Good day Dalibor-
Some thoughts on kit features:
- SMT components so the thickness under the PCB isn't large (this is debatable because some people might have issues soldering them... another option would be having two versions one with parts and PCB and one with SMT pre-soldered for more $$$)
- Tube Effects: Normal/ Fading/ Cross Fading/Slow Fading/Loop/Flash <- important
- Adjustable tube brightness levels with sensor for auto
- Ability to mount SMT RGB led under tubes with options for color changing effects
- Small HV circuit that doesn't generate a lot of heat
- SMT components so the thickness under the PCB isn't more and a few mm.
- 12H or 24H display modes with AM/PM output and zero blanking option
- Month/Day/Year versions
- RTC with battery or farad capacitor backup option (option for GPS input or receiver would be neat as well)
- Temp/Barometric Pressure Sensor
- 2or3 alarms and tube blanking periods
Some of this is software so you could either work that or leave it up the builder.
*** An option for wifi so you could sync ntp and also control the clock settings through a mobile app (if you used the right chipset it could even have BT) <-- icing on the cake but I suppose IR receiver for remote could also be an option. Personally I think wifi is the way to go today but I'm a Computer Scientist.
Best Regards,
Bill
Oh and by the way... That even larger tube would kill any desire for the Rodan tubes out there (1000$+ for a tube lol you could easily charge a lot less for and still have the tube that killed the big Rodan). My guess is you would make yours so it's more uniform too... more like the font design in your original tube and classic 568 style. Those Rodan look stretched way too thin in their font and the cathode thickness... your glass blows them away too... ie. the Rodan has almost paper thin glass it's made out of. Yeah it makes them lighter (ridiculously light) but for goodness sake this glass we're talking about. :^} MEGA PROPs for starting with a slightly taller 568 style font character (53mm)... idk why anyone would start with small tubes??? (that sounds funny calling IN-18 style small hehe lol)
I'm very impressed by your perseverance... you have already inspired a new generation Dalibor that already seem to be following your lead. I'm not sure how that makes you feel but judging by your blog it sounds like you decided sharing your knowledge is more important that trying to keep it all secret. I commend this... it's not an easy decision to come to. Hackable and open source is good stuff.