ZM1350 / IN-18 dual clock project

198 views
Skip to first unread message

newxito

unread,
Dec 29, 2019, 6:01:05 PM12/29/19
to neonixie-l

I only have 7 ZM1350 so I don’t want to make just a word clock. The idea is to have 6 IN-18 showing the time and 6 ZM1350 hanging over the IN-18 showing words and displaying some other information.

For now, I have managed to build a ZM1350 socket based on an ATmega328p and MMBTA42 transistors for all 16 segments including dot and cursor. I have used the datasheet resistor values. The socket works as I²C slave.

I also wanted to build a new nixie controller board using “modern” and efficient components.

Here is some information about this board:

-          Transient, reverse, under and over voltage protection (LTC4365)

-          Fuses for VIN and on-board HV

-          High speed switching 3.3V and 5V supplies (MP1584)

-          On-board LT3757 based 170V flyback module and/or connector for external HV supply   

-          ESP32

-          3.3V to 12V level shifters (BSS138 mosfets)

-          2 x 32 bit HV shift registers (HV5622)

-          Connectors for GPS, PIR and temperature sensor 

-          Extension connectors for additional shift registers, I²C, MP3 module, RGB/SK6812 LEDs and spare data pins

-          DS3231 RTC with battery backup

-          3 buttons

-          Flash connector and buttons for the ESP32

-          2 status LEDs

The board is untested, and I have to write the entire software for the ESP32 and also the Android app. I’m new to the ESP-IDF and Android Studio so this will be a long project…


zm1350_1.jpg
zm1350_2.jpg

Kevin A.

unread,
Dec 29, 2019, 6:13:39 PM12/29/19
to neonixie-l
If you're new to the esp32 and looking for a programming environment, I would recommend platformIO which exists now as a visual studio plugin. You can program the esp32 with arduino framework and libraries (basically in C++). This was much easier for me than attempting to mess around with the espressif IDF.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/e4ddaca3-fd99-4b14-a295-1d4115385ad9%40googlegroups.com.

Organs Grinder

unread,
Dec 29, 2019, 8:27:05 PM12/29/19
to neoni...@googlegroups.com
Wow that looks stunning!

Full SMD ZM1350 look very nice, any plans to make the boards available?

newxito

unread,
Dec 30, 2019, 10:33:14 AM12/30/19
to neonixie-l

I’m not an EE and I don’t want to deal with disclaimers/liability, open hardware, open source licenses and so on. It’s just a hobby for me. That’s why I do not sell any kits or assembled boards and I do not provide any schematics or gerbers. Sorry about that.

This forum is great and sharing ideas and basic information about the projects is my way to give something back.

Speaking of ideas: I’m currently working on another two projects:

I’m trying to make a nixie clock driven by a C64, of course using commodore basic with a lot of peeks and pokes :-)  Because I don’t want to break an original C64, I bought a clone. The good news: there is plenty of space inside the case for the clock board and there is also space for the nixies and a small hdmi display. The bad news: there are no serial/cassette/user ports. Maybe I can use a USB port to drive the shift registers…

I’m also working on a 13 digits nixie calculator (IN-17) with clock function, clicky mechanical keys and 3D printed old style case. By the way, if anyone knows a small (IN-17 size) nixie with a minus sign, please let me know.

newxito

unread,
Dec 30, 2019, 10:50:49 AM12/30/19
to neonixie-l

Kevin, thanks for your input. I will have a look at platformIO, sounds very interesting. Currently I’m using the Arduino framework. Because I want to use flash encryption to hide passwords, I will try the ESP-IDF.

Nick

unread,
Feb 25, 2020, 1:43:58 PM2/25/20
to neonixie-l
Just seen this - I'm using Eclipse with ESP-IDF - getting Eclipse set up was a bit of  fiddle, but it works extremely well. I'm not a huge Arduino fan, so this was the best route for me as you get full access to the compete API.

PS. Do you have the layout for the ZM1350s as a package for Eagle or similar?

Cheers

Nick

newxito

unread,
Feb 25, 2020, 6:48:00 PM2/25/20
to neonixie-l
I will have a look at Eclipse as well, thanks!
I recently moved to VS Code and PlatformIO but still based on the Arduino framework. As far as I know, PlatformIO also supports the ESP-IDF but I was too lazy to switch so far.
I use EasyEDA, you can search for MY_ZM1350. I'm not sure but I think there is only a (beta) direct export to Altium.

Richard Scales

unread,
Feb 26, 2020, 12:15:00 AM2/26/20
to neonixie-l
Nick: I was looking for a ZM1350 footprint and another helpful forum member pointed me towards one that he had made in Easy EDA - see the thread here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/neonixie-l/9AAGhfX7u40

I have just made up a 'smart-socket' style board and will report back once they come back from fabrication - which could be a while as lead times are currently extended due to the virus outbreak.
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages