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Bad Dog Designs

The Covert Bombe Nixie Clock

By Paul Parry
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Product Description

Made from hundreds of individually machined components, the Bombe is a 1:1 recreation of the World War II code breaking machine devised by Alan Turing. It's a truly stunning piece of mechanical art, as well as a comprehensive Nixie clock. The Bombe has 4 motorized drums that silently rotate to test every possible combination of letters to match and crack the internal code. The clock uses 6 hand made RZ568M Nixie tubes from Czech producer Dalibor Farny, and also uses GPS to synchronize so it always shows the right time.

Nixie tubes were invented in 1955, and were a means for early electronic devices to display numbers. They consist of a clear glass tube, with the numbers from 0 – 9 are stacked behind each other. The tube is filled with neon gas and then sealed. Each digit has its own connection, and when a small electrical current is applied, the neon gas around the digit is ionized, which causes the distinctive orange glow. There is no heat produced, so the tubes can last up to 20 years.

Product Details
  • ColorsBlack
  • Materials
    Aluminum
  • Measurements
    18"L x 7"W x 10.5"H
  • OriginUnited Kingdom

— Warranty: Manufacturer's 12 Month
— Hand Assembled, Individually Signed & Numbered
— Each Clock Is Unique & Made To Order
— 6 Handmade Artisan RZ568M Nixie Tubes
— Tube Life: Approx. 20 Years
— Period Paxolin Engraved Letter Discs
— Components Made To Original 1941 Drawing Specifications
— Programmable RGB Under Tube Lighting
— Time, Date, & External Temperature Display
— 12/24 Hour Mode, Leading Zero Suppression, Scrollback, Fade Transition
— GPS Time Synchronization With External Remote Antenna (Also Measures External Temperature)
— 12V DC Supply With 2M Cord
— Includes Adapter for US Outlets (110V)

FAQ
How much do replacement bulbs cost?

They are not bulbs. As such, they don't get hot or work with filaments like a conventional bulb. The glow is produced by the glow of Ionized neon gas.
The tubes last in excess of 20 years. You can buy replacements at $145 each.

Where can we buy the replacement bulbs?

They are not bulbs as such, they do not get hot or generate heat. The lifespan is about 20 years.
Replacement tubes can be purchased from daliborfarny.com at any time.

Do the drums on clock actually rotate? If so, to what effect?

Yes, they certainly do. If you search on Youtube for "The Covert Bombe From Bad Dog Designs" you can see exactly what it does.

About the Designer
Paul and karen parry thumb
Paul Parry

Bad Dog Designs founder and electronics engineer Paul Parry grew up dismantling and sometimes successfully reassembling all kinds of electronics and devices. His first Nixie tube clock was assembled on a whim—without even realizing the appeal of the steampunk aesthetic he was creating. The passion project has since evolved into a full-blown entrepreneurial endeavor, employing both Paul and his wife Karen full time. Bad Dog Designs earned a Merit award in the International Arts & Crafts Design Awards in 2016. Paul is also a recognized artist by the UK's Craft Council, and works as an artisan on the BBC's "Money for Nothing" TV series.

Shipping Information
  • Shipping Availability
    United States
  • Shipping Policy
    Standard Ground Shipping
  • Ship In
    7-9 weeks
  • Return Policy
    Final sale, not eligible for return or cancellation

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