Hi everyone. First of all, I wish you a happy New Year and all the best! Even after searching the whole group, I have some questions about multiplexing, now that I've finally received my spare uC.
I am using this schematic http://www. imageshack .us/photo/my-images/ 209/anodecontrol .png (remove spaces) to control lighting of each IN-14 nixie in my 6x muxing. You might have noticed the R4 having the value of 0.00 ohm. As I noticed the lack of current through the nixies, I reduced it's value, untill it finally made me to completely remove it. I know it's a big NO-NO, but it does seem to work OK. Can I stick up with that, Or will it effect the lifetime of the nixie tubes? Now I am getting the readings from 1.3 to 1.8 mA through the nixies (sadly that's highest so far), depending on which digit is displaying, which is kind of weird. I guess it can relate to the size of each cathode. I am guessing that my multimeter is showing the average when measuring current, and RMS when measuring voltage (someone please correct me if this is wrong). I am using the following settings for multiplexing; 1. turn on the correct nixie 2. calculate and input the bits for the K155ID1 (or the 74141), this takes a bit of time (instead of blanking) 3. wait for 1uS 4. turn the nixie off 5. do it all over for the next nixie/digit As I am writing this, I noticed I might as well switch the first two. So this setup is bright enough, gives no flickering, no ghosting, but makes the nixies sing a little bit (barely noticable, only if I am very close). Waiting longer on the ON time doesn't give me much more current through the nixie, and also adds flickering. So yeah, I am worried about the current and about having no resistor on the anodes. I would say that my multiplexing sequence is OK. Also I am measuring only 105 volts on each nixie as it is turned on (power supply is set to 200 without the load, drops to 193 when the clock is on). It seems kind of low.. Also the voltage reading while the nixies are off is around 93 volts. What's up with that? I might as well ask about not turning the nixies on instantly. I made my clock to turn on when I clap twice, show the time, date and temperature. Just to save precious nixie lifetime. So sometimes one or two random nixies do not turn on instantly, but need a second or two to turn on after the others. If I turn them on after they are off again, they all turn on instantly. Can it be that the cathodes need to warm up, or is it something with my code? That's about it! Thanks in advance! Imbanon -- 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.
