My understanding is that the tube cathodes get damaged, when the tube is in 'cut-off' over an long period of time. Its called cathode interface resistance, which goes up under these conditions, Also referred to as sleeping sickness, but not the same as with nixies. Its when the cathode metal and the coating oxide appear to development too much resistance, between them. The tube makers found a less expensive way to coat the oxide, with tubes that are susceptible to this problem. Premium tubes, and 'computer' tubes like the 5963, have a more secure oxide coating method. Again, it seams to occur when the tubes are in standby (cut-off) too long. So it might be okay to use the non-computer types, for the seconds and minutes. Reserve the 5963s for the hours.
Another thought, why not take a page from ECL. You may not have to swing all the way to cut-off. Set up the flip-flops, as diff amps too, and play with the bias. If a stable flip-flop can be made, then any type of triode can again be used. Again, getting back to cathode poisoning, all cold cathode gas discharge tubes, can suffer from it, in addition to nixies. Dekatrons can get it too, and do, if they stick in one position too long. So, if you want to make an all-tuber with these, again the seconds and minutes are probably safe, but the hours may be iffy (?). -- 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.
