B-7971 single tube device

[Richard Scales]

Finished at last, a single tube clock based on the B-7971 tube from Burroughs and using the Smart Socket concept.

Many thanks to all who inspired me to make this.

The Smart Socket uses a PIC to do all the heavy lifting of character formation and transition effects, a Wemos micro connects to WiFi for NTP data and sends serial commands to the Smart Socket.

Time and date are displayed with visual clues from Leds and neons as to what is currently being shown.

Under tube lighting is purely optional.

The case is made from laser cut acrylic.

It also supports motion detection with the addition of a suitable PIR or microwave sensor.

The electronics consists of two boards, one based on the original B-7971 Smart Socket design by Chris Barron. This board is all SMD with 0805 resistors, MMBA42 transistors, a capacitor, two neopixels and a PIC16F690.

The 'controller board has a WeMos D1, some 0805 SMD resistors, more MMBA42 Transistors, a CD40109B level shifter in SMD, a micro USB socket, a couple of capacitors,an NCH8200HV power supply from Omnixie and a couple of neons.

The boards connect via male/female headers and 3mm Hex standoffs.

I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

[newxito]

Great job, beautiful case!

[martin martin]

Fabulous job!

On Thu, Aug 12, 2021 at 22:49 newxito <axt...@gmail.com> wrote:

Great job, beautiful case!

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[Jon Blaylock]

Fantastic use of nixie

[Richard Scales]

Thank you. I'd love to say it was an original idea but it was inspired by a case that Roddy Scott once made for a clock which layered  thin wooden parts using thick brass pieces between the layers.Originally I had planned to have three 'corners' but after some discussion I went to 5 which looks nicer and still allows easy access to the USB connector (back right) as well as visual access to the two neons at the front, one each side of centre.

- Richard

[Bill Notfaded]

Richard-

I like the idea of modernized smartsockets using SMD and more modern parts!  Are you selling these?  I have a bunch of populated and unpopulated original 7971 smartsockets.  Such a great original idea!

Bill

[Richard Scales]

Hello Bill, 
I have sold some completed units as well as bare boards (they come in pairs, one is the smart socket and one is for the wemos and HV supply which sits underneath). 
What is it you are interested in - Just he SMart Socket, the board pair, how many sets or boards?
I was also thinking about making a more conventional square or oblong shaped one but I too have a stack of the original - with over a dozen already made up so I will be using those - when I get around to that project!

- Richard

[Robert]

Very nice, how much are the completed units?

Rob

On 21 Aug 2021, at 05:02, Richard Scales <ric...@scalesweb.co.uk> wrote:



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[Richard Scales]

I can supply built and tested units - consisting of the circular  Smart Socket board with LED's sitting on top of the circular controller board which has the WeMos, NCH8200HV supply, USB connector for power and PIR connector. 
All you need to do is to apply power, connect to the AP which it broadcasts and then set it up for your own WiFi etc for 85 UKP plus shipping at cost.
I can send you the source code for the software in the Wemos so you can change it any way you like.
All you need to do is plug in your B-7971 and connect power via the USB.
PM me if interested.
- Richard

[Richard Scales]

If desired, I can also supply the parts to make that acrylic case. I'd need get more acrylic so - if interested, please let me know your chosen colour (clear, green tinted etc) and I can make all the parts as well as include fixings like I have shown in my picture - PM me for details.
- Richard

[Richard Scales]

V2.0 has a slight change in the way that the PIR connects,

Shown here with clear acrylic case:

- RIchard

[Robert]

No other changes?

Thanks

Rob

On 6 Jul 2022, at 16:18, Richard Scales <ric...@scalesweb.co.uk> wrote:

V2.0 has a slight change in the way that the PIR connects,

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[Richard Scales]

No other changes. I fyou were to examine your clock carefully you may see that this change was actually implemented by a track cut and wire link - so operationally identical - I just implemented the change on the PCB.

 - Richard