You only get the additional lifespan if you don't "overdrive" the tubes as you put it. If you simply run them at 2.5ma, and run a 1x6 mux, then you get 6x the direct-drive lifespan. It's simple to find the correct current resistor (Looks like you've almost found it. IN-14's nominal current rating is 2.5ma. Try to get as close to that as possible [or higher]). Then use that same anode resistor for all your tubes. Ta-da, easy.
All IN-14's have mercury. Only the very earliest russian nixies were mercury free, like the IN-1 and similar. You definitely want nixies with some mercury in them. -Adam On Mon, Aug 8, 2011 at 9:44 PM, Ryan McDonald <[email protected]>wrote: > 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. > > -- 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.
