Steampunk Nixie clock

posted Jan 11th 2010 1:00pm by
filed under: classic hacks, home hacks

This single-digit Nixie clock is a thing of beauty. You might hate Steampunk or you might love it, but you have to respect projects where the design gets equal (or more) consideration compared to the function. The electronics used in the project build upon an existing single Nixie design. Instead of hiding the guts inside the clock the PCB has been laid out to augment the design. We think [Blue Metal] hit it out of the park with this one!



13 Responses to Steampunk Nixie clock

  • Spork says:

    The layout is very aesthetically pleasing. I’m not the biggest fan of nixie clocks, but this one is very well done.

  • Nemo says:

    It seemed like it was missing something aesthetically, and then I looked at the pictures with the magnifying lens on and it looked about 50x more awesome.

    Great project.

  • pookey says:

    I’m assuming the builder found this clock housing sans clock movement. If so, he really has created a thing of beauty.

    I have seen some tendency among steampunks to destroy genuine antiques in order to build their artwork. I’m hoping that’s not the case, here.

    In any event, I would be very interested to see what kind of clock movement was originally in that housing.

  • M4CGYV3R says:

    Wish there was more detail on how he built it and what materials he started with. I’d love to know how trashed the clock was prior to the construction and if/what he had to restore.

  • Stunmonkey says:

    I love any project where the design and craftsmanship aspects get as much attention as the function. In my opinion a project needs all of those things to be truly complete.

    Well done!

  • Paul Potter says:

    Pure brilliance. Looks lovely.

  • Joe Kane says:

    Now THAT is a hack.

  • Blue Metal says:

    Thanks for the great comments. The clock was originally one of these common reproductions (most likely produced in India) and housed a cheap clock work and a paper laser printed face. The potential to use the lens and the great patina was there and with some maneuvering the Nixie tube and its base fit very well. Brass is such joy to work with!

  • Pookey says:

    Thanks for the clarification. Awesome job!

    Pookey

  • none says:

    Ok, so that’s really cool and there are obviously skills involved. But, um, is it still “steampunk” if there are transistors and ic’s involved? Show me a steam powered nixie tube clock and then I’ll be impressed.

  • Whatnot says:

    Kudos to the maker, impressive job.

  • Chris says:

    “but you have to respect projects where the design gets equal (or more) consideration compared to the function.”

    sounds like a Mac….

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