{"product_id":"arduino-nano-vfd-clock-kit-build-a-vintage-green-glow-clock-with-ds3231","title":"Arduino Nano VFD Clock Kit - Build a Vintage Green Glow Clock with DS3231","description":"\u003ch1\u003eArduino Nano VFD Clock Kit - Build a Vintage Green Glow Timepiece with DS3231 Accuracy\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"value-summary\"\u003eEvery part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-strip\"\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-5 hours\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15-18\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkill:\u003c\/strong\u003e VFD tube driving and through-hole soldering\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Build\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Learn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDrive a vacuum fluorescent tube using the MAX6921 anode\/grid driver and a 24 V boost converter\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInterface the DS3231 real-time clock over I2C for automatic, battery-backed timekeeping\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSolder components onto prototyping PCBs and mount everything into an enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProgram an Arduino Nano to multiplex VFD grids and handle user input via OLED\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKit Contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArduino Nano\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDS3231 RTC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMAX6921 VFD Driver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoost Converter 24V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.96in OLED\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIV-11 VFD Tube\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100nF Caps\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eABS Enclosure Box\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFactor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSourcing Separately\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompoden Kit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility checks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYou verify every part\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-tested as a system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuild support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForums and scattered tutorials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAI companion trained on this exact project\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTime to first working build\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDays of debugging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHours, with step-by-step guidance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping coordination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMultiple sellers, multiple delays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Kit Is For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt and Backed by Compoden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat if I get stuck during the build?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs the IV-11 tube included?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, the kit comes with one genuine IV-11 VFD tube, pre-tested for emission and filament integrity, so you can start building immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I change the code to show the date or an alarm?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat power supply does the finished clock need?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"kit-description\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eIV-11 VTE tube driven by boost converter. DS3231 shows time in vintage green glow. Compact retro clock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch4\u003eWhat's in this kit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nano-r3-ch340-development-board-arduino-compatible-no-cable\"\u003eArduino Nano\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ds3231-real-time-clock-module-i2c-rtc-with-battery-backup\"\u003eDS3231 RTC\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMAX6921 VFD Driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBoost Converter 24V\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/096in-oled-display-128x64-i2cspi-for-arduino-raspberry-pi\"\u003e0.96in OLED\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/capacitor-variety-pack-6-values-100nf-to-470uf-30-pieces\"\u003e100nF Caps\u003c\/a\u003e x10\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/esp-wroom-32-breakout-board-pcb-55x52mm\"\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/a\u003e x3\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/official-raspberry-pi-4-abs-case-enclosure-redwhite\"\u003eABS Enclosure Box\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is included in the Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED includes all components needed: Arduino Nano, DS3231 RTC, MAX6921 VFD Driver, Boost Converter 24V, 0.96in OLED and more. Everything is pre-tested for compatibility and shipped from Bengaluru, India.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What skill level is required for the Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"This kit is designed for Intermediate level makers, suitable for ages 15-18. IV-11 VTE tube driven by boost converter. DS3231 shows time in vintage green glow. Compact retro clock. Estimated build time is 4-5 hrs.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I buy the Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED online in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, the Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED is available online at Compoden (compoden.in), India's AI-powered electronics and robotics store. Ships from Bengaluru in 1-5 business days across India.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Vacuum Fluorescent Display Clock Kit with Arduino Nano + LED\",\n  \"description\": \"IV-11 VTE tube driven by boost converter. DS3231 shows time in vintage green glow. Compact retro clock.\",\n  \"sku\": \"CDN-KIT-2176\",\n  \"brand\": {\"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"},\n  \"offers\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/compoden.in\/products\/kit-vacuum-fluorescent-display-clock\",\n    \"priceCurrency\": \"INR\",\n    \"price\": \"3190\",\n    \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n    \"seller\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"}\n  },\n  \"category\": \"Maker Tools \u0026 Instruments\"\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose your assembly option:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoldering Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e - 25W soldering iron, 60\/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreadboard Combo\u003c\/strong\u003e - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Compoden","offers":[{"title":"Clone \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469328900461,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-CL-SLD","price":2410.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Clone \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469328933229,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-CL-BB","price":1920.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R3 Original \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469328965997,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-R3-SLD","price":4680.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R3 Original \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469328998765,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-R3-BB","price":4190.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R4 WiFi \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469329031533,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-R4-SLD","price":4050.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R4 WiFi \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469329064301,"sku":"CDN-KIT-2176-R4-BB","price":3550.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/3997\/5533\/files\/kit-vacuum-fluorescent-display-clock.png?v=1781947803","url":"https:\/\/compoden.com\/products\/arduino-nano-vfd-clock-kit-build-a-vintage-green-glow-clock-with-ds3231","provider":"Compoden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}