T-Nixie Tube is an ESP32 based Nixie Tube lookalike

I tend to see Nixie Tube projects regularly as I spend my days going through the news, and the projects, usually some sort of clock, typically look pretty neat.

But although Nixie Tubes can still be purchased online, they are not mass-produced anymore, which may explain why LilyGo decided to create a “fake” Nixie Tube, or let’s call it a lookalike, with T-Nixie Tube that comes with an IPS LCD display driven by an ESP32 WiFi & Bluetooth WiSoC.

T-Nixie Tube specifications:

• Wireless Module – TTGO T-Micro32 module with ESP32 V3 Bluetooth and WiFi processor, 4MB Flash
• Display – 1.14-inch IPS LCD display covered by glass tube
• USB – USB Type-C port for power and programming
• Expansion – 4-pin I2C/UART Grove? connector for T-WATCH sensor kit or T-FH interface sensor modules
• Misc – PCF8563 RTC, IR receiver, TTP223 touch button, Reset button
• Power Supply – 5V via USB-C port
• Dimensions – 3.5 mm Ø x 7.15 mm (H)

T-Nixie Tube can be programmed with Arduino or MicroPython, and can be used to learn programming, design desktop ornaments, for STEM education, etc… An Arduino sample displaying 0 to 9 in sequence can be found on Github.

The kit is sold on Aliexpress for $27.50 plus shipping including a basic IR remote control and a 30cm USB-C cable.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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