The ArduiNIX is open source hardware (commercial use allowed) *and* PCB files are available here. cc, attribution, share-alike, commercial use allowed.

ArduiNIX Schematics and code are Licensed under CC 2.5 Attrib-Share Alike

Download the driver code here. The ArduiNIX is 4x20 Multiplexed,meaning there are a total of 4 anodes and 20 cathodes that can be multiplexed and controlled through the code. This means that up to 80 signals can be controlled. Either eight 10 numeral tubes or 80 Neon bulbs like the INS-1. Or any combination of numeric tubes and dots.

Also be sure to check out the forums, there's a lot more information there.

IN-17x4V3.0 Code | 4 Nixie tubes and 2 nixie dots (For colons)

An explanation of how the Arduinix works:

The ArduiNIX works by listening to a signal from the Arduino to tell it when to switch on one of the four anode pins., and when to switch on any single or combination of cathode channels in the two sets of 10 cathode sets that are controlled by the nixie tube driver chips.

The Anode pins go hot, send 180 volts to the nixie tube anode connection, and the system waits for the code to tell the arduinix to ground out one of the cathode pins that are controlled by the twoDriver ICs.

Once the Arduino code tells the ArduiNIX to open an anode channel, which is connected to the anode pin of your tube, and the code tells the ArduiNIX to ground out a cathode channel, 180 volts flow into the nixie tube, lighting the element that is connected to the cathode channel.

When multiplexing, you have one anode channel connected to two nixie tubes, and one set of nixie cathodes per cathode channels on the ArduiNIX. Doing so allows you to drive up to 8 ten element nixie tubes, pairs of tubes sharing anodes, alternating cathode grounds at a fast enough rate that we don't see a flicker.

The ArduiNIX is a RobotPirate Project; a nonentity production : Questions? Email Bradley