GPS Satellite Controlled Nixie Tube Clock (NixiSat)

40cm L x 16cm H; NixiSat is suitable for display in a corporate lobby or your residence. The 100mm tall Nixie Tubes are viewable from a great distance.

NixiSat is controlled by an integrated GPS satellite receiver module, decoding transmissions from 28 US government defense satellites orbiting our planet. The NAVigation Satellite Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) system was developed to meet the military needs of the United States Department of Defense. The extraordinary ranging accuracy of GPS is the result of an ultra-stable cesium clock reference transmitted by the ground based segments of NAVSTAR. NixiSat takes advantage of the NAVSTAR precision timekeeping system to deliver a clock with "beyond question" accuracy. There are no other satellite controlled clocks offering a comparable level of performance, and embedded features at a hobby kit price. NixiSat uses a Direct Drive Nixie Tube display, No multiplexing was used. Although more complex; Direct Drive offers the distinct advantages of a brighter digit display, and extended (10+ yr) tube life.

This clock was developed as a partnering project with John Miktuk. An engineering team approach will always deliver a superior product to the customer.

The clock base is offered in a choice of two different woods: American Cherry, and American Walnut. Please click here for example images: Cherry Walnut

Your NixiSat clock will remain accurate to within one second of the GPS Satellite transmission. Far superior to local oscillator and AC line referenced clocks. Local Time, Date, Latitude / Longitude coordinates, and the temperature can be configured to scroll across the display at intervals of: 1, 15, 30, 60 minutes. Time can be displayed in 12 or 24 hour format. For 12 hour format: a PM indicator is located at the lower left of the display. Date can be displayed in either mm,dd,yy OR dd,mm,yy format. The temperature can be displayed in degrees F or degrees C with quarter degree precision. A pleasing soft chime tone can be enabled to strike at selected intervals, and a choice of chime styles are provided. The scrolling speed can be varied from slow to -fast in a range of ten individual steps. And, each of the features can be separately disabled from the periodic scrolling cycle. The colon indicators separating the paired digits can vary their configuration to upper, lower, or independent. This determines whether the Time, Date, Coordinates or Temperature are currently being displayed.

NixiSat receives the satellite transmissions using a compact "puck" style 1.5Ghz antenna. Some locations may provide adequate satellite reception inside of a structure, whereas others will require an externally mounted antenna. The antenna is weatherproof, and includes a 20' coaxial lead in for external mounting.

NixiSat incorporates a unique method of operation in areas with "spotty" reception due to limited antenna mounting considerations; a secondary time source! In the event of satellite signal loss after successful startup; NixiSat will continue operation using the high precision 1pps signal pulse from the GPS receiver. The lower right colon lamp will extinguish to indicate the clock is operating from the local precision, then relight when the satellite signal has been restored. If power is lost, a lithium battery will maintain GPS receiver ephemeris, and quickly resume operation when power is restored. No typical cold start TTFF (Time To First Fix) delay is incurred when NixiSat is re powered. The initial startup acquire after installation may take 10-30 minutes, location dependent.

Careful assembly is an important element in the appearance of the clock. The symmetrical component layout attracts your eyes to the electronics inside.

The materials used to construct the NixiSat satellite controlled nixie clock are of the absolute highest quality.

The giant Z5680M Nixie Tubes were manufactured in Germany by RFT, and are NOS from a half century ago.

Jeff Thomas