Cronixie - The eye-catching edge-lit clock kit that inspired the LIXIE
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- čas přidán 27. 04. 2018
- The edge-lit numerical display is having a hobbyist renaissance of late with Lixie displays getting a lot of online attention. This is a review of an edge-lit clock kit called the Cronixie-M.
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Cronixie Kits on ebay (Affiliated Links - see below)
Cronixie-M
UK ebay.to/2DG9FUs
DE ebay.to/2pooCG4
NL ebay.to/2G4ZFJC
AT ebay.to/2pnjMIj
FR ebay.to/2Ixkw6N
BE ebay.to/2IBx8JV
ES ebay.to/2pnYMS5
Outside Europe links*
AU ebay.to/2FLBoch
US ebay.to/2FGC2Ye
CA ebay.to/2HFBWwD
Cronixie-S
UK ebay.to/2FRK24B
DE ebay.to/2GE2b7n
NL ebay.to/2FPeoor
AT ebay.to/2FKlZZx
FR ebay.to/2pl2eO0
BE ebay.to/2FPeMTV
ES ebay.to/2FKm2Vd
Outside Europe links*
AU ebay.to/2FT9iHY
US ebay.to/2GDFMqJ
CA ebay.to/2tWSj67
*Apparently they might not ship outside Europe, but you could always ask them.
Cronixie Manufacturer’s Website (German): www.led-genial.de/LED-Cronixie
This is an independent review. I purchased my kit at full price via ebay.
*It's not a 'LIXIE' (all will be explained in the video) - LIXIE has become the most commonly used name for these edge lit type numerical displays - just like Xerox became synonymous with photocopiers - even the ones made by other companies. For more info on the Lixie branded displays - there's a link further down..
FAQs
If you are interested in a more DIY programmer's arduino kit type experience - here's a link to Conor Nishijima's LIXIE displays:
Lixie Displays: connor-n.com/lixie/
From what I understand LIXIEs are enclosed and stack the digits much closer together in a sealed unit. They look pretty cool to me - but require programming skills that I don't have.
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-----AFFILIATED LINKS/ADVERTISING NOTICE------
All links are Affiliated where possible.
When you click on links to various merchants posted here and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network & Amazon.
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----ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRANSLATION OF CRONIXIE CLOCK OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS--------
Knob adjusts the colours, short press toggles between time and date.
Date automatically returns to the time after about 3 seconds.
Long press on the button during the time display will enter the setting menu (white).
Long press on the button during date display will start the system parameter menu (blue).
Access function 0-9 by spinning the knob - a short press will select, a long press will end.
All settings are retained in case of power failure (EEPROM)
Alarm is prioritised over the timer stopwatch.
Version is displayed at power up.
Random (slot machine) display (can be switched on / off).
Settings menu: (white) - Default settings shown in brackets
0: Set brightness 1-15 0=Automatic via sensor (12)
1: Beep on / off 0=off 1=on (1)
2: Set Time - Short press changes between hours, minutes, seconds. Long press confirms it.
3: Set Date - Short press alternates between days, months, years. Long press confirms it.
4: Alarm on / off 0=off 1=on (0)
5: Set alarm time - Short press changes between hours, minutes. Long press confirms it
6: Auto Date display on / off 0=off 1=on (1)
7: Timer (max 23:59:00) Short press changes between hours, minutes long press confirms it. Short press to Start / Stop Long press when stopped to exit
8: Stopwatch (23:59:59 max.) Short press to Start / Stop. Long press when stopped to exit.
9: Party mode on / off 0=off 1=on (0)
System parameter Menu : (blue)
0: Time offset 0-10 Offset in seconds per 24 hours (updated at 2 o'clock) (0)
1: Time offset plus or minus 0=minus 1=plus (1)
2: Minimum brightness at Auto Brightness 0-30 (2)
3: Random (Slot Machine) on / off 0=off 1=on (1)
To RESET everything to default: Restart while pressing the button. - Věda a technologie
LINKS, FAQ and more can be found in the *Video Description Text Box*
If you need a german translation for something, just give me a note. :)
You removed the US links because some people 1. Can't get it sent to the US and/or 2. Don't like the time, calendar sisplay. What about those of us who 1. can get it shipped to the US and 2. don't mind or do like the time, calendar display??? Not everyone in the US thinks the same way, lots of people us the 24 clock (ie: military, medical, police etc.) Return the US links.
No AU shipping. Bummer.
Yes! I was in the Army for 26 years and can't stand AM/PM. When someone tells me to drop by at seven, I have to ask which seven they are talking about. Also, I hope TM gets some advert bucks (or I guess Pounds) since I'll be buying one of these.
I hope they've bunged you a few quid. You've sent their sales through the roof
This type of video is the reason why I'm subscribed, letting me know of the things that I never knew that existed but need to have now.
His minidisc videos do that to me too. I now own two players, and he did it to me.
The zero is etched on the other side, so the front of the clock is kept smooth
Correct.
german details ;)
Still, why are there 10 different plates on every digit? I mean, it's only used as a clock, so there's no use for 6 and up at the decimal minute and second digit, as well as 3 and up at the decimal hour digit.
1. date
2. settings
3. programming capabilities
I really like that people have come up with an alternative to Nixie tubes, as the supply of them is finite and prices keep rising. Excellent video as always!
Mr. Dalibor Farny has started his own nixie design and production facility.
Hey.
Um.
Tip for removing that blue film, maybe for the next time you run into it, or share with anyone buying something like this.
Anyway, tip.
Use a piece of tape looped around your finger to lift up a corner of the protective plastic film.
From a machinist whom has had to deal with a lot of protective plastic.
Hope it help someone, I know it doesn't always work, but especially with the numbers burned out like that, tape could help quite a bit.
Tip from a farmer, use bale tape, if that shit doesn't work all the time i don't know what will
Fantastic decorative piece. Definitely going to get one. Thanks for the great video! I'm a big fan.
that is really cool. interesting how 5v USB has become an international voltage for so many things now
Saves everyone a lot of time and effort, and it's probably cheaper to use USB rather than stepping down mains or using a 12 volt adaptor, with the handy upside of being useable anywhere that uses USB, which is basically everywhere
Purchased one of these after watching this video. It turned up yesterday and took me about two hours to assemble. What a great clock and informative video, many thanks.
Having owned one of these for 3 years now I come back to this video every six months to read the functions in the description to change the clock time by an hour!
Great review! Your outro is impressive and a nice reminder of the cool products you've covered and the quality of all your b-roll shots :)
Very cool thing, but what a dust magnet, needs a little clear fish tank like cover over the top, surely.
Oh wow the amount of dust on this thing would be disgusting after a few months of operation. There's just so much surface area for each number. Not including a case in this kit is a very poor excuse to cut corners.
Good idea!
Can of compressed air would get rid of dust
Don't call me Shirley!
I was thinking about putting black tape around the outside of each module. It would also help keep ambient light out.
I love how this looks, I am sorely tempted to get one of these now.
Got a medium one for Xmas using your affiliated link. Very pleased you introduced us to this, looks great!
The Cronixie-M is absolutely _brilliant!!!_ - And your video a textbook example of an instructional and lucid how-to-DIY! Thanks a lot for posting this little gem Techmoan!!!😉👌
Yes after a year finally built this clock because of this excellent video. The small wires and soldering is the hardest. 1 hour to remove the covering of plastic on the panels. Put all the panels in back to front, it is possible. On power up spotted my issue. Working now 24hours without any issue. I have tube clocks but this is a interesting alternative. 🙂🇮🇪
Wow! Really enjoyed that. Really enjoyed the assembly and setup. I don’t know why you have a feeling of trepidation. You seem way more competent than the rest of us!
Something new to put on my shopping list...
This looks pretty cool, good build quality, I like it.
I hope you see this - I liked this video so much that I ordered my own Cronixie from Germany through eBay, and received it yesterday (I live in Michigan near Detroit). I plan to use this video as my guide for assembling mine - Thank You!!
The idea of the different layers is so cool
That's a great looking clock, and I like the controller box being made out of the clear acrylic with that big gear dial.
Every week I discover there is something I've never heard of that is completely missing in my life. I love this channel. :)
Cheers!
It's inspiring to hear Techmoan not brag about his handiwork skills when you look at how much he's already repaired/assembled/etc.
He's definitely more skilled than me!
My favourite CZcams channel by far! Love seeing a new video
Wow...You have found my next project...Thank you very much. A great video as ever.
How have I only just seen this, the construction is so utterly simple!
Just needs an acrylic display cover to stop the dust.
Great clock and project. Love it. - I especially love the fact that it reads in 24 hour time. Far more professional.
Without doubt this is my most favourite channel on CZcams
Will collect dust like crazy and needs an acrylic cover.
Looks VERY cool, but seems a little expensive for some leds and the acrylic....
GREAT video!!!
Thanks for posting all the Ebay links for your international viewers. Canada usually gets left off, nice to see it there :D
Love all your episodes! Keep it up! I hope to get a Lixie clock soon too!
Edge-lit displays are really cool! I've seen them in various forms. I have a mid '70s Zenith stereo with an edge-lit radio display, and the digits change between AM and FM when you select those bands. Even now it's an awesome effect, imagine how futuristic it looked back in the day?
Do you know what model number zenith? Id love to see what that looks like. Very cool!
I got mine yesterday and it is working beautifully!!!!
Love it. Just bought one, they are selling out fast, thanks to your video.
That's pretty cool. Thanks for the note about the Goldfinger reference. Nifty!
Thanks for your photosensitive warnings, I always appreciate that in your videos! :-)
You earned my subscription! Cheers from outback Australia, Rolf
Being a fan of nixie stuff myself (and kits) this really appeals to me.
I would have liked to seen it against a nixie to compare brightness, but it seems to have plenty of adjustments.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Just ordered one, can't wait!
The inability to turn off the "0" reset animation seems like an oversight
I noticed that when the countdown timer was set for 1 minute, the alarm sounds immediately when it reaches 01 seconds (14:08). Maybe they'll fix that in a firmware update, but until then, set your 3 minute eggs to 3 min 01 sec.
I liked that - I know it's not accurate, but it's like how in movies the bomb countdown timer always stops at 1 :)
Hi, this is the manufacturer. You can turn off that animation. You need the Windows software that comes with the clock to do that. It is available as a download. In that software you find different files that are like different "themes". You can pick the one you like best or add new ones because those files can be shared. People who know how to change the code can create new files. The animations you see when you unwrap the clock are merely an example showing you what the clock can do. You can find detailed information on customizing the clock in our new FAQ:
www.led-basic.de/wp/category/led-nixie-faq/
@@jammin023 there's a movie where that's a major joke no one can shut off the bomb and at 01 seconds it stops itself and the bad guy is pissed.
Well, this is pretty neat. A bit more 'assembly required' than I'd like though.
On my part, I think the novelty would wear off pretty fast. I actually have some acrylic + LED stuff around that I got some months back, and I only use one of them anymore, the others I haven't touched after a week or two of using them.
Hi, we're the manufacturer. We're happy that you like it, thank you! We're interested in finding out which part of the assembly you think is too much. We are currently working on a similar project that might cater to your needs a bit more so maybe you'd like to have a look at our FAQ where we will post new information in English. It's going to take some time until we can tell you more, though.
As for the novelty: we designed the clock with many different options to customize it so we hope that this is an item that doesn't end up forgotten on a shelf. It has a modular design.
(1) It's open-source so you can change the code.
(2) A few elements of the hardware can be customized.
(3) You can use the Windows software we provide as a download to change its look. There are several files contained in it which can be selected and which you can apply to the clock when you connect it to the computer via USB. That takes only a few seconds. Users who like writing code can create new animations, save them as a file, and share those files with others. We hope that you guys get very creative and that you find it easy to change the look. So you can integrate the clock in your lighting concept or a party decoration or come up with something we haven't even remotely thought of.
This is our FAQ (it includes the link to the software):
www.led-basic.de/wp/category/led-nixie-faq/
Amazing product, tons of features, and I am surprised they have accomplished as much as they did, but it just doesn't have that industrial or magical look to it, like the nixies and some other solutions do. Great video, Matt!
A similar type of a display was first used in Non-Linear Systems Model 481. That was 1950's ! Used standard light bulbs along with relays.
I like it, but why do the seconds (and I assume every other digit) count back from 9 to 0 rather than just jump? I would find that annoying.
It is an effect used by many normal Nixie clocks, just to look nice, but most of the time you can turn it off
I'm assuming with the right coding experience and equiptment you could change that on the internal chip.
I suspect that's the jackpot setting (#3 in the date setting mennu) - so it can be switched off.
I like it, the 3d effect is cool.
@SierraLimaOscar
Nope.
WTF, This is so clever!!! I had no idea, very simple and looks cool. I'll make one with yellow led's or rgb set to yellow to resemble that amber color, Thanks for showcasing this great technology. You're the best channel related to general tech, audio video now this. Amazing.
Hey you can solder too! Your soldering looks pretty good.
We could all use more nixie in our lives! As always, thanks for your great video!
Nice. Simple yet effective, using an Arduino, a D1338 and WS2812b LEDs. I have all those parts and could probably program it, but obviously no way to obtain the CNC-cut and etched acrylic pieces and PCBs, and couldn't make it look as nice. Maybe I'll get one of these kits at some point! Great video as always.
Awesome video and awesome clock there, fella! :-)
Couple of handy bits to add here:
1. According to the German language instructions, the controller distinguishes between short (click) & long (hold) presses, i.e. long press to save the time & exit after setting it.
2. Besides the numerical clock featured here, they also offer a textual version which works in both Deutsch & English. Same overall idea, but with 7x ten letter placements.
Goldfinger was on TV at the time you posted this in Sydney
That is clocking amazing. Just like the till signs in Aldi. We are opening till number 4....
2 tips.
I found a acrylic case with a nice oak base on eBay. It's meant for model trains and fits perfect. I extended the 4 screws on the bottom corners of the clock, and drilled corresponding holes in the base to keep the clock from sliding around in the case. I also cut a slot in the back edge of the acrylic cover for the cord. Much easier to keep clean, and looks great. The case was about $50, but is very nice.
My clock kept very poor time, and the clock sped up and slowed down when the room temperature changed. I ordered a new version #2 of the controller from Germany (to US). The new controller has a "high precision watch chip" and keeps very good time. The new controller also had newer software, which has a couple new features like a 12 hour setting. The version 2 controller was about $60.
These 2 tips solved all the issues I had with the clock.
Admiring the creativity, Thanks it was fun watching.
Fantastic- I want one! Clearly the alarm is a work in progress.... hopefully!
Spmeone must turn this into a three digit (or four - 000.0) speedometer to put onto a panel of a car, sort of as a HUD style.
If you had the skills I’m sure you could use the Lixie displays and an arduino to achieve this. A link to lixies is in the video description.
Along with sub-bass woofers, satnavs, mobile phones, in-car entertainment and yabbering kids in the back, this idea just puts you all, one bit closer to high-speed death.
People and their car gadgets... smh.
Only Techmoan can make a 23-minute video about a clock without being boring... Except maybe Franlab.
Hey.....!
It's Fran......
In the lab....
....Fran Lab!
Thanks for clarifying the lexie tubes in goldfinger, I love that movie and always wondered about the timer. I assumed they were regular nixies!
Thanks. A Cronixie is just what I need.
That is so cool! Thanks for sharing. It would be interesting to make a controller for this with a Raspberry PI.
The ''3D'' effect shows up fairly well with the brightness up and the studio lights dimmed.
Especially on the leftmost and rightmost digits.
Common sense says use gloves to assemble the display panels. Tech tip. Excellent job on the video, explaining how this works. As mentioned below, this looks like a cover is mandatory. The links you provided are extremely helpful!
Because of your videos, i bought my son a nixie clock. Now i have to buy one of these.
Great demo. Thanks very much!
FUN FACT: The nixie tubes (especially the Soviet ones) have the number five digit (5) being ambiguously substituted with an upside-down two digit (2) - they did this for economy reasons... That's why the number five looks funky with the nixie tubes. ^__^
With your analytical mindset, I would love to see you set up a small electronics lab, including gear such as an oscilloscope, benchtop multimeter, frequency counter, function generator, decent soodering set up, component selection, all that kind of stuff. There’s actually some decent introductory beginner priced stuff being made these days. Then once you have a basic set up you can always upgrade piece by piece.... by restoring old pieces, recapping and such. I’m absolutely positive you would love it and you would be great at it.
I wish that 'countdown' feature could be turned off, I mean so the number jumps back to 0 after 9 instead of counting back down.
The second countdown can be disabled though not through the clock settings but by modifying the clock software. Indeed I've done that and is straightforward with very little knowledge. Briefly; download LedBasic, open 'cronios1-nixie-complete-vanessa_1.41.bas', comment out line 201 by prefixing the line with an apostrophe, connect the clock via USB and upload the modified software. Took 30 minutes from beginning to end. Next time it will take me 5 minutes :-)
Hi, this is the manufacturer. Yeah, you've figured it out! Changing the code is one cool thing about the clock. If that was everything the clock and software could do everybody would start changing this animation from scratch and you'd have to repeat steps other people have already completed. That's not necessary. We wanted to take this a step further, so here's the other cool thing:
Now that you disabled the animation you can save the changes you made as a .bas file. You can share that file with other people. All they need to do then is download the software, put the file in, connect the clock via USB, and apply the file to the clock. Done. As soon as someone created a file no knowledge concerning the code is needed anymore. This way, people who don't have experience with code can participate and the guys who change the code don't need to put lengthy descriptions online.
This system is designed to change a lot more than just one animation. You can play with them and create completely new ones changing the speed and colors etc. All we provide is examples. We hope you guys exchange lots of ideas and get creative!
If you like, you can also use this mechanism to change the clock's display to the 12 hour system and MMDDYY date. We are working on providing you with a .bas file but you can make those changes yourself in the code.
You can find more detailed information on the options to customize the clock in our new FAQ (the link to the software is included):
www.led-basic.de/wp/category/led-nixie-faq/
They should add an option to make it "tick" using the buzzer like an analog clock, and also add 12 hour mode.
Yeah, just thought of that. It would be almost the 007 bomb countdown.
Yeah!
Hi, this is the manufacturer. We can at least make one of your wishes come true because the clock is customizable. We're working on providing you guys with a file that will add the 12 hour mode to the clock. If you know how to work with code you can also make that change on your own because it's open source. To add the file to the clock you need the Windows software we provide as a download and you need to connect the clock to your computer via USB. You can find more information on how that works and where you can find the software in the section on customizing the clock in our new FAQ:
www.led-basic.de/wp/category/led-nixie-faq/
I too would love a 12 hour option, not good with code.
Oh cool!
Very slick! I never knew of Lixie until now.
Lixie guy here! If you ever pick up some of my displays, feel free to reach out for any help. :)
How nice of my fellow US viewers to complain early and ruin the links section for the rest of us. This is why we can't have nice things. For the record, I love 24-hour clocks. I know that makes me un-American or something.
Thanks for sharing, as always! I love your thorough and well-edited style; so refreshing. :)
Another fascinating video, thanks so much! I've been skeptical of edge-lit displays vs. the real neon look, but these are surprisingly crisp and bright it seems.
By the way, the automatic captions are usable but just barely. Have you considered using a professional captioning service? I recently learned that these are a lot less expensive than I'd been assuming (like $1/minute!) so I'm considering doing that when I don't have time to caption a video myself.
Thanks again!
An English version of the user manual is available on their website as well as in French, Italian and Spanish
My 1977 Toyota Celica had etched words on side lit acrylic panels in the console to indicate brake and fluid levels etc.
Love this!! I need one. Love your videos!
That looks amazing! Never heard of it
You actually solder quite well;
Nice consistent, shiny, blobs of solder.
Not holding the iron on there too long
And you seem to have figured out ‘pre-tinning’ on your own (when you put solder on the pads or wire first)
This is right up my street. I'll be picking one up soon!
This would definitely need to be enclosed in some sort of clear case, as every spec of dust will show up especially in low light.
And also have a solid black back panel to make the digits easier to see in bright light.
Do a video en the 1979 Sony Walkman, I’ve had one for quite a while, and I really like how you review and breakdown old tech like the pocket rocker you did in the previous video
Super cool kit and nice review.
I do want to point out something though. The position of those screws is probably not an error. They might appear to be too close to each other to get a socket or wrench on them, but they are probably this close on purpose so the flat on one acorn nut lines up with the flat on the other acorn nut and prevents them from turning. This way you can tighten the screw with an allen key from the other side without needing a socket or wrench at all.
Such a cool product. Pricey but looks so good
There's something neatly magical about the way the panels seem to physically jump around.
Great video,I might get one now I know how to put it together,cheers.
your "limited" skills at putting things together is much better than other peoples' advanced skills...
I’ve seen an edge lit display on a Vintage Elevator that was used as a floor indicator.
I was beginning to think you were unwell! I had got used to Thursday or Friday uploads.
I’m trying out a Saturday release because there were two videos out last week. I thought that people might have more time to watch CZcams at the weekend. We’ll see how that goes.
Brilliant video, as ever! MJ
This is awesome! It will never die because the LEDs can be controlled with any brain box. This is worth way more than a old pixie tube clock that can die at any moment. I will probably get one of these clocks for my office and keep it forever.
Love it! Wish they were available on Canadian eBay/Amazon.. I'll be watching for one!
with the bolts on the display part, would it be easier to alternate every other one so they are inverted...ie dome next to nut..probably easier to assemble that way
A great video, Mat. Have to say I found this gadget more attractive than the Nixie tubes, which look too old fashioned for my taste. Still expensive though, given that it is largely self-assembly.
Well done and very cool.
I have one of these multi digit displays removed from some old test equipment. Big metal box covered in solder tabs. Want to do something with it someday!
(14:08) The countdown timer immediately sounds the alarm at 01, thus a 60 sec countdown is actually a 59 sec countdown. It doesn't display 0 at the end of the countdown, which is really odd.
Thank you for your review on the Lixie display clock - can the individual display colours be changed? I would love if the seconds can appear in a different colour and the date format can be it be charged from DDMMYY to YYMMDD or MMDDYY.
Comprehensive vid which will surely result in increased sales. Cronixie owe you a debt of gratitude and would do well to 'see you right' retrospectively.
Very good looking. Stack it with your nixie clocks and they can have a race :-) does the seconds adjustment knob compensate for the different pulse rate in the US because of our 60 Cycle Supply? Thanks love the show
What a coincidence! Yesterday I watched Goldfinger. My country National broadcaster (LRT) decided to show all Bond films from Dr. No to Spectre. When I saw scene with nuclear bomb, I definately took attention to that display.
i'm so tempted to buy...
I like the DIY - Kit assemblage videos
Gotta be getting one of these!