NixieTubes
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Insert Coin: Alarm clock makes you enter a code to silence it, in another room (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We love the snooze button as much as everyone else. But we've all postponed exiting the comfort of our Tempur-Pedic one too many times. Enter the Ramos alarm clock, a rise-and-shine solution that integrates a Defuse Panel in order to silence your wake-up call. Don't expect to stay in bed to enter the code either, as the keypad can be wirelessly situated in another room to prevent further slumber. Two time keeping options, LED and Nixie models, await your minimum pledges of $160 and $350 before the April 1st deadline. The latter features a nixie tube display that will put any regular ol' alarm clock's digits to shame. You can spring for a long-range kit if you need to place your key panel more than 50 feet away from your nightstand. If you're feeling extra generous, a pledge of more than $800 will allow you to select the type of wood used for your Ramos. In need of a bit more convincing? Peep the video on the other side of the break for a closer look.
Nixie tube reverse geocache box makes us long for the 80s, our very own spy card
This reverse geocache box reminds us of something out of Mission: Impossible -- the second-run of the TV series, not that dreadful Tom Cruise franchise -- only it won't self-destruct in five minutes. It will, however, unlock when it reaches a pre-programmed location. Like the Deluxe Reverse Geocache, this box gives its holder a mission should they choose to accept: use the display to find the box's final resting spot. Unlike its predecessor, this one uses three nixie tubes, not an LCD screen, to track the box's distance from its destination. A built-in Arduino GPS sensor does all the tracking, and a servo motor pops the top when triggered. The refashioned French army medical box operates off of three D-cells, and can do about 600 GPS fixes before powering down. We're definitely fond of this throw-back treasure chest, we just wish it had a built-in audio player for bumping the MI theme. Yeah, we said it.
Hacker uses Nixie Tubes to make Sudoku interesting
We are far too impatient for games like Sudoku, but we can appreciate a boss hack, such as the one that recently popped up over at Trashbear Labs. This contraption uses Nixie Tubes to solve Sudoku puzzles (with help from a modified version of code provided by Edwin Chan). By far, our favorite part of the contraption is the hardware itself: sort of looks like something from a nuclear submarine, doesn't it? Strike that: it's more like a nuclear fun-marine! (Wow, we even groaned a little there). Video after the break, and hit the source link for all the design files necessary to build your own! [Thanks, Thomas]
Nixie Concrete Clock is perfect for the bomb shelter or the bedroom
What desktop contraption could possibly be more evocative of the Cold War than a handcrafted clock made with some genuine Nixie tubes? How about a clock made with Nixie tubes and forged in concrete? While it's unfortunately just a one-off creation for now, this so-called Nixie Concrete Clock designed by Daniel Kurth is indeed fully functional (and even wall-mountable, depending on the wall), and could possibly be headed into production if Kurth can line up a few partners (and buyers). In the meantime, you can get a closer look at the clock by hitting up the read ilnk below, and contemplate the daunting task of building your own after taking a peek at the spec list (which includes 244 cable connections).[Via OhGIzmo!]
Indicator-6 Nixie clock is handsome, functional, Khruschev-approved
Hoping to relive the days of the Cold War -- you know, without the air raid drills? The handiwork of someone called Fred Niell (a character from a John le Carre' spy novel if we ever met one -- and we have), the Индикатор-6 ("indicator-6") uses gas-filled Nixie tubes to display the time. This timepiece is definitely more sane and sober in appearance than most of the clocks we see 'round here, and would look great in your study next to your cigar box and framed, autographed picture of Winston Churchill. What better way to keep track of the passing hours as you spend your twilight years writing your memoirs detailing your time in MI5? This hand-crafted chronometer sells for $275. Either hit the read link to order, or go to the safe house tonight at the stroke of midnight. You should already have the pass phrase. Video after the break.
