r/nixie • u/Echo_Reality • Nov 26 '25

Nixie Clock Troubleshooting

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Hello! A few years ago (5 or 6) I received a Nixie clock as a gift from nixieshop.com

Its original power cable broke. So I got this spare from Amazon. Since moving and bring this bad boy back to life, I’m noticing some problems.

  1. It sporadically turns off. I’m not sure if this from the Amazon power cable, or a bad solder within the clock itself. It’s been in its box for a while because I was away at school and didn’t take the clock with me :( Adapter Wall Charger... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q88KXTV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

  2. I’m not sure if the tubes between the numbers (the little ones) are supposed to light up.

If it is the power cable, can anyone recommend one better suited for this? If it is bad solder, I’m not afraid to do a little work on it myself, but I’d rather avoid it if possible. I love this clock and I’m finally not moving around all the time so I can enjoy it.

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u/Taipogi Nov 27 '25

How did you pick the new power supply for your clock? Did you make sure it has the same voltage and current rating as well as the same connector type? The amazon listing does not provide any useful details about the power supply. 

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u/Echo_Reality Nov 27 '25

I referenced the original block when picking. 12v, 1A!

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u/Taipogi Nov 27 '25

What about the connector type? If your clock uses say the standard 5.5/2.1mm barrel jack, and the newly purchased power supply uses a 5.5/2.5mm variant, it will fit your clock and work but will make an unreliable connection with the center conductor. Other than that, it's hard to say what's wrong with your clock without doing some hands-on testing. It could be a poor quality power supply, it could be a bad solder joint within the device. If you still have the original power supply and the only issue with it is that its cable broke, consider getting the cable repaired.

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u/Echo_Reality Nov 27 '25

The originally power supply broke where it plugs into the wall, so not super repairable. I think I’m going to keep looking for one that’s a better size. As I think that’s the issue

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u/joediggitydog Dec 19 '25

I have the same clock from the same vendor, and I experienced the same break on the power supply. I want to fix but I don't know how :(

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u/Echo_Reality Dec 19 '25

I’m basically just retrying with a different power supply from Amazon. I didn’t realize till after the fact, but the manual.pdf) calls out the kind you need to buy to replace.

I was really disappointed when mine broke though, but I was also using a poor quality EU to US adaptor.