NIX4 and NIX6
User’s Guide
NIX4 and NIX6
User’s Guide
3
4.
Powering Up
Check the box for the following items and remove them from their packaging:
•
NIX4 or NIX6 nixie clock
•
Australian power adaptor (or Multi-Region adaptor for international orders)
•
Quick-start guide
For international orders supplied with the multi-region power adaptor, remove the AU plug from the power
adaptor, and replace with the correct one for your region (US, EU or UK).
Plug the power adaptor’s
connector into your clock through the hole in the back, plug the adaptor into a wall
outlet and turn on, your clock will start within 3 seconds, and is now ready to use.
4.1
Other Power Sources
Your NIXlabs device is powered by a standard USB-C (Micro-USB for hardware revisions A and B) connector, just
like many mobile phones, cameras and other computer accessories. This means it can be powered from a number
of sources such as computers, power banks and common USB chargers. The supplied voltage is important in
ensuring maximum display brightness and should be as close to 5.0 to 5.1V as possible, which can be difficult when
using low quality USB cables and chargers. The power supply included features a robust construction, high output
capability and all the required regulatory safety approvals. For this reason, only operation with the supplied adaptor
is recommended and warranted.
If using a power adaptor other than the NIXlabs recommended unit, ensure it has a 5.0-5.1V output rated for at
least 1A. Ensure any substitute power adaptor carries the compliance markings for your country, for example, the
Australian RCM (
) and/or safety approvals such as the UL mark (
). Do not use generic adaptors from eBay or
similar, as poor quality units can be a fire and shock hazard, and could damage you or your nixie clock.
When powering fr
om a computer, connect directly to the computer’s USB port –
avoid unpowered hubs or
extension cables. You can use any good-quality charge & data USB-C to regular USB-A or USB-C to USB-C cable to
connect your nixie clock to your computer or phone/tablet.
The display brightness will adjust automatically according to the power output of the adaptor (or PC) used. If the
display seems dim, despite being set to full brightness, or in the case of a flickering display, ensure the supplied
adaptor is used. It is al
so possible to read the voltage using the web app’s diagnostics screen –
the acceptable range
is 4.7V to 5.3V.
5.
Reading the Display
Each tube has its own RGB LED for under-lighting, which can be set to show a different colour based on the current
“screen”
(Time, Date or Temperature). Unlike some cheaper nixie tubes, the IN8-2 tubes have a properly-formed
‘5’ digit, rather than an upside down ‘2’
. The following section describes how to read the display in each of the
Time, Date and Temperature modes.
5.1
Display Elements
The NIX6 model uses six nixie tubes with two dual-level neon bulb colon separators, whereas the NIX4 model uses
four nixie tubes with one neon bulb colon separator. Examples of the two models are shown on the following pages.
The tubes will get only slightly warm in operation, and although they are somewhat fragile, it is safe to touch them.
