Eleksmaker has launched the new Elekstube, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, you can now get the clock from Banggood.
What is a nixie tube?
It is a glass bulb with numbers inside. Imagine a regular light bulb but with 10 lamps inside bent into numbers. Sound complex? That’s because it is and they are expensive to make.
It is a tech replaced by LED and LCD but has had a retro comeback, and real tubes from the 50’s are now worth hundreds of dollars each.
EleksTube is a new take on the same idea using plastic and LEDs it is stronger and easier to produce the unit. The multilayer stack is clear when looking from the fornt or back, and although it does not have the same old feel of glass, it still has a retro feel.
EleksTube Construction
The clock is made of bamboo panels and has clear polycarbonate layers with numbers engraved on them. Similar to a Quadcopter frame, standoffs are used to hold it all together. A light is at the bottom of each panel and turns on to light up the number required.
Software pack
There is an operation software controller that gives you the option to customize what is shown on the clock. Eleksmaker also has indicated there will be a UART port so it will be possible with some tinkering to add a GPS receiver to get the local time from a satellite.
What can you customize with the Elekstube software?
- Lighting Modes and patterns
- Clock modes (clock or stopwatch)
Eleksmaker, known for their creative engravers and pen printers has taken a step in another direction. Elekstube gives you the nixie tube look without the nixie price. We are waiting for the first round of stock of the Elekstube, if you want to be one of the first to get one, sign up for an arrival alert. See more
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