Crt Clock Schematic [extra Quality] Info
[ Power Supply Block ] ---> (Low Voltage & High Voltage DC) | v [ Microcontroller/DAC ] ---> [ X/Y Deflection Amplifiers ] ---> [ CRT Yoke/Plates ] | v [ Z-Axis Blanking Circuit ] ---> [ CRT Grid 1 (G1) ]
Note: Old TV tubes require 15kV. Do not use TV tubes for desk clocks.
Below is the schematic topology for one deflection axis (X or Y) using a high-voltage operational amplifier configuration:
5V or 3.3V DC for the microcontroller and real-time clock (RTC).
Your schematic must include a bleeder resistor (10MΩ) across the HV capacitor to discharge the tube when power is removed. Without it, the tube holds a lethal charge for weeks. Crt Clock Schematic
Do not use a 555 timer into a MOSFET for this. Royer topology is self-resonant and much cleaner for clock applications.
-1050V DC (variable relative to the cathode). Focus Grid: -800V DC (variable).
Building one is a challenging but rewarding project, requiring a deep understanding of high-voltage circuitry, magnetic or electrostatic deflection, and microcontroller programming. 1. What is a CRT Clock Schematic?
When drafting your schematic, component ratings are highly critical due to the presence of high voltage. Circuit Area Component Type Recommended Spec / Part Number Switching MOSFET IRF840 or CoolMOS (500V-800V rating) Drives the inductor/flyback transformer HV Multiplier UF4007 (Ultra-fast, 1000V, 1A) Rectifies high-frequency HV spikes HV Smoothing Capacitors Ceramic Disc or Polypropylene (1kV - 2kV) Filters ripple out of the anode supply Deflection BJT Transistors MJE340 (NPN) & MJE350 (PNP) High-voltage video amplification Timekeeping Temperature-compensated clock 4. Safety and Troubleshooting Guidelines [ Power Supply Block ] ---> (Low Voltage
You need two identical copies of this circuit: one for X (horizontal) and one for Y (vertical).
However, a CRT cannot display numbers natively. Therefore, the schematic includes a —historically a ROM chip like the 2513, but in modern designs, part of the microcontroller’s code. This logic translates the binary time data into vector or raster coordinates. For a vector CRT clock, the microcontroller outputs analog voltage levels (via digital-to-analog converters or resistor ladders) corresponding to the lines that form each digit.
A , often referred to as an "oscilloscope clock," repurposes a small vacuum tube display to show time as a vector graphic. Unlike modern screens that refresh lines of pixels, a CRT clock uses an electron beam to "draw" the clock face and hands directly onto a phosphorescent screen. Key Components of a CRT Clock
Amplifies low-voltage DAC signals to the high voltages required to move the electron beam. Your schematic must include a bleeder resistor (10MΩ)
+-------------------------------------------------------------+ | AC/DC INPUT | +-------------------------------------------------------------+ | v +------------------+ +------------------+ +---------------+ | MICROCONTROLLER |-->| DAC NETWORK |-->| DEFLECTION |--> [CRT X/Y] | & RTC MODULE | | (R-2R or IC DAC) | | AMPLIFIERS | +------------------+ +------------------+ +---------------+ ^ +-----------------------------------------------------+ | HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY (HVPS) |--> [CRT ANODE/GRID] +-----------------------------------------------------+ Digital Control & Timekeeping
| Section | Critical Parts | Value/Rating | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Ferrite core (EE25), IRF740 MOSFET, UF4007 diodes | 1.2kV out, 30kHz | | Focus/Bias | High voltage resistor chain (10MΩ + 5MΩ trimpot) | 1W, 3kV rating | | Deflection | APEX PA94 or discrete (BF869/BF870) | +/- 100V @ 50mA | | DAC | MCP4922 (12-bit, dual) | SPI interface | | MCU | Teensy 4.0 or STM32F103 | 72MHz+ for vector speed | | Power | 6.3V AC transformer (for heater) + 24V DC supply | Galvanic isolation |
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