Charles (and others), Thanks for your reply. Can the group check my head? I want to know I understand what is going on here.
>From the datasheet. IN-14's strike no lower than 170V. They are not to exceed 200V. Average current is 2ma. Based on this data, I adjusted my supply to put out 180v. I'm firing up a IN-14 tube with a 20K resistor. The voltage drop is 40v across the R, so the tube is seeing 140v. Now assuming R = (Vp - Vt) / Ic , I get: R = (180v - 140v) / .002a This gives R as 20k ohm. Obviously, Ic = (Vp-Vt) / R shows current is (180v-140v) / 20000 Ohm (which here is .002A or 2ma). Based on my observations and what I am doing as stated above, I think it's safe to assume I am not abusing my tubes? Also, I dont have an instrument that is fast enough can measure the striking voltage prior to the tube lighting but I assume in my scenario, I could 180v at the tube prior to ionization. Correct? Now as far as multiplexing goes, exceeding the max allowed current (2.0ma) to the tune of 7-13 ma during the pulse, is "ok" because the duty cycle is so short. So in essence, we are over-driving the tubes (during the pulse) which is unhealthy, but we justify the tube life by saying the tubes are only being "abused" for a very short time over all? The duty cycle balances it out basically? If this is the case, why do people say muxing extends tube life? Are we "resting" for a longer overall period of time than we are abusing? I'm thinking direct drive is looking better and better. ;) At least it's easier to feel good about not abusing your tubes. Also... I'm getting the bluish hue to my tubes. I assume I have one of the more modern tubes with a trace amount of mercury for longevity? I didn't think *any* IN-14's were made that way. -Ryan -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/neonixie-l?hl=en-GB.
