I used to do neon signs so I understand your problem of getting a low
enough pressure. For the best vacuum you need a backing pump and a
turbo pump, sometimes called a molecular transfer pump. Neither are
cheep. Of course neon tubes use a MUCH higher voltage.
On 2/27/2011 8:36 PM, Stuckey wrote:
As far as the best material goes, I don't know if I could answer that
one. I started experimenting by modifying existing Nixie tubes. I
took a few cheap Russian tubes and broke off the seal. I tried
replacing the neon penning mixture with Argon to change the color.
The biggest challenge I faced was getting the pressure low enough.
Without the right tools to make a good vacuum, you need much more than
the 180 volts to make one of these things glow :)
Good luck - I can't wait to see the results!
Brian
On Feb 27, 6:14 pm, Sixsmith<[email protected]> wrote:
Hi,
We're experimenting with making our own nixie tubes in our shop. I was
planning on making the cathode out of stainless steel, but was
wondering if anyone had any advice about the best material to use.
Would it be better to try to find something rare-earth coated, or
isn't it necessary?
Also, if anyone is in the Boston/Metrowest area and wants to
experiment with us in person, just drop me a line.
Thanks,
Meredith
www.6smith.com
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