9/25/2023 0 Comments Nixie tube clock![]() The creator of the Lixie, Connor Nishijima, crafted his edge-lit displays specifically to resemble Nixie tubes. Reflections in the other planes provide digits with a sense of depth (bottom). LEDs at the bottom of the display project light into one acrylic plane at a time, which then glows where it has been etched. A different digit is etched in each of the 10 acrylic planes contained in one display (middle). Not a Nixie: Construction of a clock requires a base for mounting four or six Lixie displays (top). (This form of display has become popular for exit signs, for example.) Each sheet is laser etched with one numeral, and typically only one sheet is illuminated at a time. Such “edge-lit” displays use a phenomenon called total internal reflection, which keeps the light inside the acrylic except where it has been etched. The light from the LEDs is funneled into a stack of acrylic sheets. Lixies contain WS2812B smart LEDs at one end, which can change colors on demand. So I was delighted when I stumbled on something designed to mimic the appearance of Nixie tubes without the complications-something its designer calls a “ Lixie display.” It’s hard even to purchase Nixie tubes at this point-especially larger ones-and they require high-voltage driver circuits, which are inherently dangerous. I’ve sometimes been tempted to build a Nixie-tube clock, but the difficulties and expense always put me off. Nixie tubes still enjoy a following among enthusiasts of retro technology. This technology was in vogue during the mid-1950s but fell out of favor in the 1970s. On their lunar shuttle’s control panel, there are numerical indicator lights clearly made with cold-cathode displays, also known as Nixie tubes. But there’s a telling anachronism in the scene where scientists visit a monolith that’s been uncovered on the moon. I can thoroughly recommend Bad Dog, and am spreading the word in Perth Western Australia.Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey still stands up pretty well. The build quality is first class, and I’m sure our kids will be enjoying these pieces long after we’ve gone. Paul thinks laterally which is why he keeps coming up with new and interesting pieces of art. They arrived well packaged and have been a joy to us, and have been well received by those fortunate enough to have seen them. ![]() I’m a little biased but think that these projects are amongst his best. ![]() Throughout the builds I was kept informed of progress, by email and images. The result is The Bridge, Excalibur Mk III, and the Lambent Harp. Paul is very collaborative and made sure I was happy with design features, and he listened when I made the odd suggestion. Then we moved on and spent some time talking about designs and options for various projects. We started off with me buying the last Grace clock as a present for my wife. After poring over his old website for many days I finally made contact. Paul and Bad Dog Design have been part of my life for a about six months now. Please take look at the Commission work page and you will see a myriad of items that have made those special people happy! ![]() I focus in one off items made just for that certain person. If you're looking for a gift for the person who has everything, or something engineered for the engineer in your life, then you're at the right place. Founded in 2014 Bad Dog Designs has been bringing Nixies back to life ever since! We use these tubes to make unusal clocks, beautifully engineered art pieces and send them all over the world. A wonderful warm neon glow that will last in excess of 20 years and has a vintage charm all of its own. The award-winning Bad Dog Designs workshops are located inside a small factory unit on a farm in Pillaton, Staffordshire, England, where I create unique and individual art works containing vintage Nixie tubes, to make usually a clock - then housed in original vintage cases, or if you wished to send in your own cherished item I can happily work with that for you.Ī Nixie tube is a device created in the 1950's to display numbers, before the invention of the LED.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |