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NixieClock

macdems·NixieClock·PCB/NixieClock.kicad_pcb

NixieClock PCB layout, top view — open source ESP32 board by macdems

About the NixieClock PCB

NixieClock is an open source ESP32 PCB design by macdems, published on GitHub under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 164 × 60.5 mm, with 42 components from 18 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the ESP32-C3_SUPERMINI_TH, from the ESP32 family. Other key parts include the SN74141N, 74HC595 and LM2596T-5. By type, the board carries 9 ICs, 9 transistors, 7 diodes, 6 resistors, 2 connectors and 2 capacitors.

It belongs with the displays & leds, iot & wireless and retro computing designs in this gallery.

From the project

A compact IN-14 Nixie clock project with both vintage character and modern connectivity.

A connected IN-14 Nixie tube clock combining classic display technology with modern embedded control. This repository contains the complete project: firmware, electrical schematic, PCB design, and case design.

The project is built around an ESP-based controller and drives IN-14 Nixie tubes to display time with network-connected features such as:

- Automatic time synchronization - MQTT integration - OTA firmware updates - Persistent settings storage

NixieClock, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the NixieClock

SN74141N74HC595LM2596T-5ESP32-C3_SUPERMINI_TH

NixieClock bill of materials (BOM)

42 components, 18 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
4
SN74141N
U1, U2, U3, U4
3
74HC595
U5, U6, U7
1
LM2596T-5
U8
1
ESP32-C3_SUPERMINI_TH
U9
9
MMBTA44
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8 +1
1
12V
J1
1
180V
J2
1
Heatsink
HS1
4
IN-14
N1, N2, N3, N4
1
~
N5
4
WS2812B
D1, D2, D3, D4
2
SS24
D5, D7
1
ES1G
D6
1
150mH
L1
1
220µF/35V
C1
1
220µF
C2
4
12k
R1, R2, R3, R4
2
390k
R5, R6

NixieClock design files

The KiCad project lives in the macdems/NixieClock repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

NixieClock: common questions

What microcontroller does the NixieClock use?

The NixieClock is built around the ESP32-C3_SUPERMINI_TH, from the ESP32 family.

How big is the NixieClock PCB?

The NixieClock measures 164 × 60.5 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the NixieClock?

42 components, from 18 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the NixieClock design files?

From the macdems/NixieClock repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout and the schematic; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the NixieClock design in my own project?

Yes, under the terms of its CC-BY-SA-4.0 license, which macdems chose for the repository.

Can I test firmware for the NixieClock without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug ESP32 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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