Arduino Nano VFD Clock Kit - Build a Vintage Green Glow Clock with DS3231
Arduino Nano VFD Clock Kit - Build a Vintage Green Glow Timepiece with DS3231 Accuracy
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Bring the unmistakable emerald-green glow of a vintage IV-11 vacuum fluorescent tube to your desk. This kit lets you assemble a fully functional digital clock where every digit radiates 1970s Soviet instrument-panel charm. You'll drive the tube with a boost converter and the MAX6921 driver, then pair it with an Arduino Nano and a drift-free DS3231 real-time clock to create a timepiece that's both a conversation starter and a lesson in precision electronics.
What You'll Build
You'll finish with a standalone, mains-powered clock that shows hours and minutes in bright, stable VFD digits, adjustable via a small OLED display. The DS3231 ensures the clock stays accurate for years, while the compact ABS enclosure makes it perfect for a shelf or workbench. Because you're programming the Nano yourself, you can later add a date readout, alarm, or temperature display-the firmware is yours to extend.
What You'll Learn
- Drive a vacuum fluorescent tube using the MAX6921 anode/grid driver and a 24 V boost converter
- Interface the DS3231 real-time clock over I2C for automatic, battery-backed timekeeping
- Solder components onto prototyping PCBs and mount everything into an enclosure
- Program an Arduino Nano to multiplex VFD grids and handle user input via OLED
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Nano | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MAX6921 VFD Driver | 1 |
| Boost Converter 24V | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| IV-11 VFD Tube | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| ABS Enclosure Box | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This kit is built for B.Tech ECE and EEE students who want a hands-on project with real high-voltage display driving, for CBSE Class 12 students exploring embedded systems beyond LEDs, and for ATL Tinkering Lab mentors guiding intermediate makers. If you've soldered a few simpler kits and are ready to work with a boost converter and multiplexed tube grids, this is your next step.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Open the AI companion from the box QR code-it's trained on this exact VFD clock circuit. If you still have questions, WhatsApp support is available, and a real engineer will reply within hours.
Is the IV-11 tube included?
Yes, the kit comes with one genuine IV-11 VFD tube, pre-tested for emission and filament integrity, so you can start building immediately.
Can I change the code to show the date or an alarm?
Absolutely. The Arduino Nano is fully programmable via the Arduino IDE. The AI companion includes example sketches and explains how to modify the display routines to show date, temperature, or custom characters.
What power supply does the finished clock need?
The kit uses a common 5 V USB-C power bank or wall adapter (not included) to run the Nano and the boost converter. The enclosure has a cutout for the USB connector, so you only need a standard USB-C cable.
IV-11 VTE tube driven by boost converter. DS3231 shows time in vintage green glow. Compact retro clock.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Nano
- DS3231 RTC
- MAX6921 VFD Driver
- Boost Converter 24V
- 0.96in OLED
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x3
- ABS Enclosure Box
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items