Before the advent of DVRs and software-defined recording methods, folks would hook up tape recorders to digital timers that would switch on outlets at predetermined times. Because the “Record” button would be pressed in on the tape machine beforehand, it would start recording upon receiving power.
I stumbled upon these timers and thought, “this would make a neat alarm clock!” Over a few months, I ended up buying two online: one for myself, and one to gift to a family member who shares a similar desire to tinker and build complicated systems that accomplish simple things.
I believe these beautiful blue displays are VFD. One of the filters needed extra cleaning.
The rest of the inside consisted of a mains transformer, outlet relay, and what I assume is a timer and display controller chip.
