Category electronics

Well, I just pretty much let the auction evaporate at $125 for the clock. I think what I’m going to end up doing is building this clock right here. There’s a couple of reasons for this… A) I’d really like to actually build my own clock, I just hope I do a good job soldering and such. I’ll probably have to practice beforehand on some old motherboards or kits or something. B) I’d like a clock where you can see at least some of the circuitry. C) This clock listed here is built to sync off of the WWVB transmissions, much like a few of the other clocks in my house. This is a GREAT feature. D) This clock uses huge Z5680M 100mm high tubes (50mm numbers) which will be nice from reading across the bedroom. I’d also be able to finish the base in a color which would better match my bedroom, where the clock will live.

So… Yeah. No clock for me tonight. It’s probably better for my pocketbook, anyway. Oh, I just checked and the auction jumped to $154.25 at the last minute. So, it’s good that I didn’t bid. Oh well, I’ll build one eventually. Maybe after this current computer job that I’m working on for my dentist. That job is paying about $500 and is for upgrading three computers. That extra $500 should pay off my CC. Maybe with whatever is left over I’ll get the necessary stuff for the nixie clock. While I want to work on the bed, I need to wait for it to get a little warmer out. This would be a good winter project.

So I want a Nixie tube clock… Here’s the problem. There are some really nice clocks up on eBay, likely to go for the same price as it would cost me to build a clock. The question is, how soon would I be able to build a clock? I’d love the warmth of a nixie clock in my bedroom, but should I wait and build one and hope I do it right, or spend the same amount for a nice looking, finished, functional clock?