Nixie Tube Clock Driver Kit with Arduino Nano Maker 2
Build a Glowing Retro Clock with the Nixie Tube Driver Kit for Arduino Nano
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
The warm orange glow of IN-12 Nixie tubes brings a nostalgic numeric display to life. This kit guides you through assembling a precise digital clock that marries vintage Soviet-era indicators with modern Arduino control. In about five hours, you’ll have a desk clock that sparks conversations and deepens your understanding of multiplexing, high-voltage driving, and real-time clocks.
What You'll Build
You’ll construct a four-digit clock using authentic IN-12 Nixie tubes, each digit sequentially lit by a K155ID1 BCD decoder under Arduino Nano control. A DS3231 RTC module keeps time accurate to within seconds per month, even through power outages thanks to its battery backup. The finished piece mounts on stacked prototype boards, ready to be housed in your own custom enclosure.
What You'll Learn
- Bi-quinary decoding: map Arduino output to K155ID1 for Nixie tube illumination
- High-voltage DC power supply assembly: safely generate 170V from a boost converter
- Multiplexing displays: time-slice digits to reduce I/O pin usage
- Integrating a real-time clock over I2C and handling time-setting logic
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Nano | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| K155ID1 Decoder | 4 |
| IN-12 Nixie Tube | 4 |
| HV PSU 170V | 1 |
| 15kΩ Resistors | 10 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 4 |
| 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 ideal for electronics students and hobbyists who have moved beyond LED blinkers. In India, it fits perfectly into B.Tech ECE/EEE coursework, Smart India Hackathon prototype needs, or ATL Tinkering Lab projects for classes 11-12. If you’ve soldered a simple PCB and are ready to handle high-voltage safety, this intermediate project expands your practical skills.
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?
Scan the QR code on the box to open the AI companion trained on this exact clock circuit. It responds to text and photos of your wiring. If you need a human touch, WhatsApp support from our Bengaluru team is available 7 days a week.
Do I need prior experience with high-voltage circuits?
The kit includes detailed safety notes and the HV PSU is current-limited. We recommend careful handling and following the AI companion's step-by-step warnings. It's suitable for a careful 15-year-old under adult supervision.
Can I use this kit with other Nixie tubes?
The K155ID1 decoder and 15kΩ resistors are designed for IN-12 tubes' 170V and 2.5mA typical current. Other Soviet-era tubes like IN-14 would require different anode resistors and pinout adjustments, which the AI companion can help with.
How accurate is the timekeeping?
The DS3231 RTC is temperature-compensated and drifts only about 1 minute per year. It retains time on a CR2032 backup (not included in this kit, but easily added).
IN-12 Nixie tubes driven by K155ID1 decoder and HV PSU. DS3231 keeps accurate time. Retro numeric display.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Nano
- DS3231 RTC
- K155ID1 Decoder x4
- IN-12 Nixie Tube x4
- HV PSU 170V
- 15kΩ Resistors x10
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x4
- 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.
Ask Soldr above what you can build with this — it knows every Compoden kit this part appears in.
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