Desktop PC Monitor with Nixie Display

Projects General Guidance
1

So I'm getting further into circuitry and the likes, and I'm trying to toy around with some ideas that I can really get behind inspiration etc etc just trying to find a project that will be challenging and useful in the end for me.

I've been really wanting to work with nixie tubes, but outside of the usual clock kits etc.

After seeing a few guides on PC monitor using LCD screens it came to me...maybe nixie tubes?

So I'm just curious if those more knowledgeable think this is possible? Never mind practical :stuck_out_tongue:

2

I'm hoping you have a lot of alphanumeric nixies laying around....?
Yes it's certainly possible, but a straight Arduino is unlikely to handle the data rates pushed by the PC video port.
Unless of course you just go for a serial 'terminal' (COM port).
Let us know more.

3

I was only thinking nixies for say cpu gpu anf eaches temp, or potentially have them selectable. About 8 or so in total.

But yeah, tutorial had shown COM connection.

4

Ahah, ok. I read the OP as a steampunk replacement for your LCD .monitor!
Sure.
Search for some nixie drivers suitable for use with Arduino or other micros... (multiplexed to reduce pins needed), then in the same area, you'll probably find some sketches to drive those.
Remember you'll need a power supply for the nixies.

http://arduinix.com/. (Ignore the display board unless you have the same. uxies.)
Build a classic Arduino-controlled Nixie Tube clock | Freetronics

Finally, you need to source some probe software on your PC that sends the values you want to the serial port.
Really, all the Arduino is doing in this scenario is reading the serial stream, parsing for specific values, then driving the displays.
Your challenge may be finding a single PC app that sends all you want out a single port, formatted for you to extract. You can write your own...

5

Okay cool, thanks for the input!

I had stumbled upon the Arduinix last night (ordered the driver and the 8 placement board actually), and had kind of assumed it would be possible but figured before throwing a buncha cash at nixie tubes I should find out if its even possible first :stuck_out_tongue: