Kindly Morrow
Nixie Tube Clock DIY Kit with RGB LED and Music Spectrum
Solder together a desk clock that glows like a vintage Nixie tube, pulses RGB light in sync with music, and runs firmware you write yourself. All through-hole assembly, no 170V supply, no SMD pads. Under $36.
The quasi-nixie display modules reproduce the warm cathode glow of real Nixie tubes using modern low-voltage electronics. Onboard audio input circuitry captures line-in or ambient sound and drives a real-time spectrum visualizer. Arduino IDE compatible, so you can modify time formats, RGB animations, and audio sensitivity with a standard upload.
Things to build with this
- Write firmware that monitors the line-in audio level and switches the display from clock mode to full spectrum visualization the moment signal is detected, then fades back to time after 10 seconds of silence
- Use the programmable RGB strips to build a sunrise alarm: ramp color temperature from deep red to warm white over 30 minutes, triggered by a time comparison in your custom Arduino sketch
- Code a Pomodoro timer that uses the quasi-nixie digits for the countdown and maps RGB color phase to session state: green for focus blocks, amber for the last five minutes, red for break
Key Features
- Quasi-nixie display modules: warm cathode-style glow at 5V, no high-voltage supply required
- RGB LED strips: fully programmable color, brightness, and animation via Arduino IDE
- Music spectrum analyzer: real-time FFT-style visualization from line-in or ambient mic input
- Arduino IDE compatible: flash custom firmware, add sensors, or wire in new peripherals
- DC 5V USB input: stable onboard timekeeping circuitry, no wall wart required
- 252 x 46 x 70mm footprint: fits a crowded desk without dominating it
- Level 1 build: through-hole only, labeled components, no SMD soldering
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this use real Nixie tubes?
No. It uses quasi-nixie display modules that replicate the warm cathode glow aesthetic at 5V. No high-voltage power supply needed, which is why it runs off USB.
What microcontroller is onboard, and can I flash custom firmware?
The board is Arduino IDE compatible. You can write and upload firmware to control time formats, RGB behavior, and spectrum sensitivity without any proprietary tools or software.
Does the music visualizer need a microphone, or does it use line-in?
Both inputs are supported. Plug in a line-in source for direct audio, or leave it unplugged and the onboard circuitry will pick up ambient room sound.
What comes in the kit, and what do I need to supply?
Everything is included: display modules, RGB LED strips, audio circuitry, PCB, and hardware. You supply a 5V USB power source and a soldering iron.
How difficult is the assembly for a first-time builder?
Rated Level 1. All soldering is through-hole, every component position is labeled on the PCB, and no surface-mount work is required. A beginner with a basic soldering kit can complete it.
Why we stock this
Curated by Kindly Morrow. We test and vet every product before it hits the store. If we wouldn't use it in our own builds, we don't sell it.
Things to build with this
Fun projects to try once you get your hands on it.
Split-flap board connected to Claude
Hook up a display to the Claude API and have it show you a new message every morning. Motivational quotes, weather, or passive-aggressive reminders to drink water.
Spotify now-playing display
Show the album art and track name on your desk display. Looks incredible on e-ink. Updates every time the song changes.
Real-time crypto/stock ticker
Pull prices from an API, show them on the display. Flip between assets. Try not to check it every 30 seconds.
Ambient room dashboard
Temperature, humidity, air quality, and time on a bedside e-ink screen. Updates every 5 minutes, uses almost no power. Looks like a museum label.
