Imagine you could build your own audio visualizer using Nixie Tubes without having to worry about the hard to find nixie tubes, the high voltage that would involve, and the price you have to pay when you do find a way to purchase them. It’s easier than you think! Using Pixel Leds, you can create your own look-a-like Nixie Tubes that you can use to build a Stereo VU meter. In this video, we are going to show you how to do just that.
Supplemental Content:
- Link to GitHub: https://github.com/donnersm/PixieVU
- link to my tindiestore to buy the pcb ( optional): https://www.tindie.com/products/markdonners/pcb-tubebar-set/
- links related to installing the esp32 board manager ( as mentioned in the video): https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
- Episode 564 Resources
Bill of Material:
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Quantity | Buy Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| R13-24B-05-BB Push Button Switch | Multicomp | 2 | Buy Now |
| P231-QC20BR10K Potentiometer Linear 10K | TT Electronics | 2 | Buy Now |
| MAS70S DIN Audio Connector 7 contacts plug | Hirschmann | 2 | Buy Now |
| PS000058 DIN Audio Video Connector 7 Contacts Panel mount | Multicomp | 2 | Buy Now |
| PSG08664 Power connector | Pro-signal | 1 | Buy Now |
| Power switch | Multicomb | 1 | Buy Now |
| Resistor 10K | Multicomp | 4 | Buy Now |
| Capacitor 100nF | kyocera | 2 | Buy Now |
Additional Parts:
| ESP32 DOIT DEVKIT V1.0. You can use other ESP32 but you will have to adjust the wiring accordingly |
| 2 Glass Test Tubes 150 x 15 mm |
| PCB: https://www.tindie.com/products/markdonners/pcb-tubebar-set/ |
| PIXELLED Chips WS2812B |
| Or use ledstrip ( in that case no need for above pcb and pixelleds) |
| Power supply 5V 1,2A |
| Piece of plastic Screen MEsh from (fly) screendoor |
| wood panel 6mm thick ( of different thickness, but you will have to adjust the lasercutter file) |
| Glue for wood |
| Optional: Paint in whatever color you like |
| Glue for plastic/glass ( 2-component glue not super glue) |
| Wires, any will do, no high currents involved |
