VFD Clock Kit - Retro Green Glow Desk Clock with Arduino Nano
VFD Desk Clock Kit with Arduino Nano - Build a Retro Green-Glow Timepiece
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Imagine a clock that glows with the warm green luminescence of 1970s test-equipment, a conversation piece that's as much art as engineering. This intermediate kit lets you build a genuine IV-11 vacuum fluorescent display desk clock, where time appears in glowing digits behind a retro glass envelope. You'll control the high-voltage VFD with an Arduino Nano, master a precision real-time clock, and end up with a compact, battery-backed timepiece that feels pulled from a vintage electronics lab.
What You'll Build
A standalone, four-digit IV-11 VFD clock housed in a sleek ABS enclosure. The soft green glow is easy on the eyes, perfect for a desk or bedside. The DS3231 RTC keeps accurate time for years, while the included 0.96-inch OLED can show the date, day, or temperature-all expandable with your own code. You'll create not just a clock, but a working display system that fuses vintage tube charm with modern microcontroller smarts.
What You'll Learn
- Drive a VFD tube using the MAX6921 VFD driver IC and understand multiplexing
- Design a stable 24V boost converter to supply filament, grid, and anode voltages
- Integrate the DS3231 I2C real-time clock module for precise, battery-backed timekeeping
- Solder through-hole and SMD components confidently with the included soldering iron
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Nano | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MAX6921 VFD Driver | 1 |
| Boost Converter 24V | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 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
Intermediate makers aged 15-18, especially CBSE Class 11-12 and B.Tech ECE/EEE students building real-time clock projects. Ideal for ATL Tinkering Lab sessions exploring high-voltage circuits, Smart India Hackathon prototypes needing a display, and hobbyists at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS clubs who want a unique retro clock. Any electronics enthusiast looking to work with VFD tubes and Arduino will love it.
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?
The AI companion offers real-time troubleshooting; you can also send a photo via WhatsApp and get human guidance within hours.
Does the kit include the IV-11 VFD tube?
Yes, the IV-11 vacuum fluorescent display tube is included and pre-tested with the driver board. Everything you need to make it glow is in the box.
Do I need prior experience with high-voltage circuits?
No, the boost converter module is pre-assembled and tested. The manual explains safe handling for 24V, and you'll learn how to measure and work with it under supervision.
Can I power the clock via USB and add an alarm?
Absolutely. A 5V USB supply powers the whole system. The open-source Arduino code is fully commented-you can easily modify it for date display, alarms, or temperature readings.
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.
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