80's era VFD clocks for heap at Electronic Goldmine

[Mark Moulding]

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G19936

Electronic goldmine currently has these VFD automotive clocks for sale for five bucks.  I bought three, and they're nice, if generic-looking, small HH:MM clocks that draw about 3 mils in standby (time-keeping only) and around 75 mils when the display is powered up.  There are two 12-volt inputs: "Always-On" and "Ignition", as well as a front-panel button to display the time even when the ignition is off  There's a 5-terminal connector on the back, of which the data sheet only describes Gnd, Ign, and Pwr.  I haven't tinkered yet to find out what the other two do (I bet one dims the display in response to the dashboard lights).

Note that the data sheet that was shipped with my clocks was wrong, showing the power and ground connections backwards (fortunately, this didn't appear to damage the units any).  The one currently listed on the web site is correct.

I know these aren't exactly in the spirit of dedicated home-brewing (except for making a case), but they are perfectly functional clocks, somewhat vintage, and cheap!
~~
Mark Moulding

[Joseph Bento]

I bought two of these myself a couple weeks ago.  Nice little clock.

Joe