Pvelectronics Nixie QTC User manual

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
Issue 10a (21 March 2014)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
- 1 -
Assembly I structio s
A d
User Guide
Nixie Clock Type
‘Nixie QTC’

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
Issue 10a (21 March 2014)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
- 2 -
REVISION HISTORY
Issue
Number
Date Reaso for Issue
10a 21 March 2014 Errors corrected
10 20 March 2014 New tube types added and code configuration
procedure
9 03 April 2013 roubleshooting connections chart added
ZM1177 tube procedure clarified
8a 09 September 2013 Improved IN14 cell details
8 21 October 2012 WWVB No Longer supported
7 8 October 2012 ZM1177 ube details added
6 5 August 2012 Component designation errors corrected
5 27 July 2012 New PCB date 5 July 2012
4 14 June 2012 1
st
review
3 29 May 2012 Errors in component listing corrected
2 22 May 2012 Anode resistors corrected to 10KΩ
1 20 May 2012 New document

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
Issue 10a (21 March 2014)
www.pvelectronics.co.uk
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 What is Nixie QTC?
Nixie Q C takes a new path for Nixie Clocks for mid-sized solder-in tubes.
Learning from our past experiences of thousands of kits sold, we
recognise a major customer concern and possibly the biggest drawback
with solder-in tubes: hey are soldered in!
Previously, a failed tube always meant a treacherous operation to
delicately remove the tube whilst trying to preserve all traces intact.
Whilst this was certainly possible, It was never easy, and made it
uncomfortable to give a Nixe Clock as a gift in case a tube ever failed.
With Nixie Q C (‘Quick ube Change’), each tube is soldered only to its
own mini ‘tube cell’ PCB. A tube can be changed in minutes with no
danger to the main PCB. he small addition in cost is dwarfed by the
huge advantage this gives. A single main board is capable of driving tens
of different types of solder-in Nixie ube. You can even completely
change the tube type of your clock by installing new tube cells and tubes.
Software
But at such a major change in direction, we have also taken the
opportunity to build on the solid software foundations of the predecessor
‘Frank 2’ format and add some truly useful and productive software
features. As before, the main controller is the mighty PIC16F1936
running at 16Mhz. he code is programmed entirely in the ‘C’
programming language.
Drive Mode
he former K155ID1 / 74141 nixie driver IC is now replaced by a modern
HV5812 High Voltage Driver IC by Supertex. With 20 outputs, it is able to
drive the six Nixie ubes in a very comfortable and low noise 3X2
multiplex.
GPS Time Synchronisation
A radical new clock design deserves a new and exciting GPS receiver
module for those that demand the best timekeeping. And, with a
groundbreaking price for a GPS receiver, a fully featured Nixie Clock with
GPS synchronsation is now within the price range of most buyers.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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1.2 Nixie QTC - Features
Nixie clock type ‘Nixie Q C’ has the following features:
- Hours, Minutes and Seconds display
- 12 or 24 hour modes
- Uses a Quartz Crystal Oscillator as the timebase
- Programmable leading zero blanking
- Date display in either DD.MM.YY or MM.DD.YY or YY.MM.DD format
- Programmable date display each minute
- Scrolling display of date or standard display
- Alarm, with programmable snooze period
- Optional DCF / MSF / GPS synchronisation with status indicator LED
- Dedicated DS button to switch between DS and standard time
- Supercapacitor backup. Keeps time during short power outages
- Simple time setting using two buttons
- Programmable leading zero blanking
- Five programmable neon colon settings (Flashing AM/PM indication,
illuminated AM/PM indication, both flashing, both on, both off)
- Seconds can be reset to zero to precisely the set time
- Programmable night mode - blanked or dimmed display to save tubes
or prevent sleep disturbance
- Rear Indicator LEDs dim at night to prevent sleep disturbance
- Weekday aware ‘Master Blank’ function to turn off HV/ tubes and LEDs
on weekends or during working hours
- Separate modes for colon neons during night mode
- Standard or fading change of digits
- Standard, fading, or fading with scrollback display modes
- ‘Slot Machine’ Cathode poisoning prevention routine
- Programmable RGB tube lighting – select YOUR favourite colour palette
- 729 colours possible. Have a different colour or your choosing every
hour, or autochanging colours.
- Not AC frequency dependent – works in all countries
- All user preferences stored to non-volatile memory

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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1.3 Tubes Supported
Each tube is soldered to a mini PCB 'Cell', making tubes easily
changeable. hrough the use of 2 different cell types, and 3 different
configurations of the microcontroller, it is possible for the kit to drive a
wide range of solder-in tubes as detailed in the table below. here are
detailed and specific instructions for mounting each type of tube, in
sections 6.1 to 6.8 of this manual.
Tube types
Cell type
Code
Co figuratio
Sectio
IN
-
14
IN
-
14
A
6.1
IN
-
8
-
2, ZM1177
IN
-
8
-
2
A
6.2
Z570
M, Z570
0M, Z573
M, Z573
0M,
Z574M, Z5740M, GN-9A,
B570M, AF1317A, AU7030,
F9080B, F9080BA, AF1093A,
ZM1080, ZM1082, ZM1134,
ZM1135, ZM1136, ZM1136A,
ZM1136L, ZM1136R, ZM1138A,
ZM1138L, ZM1138R
IN
-
8
-
2
A
6.3
GNP
-
17A
IN
-
8
-
2
A
6.4
GNP
-
7A, GNP
-
7AH
IN
-
8
-
2
A
6.5
ZM1210, ZM1212
IN
-
8
-
2
B
6.6
IN
-
16
IN
-
14
C
6.7
CD66, ZM124
0
, ZM124
2
, XN11,
XN12
IN
-
8
-
2
A
6.8

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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1.4 SAFETY
DANGER: he clock pcb includes a switched-mode voltage booster
circuit. his generates nominally 170 Volts DC. Assembly may only be
undertaken by individuals who are suitably qualified and experienced in
electronics assembly, and are familiar with safe procedures for working
with high voltages. If in doubt, refer to a suitably qualified engineer
before proceeding.
The voltages ge erated by this circuit ca give a pote tially
LETHAL ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DISCLAIMER: his product is supplied as a kit of parts, intended only for
suitably qualified electronic engineers, who are suitably qualified and
experienced in electronics assembly, and are familiar with safe
procedures for working with high voltages. he supplier, his agents or
associates accept no liability for any damage, injury or death arising from
the use of this kit of parts.
his is not a finished product, and the person assembling the kit is
responsible for ensuring that the finished product complies with any
applicable local regulations governing electrical equipment, eg. UL, CE,
VDE.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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2. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
2.1 Tools required to assemble the PCB.
he following tools will be required to assemble the PCB:
- Soldering iron with a small tip (1-2 mm).
- Wire cutters to trim the excess component leads after soldering.
( IP: A small pair of nail clippers works very well for this function).
- Wire strippers ( IP: A small pair of scissors is quite suitable).
- Multimeter for voltage tests and for identifying the resistors.
- For the RGB LED tube lighting, a small hot air gun will be needed to
shrink the heat shrink tubing over the LEDs to form the light guides. A
small hair dryer may work for this.
2.2 Materials you will eed.
Solder – lead / tin solder is highly recommended. USE LEAD/ IN
SOLDER!.
Lead free solder, as now required to be used in commercial products in
Europe, has a much higher melting point and can be very hard to work
with.
Desoldering wick (braid) can be useful if you accidentally create solder
bridges between adjacent solder joints.
2.3 Other items you will eed.
he clock kit does not include a power adapter. his is because the kit is
sold to many countries around the world, each with very different
household mains outlet socket types. It is more efficient for the user to
buy a suitable adapter locally. his saves shipping a heavy adapter with
the kit, and also the extra costs of managing stocks of many varied
power adapters. If you are using a DCF or MSF receiver avoid cheap
Chinese switching power supplies, as they can cause interference
problems.
he type of power adapter can be obtained at very low cost. he
following type of adapter should be obtained and used with the kit:
Output 12V DC regulated, minimum power output capability of 500 mA
Output plug: 2.1mm pin, centre po itive.
A suitable adapter is shown below:

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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www.pvelectronics.co.uk
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3. LIST OF COMPONENTS
3.1 Table of Compo e ts – Driver Board
Circuit Desig atio Part Descriptio
Resistors
R1 4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R2 390 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R3 4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R4 390 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R5 4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R6 - R11 270 Ω, ¼ Watt
R12 – R14 4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R15 – R17 390 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R18 – R26 10 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R27, R28 4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R29, R30 390 KΩ, ¼ Watt
R31 – R36 270 Ω, ¼ Watt
Capacitors
C1, C2 100nF Ceramic
C3 1uF, 250V, Electrolytic
C4 470uF, 16-25V, Electrolytic
C5 33pF Ceramic
C6 15pF Ceramic
C7 100nF Ceramic
C8 0.1F
C9, C10 100nF
ransistors
Q1 IRFD220 MOSFE
Q2 – Q4 2N7000 MOSFE
Q5 – Q7 MPSA42
Q8 – Q10 MPSA92
Q11 – Q13 MPSA42
Diodes
D1 – D3 1N5819
D4 UF4004
D5 5mm Green LED
D6, D7 5mm Yellow LED
D8 – D13 RGB 6-pin LED
ZD1 62V Zener diode
Integrated Circuits
IC1 7805 5V voltage regulator
IC2 PIC16F1936 8-bit microcontroller
IC3 HV5812
Miscellaneous
AL Not Installed
L1 100uH inductor
AM, PM 4mm wire ended neon lamp
ALARM, SE , ADJ, DS Miniature push button
IC2 Socket 28 Way narrow IC socket for IC2
IC3 Socket PLCC28 IC socket for IC3
J1 2.1mm PCB power socket

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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GPS / RF Surface mount 3.5mm jack socket
LS1 Piezo sounder
FUSE 500mA fuse
Insulation Clear insulation for neons
NX1 – NX6 2X6 way 0.1” header plug
X1 32.768KHz watch crystal

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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3.2 Parts list / Packi g Sheet - Compo e t Bag
Part Descriptio Qua tity
Resistors
270 Ω, ¼ Watt 12
4.7 KΩ, ¼ Watt 8
10 KΩ, ¼ Watt 9
390 KΩ, ¼ Watt 7
Capacitors
33pF, Ceramic 1
15pF, Ceramic 1
100nF, Ceramic 5
1uF, 250V, Electrolytic 1
470uF, 16-25V, Electrolytic 1
0.1F 1
ransistors
IRFD220 MOSFE 1
MPSA42 6
MPSA92 3
2N7000 6
Diodes
1N5819 3
UF4004 fast recovery diode 1
62V Zener diode 1
5mm Green LED 1
5mm Yellow LED 2
6 Pin RGB LED 6
Integrated Circuits
7805 5V voltage regulator 1
PIC16F1936 8-bit microcontroller 1
HV5812 1
Miscellaneous
100uH inductor 1
4mm wire ended neon lamp 2
Miniature push button 4
28 way narrow IC Socket for IC2 1
PLCC28 IC Socket for IC3 1
2.1mm PCB power socket 1
Surface mount 3.5mm jack socket 1
Piezo sounder 1
500mA fuse 1
Clear insulation for neons 1
8cm white 10mm heat shrink 1
8cm black 10mm heat shrink 1
2X6 way 0.1” header plug 6
2X6 way 0.1” header socket 6
32.768KHz watch crystal 1

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It is recommended that the kit is checked against the list above, to
ensure all parts are present before commencing assembly. Don’t be
alarmed if there are some extra components, as some component
bags are shared between different kit types.
he resistors used in the kit are 1% tolerance metal film. hey are
marked with 4 coloured bands to identify the value. However it is
sometimes unclear in which direction the bands should be read.
herefore, we recommend that the resistors be identified with a
multimeter.
Please note the fuse will look like the picture below. It can easily be
confused for a capacitor. It is a self-resetting fuse.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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4. PREPARING THE RGB LED LIGHT PIPES
If you are not using the RGB LEDs you should omit this step.
A white then black heat shrink tube is attached to each LED to
form a ‘light pipe’ to concentrate the light at the bases of the Nixie
ubes.
4.1 Cut the heatshri k tubi g to 11mm le gths
Using a ruler and a pen, mark the black and white tubing at 11mm
intervals.
hen cut with scissors to make 6 white and 6 black pieces:
4.2 Place the 6 RGB LEDs in their locations in the PCB, BU DO NO
SOLDER.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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4.3 Place a piece of white tubing over each LED so it is touching the
PCB.
4.4 Using the hot air gun or hairdryer, GEN LY shrink the tubing over
the LEDs Using low heat setting and keep the gun far from the PCB
and keep moving. Rotate the PCB to shrink the back of the tubing
as well. hen let the PCB cool for 2 minutes at is will be quite
warm. It should now look like this:

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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4.5 Repeat with the black tubing:
4.6 Finally, remove the six LEDs and put to aside for later in the
assembly.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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5. ASSEMBLY OF THE PCB
DUE O PRODUC DEVELOPMEN AND IMPROVEMEN S, YOUR PCB
MAY NO LOOK EXAC LY LIKE HE ONE PIC URED.
5.1 Low Voltage Power compo e ts:
J1, FUSE
D1-D3 (1N5819)
IC1 (7805)
C1, C2 (100 F)
Start by installing D1-D3. Align the white band on the components
with the band marked on the PCB. After placement, IC1 can be
placed and bent over these diodes to reduce the height of the
assembled PCB. Continue to mount C1, C2, J1 and FUSE.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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5.2 Testi g Low Voltage Power Supply.
Identify the test GND, 5V and HV test points as shown below.
Plug in the power supply, and then test using a DC voltmeter:
ouch the black probe on the GND test point and the red probe on
the 5V test point. he voltage should measure between 5.1 and 5.3
Volts. If not, disconnect power and check your work. Do not
proceed with the assembly until the error is corrected. Once the
test is completed, disconnect the power.
5.3 High Voltage Ge erator compo e ts.
Socket for IC2
R1, R3 (4.7 KΩ)
R2, R4 (390 KΩ)
C3 (1uF)
C4 (470uF)
Q1 (IRFD220)
L1 (100uH I ductor)
D4 (UF4004)
ZD1 (62V Ze er diode)

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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All the resistors on the board need to be mounted upright to save
space. he leads need to be formed as shown below. Bend the
leads of each resistor as shown and solder in to the correct postion,
making sure the component body is as close to the board as
possible.
ake care that the notched end of the IC socket is at the end
shown. Also the MOSFE needs to be placed with the two joined
pins at the position shown below.
Ensure that the (-) light stripes on C3 and C4 are facing inwards
towards each other as shown below.

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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5.4 High Voltage Ge erator Test.
- Refer to the warnings on page 5
- Insert IC2 into its socket. Orient the notch on the IC with the
notch on the IC socket and the PCB marking.
- Power up the PCB, and using the GND and HV test points,
measure the high voltage generated using a voltmeter on DC
setting. It should be between 167 and 173. If this is in order,
disconnect the power supply.
Finally, remove IC2 from its socket and replace on its static-
protective foam. It is best kept safe until needed for the tube tests
later in the assembly.
5.5 C5 (33pF)
C6 (15pF)
X1 (32.768KHz Crystal)
C7, C9, C10 (100 F)

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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5.6 R6 - R11 (270 Ω)
R5, R12, R13, R14, R27, R28 (4.7 KΩ)
R15 - R17, R29, R30 (390 KΩ)
R18 - R26 (10 KΩ)
5.7 Q5, Q6, Q7, Q11, Q12, Q13 (MPSA42)
5.8 Q8, Q9, Q10 (MPSA92)
This is how the PCB should look ow:

Nixie Tube Clock ‘Nixie QTC’
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5.9 Socket for IC3
Align the notch on one corner of the socket with the marking on
the PCB. Be careful not to force in the socket if all pins are not
aligned. Ensure all pins are fully pushed through the holes before
soldering in place.
5.10 NX1 – NX6 (6X2 way male pi header)
Ensure the connectors are soldered very close to the PCB.