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Yes—you can build a clock that draws its digits as glowing lines on a cathode-ray tube (CRT), but the tube must be a compatible electrostatic oscilloscope CRT, not a standard television CRT. The OSC4.6 is the maker-listed vector clock kit; its maker lists several CRT models used with it, while the tube and enclosure are separate from the kit described in a published build. Compatibility depends on the exact tube pinout and voltage requirements, so check the kit documentation before buying or wiring a CRT.
How a vector CRT clock draws its display
An oscilloscope CRT steers an electron beam with electrostatic deflection plates, moving it horizontally and vertically. A clock circuit can control both axes to draw connected lines and numerals directly on the phosphor screen. This is a vector display, rather than a picture assembled from rows of pixels.
A typical television CRT works differently: magnetic deflection sweeps the beam across the screen line by line to form a raster image. Its appearance as a CRT does not make it interchangeable with an oscilloscope tube or a vector clock kit. Stephen Cass’s IEEE Spectrum account describes the oscilloscope-clock approach and the DG7-6 used in its example.
Choose the kit and tube as a compatible pair
The maker’s OSC4.6 page describes a vector-style kit with a professionally made board, components, programmed PIC microcontroller, digital assembly instructions and parts list. It lists DG7-6, 2AP1, 2BP1, 6Loi1 and 3SP1 among tube types used with the kit. These names are starting points for checking compatibility, not a guarantee that any tube with a similar shape or screen size will work.
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The maker page listed the OSC4.6 at US$125 plus shipping when accessed on October 5, 2026; that seller-listed price and availability can change. It identifies Sphere Research as a possible source for vintage CRTs. The published DG7-6 build did not include its CRT or enclosure, so budget and plan to source those separately for that build. Confirm the current kit contents directly with the seller.
Do not confuse OSC4.6 with OSC7.8
The same maker page describes a separate OSC7.8 line, including low-voltage and high-voltage versions. Those are distinct from the vector OSC4.6. Do not infer compatibility between a tube and a kit from appearance, tube diameter, or the fact that both are oscilloscope-related: verify the exact kit version, CRT pinout, heater requirements and acceleration-voltage requirements against the supplied instructions and tube data sheet.
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Check the pinout before wiring
In Cass’s DG7-6 example, the tube had nine pins while the kit provided ten leads. The tube data sheet showed that the cathode shared a pin with one side of the heater; the builder addressed the mismatch by jumpering the cathode connection to a filament lead. That is a tube-specific example, not a general wiring fix. Follow the data sheet and kit instructions for the particular CRT you select; do not copy that jumper arrangement to another model without confirming its connections.
What the published build tells you about operation
The following details describe the version Cass reported on, not every OSC4.6 or OSC7.8 revision. In that build, one microcontroller handled timekeeping and graphics, and a second shifted the clock display around the screen periodically to reduce phosphor burn-in. The circuit generated about 300 V DC for the CRT. It accepted 110- or 220-V mains through a jumper and used utility frequency—50 or 60 Hz—as its time reference.
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Without optional synchronization hardware, the reported clock’s time was set with fast-set and slow-set buttons. Cass also describes optional Wi-Fi or GPS modules. Check the instructions for the version you intend to build to confirm its mains configuration, time-setting controls, synchronization options and display-protection features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan for high voltage before assembly
This is not a low-voltage-only electronics project. Cass warns that the reviewed circuit had portions at about 300 V, even though the CRT was considered a relatively low-voltage type. The article also describes checking the powered board with a multimeter and warns about stored charge in CRT high-voltage capacitors, particularly in television sets. A meter does not make energized high-voltage work safe by itself.
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- Read the exact kit instructions and CRT documentation before wiring or powering the circuit.
- Use an enclosure that prevents casual contact with the circuitry and CRT connections.
- Work on energized circuitry only if you have suitable high-voltage electronics experience and the appropriate procedures and equipment.
- Do not assume a powered-down CRT or capacitor is discharged; follow the kit maker’s safety instructions for handling and discharge.
A digital multimeter is used for build checks in the reported account, but no particular make or model is specified or endorsed. The kit uses through-hole components, so assembly also calls for an appropriate soldering setup; the published account does not identify a preferred tool or model.
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Build in a safe, compatibility-first order
- Select the kit version. Confirm whether you are considering the vector OSC4.6 or a different line such as OSC7.8; their tube and voltage categories are not interchangeable by default.
- Identify the exact CRT model. Obtain its data sheet and compare pin assignments, heater requirements and acceleration-voltage requirements with the chosen kit’s instructions and CRT pinout documents.
- Confirm what is included. Check the current seller listing for the board, components, programmed microcontroller, instructions and any items that remain your responsibility, including the CRT and enclosure.
- Assemble and verify using the supplied instructions. Use the documented checks and suitable tools; do not improvise a pinout correction based on another tube’s wiring.
- Enclose and protect the finished clock. Keep high-voltage connections inaccessible during ordinary use, and follow the maker’s directions for powering, handling and servicing the circuit.
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