Omnixie Smart Wifi Clock | Omnixie 智能Wifi辉光钟

转眼间，距上一个辉光钟作品诞生已时隔近六年，原以为我已经对古朴而又柔美的辉光管进行了完美的诠释，未曾想时隔近六年后，又一次改变了辉光钟的概念，一款完美的智能Wifi辉光钟作品Omnixie诞生。

How time flies, six years have past since my last Nixie clock released, I thought I had performed a perfect interpretation of Nixie Tubes, never thought that I redefined it again after six years, a perfect smart Wifi Nixie Clock released today.

现在看来，之前所做过的辉光管时钟作品包括大多数DIYer的辉光钟作品，都仅仅是将电子时钟里的显示器件这个元素替换成了辉光管，而后或多或少的对外观加以修饰，使其Hold的住辉光管古典的气场，除此之外，所谓的跨越时空的古老器件与现代科技的完美结合并不凸显。所以在3年前萌生新的想法时，许久未能赋予她新的定义。Omnixie从2015年初开始动手做第一版设计，这3年时间里经历了5次改版，每一次改版都源于对极致的苛求，对以前所有创作过程中所遇到的问题进行革新，对时下流行的科技进行整合应用，而又始终不离开时钟这个本质！在详细介绍之前，我们先睹为快：

For now though, all Nixie clocks that have been done before include most of DIYer’s Nixie clocks are merely replaced the element of display components with Nixie tubes, and the appearance was modified to make it more classical. In addition, the perfect combination of the so-called time-spaced ancient devices and modern technology is not highlighted. So when a new idea was created three years ago, it’s hard to give it a new definition. The Omnixie project was launched for the first edition from the beginning of 2015, it has undergone five revisions in the past three years. Each revision has its origins in the rigorous demand and innovates all the problems encountered in the previous creative process, integrated and applied the popular science and modern technology, but never leave the essence of the clock. Before we go into details, let’s look at it first:

Omnixie支持多种型号的辉光管 | Omnixie compatible with dozens of different types of Nixie tubes

19mm直径系列的辉光管最为常见，型号众多，为了满足对不同种类辉光管的兼容性，此次从设计时就考虑了到了不同的安装方式。
按照管脚排列方式来分，Omnixie共分为3个系列：

The 19mm-diameter series of Nixie tubes is the most common type with numerous models. In order to compatible with different types of Nixie tubes and different installation methods have been considered from the design stage.
According to the pin definition, The Omnixie fall into three series:

Omnixie S系列 | S series:
S系列兼容RTS-54型管脚定义的辉光管。例如美国National的NL-5440/5441/5442/5448及NL-5440A/5441A，美国Burroughs的B-5440/5441/5440A/5441A等等。
S series compatible with the Nixie tubes with RTS-54 pin definition. E.g.: NL-5440/5441/5442/5448/NL-5440A/5441A from National made in U.S., B-5440/5441/5440A/5441A from Burroughts made in U.S..

Omnixie E系列 | E series:
E系列兼容RTS-11型管脚定义的辉光管。例如美国National的NL-840/841/842/845/846/848/900/901等等。
E series compatible with the Nixie tubes with RTS-11 pin definition. E.g.: NL-840/841/842/845/846/848/900/901 from National made in U.S..

Omnixie C系列 | C series:
C系列兼容19mm直径系列软脚辉光管。例如前苏联的IN-14/IN-8-2，德国RFT的Z570M/Z573M/Z574M，英国Mullard及德国Telefunken的ZM1080等等。
C series compatible with the 19mm-diameter Nixie tubes with fly pins. E.g.: IN-14/IN-8-2 made in USSR, Z570M/Z573M/Z574M from RFT made in Germany, ZM1080 from Mullard made in U.K. or from Telefunken from Germany.

Omnixie支持的所有辉光管均可插拔更换 | Omnixie supports swappable Nixie tubes.

辉光管的更换一直以来是个难题，由于辉光管寿命有限，在需要更换辉光管时，除了一些可插拔的辉光管型号以外（如NL-5441/NL841等），软脚的辉光管就需要一些工具和焊接技术来拆装（如IN-14/IN-8-2/Z570M/ZM1080等）。在这之前，也有朋友简单的使用直径较小的插孔来为软脚的辉光管设计可插拔的管座，将辉光管的软脚直接插进这样的管座，但软脚的辉光管由于管脚很细，而且又是镀锡脚，有些管脚由于年代久远已经氧化锈蚀，直接将这种管子的管脚插到插孔里非常容易接触不良，而且不同年代和批次的管脚粗细不同，也很容易固定不牢，容易脱落。此次Omnixie C系列兼容的软脚辉光管全部采用镀金插针的转接板连接，确保插拔牢靠，接触良好。

Replace Nixie tubes has always been a difficult problem. Due to the limited life of the Nixie tube, when the Nixie tube needs to be replaced, except for some pluggable Nixie tube models (such as the NL-5441/NL-841, etc.), the fly pins Nixie tube requires some tools and soldering techniques to disassemble (such as IN-14/IN-8-2/Z570M/Z1080M, etc.). Prior to this, some friends simply used a smaller diameter socket pins to design a pluggable socket for the fly pins Nixie tube, the soft pin of Nixie tube was directly inserted into such a socket, but the soft fly pins of Nixie tube is tin plated and very thin, some of the pins have been oxidized easily lead to poor contact and easily fall off. The Omnixie C series compatible fly pins Nixie tubes are all connected with adapter with gold-plated connectors ensure stable and reliable connection with easy  tube replacement.

目前为止，Omnixie支持6种型号的辉光管，分别是NL-841、NL-5441、IN-14、IN-8-2、ZM1080、Z570M，软脚辉光管均配备了转接板及镀金插针，如下图：

The Omnixie compatible with 6 models of Nixie tubes, they are NL-841, NL-5441, IN-14, IN-8-2, ZM1080, Z570M, all fly pins Nixie tubes installed pin adapter with gold plated pins as shown below:

Omnixie底座采用天然实木、铝合金、不锈钢三种材质构成 | Omnixie base is made of aluminum panel, hardwood frame and stainless steel base plate

天然实木无论怎样都可以衬托古典艺术之美，但仅使用木材又过于单调，所以此次采用了铝合金面板，配合碳灰色阳极氧化处理，600目拉丝工艺以及高光亮边处理，中框采用天然木材，木材种类分三种：竹、榉木、黑檀，底板采用304不锈钢拉丝板材。

Natural wood can set off the beauty of classical art, but only use of wood is too monotonous, so this time we use the aluminum alloy panel, with carbon gray anodizing, 600 mesh drawing process and high light edge processing, and the middle frame is made of nature wood. There are three types of wood: Bamboo, Beech and Ebony, and the bottom plate is made of 304 stainless steel with wire drawing.

Omnixie底座实木中框厚度仅为6mm | Omnixie wooden frame thickness is only 6mm

此次为了将Omnixie的底座做到极致纤薄，在元器件选型方面及PCB设计方面克服了很多困难，而且还要在6mm厚的空间内安放管座、功率电感、喇叭等等尺寸接近极限的零件，要知道，NL-5441辉光管的管脚长度已经有6mm长了，基本上在安装辉光管的这些位置上无法排列任何电子器件，但纤薄的底座带来的视觉冲击是震撼的。

In order to make Omnixie base to achieve the ultimate thin, components selection and PCB design overcome a lot of diffculties, but also in the 6mm chick space to place tubes, power inductors, speakers and other big size components, we all know NL-5441 Nixie tube has 6mm long pin already, basically in the installation space of the Nixie tubes can not arrange any of electronic components, but the visual impact of the thin base is shocking.

Omnixie支持WIFI网络校时 | Omnixie supports WIFI synchronization with NTP server

WIFI网络校时是此次设计的创新之处，由于WIFI网络已经相当普及，Omnixie内置WIFI模块，能在任何具备WIFI网络的环境下通过WIFI路由器连接Internet，通过Internet访问NTP网络时间服务器，并从NTP网络时间服务器获取精准的网络时间。NTP服务器是用来使计算机时间同步化的一种协议，它可以提供高精准的时间矫正，在Internet上绝大多数地方其精度可以达到1-50ms。NTP网络时间服务器分布于世界各地，用户可根据所在的位置选择连接速度最快的NTP服务器。

WIFI synchronization is the innovation of this design, WIFI network is very popular, the Omnixie has a built-in WIFI module that can connect to router automatically and sync the date and time from NTP server (NTP time accuracy can reach 1-50ms) after initial setup, NTP is a protocol used to synchronize the time of a computer. NTP servers are distributed all over the world, user can choose the fasted NTP server based on their location.

有了WIFI网络校时功能，我们不在依托高精度的RTC时钟芯片，也不再需要人为设定时钟的时间，对于闰年、闰秒、夏令时等等均能自动调整，无需人为调整，且Omnixie在成功连接到NTP服务器后实时与NTP服务器进行同步通讯，确保时间精度保持实时准确。

With the WIFI timekeeping function, we are not relying on a high-precision RTC chip, and no longer need to set the clock from time to time, it can automatically adjust for leap year, leap second, daylight saving time, etc. without human adjustment, and after the Omnixie successfully connecting to the NTP server, it will communicates with the NTP server in real time to ensure that the date and time is accurate in real time.

相对于GPS校时来说不再需要连接昂贵的GPS接收机，也不需要将时钟或GPS接收机放在露天的地方；相比较电波时钟模块校时来说，也不需要体积较大的电波模块天线，并且电波接收模块的灵敏度及抗干扰能力非常不好，在室内会受到各种家用电器的干扰，甚至放在电脑旁边旧始终无法接收到校时电波。

Compared with GPS receiver, it is no longer necessary to connect expensive GPS receivers, and it is not necessary to place clock or GPS receiver in the open air. Compared to the timekeeping of the radio module (E.g.: DCF77, JJY, BPC, WWV etc.), it does not require a big size and poor anti-interference ability radio module.

Omnixie支持WIFI远程设置 | Omnixie supports Web configuration via WIFI

对于时钟的各种设置，我们一直在寻找更加简单更加人性化的设置方法，目前大多数的做法是通过时钟上的按键，或者使用红外线遥控器，按照说明书上的一系列流程对时钟的各个参数进行设置。此次Omnixie抛弃了实体按键，时钟上面没有任何按钮，我们提供了一种新的设置界面，用户可以通过任何终端，包括iPhone手机、Android手机、Mac电脑或者PC通过任意Web浏览器访问Omnixie的控制台界面，清晰明了的对各项参数进行设置，甚至可以抛弃说明书，各项设置参数一目了然。

For the various settings of the clock, we have been looking for a simpler and more user-friendly setup method. Most of the current methods are using the buttons on the clock, or using an IR remote, and make settings following the instructions. The Omnixie abandoned buttons, there’s no buttons on the clock, we provide a new setting interface, users can access the Omnixie dashboard to configuration of all the Omnixie features through any web browser, including iPhone, Android, Mac or PC. The setting interface is clearly even don’t need the user manual.

在首次使用Omnixie之前，只需要将Omnixie连接到附近的WIFI网络，对Omnixie的网络进行一次配置，之后就可以像使用APP一样通过手机或者通过电脑的浏览器访问Omnixie的控制台界面，对所有参数进行配置。包括WIFI设置、系统状态、NTP设置、基本功能设置、显示特效设置、闹钟设置、高级设置、固件升级。

Before using the Omnixie for the first time, it needs to be set to use your home network and requires a ‘one time’ setup, then you can access the Omnixie’s dashboard through the mobile phone or through the browser of the Mac or PC just like using an APP to configure it, including WIFI parameter settings, NTP settings, system status, general settings, display settings, alarm settings and firmware upgrade.

Omnixie支持DHCP、mDNS、SSDP等功能 | Omnixie supports DHCP, mDNS, SSDP

Omnixie的网络功能很强大，支持DHCP动态域名解析，如果路由器和网络条件支持的话可以通过外网进行访问配置。另外还支持mDNS，可实现浏览器域名访问，无需记住设备的IP地址，直接通过浏览器访问http://nch.local打开控制台（域名名称可以自定义设置）。还支持SSDP协议，可实现快速网络发现。

The Omnixie supports DHCP settings for external network access, supports mDNS for browser domain name access (no need to remember device IP address), supports SSDP for fast network discovery.

在Microsoft Windows的网络里可以直接发现“家庭自动化”设备，双击图标即可打开Omnixie的控制台。

With Microsoft Windows, open the Network, in the Home Automation category will see the Omnixie’s icon, double-click the icon to open the Omnixie Dashboard.

Omnixie支持GMT时区设置和DST夏令时设置 | Omnixie supports GMT setting and DST setting

无论在世界任何一个地方使用Omnixie，只需要将当地所属的GMT时区设置好，如果在实行夏令时的国家或地区按照当地的夏令时规则设置好相关参数，Omnixie将会时刻为用户提供准确的当地时间。

No metter where the Omnixie is used in the world, you only need to set the local GMT time zone, and also can set the local daylight saving time rules, Omnixie will always provide accurate local time.

Omnixie支持自定义夏令时规则，可以自己设定夏令时的开始时间和结束时间，Omnixie会按照设定的规则在夏令时开始和结束时自动调整时间，无需人为调快或调慢时间。

The Omnixie supports custom DST rules, you can set the start time and end time of daylight saving time, the Omnixie will automatically adjust the time at the start and the end of daylight saving time according to the set rules, don’t need to change the clock in Spring and Fall.

Omnixie支持8级辉光管亮度调节，并可根据环境光线亮度自动调整辉光管亮度 | Brightness of Nixie tube and back light adjustable

辉光管的显示亮度和背景灯的亮度共分为8级，并具有自动模式，可根据环境光线的亮度自动调节辉光管数字的显示亮度，在夜晚自动调暗辉光管亮度，不影响睡眠。

8 brightness levels for the Nixie tubes and backlights, which can also be automatically adjusted according to ambient light conditions to allow sleep at night.

Omnixie采用的是可见光光线传感器，并非普通的光敏电阻，有效过滤红外线，对可见自然光亮度进行采集来控制辉光管显示亮度。

The Omnixie uses a visible light sensor, which is not an ordinary light-sensitive resistor, effectively filters infrared light, and collects visible natural light to control the brightness of the Nixie tubes.

Omnixie支持四国语言语音报时 | Omnixie supports talking clock with four languages

Omnixie支持实时语音报时，内置中文普通话、英语、日语、德语四国语言，可随时按下遥控器进行实时语音报时，也可以设置按时间间隔进行报时。

The Omnixie intelligent speech system in English, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese and German, can trigger talking clock in any time by press the button on IR remote, also can be set to talking clock automatically at regular intervals.

Omnixie支持USB供电 | Omnixie powered by USB power supply

Omnixie采用USB供电，工作电压5V 700mA (Max)，插头类型Micro-USB。
The Omnixie uses standard USB power supply with 5V input (700mA Max), Micro-USB plug.

Omnixie的其他功能描述 | Omnixie other features

Omnixie技术规格 | Omnixie technical specifications

红外线操作说明 | IR remote

		电源键：用于远程开关机。 POWER: Power On/Off		亮度键：可用来调整显示亮度。 LIGHT: Set brightness
		设置键：设置时间、日期等。 SET: Enter setup		日期键：查看公历日期和农历日期。 DATE: Check date
		闹钟键：查看和设置闹钟。 ALARM: Display alarms		未使用 –NOT IN USE–
		方向键：调整位置，主要用于设置的时候调整设置位置。 LEFT/RIGHT: Set position		菜单键：进入菜单。 FUNC: Enter menu
		确认键：确认保存或放弃设置。 OK/CANCEL: Save & exit		数字键：进行数字输入。 NUMBER: Enter numbers

Omnixie实拍照片欣赏 | Omnixie pictures

Omnixie的尺寸及包装 | Omnixie dimensions and contents

Omnixie的底座长192mm/7.5”，宽度62mm/2.5”，厚度6mm/0.2”，辉光管直径19mm/0.75”，辉光管高度52mm/2.0” （不同型号辉光管高度可能有所差别）
Base dimension of the Omnixie is 192mm/7.5” x 62mm/2.5” x 6mm/0.2”, diameter of Nixie tube is 19mm/0.75”, height of Nixie tube is 52mm/2.0” ( different types of Nixie tubes have different heights).

包装尺寸 | Box dimension：318mm x 115mm x 95mm/12.5” x 4.5” x 3.75”

包装内容包括：Omnixie Clock主机（含辉光管）、5V USB 电源适配器、Micro-USB电源线、红外线遥控器。
Package contents: The Omnixie clock including Nixie tubes, 5V power adapter, Micro-USB cable, IR remote.

Omnixie兼容的部分辉光管照片 | Nixie tube pictures of Omnixie compatible

以下列出了部分Omnixie兼容的辉光管型号及显示的字形照片，仅供参考。

Listed below are some Omnixie compatible Nixie tube models and displayed photos for reference only.

NL-5441 (National U.S.A.) B-5441 (Burroughs U.S.A.)

NL-5440A (National U.S.A.) B-5440A (Burroughs U.S.A.)

NL-841 (National U.S.A.)

NL-821 (National U.S.A.)

NL-812 (National U.S.A.)

NL-901 (National U.S.A.)

IN-14 (Rovno USSR)

IN-8-2 (Melz USSR)

Z570M (RFT Germany)

ZM1080 (Telefunken Germany)

 目前在售的Omnixie型号 | Omnixie models currently in stock

		X Bamboo 竹子	Y Beech 榉木	Z Ebony 黑檀
	φ19mm, 0.75” Nixie tubes
IN-14 A		Model AX	Model AY	Model AZ
	No tubes, including 6pcs IN-14 tube PCB adapter + 68pcs gold plated pins.	Model AXE	Model AYE	Model AZE
IN-8-2 B		Model BX	Model BY	Model BZ
	No tubes, including 6pcs IN-8-2 tube PCB adapter + 68pcs gold plated pins.	Model BXE	Model BYE	Model BZE
Z570M C		Model CX	Model CY	Model CZ
	No tubes, including 6pcs Z570M tube PCB adapter + 68pcs gold plated pins.	Model CXE	Model CYE	Model CZE
ZM1080 D		Model DX	Model DY	Model DZ
	No tubes, including 6pcs ZM1080 tube PCB adapter + 68pcs gold plated pins.	Model DXE	Model DYE	Model DZE
NL-5441 E		Model EX	Model EY	Model EZ
	No tubes, compatible with RTS-54 pin definition Nixie tubes.	Model EXE	Model EYE	Model EZE
NL-841 F		Model FX	Model FY	Model FZ
	No tubes, compatible with RTS-11 pin definition Nixie tubes.	Model FXE	Model FYE	Model FZE

使用说明书下载 | User manual download link

简体中文 (Chinese):
Omnixie Clock v1.0.3 User Manual Chinese

英文 (English):
Omnixie Clock v1.0.3 User Manual English