NIX Labs NIX4 Manuel utilisateur

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide 
 
NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide 

Contents 
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 2 
1 Precautions ............................................................................................................................................... 2 
Key Features ............................................................................................................................................. 2 
Model and Version Identification .............................................................................................................. 2 
Powering Up.............................................................................................................................................. 3 
1 Other Power Sources................................................................................................................................. 3 
Reading the Display................................................................................................................................... 3 
1 Display Elements....................................................................................................................................... 3 
2 NIX6.......................................................................................................................................................... 4 
2.1 Time Display.............................................................................................................................................. 4 
2.2 Date Display.............................................................................................................................................. 4 
2.3 Temperature Display................................................................................................................................. 4 
3 NIX4.......................................................................................................................................................... 5 
3.1 Time Display.............................................................................................................................................. 5 
3.2 Date Display.............................................................................................................................................. 5 
3.3 Temperature Display................................................................................................................................. 5 
Using the Built-In Buttons.......................................................................................................................... 6 
1 Setting the Time........................................................................................................................................ 6 
2 Using the Counter/Timer........................................................................................................................... 6 
3 Parameters Settings Menu ........................................................................................................................ 7 
Online Configuration Application (Web App)............................................................................................. 8 
1 Using the Web App.................................................................................................................................... 9 
2 Time, Date and Display Options............................................................................................................... 11 
3 LEDs and Tube Brightness Options........................................................................................................... 12 
4 Anti-Poisoning Options............................................................................................................................ 13 
5 On-Off Timer........................................................................................................................................... 14 
Maximising Tube Life............................................................................................................................... 15 
Maximising Temperature Accuracy.......................................................................................................... 15 
Settings and Time Backup........................................................................................................................ 15 
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 16 
Firmware Upgrade .................................................................................................................................. 17 
Cleaning and Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 18 
Warranty and Repairs.............................................................................................................................. 18 
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................... 19 
1 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................................. 20 
1.1 NIX4........................................................................................................................................................ 20 
1.2 NIX6........................................................................................................................................................ 20 
 

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

1. Introduction

Thanks for your NIXlabs purchase! Our products are highly customisable yet easy to use straight out of the box, so

please refer to the Quick Start Guideincluded in the boxor downloaded from nixlabs.com.au/support for the fastest

setup experience. This manual will guide you through our more advanced features, product specifications and

device troubleshooting.

The NIXlabs NIX4 and NIX6 models are based on Soviet-made display tubes, known as nixie tubes, which give a

characteristic orange glow with wire-formed digits unlike any other display technology. The tubes display their digits

by means of gas ionisation when a high voltage is applied to their terminals.

1.1 Precautions

2. Key Features

•Bright, low-flicker nixie display tubes with adjustable brightness

•High-accuracy calibrated clock with temperature compensation

•5+ Day Supercapacitor time and date backup, settings are saved permanently

•Time, Date and Temperature displays with auto-cycling option

•Count-up and count-down timer

•Customisable RGB base lighting LEDs with seven presets and random colour mode

•Night-time display and LED dimming with adjustable level and threshold

•Selectable button beep, 12/24-hour time format, °C/°F temperature display and optional leading zero

•USB Powered with web-based configuration application –no software download needed and compatible

with Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS and Android. Many options are configurable using built-in buttons.

•Each day can have up to two configurable on/off times to maximise tube life and reduce power

consumption.

3. Model and Version Identification

The NIX range includes the NIX4 and NIX6 models at time of printing, where the NIX4 is a four-tube model, and the

NIX6 has six tubes. The functions and features are identical between the models, although the NIX6 model

additionally shows seconds in time mode, and the year when in showing the date. The device’s product and version

information can be found when using the web app by selecting the gear icon in the upper right and selecting

Diagnostics from the menu. The underside of each circuit board is also marked with the product’s model (eg: NIX4),

major hardware revision (eg: Rev A) and serial number (eg: 18351).

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

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 from 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 also 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.

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

5.2 NIX6

5.2.1 Time Display

The NIX6 shows time in an HH:MM:SS format, which can be in 12 or 24-hour with or without a leading zero for

hours less than 10. In this time screen, the colon separators can be set as solid on, solid off, fast flashing (0.5Hz) or

slow flashing (1Hz). In the example below, the time is 12:57:08.

5.2.2 Date Display

The NIX6 can show the date in a DD.MM.YY (default) or MM.DD.YY format. In this date screen, both of the lower

colon separators are lit to distinguish between the day, month and year. In the example below, the format has been

set to DD.MM.YY and so it is the 21st of April, 2019 (21/04/19).

5.2.3 Temperature Display

The NIX6 shows temperature in a XX.X format in either °C or °F, with a displayed range of 0.0°C to 65.5°C (or

equivalent in °F). In this temperature screen, the display is left-aligned and only the lower left colon separator is

shown as a decimal point. In the example below, the temperature is 24.1°C.

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

5.3 NIX4

5.3.1 Time Display

The NIX4 shows time in an HH:MM format, which can be in 12 or 24-hour with or without a leading zero for hours

less than 10. In this time screen, the colon separator can be set as solid on, solid off, fast flashing (0.5Hz) or slow

flashing (1Hz). In the example below, the time is 8:56.

5.3.2 Date Display

The NIX4 can show the date in a DD.MM or MM.DD format. In this date screen, the lower colon separator is lit to

distinguish between the day and month. In the example below, the format has been set to DD.MM and so it is the

22nd of April (22/04).

5.3.3 Temperature Display

The NIX4 shows temperature in a XX.X format in either °C or °F, with a displayed range of 0.0°C to 65.5°C (or

equivalent in °F). In this temperature screen, the display is left-aligned and the lower colon separator is shown as a

decimal point. In the example below, the temperature is 20.9°C.

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

6. Using the Built-In Buttons

Many parameters can be set using the three built-in buttons, so connection to the Web App for configuration is not

required. When on the home screen, briefly pressing the ▲button displays the date, and then temperature for a

few seconds. If the date is not set (which can be done using the Web App) then only the temperature will be shown.

Also on the home screen, briefly pressing the ▼ button cycles through the LED colour options. Using the Web App

allows individual setting of the time, date and temperature screen LED colours –if they are set individually, then

pressing the button only changes the time screen. If the colours are not set individually, or LEDs-Off is selected,

then the button setting applies to all screens. The built-in LED colours are as follows:

Red

Green

Blue

Cyan

Magenta

Yellow

White

Custom

Cycling

Off

6.1 Setting the Time

Press the SET button briefly and the display will be changed to only show the hour digits. Press the ▲ and ▼

buttons to set the hour and SET to advance to the minutes to do the same. After adjusting the minutes, pressing

SET again will save the new time and return to the normal time screen. When the new time is saved, the seconds

are set to zero. If the setting menu is entered into but the hour and minute values were not changed, then there

will be no change to the time (including seconds). If in the time setting mode and no button has been pressed for

30 seconds, the display will revert back to the normal time screen without saving.

6.2 Using the Counter/Timer

When your clock is showing the time, hold ▲for 3 seconds to start an up-counter. To start a countdown timer,

hold the ▼button on the time screen, and the display will change to showing just the timer hours. Press the ▲

and ▼buttons to set the hours, then press SET to advance to the minutes, and then SET again to start the timer.

The maximum counter/timer value is 99 hours and 59 minutes. If the up-counter reaches 99:59, it will be cancelled

automatically.

When a timer is running, the ▲ and ▼ buttons are disabled, briefly pressing SET will pause/resume, and holding

SET for 3 seconds will cancel the timer. Every minute the current time will be shown for about 3 seconds. If you set

a counter/timer, the display will stay on even if an on-off timer is set (USB sleep is not affected). A timer/counter

will continue running through sleep, however unplugging your clock will cancel it.

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

6.3 Parameters Settings Menu

Hold the SET button for 3 seconds and the display will enter the parameters settings menu, which allows adjustment

of the brightness, LED colour, 12/24hr time and other settings. The leftmost digit shows the setting number, and

the rightmost digits show the current value –use the ▲and ▼ buttons to adjust. Press the SET button briefly to

advance to the next setting, and at the end of the settings list it will save all changes and return back to the normal

time screen. If no button has been pressed for 30 seconds, the display will revert back to the normal time screen,

saving any settings that were changed. The ordering and description of these options are shown below.

Setting Number

Description

Usage

Set day-time tube brightness

Use ▲and ▼to set tube brightness from 0 (min) to 7

(max).

Set night-time tube brightness

Set night-time light threshold

Press ▲to use the current ambient light level as the

night-time detection threshold.

Press ▼to use existing threshold.

“1” = New night-time threshold will be set

“0” = No change to threshold level

Set custom LED colour

Cycle through LED colours by holding ▲or ▼and

release on the desired colour. To show the custom

colour on the normal time screen, exit the menu and

use ▼to cycle through presets until new colour is

selected.

Note: no value is shown on right side of display.

Set LED brightness

Use ▲and ▼to set LED brightness, applied to all

screens.

Note: no value is shown on right side of display.

Select 12hr or 24hr time format

Use ▲and ▼to choose time format.

“12” = 12-hour

“24” = 24-hour

Select °C or °F temperature

Use ▲and ▼to choose temperature units.

“1” = °F (Degrees Fahrenheit)

“0” = °C (Degrees Celsius)

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

7. Online Configuration Application (Web App)

A key feature of your NIXlabs clocks is ease of use, and as such, it is not necessary to connect your device to the PC

for operation, and many options can be set, if desired, using the three built-in buttons. The web-based configuration

application (“web app”) uses the WebUSB feature on Chromium-based browsers, such as Google Chrome,

Microsoft Edge or Opera, on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android, and does not require any additional software to be

installed.

To access the web app, simply connect the clock to your Windows PC or Android device, open Chrome, and visit

app.nixie.com.au, then click “Connect” and select your device from the popup list.

NIXlabs clocks use the WINUSB driver built into all modern operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux and

Android. On Windows, Mac and Android devices, your NIXlabs clock will work without any additional setup. InLinux,

you may need to add a new udev rule in /etc/udev/rules.d with the following information:

SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="04d8", ATTR{idProduct}=="eead", MODE="0666", GROUP="plugdev"

Below is a comparison of all the options that can be set using the buttons or web app.

Buttons

Web App

Set time

✓

Set date

✓

Start a counter/timer

✓

12/24hr time format

✓

Leading zero on time display

✓

Button beep

✓

Colon on/off/flash

✓

Auto-show date and temperature

✓

Date format (DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY)

✓

Select °C / °F temperature units

✓

Customise LED colour

✓

Randomised LED colour

✓

Rainbow LED colour cycling

✓

Adjustable rainbow LED colour cycling speed

✓

Different LED colour for time, date, and temperature

✓

Day and night tube brightness

✓

LED brightness

✓

LED dimming at night

✓

Set ambient-light night dimming threshold

✓

Select ambient-light or time-based night dimming

✓

Tube anti-poisoning effect

✓

On-off timer

✓

Read diagnostic information

✓

Read error logs

✓

Firmware upgrade

✓

NIX4 and NIX6 User’s Guide

7.1 Using the Web App

You can use any good-quality charge & data USB cable to connect your nixie clock to your computer or

phone/tablet. The interface uses drivers already built into modern operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux and

Android) and the WebUSB feature of Chromium version 61 and newer –no additional software is required.

When your nixie clock is connected, use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Opera Browser to visit app.nixie.com.au

and click on the Connect button at the top right of the page. A dialog will appear listing all of the compatible NIXlabs

devices found - choose your device and click connect. Upon connection, all of the device’s settings are loaded from

the clock to the Web App. The Web App is arranged with tiles to group similar features, and the settings in each tile

can be saved to your clock by mousing over the tile and clicking the send button that appears at the top right. If

you adjust a setting using the device’s buttons whilst you are connected to the Web App, the page must be

refreshed in order to update the controls on the settings tiles.

An overview of the Web App showing major buttons and features is included in the screen capture on the next

page.

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