulum. This push is carefully timed to coincide with the pendulum’s downward swing, ensuring that the pendulum maintains a consistent motion.
One of the more challenging aspects of this project is powering the NixieTube. Nixie tubes require a high voltage to operate, typically around 170V. To achieve this, a DC-to-DC converter is used to step up the 5V supplied by the Arduino to the required 170V. This high voltage is necessary to illuminate the digits within the Nixie tube, allowing them to be visible as the pendulum swings.
The use of a single Nixie tube to display the time as the pendulum swings is a clever and visually striking solution. As the pendulum moves, the digits appear to float in the air, creating a mesmerizing effect. This project not only showcases the beauty of Nixie tubes but also demonstrates the potential of combining vintage technology with modern electronics.
In conclusion, Jeremy Cook’s single nixie pendulum POV clock is a remarkable example of innovative design and engineering. By blending old and new technologies, he has created a unique timepiece that is both functional and visually captivating. This project is sure to inspire other makers and enthusiasts to explore the possibilities of combining different technologies in creative ways.
Source: Arduino Blog
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