No. 99937238

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Alarm clock - Proford  Space Age Plastic - 1970-1980 - Texas Instruments TMS3834
Final bid
€ 73
1 week ago

Alarm clock - Proford Space Age Plastic - 1970-1980 - Texas Instruments TMS3834

This is an original Profords DC-18 electronic digital alarm clock produced between 1975 and 1978. The DC-18 is a characteristic example of early solid-state digital timekeeping and 1970s space-age industrial design, featuring a forward-leaning profile, a smoked display window, and a vivid green vacuum fluorescent display. This particular unit is finished in its original vintage white case (typical of 1970s plastics, now showing a warm cream tone) with a dark-green VFD display. Although the front panel includes AM/PM markings, this clock is the European version that operates in 24-hour mode, as shown in the photosnside, the DC-18 is controlled by a Texas Instruments TMS3834NC integrated circuit, part of the pioneering TMS1000 family, widely regarded as the first mass-produced single-chip microcontrollers. For video , please see the link provided in the description. https://youtu.be/_9LrQn5-dIU This mask-programmed TI chip performs all core functions: 24-hour timekeeping based on mains frequency (50/60 Hz) Driving and multiplexing the vacuum fluorescent display Alarm logic and timing Brightness (DIM) control Snooze/cancel function Voltage and frequency configuration via underside selectors The machine-etched date code on the chip corresponds to 1976, which aligns with the known production years of the DC-18. The internal electronics include a linear transformer, discrete components, and a well-arranged single-sided PCB, typical of high-quality 1970s European consumer electronics. The inside of this example is exceptionally clean, free from corrosion, and fully original.Vintage white original housing Dark-green vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) 24-hour time display (European configuration) Texas Instruments TMS3834NC microcontroller Front panel slide switches: Alarm Set, Alarm On/Off, Dimmer Snooze button Underside selectors: 12/24 h, 50/60 Hz, and 220 V mains Loud mechanical-tone alarm Original 220 V Euro plug Clean and preserved internal electronicsThis clock has been cleaned inside and out. All internal components are original. The VFD display is bright and clearly legible. The casing is in very good condition with normal age-related colour shift and minor surface marks consistent with 1970s plastics. Front buttons and slide switches operate smoothly. The underside label and serial number (180183) are intact. No cracks, no structural damage, and no missing parts. This item will be shipped with fast handling and safe, protective packaging to ensure it arrives in the same excellent condition as shown. I always pack vintage electronics securely with multiple layers of protection. Due to current customs regulations and tariffs, I am not able to ship to the United States at this moment. Shipping is available to Europe and other eligible regions only.

No. 99937238

Sold
Alarm clock - Proford  Space Age Plastic - 1970-1980 - Texas Instruments TMS3834

Alarm clock - Proford Space Age Plastic - 1970-1980 - Texas Instruments TMS3834

This is an original Profords DC-18 electronic digital alarm clock produced between 1975 and 1978. The DC-18 is a characteristic example of early solid-state digital timekeeping and 1970s space-age industrial design, featuring a forward-leaning profile, a smoked display window, and a vivid green vacuum fluorescent display.
This particular unit is finished in its original vintage white case (typical of 1970s plastics, now showing a warm cream tone) with a dark-green VFD display.
Although the front panel includes AM/PM markings, this clock is the European version that operates in 24-hour mode, as shown in the photosnside, the DC-18 is controlled by a Texas Instruments TMS3834NC integrated circuit, part of the pioneering TMS1000 family, widely regarded as the first mass-produced single-chip microcontrollers.
For video , please see the link provided in the description. https://youtu.be/_9LrQn5-dIU
This mask-programmed TI chip performs all core functions:
24-hour timekeeping based on mains frequency (50/60 Hz)
Driving and multiplexing the vacuum fluorescent display
Alarm logic and timing
Brightness (DIM) control
Snooze/cancel function
Voltage and frequency configuration via underside selectors
The machine-etched date code on the chip corresponds to 1976, which aligns with the known production years of the DC-18.
The internal electronics include a linear transformer, discrete components, and a well-arranged single-sided PCB, typical of high-quality 1970s European consumer electronics.
The inside of this example is exceptionally clean, free from corrosion, and fully original.Vintage white original housing
Dark-green vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)
24-hour time display (European configuration)
Texas Instruments TMS3834NC microcontroller
Front panel slide switches: Alarm Set, Alarm On/Off, Dimmer
Snooze button
Underside selectors: 12/24 h, 50/60 Hz, and 220 V mains
Loud mechanical-tone alarm
Original 220 V Euro plug
Clean and preserved internal electronicsThis clock has been cleaned inside and out.
All internal components are original.
The VFD display is bright and clearly legible.
The casing is in very good condition with normal age-related colour shift and minor surface marks consistent with 1970s plastics.
Front buttons and slide switches operate smoothly.
The underside label and serial number (180183) are intact.
No cracks, no structural damage, and no missing parts.
This item will be shipped with fast handling and safe, protective packaging to ensure it arrives in the same excellent condition as shown.
I always pack vintage electronics securely with multiple layers of protection.
Due to current customs regulations and tariffs, I am not able to ship to the United States at this moment.
Shipping is available to Europe and other eligible regions only.

Final bid
€ 73
Francisco Álvarez
Expert
Estimate  € 150 - € 200

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