EasyNixie Is A Nixie Tube Driver Module for Arduino

EasNixy, a $19.00 Arduino-based Nixy tube driver, aims to resolve the challenges associated with working with Nixy tubes. Designed and engineered by Aleksei Karavaev, this device, adorably named EasyNixie, is touted by him as ‘a simpler and safer way to drive Nixies’.

In a recent Hackaday article Karavaev comments:

I have been fascinated by nixie tubes ever since I discovered what they are. So strange, so old school, so ‘warm’. Unfortunately, they are also hard to control and can be dangerous if not handled properly.

He continues [Five years ago when I began exploring electronics, I attempted to build a project with a PIC16 MCU. Unfortunately, it resulted in a classic case of spaghetti code, and I failed]

So after five years, he revisited the project and as a result, we got ourselves the EasyNixie project. In the same Hackday post, Karavaev discusses three main challenges in driving Nixie tubes:

• A need for high, non-standard 180VDC voltages, which are much higher than what standard electronic components usually require.
• Numerous control pins are needed because each digit in a Nixie tube has its cathode.
• Unique pin positions that require special sockets, due to the non-standard design of Nixie tubes.

The Easy Nixy project solves this problem through a unique design called a smart socket which makes this board compatible with various Nixy Tubes, The board takes a 3.3V input and converts it into 180V with a constant current that is required to drive a Nixy Tube.

Karavaev’s design includes dual 74hc595 shift registers in the EasyNixie modules to streamline wiring, allowing control of the Nixie tube’s cathodes with just three pins. Additionally, a daisy-chain configuration enables the connection of multiple modules.

Feature of EasyNixie – Nixie Tube Driver

• Core Features:
  • Arduino Compatibility
  • Low-Voltage Operation (3.3V)
  • High-Voltage Step-Up (200V)
  • Dual 74hc595 Shift Registers
• Usability and Compatibility:
  • Stackable Design for Multiple Displays
  • Arduino Library for Easy Interface
  • Compatible with Various Nixie Tubes (IN-12A/B, IN-15A/B, IN-17, etc.)
• Design and Safety:
  • Decimal Point Support
  • Detailed Energy Consumption Data
  • Safety Features: Safety Fuse, Thermal Shutdown
• Programming and Support:
  • EasyNixie Library on GitHub
  • YouTube Tutorial Video
  • 3D Model for Planning
• Testing and Environmental Responsibility:
  • Extended Testing for Longevity and Safety
  • RoHS Compliant for Environmental Safety
• Applications:
  • Suitable for Clocks, Multimeters, FM Radios, etc.

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Aleksei Karavaev’s EasyNixie is now available for $19 on Tindie. For additional details, refer to this Hackster or visit the Kickstarter page.

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