Nixie Clock Divergence Meter User manual

Divergence Meter
User manual v2.0.2
Designer: Yan Zeyuan. China
Website: http://www.nixieclock.org
E-mail: [e-mail]
© 2016-02-17 NCH

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Attention
◇Attention: To avoid accidental damage, do not place Divergence Meter
on an uneven surface.
◇Warning: The Divergence Meter has an internal high voltage circuit,
do not open it or get in contact with the components while it is electrified.
◇Warning: In order to ensure normal operation and charging, please
use the included power adapter and USB cable.
◇Warning: The Divergence Meter is for indoor use only.
◇Warning: Keep the Divergence Meter out of the reach of children.

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Index
Introduction
Package Contents…..………………………………………………………….……………………….………….. 5
Appearance………….………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
IR Remote………………………………………………………………..……………….…………………………….. 7
Power Adapter….….………………………………………………………………….……………………………… 7
Features….……………………………………………………………………………….………………………..…….. 8
Technical Specifications…..…………………………………………………….………….……………..……… 9
Get Ready Before Use 10
Power On/Off...…………………………………………………………………..…………………………………… 10
Charging the Battery…..………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Replace Batteries….………..………………………………………...……………………………..……………… 11
Connect a GPS Receiver.………………………………………………………….…………………………....... 12
Cleaning………………………………………………………………………………….………………………..……. 12
Basic Operation 13
Soft Power On/Off.…….………………………………………………………….……………………..………… 13
Talking Clock…..………………………………………………………………….……………………..…………… 13
Set Volume………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………… 14
Animations With Music……………………………..…………………………………………………………… 14
Display Divergence Data from the Comics……..……………………….……………………………… 15
Modify the Stored Divergence Data………………………………….…………………………………… 15
Display Time…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16
Set Time………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………… 17
Display Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Set Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 19
Display Alarms………………………………………………………………………………………………..……… 20
Set Alarms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Set Auto On/Off Time……………………….……………………………………………….…………………… 22
Display Temperature………………………………………………………………………………………….…… 23
Menu……………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..………… 23

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Menu Setup 24
Menu 1 Set Time Format…….………………………………………………….……………………………… 24
Menu 2 Set Date Format…….………………………………………….……….……………………………… 24
Menu 3 Set Temperature Format…………………………………………….……………………………… 25
Menu 4 Set Leading Zeroes…………………………………………………….……………………………… 25
Menu 5 Set Digital Switching Effects…………………………..………..………………………………… 25
Menu 6 Set Digital Switching Speed.…………………………………………………..….……………… 26
Menu 7 Set Blinking Colon Effect ….……………..………………….…….……….……………………… 26
Menu 8 Set Time Display Mode………………………………………….………..………………………… 27
Menu 9 Set Clock Reference Source………………………………………..……………………………… 27
Menu 10 Set Baud Rate of GPS……………………………………….….……………………………… 27
Menu 11 Set UTC Time Zone………………………………………..…….……………………………… 28
Menu 12 Set Temperature Compensation………………….……….……………………………… 28
Menu 13 Set Alarm Sound……………………………………….………………………………………… 28
Menu 14 Set Alarm Volume……………………………………….…………….………………………… 29
Menu 15 Set Talking Clock Language………………………………….……………………………… 29
Menu 16 Set Interval of Talking Clock…………………………….……………………………..…… 29
Menu 17 Set Interval of Divergence Animation…………….………………………….………… 30
Menu 18 Set Sound Effect of Power On…………………………….………………..……………… 30
Menu 19 Set Animation Show of Power On…………………….……………….………………… 30
Menu 20 Display Firmware Version………………………….………………………………………… 31
Reference
Firmware Upgrade…………….…………………………………………………….……………………………… 32
Cathode Poisoning Prevention.………………………….………………….………………………………… 33
Special Remarks……………………..………………………….………………….………………………………… 33

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Package Contents
Before getting started, please check all the following items are received. In case any
of them is missing, please contact seller immediately.
Divergence Meter Power adapter
Micro-USB Cable IR remote controller
The included power adapter has standard USB port, with a maximum output current
of 2 Amp, which is capable of fast charging during normal operation. Do NOT use
other USB power supply or USB cable, as they may not be able to supply sufficient
current and therefore cause problems.

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Appearance
Charge indicator
DC power port
Nixie tubes
Three variations were designed for Divergence Meter with different tubes, which have
different appearance.
EDGE version uses NL-5440A made in the USA.
Plus version uses IN-8-2 Nixie tubes made in Soviet Union.
Pro version uses IN-14 Nixie tubes made in Soviet Union.
IR receiver
GPS port
Micro-USB port
Power
switch
Temperature
sensor
Fixe screw (six in total)

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IR Remote
Power Adapter
Power Power ON/OFF
LIGHT Talking clock
SET Enter setup
DATE Check date
ALARM Display alarm
TEMP Display temperature
LEFT/RIGHT Set position
FUNC Enter menu
OK/CANCEL Save / exit
NUMBER Input numbers
IR controller uses (1) CR2025 cell battery. Transportation rules may not permit
shipment with lithium battery installed. Please check the battery before operate.
Please remove protective insulator to operate.
In order to ensure security and charging efficiency, please only use the power adapter
and USB cable provided.
Input: 100-240V AC, 0.4A 50/60Hz.
Output: Standard USB port, DC 5V, 2A max.

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Features
Divergence Meter has the features of Steins;Gate with animation effects. In addition,
Divergence Meter is a full-featured Nixie clock.
Nixie clock with eight Nixie tubes
The EDGE version uses NL-5440A Nixie tubes made in USA; The Plus version uses
IN-8-2 Nixie tubes made in Soviet Union; The Pro version uses IN-14 Nixie tubes
made in Soviet Union.
Real-time clock display
Display hour, minute and second (12 or 24 hour format) with leading zeroes (can
be enabled/disabled). Two different time display mode: Normal 6 digits mode and
Divergence Meter mode. e.g.: 22:15:20 can be displayed as either 22.15.20 or
1.101520.
Date display
Display year, month, day and Chinese lunar date (YY-MM-DD, YY-DD-MM, DD-
MM-YY or MM-DD-YY format optional).
Alarm
Four alarm clocks, each of which can be activated individually (weekend activated optional).
Temperature display
Built-in temperature sensor(℃or ℉).
Talking clock
Intelligent speech system in English, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese, German. The
interval and alarm music can be customized by user.
Volume adjustable
8 volume levels.
Animations as show in the comics
Up to 10 sets of Divergence data can be saved. The transitions among them have
animations.
Animations show with music
Divergence data is shown along with built-in music.
Four transition effects for the digits
1. Normal 2. Fade in-out 3. Crossfading 4. Slot machine.
Ten transition speed for the digits
Ten speeds available for the transition.
Four animation effects for the colons
1. Left and right dot crossfading 2. Left and right dot fade in-out 3. Always
lighting 4. Blinking.
GPS synchronization
Synchronization with GPS satellites. GPS module required. (NOT included)
Automatic Power On/Off
Power On/Off time can be set to prolong the tube lifespan.

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Technical Specifications
Name
Specifications
Nixie tubes
EDGE edition: NL-5440A made in USA
Plus edition: IN-8-2 made in Soviet Union
Pro edition: IN-14 made in Soviet Union
Power input
Micro-USB or DC(3.5mm/1.35mm)
Voltage of Micro-USB input
DC 5V
Voltage of DC input
DC 5V
Operation current
Max 900mA (for display only)
Max 1000mA (for charging only)
Max 1900mA (for display and charging)
Built-in battery
2pcs Panasonic NCR18650B (capacity 6800mAh)
Run time per charge: 8-10 hours
Time of charging: 6 hours
GPS requirement
TTL port, 2400-9600bps, 3.5mm headset plug
Dimension
Base 190mm(L) x 50mm(W) x 35mm(H)
Height of nixie tube 55mm, diameter 19mm
Material of housing
Stainless steel
Operating temperature
0℃to 60℃(32℉to 140℉)
Weight
600g (Divergence Meter Only)
1200g (Divergence Meter with the package)
Run time of battery may vary with the environment temperature and operation mode.
Time of charging depends on the remaining capacity before charging.

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Get Ready Before Use
Power On/Off
Charging the Battery
Divergence Meter can operate for 8-10 hours of continuous use with the built-in
18650 Lithium batteries.
Run time of batteries may vary with the environment temperature and operation
mode.
Please fully charge the battery before use.
Color code of indicator during charging:
LED Color
Status
Red
Charging
Green
Fully charged
Off
Charging protection
Charging will take about 6 hours at room temperature. Fully charged time depends
on remaining capacity before charging.
Divergence Meter has 2pcs Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh lithium batteries
installed.
It is recommended to turn off the power for fast charging.
The indicator will turn green after the charging is completed. It is not necessary to
unplug the charger after charging is completed. In this case, the charger will power
the Divergence Meter directly.
Please replace batteries if they can only last a very short time.
Turn on the power by press the power
button on the back.
The lamp in the button will turn red
when power is on.
Turn of the power by press again.

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Replace Batteries
Please remove 6pcs top screws and top unit before replace batteries.
Pull up the belt under batteries to remove them, then install new batteries.
Get ready before use
Incorrect polarity will lead to serious consequences. Please follow instruction picture
above.
Please pay attention to the anode and
cathode when install the batteries.
Please use two batteries with same capacity.

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Connect a GPS receiver（GPS receiver is not included and available for
purchase separately）
GPS receiver can synchronize the date and time with satellite.
It is highly recommended to only use the GPS receiver (with 3.5mm plug) sold
from us.
Please plug in the GPS receiver from the back of Divergence Meter.
Please place the GPS receiver outdoor or close to the window for better reception.
The connection status can be checked in MENU 9.
Cleaning
The notes below should be considered before cleaning Divergence Meter.
Please power off and disconnect USB cable before cleaning.
Do not use any cleaning agent or wet wiper.
Soft cloth or brush is suggested to prevent scratching the housing.
Get ready before use
GPS requires TTL interface and follows NMEA0183 protocol.
The Divergence Meter uses baud rate of 2400bps, 4800bps, 9600bps while
communicating with the GPS receiver.

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Basic Operations
Soft Power On/Off
After power on by press power button on the back of Divergence Meter, it can be
power on/off by press POWER button of IR remote controller.
Talking Clock
The Divergence Meter can work as a talking clock.
Press POWER button on the IR remote to power
off.
Press POWER button again to power on.
Soft power-off only turns off the display of Nixie tubes. Please press the power button
on the back if you want to power it off completely.
To set sound effect of power on, please consult MENU 18.
To set animation of power on, please consult MENU 19.
Press LIGHT button on the remote to activate the
talking clock.
Automatic talking clock as a time interval can be
set following MENU 16.
Talking clock can be triggered any time.
Built-in speech system has 4 languages, including English, Chinese Mandarin,
Japanese, and German. Consult MENU 15 for more details.
The volume of talking clock is set by the system volume.

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Set Volume
The volume of talking clock or other sound effect has eight levels available.
Checking Batterypercent
After press POWER button of IR remote to power off, Divergence Meter will show the
batterypercent.
Animations with Music
Divergence Meter can show animation with built-in music.
Basic operations
0=======
=1======
=======7
Press LEFT/RIGHT button to set volume.
Mute
Minimum volume
Maximum volume
This volume setting only for talking clock and sound effect during operating. The
volume of alarms is independent to this.
To set volume of alarms, please consult MENU 14.
Press OK button start animation show.
Press CANCEL button to stop.
Digits will show the batterypercent on right three
tubes.
Divergence Meter will sound alart every minute
when the batterypercent under 20%.
))))))98

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Display Divergence Data from the Comics
Divergence Meter can save up to 10 sets of Divergence data. Press 0-9 button to show.
Modify the Stored Divergence Data
Please press 0-9 button to select the number of divergence data, then press SET
button to enter the new value. Then the number on the left will blinking.
Press 0-9 button input 7 digits to change divergence data.
All digits will blink three times after the input is completed.
Press CANCEL button to abort.
Basic operations
1+130238
1+048596
0+456903
0+275349
1+130426
0+571015
0+337187
0+571015
0+523307
0+571024
2+615074
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
Default divergence data:
0+571015
0:
1:
2:
3:
4:

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Display Time
Divergence meter will display current time after power on.
There are two time display mode: Normal 6 digits mode and Divergence Meter
mode.
e.g.: now time is 10:15:20 PM, the Divergence Meter will display:
Basic operations
22+15+20
Normal 6 digits mode
1+101520
In normal mode, to set 12/24 time format please consult MENU 1.
In normal mode, to set leading 0 please consult MENU 4.
To set digital switching effect, please consult MENU 5.
To set digital switching speeds, please consult MENU 6.
In normal mode, to set colon effect, please consult MENU 7.
Divergence Meter mode
In normal mode: digits on the left are HOUR,
digits in the middle are MINUTE, digits on right
are SECOND.
Colon display will following effect settings.
In Divergence Meter mode: digits on the left will
show AM(0) or PM(1), and the 6 digits on the right
will show you HHMMSS.

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Set Time
Time can be set manually or synchronize with satellite through GPS receiver module
(not included). How to set time manually:
Press SET button to enter time setting mode, 2 digits on the right start blinking.
Press LEFT/RIGHT button select position of setting.
Press 0-9 button input HOUR, MINUTE or SECOND.
Press OK button to save settings or press CANCEL button to abort.
Basic operations
22+15+20
Time will display in 24 hour mode HH:MM:SS in setting mode.
Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the time is valid when
it is saved. Invalid time can not be saved.
22+15+20
22+30+20
22+30+20

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Display Date
Divergence Meter can display year, month and day and Chinese lunar date.
Press DATE button to display date; press twice to display Chinese lunar date.
e.g.: If today’s date is 9th Dec 2015, and Chinese lunar date is 2015-10-28.
Basic operations
15=12=09
15)10)28
After 3 seconds of display date, Divergence Meter will return to time display mode.
The plus version only has one dot in the nixie tube, so it will display only one dot
during date display.
Date format can be set to YY-MM-DD, YY-DD-MM, DD-MM-YY or MM-DD-YY. Please
consult MENU 2.
Press DATE button, it will display 2015-12-09
The 3rd and 6th digits will display two dots to
indicate it is showing Wester Date. (as opposed to
Chinese Lunar date)
Press DATA button twice, it will display 2015-10-
28.
The 3rd and 6th digits will not light up while display
Chinese lunar date.

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Set Date
Date can be set manually or synchronize with satellite with the optional GPS receiver.
(not included). How to set date manually:
Press DATE button to show the date.
Press SET button to enter set date mode, The 2 digits on the left start blinking.
Press LEFT/RIGHT button to select setting position.
Press 0-9 button to enter YEAR, MONTH or DAY.
Press OK button to save setting, press CANCEL to abort.
Basic operations
15=12=09
In setting mode, the date format will be YY-MM-DD.
Any digits can be input during setting, but system will check if the date is valid when
it is saved. Invalid date can not be saved.
The system will calculate Chinese lunar date automatically based on the Western date.
15=12=09
15=12=10
15=12=10
15=12=09

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Display Alarms
Divergence Meter supports 4 alarms, which can be activated separately (weekdays and
weekend).
Press ALARM button to check alarm 1, and press ALARM button again to check
alarm 2, and so on.
e.g.: alarm 1 is set to 8:00 AM.
Basic operations
1)08)00+
1)08+00+
Press ALARM button to display alarm 1, which is
8:00 AM.
Press FUNC button during display alarm to
enable the alarm. When the alarm is activated, the
5th tube will display dot. Press FUNC button again
to disable alarm, and the 5th tube will not display
dot.
Tube on the rightmost will show you if alarm is
enabled on weekends. (dot on means enabled;
dot off mean disabled.)
Divergence Meter will return time display mode after display alarm for 3 seconds.
To set the volume of alarm, please consult MENU 14.
To enable/disable alarm on weekends, please consult SET ALARM.