Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Before contacting support@nixlabs.com.au, please try the following steps.
Tubes are off
Section titled “Tubes are off”- Press any button to wake the device from a programmed off-time. If the tubes turn on, then the clock was turned off automatically according to the configured on-off timer. Connect your device to a PC and refer to On-Off Timer to adjust or disable the timer feature.
- Press the ▼ button and observe if LEDs change. If so, the USB voltage is too low to light the tubes. Ensure that you are using a quality USB power adaptor that meets the minimum specifications such as the one included with the clock
- Unplug clock, wait a few seconds, and re-connect. Force a reset by pressing the gold button under the clock with a bent paperclip (this clears time and settings).
- Ensure USB connector is firmly attached, that you are using the supplied power adaptor and the outlet is working. If still inoperable, try a different USB charger such as those supplied with mobile phones. If operation is normal with an alternate power adaptor, then order a replacement adaptor from NIX labs.
Tubes are dim
Section titled “Tubes are dim”- Refer to Parameters Settings Menu or Using the Web App to set the tube brightness level and night- detection threshold. Try changing both day and night tube brightness levels. If the clock is using the night brightness value, refer to Parameters Settings Menu (or Using the Web App) to set the night-detection threshold.
- Ensure you are using the supplied power adaptor and that it is firmly attached, as brightness is automatically reduced if the USB voltage drops too low. Ensure that you are using a quality USB power adaptor that meets the minimum specifications such as the one included with the clock
Display is flashing on and off
Section titled “Display is flashing on and off”- As the nixie tubes age, they may flicker or partially-light if the brightness is set too low. Dark spots can be caused by “cathode poisoning” which can be reduced by using the anti-poisoning feature. If the tube appears completely “off” it may have become damaged (eg: crack in the glass). Refer to Parameters Settings Menu or Using the Web App to increase the tube brightness. You can force the anti-poisoning sequence by using the Web App. Also see Maximising Tube Life.
Digit is not fully lit, flickering or has dark spots
Section titled “Digit is not fully lit, flickering or has dark spots”- Ensure you are using the supplied power adaptor and that it is firmly attached. If powered from a computer, do not use unpowered USB hubs or extension cables. Ensure you are using the supplied USB power adaptor. Replacements can be ordered from NIX labs. If powered from a computer, avoid unpowered USB hubs.
Display and LEDs are brighter than set level
Section titled “Display and LEDs are brighter than set level”- Power supply voltage is too high. Ensure you are using an appropriate power adaptor. If powered from a computer, try a different port or USB hub. Ensure you are using the supplied power adaptor. If powered from a computer, try a different port or USB hub.
Cannot connect via USB
Section titled “Cannot connect via USB”- Unplug clock, wait a few seconds, and re-connect, making sure USB connector is firmly attached. Ensure the USB cable is working by trying in another device such as a mobile phone or camera. Do not use charge- only USB cables. Replacement cables can be ordered from NIX labs.
LEDs Change Colour Randomly
Section titled “LEDs Change Colour Randomly”- Use Web App to check if the hourly or random-minute LED changer is enabled. The Web App also allows setting of the LEDs to different colours depending on whether the Time, Date or Temperature screen is being shown. Adjust settings as desired Using the Web App.
Other unexpected behaviour
Section titled “Other unexpected behaviour”- Unplug clock, wait a few seconds, and re-connect.
- Perform a firmware upgrade by selecting “Firmware Update” from the “More Options” icon in the Web App. Refer to Using the Web App.
- Unplug clock and force a reset by pressing the gold button under the clock with a bent paperclip. This will clear the time and settings.
If the problem occurs frequently, take note of what seems to trigger the fault, and contact NIX labs for support.
Firmware Upgrade
Section titled “Firmware Upgrade”Your NIX labs clock can be upgraded to the latest firmware version in less than one minute using the online Web App. Click the gear icon and select Firmware Update from the menu. From here you can see the changes and new features in the latest version, and start the upgrade if desired. When you click the upgrade button your clock will disconnect then reconnect in bootloader mode - you will have to select it again from the connection list popup. The display will turn off during the upgrade and a single LED will be lit to show the status - this is referred to as Bootloader Mode (refer to below table). The time/date and all of your settings are preserved during the update, which usually takes 30 seconds.
| LED Colour | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Device is in bootloader mode, but no PC is connected |
| Yellow | Device is in bootloader mode and connected to the PC |
| Purple | Firmware download in progress |
| Green | Upgrade completed (see note below) |
If the firmware has become corrupt or behaviour is erratic, you can manually enter the bootloader and still connect to the Web App to do a firmware upgrade. To do this, unplug the clock then hold down all three buttons whilst plugging back in. A single LED should now be shown according to the table above. To exit the bootloader mode, simply disconnect then reconnect the USB cable.