The Nixie Number Box is a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted Wirklecht item. It has been carefully imagined and assembled by one of our artisans. We hope you will have as much joy in admiring and using it as we did creating it.

The Nixie Number Box is at its heart a game of chance. You have three tries to guess a number that the box randomly chooses. If you guess correctly within three tries, you win the round! If you did not guess correctly within three tries, the box reveals the hidden number, and a new round can be played.

The Nixie Number Box itself:

Centered on its core component, the box uses a beautiful nixie type IN-12A tube. This nixie tube technology requires high voltage, creating a soft-glow discharge to display text and numerals. These types of tubes were used primarily during the cold war era, and although nixies can still be found today as new old stock from Eastern Europe, the primary production of nixies stopped in the early 1990s. Due to their timeless beauty, they are still highly sought-after to this day. The Nixie Number Box pays homage to this beloved piece of history.

Encasing the nixie tube with the proper amount of respect is no easy task. For this, the most interesting and beautiful wooden cigar boxes were hand-chosen. Each box is truly unique and comes with its own character and imperfections adding to the vintage character of the nixie tube. The nixie is recessed into the top of the box to provide an additional level of protection, and create a cleaner overall look. Also, the nixie tube is backlit with a deep blue LED to compliment the orange glow of the nixie and give it a striking halo effect. Industrial-style buttons and power switch complete the package. *Note: Your custom Nixie Number Box will look different than the stock photos.

Although the outside of the box is vintage and industrial-looking, the inside of the box is modern and sleek. The box uses a modern microprocessor platform (containing the game logic) in conjunction with a voltage multiplier (to convert to the working voltages required by the nixie tube) and a binary-coded decimal decoder integrated circuit chip (to translate binary numbers from the microprocessor to the nixie). Lastly, the wiring is carefully routed and tied for a clean, finished look. Feel free to proudly display what's under the hood!

Here are just a few creative ways to use the Nixie Number Box:

1. Best to 11: Pass the box around and play until someone reaches 11 correct guesses. Hand out a prize at the end to the winner.

2. Drinking game: Take turns with friends. If a person guesses correctly, they choose another person to drink.

3. Break an impasse: If a person guesses within 3 tries, their position holds.

4. Elegant desktop curiosity for the person who has everything: Display a keen sense of style, relieve stress, pass time or entertain guests. Display open or closed.

Specific instructions on how to use the Nixie Number Box:

Click here for a 1-minute instructional YouTube video (opens in new tab)

1. Ensure that power is supplied to the box, either by plugging in the included 12-volt DC power supply, or connecting two fresh 9-volt batteries to the battery terminals inside the box. *Note: Although it is possible to connect both the power supply and batteries simultaneously, unplug the batteries if using the DC power supply and vice-versa.

2. Flip the power switch on the front of the box to ON to activate the device. The nixie tube is backlit. While the device is powered on, you will see the nixie tube glowing blue.

3. On the top of the box, there are two buttons. The button on the left shuffles and chooses a random number, and also "locks in" your choice. To start, press the button on the left and you will see the numbers quickly cycle from "0" to "9".

4. When you are ready, press the button on the right to choose your number. (You can hold the button to cycle through the numbers quickly.)

5. Once you have selected the number that you will guess, press the button on the left again to "lock in" your choice.

6. If the guessed number was incorrect, the number "0" will flash three times, if the guessed number was correct, the numbers will cycle from "0" and the number "9" will quickly flash three times.

7. If the guessed number was incorrect, choose another number with the button on the right. Once again "lock in" the number with the button on the left *Note: Be sure to choose a new number. If you accidentally lock in the same number, you will lose a chance!

8. After the third try, if you did not guess correctly, the box will reveal the random number, and the round will be over. Press the button on the left to shuffle and start a new round.

9. Flip the power switch to OFF when not in use. (It is okay to switch to OFF at any time while using the box.)

Cleaning and care:

- Due to the delicate nature of the box and labels, the best way to clean the box is to use only a dry duster or dry microfiber cloth.

- To prevent sun bleaching, keep the box out of direct sunlight.

- Keep the box away from any moisture or wetness at all times.

- Do not use furniture polish on the box.

- Do not use solvents or spray cleaners on the box, this will affect the paint and original labels.

- Do not use magic-style sponges, as these have a sanding effect.

- The nixie tube itself is made of glass and is relatively costly. As such, the box should be stored and treated with care. Do not intentionally drop or throw the Nixie Number Box. Do not stack anything on top of the box.

- The Nixie Number Box is not suitable for young, unsupervised children. The box is suggested for use by responsible persons ages 13 and up.

Words of caution:

- The minimum average lifespan of the IN-12A nixie tube is approximately 5000 hours. Although replacement tubes can be procured, to prolong the useful life of the original tube, turn off the device when not actively in use.

- The nixie tube requires high voltage (albeit at low amperage) to function properly. When operating, ensure that the box is closed, and the latch is secured. Keep any conductive materials away from the inside of the box. Keep your hands or any other materials away from the inside of the box when operating.

- Replace the 9-volt batteries in pairs with fresh, new batteries. Be sure to use the supplied self-fastener to secure the batteries so that they do not wander inside the box.

- Do not attempt to use a DC power supply rated larger than 18 volts (center positive, negative sleeve). Also the power supply needs to be rated for at least 100 milliamps output current. Doing so, may cause the internal inline fuse to blow. The inline fuse is located near the ON/OFF switch. If the box does not turn on, check the power adapter to ensure it is the correct voltage and polarity, or ensure the 9-volt batteries are fresh. Then, unscrew the inline fuse housing, and replace with a good 100 milliamp (0.1 amp) fuse and try again.

Specifications:

- Model ID: NixieNum1

- Dimensions (vary per item): 7 x 7 x 3 inches (178 x 178 x 76 millimeters)

- Weight: (vary per item) 16 ounces (454 grams)

- Box Material: Wood

- Nixie Tube Type: IN-12A

- Power Input: 12-volt to 18-volt DC maximum (minimum 100 milliamp), or two 9-volt batteries

- Power Plug Type: Center positive, negative sleeve, 5.5 millimeter outer, 2.1 millimeter inner diameter

- Power Consumption: 1 watt (@ ~85 milliamp)

- Inline Fuse: 5 x 20 millimeter – 100 milliamp/0.1 amp

- Microprocessor: Nano V3 ATmega328P CH340G

- DC-DC HV Converter: Hilitandt93ra4eg80 or NCH6100HV

- Decimal Decoder Driver: K155ID1 or SN74141N