Fallout 4 Inspired VAULT-TEC Nixie Tube Clock by four_oh_four

four_oh_four

Hobby & DIY>Electronics

Print Profile(1)

All

A1 mini

P1S

P1P

X1 Carbon

X1E

0.28mm layer for body, 0.20mm the rest, AMS colored

Designer

4.7 h

4 plates

5.0(5)

Open in Bambu Studio

Boost

598

1123

226

Released

Description

Fallout 4 inspired VAULT-TEC Nixie Tube Clock

Bring the retro-futuristic aesthetic of Fallout 4 into your home with this VAULT-TEC-themed Nixie Tube Clock. This 3D printable design is both functional and decorative, making it a perfect project for fans of the Fallout series or vintage electronics enthusiasts.

Designed to fit on Bambu Lab A1 mini bed.

Boost Me (for free)

Need a boost to your S.P.E.C.I.A.L.? Boosting this model won't actually improve your stats, but it will give me the Strength to keep creating cool stuff! Consider it a moral boost.

UPDATES:

2025-01-23: Raw model files now includes front and back panels with graphics removed for your customization.

Printing Instructions

Orientation:
- Use the orientation provided in the .stl files for optimal results. The body is designed to maintain a natural curve when printed in its default orientation.
Supports:
- Required for the slits and stand-offs in the body.
- Optional for the holes, depending on your printer's capabilities.
Fit and Tolerances:
- Decorative copper rings are press-fit but can be secured with a dab of super glue if necessary.
- Standoffs are also press-fit.
- Tight tolerances are used for the copper rings, which have an outer diameter of 23 mm.

Assembly Instructions

Prepare Components:
- Insert the Nixie tubes into their designated seats (Thingiverse model used).
- Solder the Nixie tubes but leave the indicator neons unsoldered at this stage.
Assemble Body:
- Attach the back panel to the non-slanted side of the body. Slide in the first corner, then bend to fit another.
- Press-fit or glue the copper rings and inserts into place.
Install Electronics:
- Carefully slide the circuit board into position, ensuring the tubes align properly.
- Insert and isolate wires for the neons before soldering them. Keep the front panel off for easier access during this step.
Finalize Assembly:
- Attach the front panel once all wiring is complete.
- Secure the bottom lid using screws. Take note of the FRONT indication.

Notes

If your neon indicators do not come with pre-installed 220k Ohm resistors, you will need to solder one onto one of their leads before installation.

Parts List

Nixie Tube Control Board (USB): Available on AliExpress
IN-14 Nixie Tubes: Available on AliExpress
Indicator Neons: Available on AliExpress
220k Ohm Resistors: Available on AliExpress
Decorative Copper Rings: Available on AliExpress or AliExpress
M3 x 16 mm Screws: Available on AliExpress or Maker's Supply
M5 Heat-Set Inserts for Columns: Available from Ruthex

Filaments Used

Filalab PLA Marble
Filalab PLA White
Rosa3D PLA Starter Black

Enjoy building your very own VAULT-TEC Nixie Tube Clock and let it add a touch of post-apocalyptic charm to your space!

Bill of Materials

Maker’s Supply Kits and Parts

M3x16 SHCS Machine Screw (10PCS) - AA039

B-AA039

0.98 USD

× 4

Buy Now

Download BOM

Comment & Rating (24)

@virusburger101

Boosted

It took a while for the parts to come in but everything turned out great! The project was overall easy and a nice little project to knock out within a couple of hours. Great job!

@virusburger101

Boosted

This looks amazing and I have always wanted to have a Nixie tube clock. Also I love fallout so this almost seems as a no brainer for me. Quick question what size did you choose for the neon indicators? On the AliExpress link for them, the listing shows 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm options. Also for the USB power. What type of USB power brick did you use? Thanks!

(Edited)

The designer has replied

@four_oh_four

I went with 5x13mm but I think any size would work.

@four_oh_four

Any brick works. Even 1A. It sips only around 0,5A.

@timeme2

Boosted

This is really, really, really cool!

The designer has replied

@four_oh_four

I'm glad you like it. Thank you for the boost!

@user_4275148365

Boosted

very nice Nixie base ! Have some different ones (IN14 + IN12) but this base is outstanding :-)

(Edited)

@MemelMagic

Boosted

waiting for more interesting creations :)

@steamwood

Boosted

Great desing, thank you so much for sharing.

@user_3284895250

Boosted

I will certainly build it A magnificent model, it’s wonderful that you took the trouble Thank you

Show original

@Trumpisalooser

Boosted

nice

@HackZ

Roughly what did your bill of material end up costing for this build?

The designer has replied

@four_oh_four

Without the tubes it was ~50eur. Tubes go anywhere from 5 to 40eur. I am lucky to live in one of post soviet countries so managed to source the tubes for less than 10eur per piece.

(Edited)

@arsenick

would you be willing to upload a copy of the front and back plates without text?

The designer has replied

@four_oh_four

Done. Enjoy and please post your creation. :)

License

This user content is licensed under a Standard Digital File License.

You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.