NICK2 is an open source 4-digit clock, designed to be as low profile and compact as possible. This variant uses unique biquinary nixies Tesla ZM1030. The clock is based on ESP8266, has USB-C for power and debugging/flashing and it’s super low profile (only 9mm base height!). It keeps up time via NTP instead of RTC so there are no buttons, instead all configuration is done via mobile friendly web UI (see images).

Only this beautiful red variant is for sale. The nixies have the original red paint and the neon bulb is also painted to match the tubes.

Quite a bit of time went into designing this so by buying this, you also support future projects like this. That said you can always head over to projects github and make your own, everything required is there :)

The clock has implemented (optional) crossfade, brightness setting, timezone setting with summer time and some other useful stuff – for example can be turned on and off remotely via GET requests.

The clock is shipped in a red PLA enclosure but you can easily disassemble it and make some wooden/metal enclosure for it (pcb has screw holes). Or print a different color cover, you will find the 3d models on project’s github page.

Hardware

• ESP8266 powered
• 4x ZM1030 nixie
• 1x neon bulb + 1x extra as a spare
• PWM dimming and crossfade
• Power consumption is around 400mA @ 5V. Quality 1A charger recommended (not included).
• 3d printed case (red PLA but you can print your own, link to thingiverse on github)
• USB-C connector for power and debugging / flashing.
• Screwless „snap-on“ design, can be easily disassembled
• I only made 2 in total, one for me, one for sale so there is a sense of uniqueness :)

Software

• Simple configuration web portal to set WIFI credentials and everything else
• Timezone settings including Daylight Saving time (optional)
• Cathode poisoning prevention
• Brightness settings + night mode
• OTA update support

IMPORTANT: Nixies require high voltage to run, disassembling and tinkering with the clock in any way is dangerous and at your own risk!

If you want to know something specific about the clock, feel free to DM me.