Challenge for 2025: Building a Clock Without Silicon at One Hertz
In the world of retro technology, a unique project is underway. Charles, a passionate tinkerer, is working on a digital clock that eschews modern silicon semiconductors in favour of a more vintage approach – dekatrons.
Dekatrons, specialized gas-filled counting tubes, have been around since the mid-20th century. They function as decade counters, making them perfect for building digital clocks without the need for silicon. Inside each dekatron tube, a glow discharge moves sequentially among ten cathodes, each representing one count from 0 to 9.
For this project, Charles' design relies on seven dekatrons. Two of these will divide by ten and six to count minutes, while another will divide by 12 to count the hours in a day. The next dekatron will step down 10 times to measure seconds. The first dekatron will divide down the mains frequency to 10 Hz or 6 Hz, depending on the power supply frequency.
The digital clock being built by Charles will display time on Nixies, adding a classic touch to this modern-vintage hybrid. To further reduce the total tube count in the supporting hardware, Charles is considering using some germanium parts.
While this is not the first time dekatrons have been used in a practical project, Charles' endeavour stands out for its commitment to avoiding silicon semiconductors entirely. The project is progressing well, and the finished product is eagerly anticipated by those who appreciate the beauty and intrigue of vintage technology.
It's important to note that while tubes are not silicon semiconductors, their glass housings are made of silicon. Despite this minor contradiction, Charles' project embodies the spirit of innovation and a return to simpler times when technology was more tangible and visually engaging.
If you're working on your own projects using mid-century hardware, Charles encourages you to share them. Who knows? Your work could inspire others to delve into the fascinating world of vintage technology.
- Charles' digital clock design, a retro technology project, seamlessly integrates dekatrons – vintage decade counters – as its primary hardware components, avoiding the use of modern silicon semiconductors for a unique, old-school appeal.
- In addition to the seven dekatrons, Charles is contemplating utilizing some germanium parts in his project to further minimize the quantity of silicon-based components in the supporting hardware, aligning with his goal of creating a hybrid mashup of gadgets that celebrate mid-century technology.
