You can try but you will almost certainly not succeed, the multiplexing display and boost converter generate too much noise. If the module was 10 feet away it may work.
Yes, we suggest the EM-406 which runs on 5V and has TTL serial out. However, the code for GPS modules is not written, you will have to modify the firmware
The life should be 10+ years. Keeping the display dim will likely extend the life. The tube will slowly get dimmer as the phosphor degrades. The tubes are 'new old stock' from around the mid 90's
You have to set the time, once the time is set the clock will stop blinking
The clock 'works' but does not display the time, however the menus work,
The clock 'works' for some time but then stops keeping time,
The clock 'works', but its -really- inconsistant at keeping time
Your crystal/capacitors are not installed properly
You will need a programmer such as an AVR-ISP or USBtinyISP.
You may also have to remove the tube to program it (we had to with the USBtinyISP). If you're using a USBtiny, jumper the 1.5k output resistors (check the usbtiny docs for information on how to do this). We dont guarantee that you can program the clock in-circuit so experimentation is key!
Some tubes may appear more cyan than blue. The apparent color of the tube changes with background, lighting, and brightness.
Unfortunately this is an effect of the way we drive the tube. It is not apparent at medium and high brightness