Readiness: SMD Nixie Clock
Verdict: Ready with caveats · 2026-07-09 · est. parts cost $185–$220
The hardware is largely obtainable, but the project relies on vintage Soviet-era Nixie tubes and indicator lamps sourced from secondary markets. Sourcing these requires verifying "new-old-stock" status. Additionally, the high-voltage shift registers (HV5622) show tightening stock levels at major distributors, which may constrain large group implementations. This is a baseline cold check of current market availability.
Action required
| Part |
Problem |
Recommended action |
| MC78L05ABPX |
Obsolete |
Use substitute L78L05ACZTR. |
| 67996-103HLF |
Specific P/N unavailable |
Use generic 1x3 0.1" (2.54mm) pin header or snap from a larger strip. |
| IN-14 Nixie Tube |
Vintage/No longer produced |
Purchase from secondary market (eBay/specialist) and verify tested status. |
Parts
Integrated Circuits and Semiconductors
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| IC1: ATmega328P-AU |
LQFP-32 |
Active |
10,288 |
$2.66 |
DigiKey |
| U2, U3: HV5622PG-G |
LQFP-44 |
Active |
96 |
$8.81 |
DigiKey |
| U1: DS3231SN# |
SO-16-W |
Active |
3,220 |
$17.49 |
DigiKey |
| U4: 78L05 Regulator |
TO-92 |
Obsolete |
0 |
— |
— |
Display Components
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| N1-N7: IN-14 Nixie Tube |
Russian Base |
Surplus |
Various |
$20.00 |
eBay |
| N4, N8: IN-3 Indicator |
2-lead Neon |
Surplus |
High |
$1.75 (3-pk) |
Electronic Goldmine |
Resistors
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| 27 kΩ (R1, R4, R5, R6, R9, R10) |
TH 5mm Spacing |
Active |
77,612 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| 120 kΩ (R2, R7) |
TH 5mm Spacing |
Active |
35,646 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| 4.7 kΩ (R3, R8) |
TH 5mm Spacing |
Active |
95,094 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
| 10 kΩ (R11) |
TH 5mm Spacing |
Active |
619,610 |
$0.10 |
DigiKey |
Capacitors
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| 0.1 µF (C1, C4, C5) |
TH 2.5mm Spacing |
Active |
35,451 |
$0.27 |
DigiKey |
| 22 pF (C2, C3) |
TH 2.5mm Spacing |
Active |
390 |
$0.37 |
DigiKey |
Electromechanical and Support Hardware
| Part |
Spec/Package |
Status |
Stock |
Price |
Source |
| Y1: Crystal Oscillator |
HC49-U (16 MHz) |
Active |
5,201 |
$0.28 |
DigiKey |
| SW1-SW3: Tactile Button |
RA SPST |
Ready |
High |
$0.60 |
SparkFun |
| CON1: DC Barrel Jack |
TH PJ-102AH |
Active |
35,252 |
$0.72 |
DigiKey |
| BT1: CR2032 Holder |
SMD/TH Hybrid |
Active |
14,260 |
$0.38 |
DigiKey |
| P1: ISP Header |
2x03 2.54mm |
Active |
11,260 |
$0.56 |
DigiKey |
| P2: Power Header |
1x03 2.54mm |
Not in stock |
0 |
— |
— |
| Nixie Sockets |
Machine Tooled |
Ready |
High |
$2.00 |
Pololu |
| Boost Converter |
NCH6100HV |
Ready |
High |
$11.58 |
eBay |
| Power Adapter |
12V 1A DC |
Ready |
High |
$6.49 |
Waveshare |
| Chassis Hardware |
4-40 Screw/Nut |
not checked |
— |
— |
— |
Substitutes
| For part |
Substitute |
Differences |
Judgment |
| MC78L05ABPX |
L78L05ACZTR |
Physical and electrical match (5V, 100mA, TO-92). |
Acceptable. |
Verify any substitute against its datasheet before ordering.
Other dependencies
- IDE: Microchip Studio (Active/Ready).
- Compiler: AVR-GCC (Active/Ready).
- External Libraries:
millis and ds_rtc_lib (Included in source/Ready).
- Programming Hardware: AVRISP mkII or similar ISP programmer (not checked).
- Fabrication: 2-layer PCB, 101.60mm x 38.10mm (Ready).
- Chassis: Wood or 3D printed enclosure (not checked).
Watch list
- HV5622PG-G: Stock is limited (under 100 units at DigiKey). Monitor availability closely if planning multiple kits.
- IN-14 Tubes: As vintage stock, prices fluctuate and availability decreases over time. Verify tube testing results from sellers.
- 22 pF Capacitors: Stock level for specified P/N is relatively low (390 units); easily replaced by generic equivalents if depleted.