> it is not so easy, the total surface of each digit should be constant to > achieve constant current and constant brightness of each digit (else You will > have to struggle with resistors on cathodes..). Bigger number = higher > current..
While this is true, it isn't an absolute. Existing nixies have different currents for different digits (particularlay "1"). Since they're more-or-less constant voltage devices, the anode resistor tends to even out the different current draws. Running nixies from higher voltages with larger anode resistors helps with this (at the cost of efficiency). Some designs actually use current regulation instead of anode resistors, and these will tend to overdrive the smaller digits slightly. That said, it would be simple enough to write code to adjust the digit stroke thicknesses to achieve matching total areas. Note that in some nixies, the "1" digit is made with a double stroke to help with this. > And I also like the retro look of original digits ;-) That is a perfectly valid reason. If I were going to clone a nixie, I'd choose the CD-66 with its particularly nice digit shapes. However, if I'm making my own nixies, I'd be interested in making them visibly distinct from existing ones. If I want a CD-66, I can just go buy one (unless I want a CD-66 with 30mm digits). If I want a nixie with Böcklin or Klingon digits, I'll have to make my own. There's also a mechanical consideration - thicker digits will be more rigid and stable, and should survive longer. However, this thickness can be in material thickness or stroke width. > Once I have working tube (as close as possible to original) I can play and > change things inside.. Absolutely. Coming up with digit shapes is likely not the most difficult problem in making nixies. > Have You made something working with mentioned digit graphics? Not as of yet. My original plan was to photoetch them, but I just heard from someone who's making custom variable capacitor plates, and has access to a water jet cutter. I've been pricing the little ceramic rings used as insulating digit separators, and they're expensive, so now I'm thinking of glass and mica as alternatives. - John -- 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 https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
