BooBooBeGone: Let them run in the circuit for a few days and see if anything changes. They are OLD tubes and have been sitting around a long time before this operation.
You can always lower the voltage but that probably isn't necessary or even the way to go. You should be driving the tubes using the rated voltage and current. 160v would be OK and would reduce both the current and the voltage but wouldn't help to "condition" the tubes for normal operation. If the cathodes have microscopic depositions from any tube contaminations, running the tubes in the clock could help. The other explanations I've read are good but are probably beyond what you should be trying at this point. I know that you are excited to fire up the new kit but be patient and take your time. If it turns out that the tubes don't clear after a few days, then take a couple photos of them in operation and send a photo to the kit supplier and ask for ways to remedy the situation. It is almost certainly an issue with the nixies and not the clock. I have worked with ZM1042's which are an equivalent tube (in the same clock) and they are truly a beautiful tube and make a great clock! Ultimately, you should be very happy with the end product. Right now, the tube issues are just an initial inconvenience. Jeff -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of BooBooBeGone Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 8:18 AM To: neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] First Build. Some help to decide Found a datasheet online, stating that fire voltage for the Z566 is 150v Max voltage 170v Since i have 170V at the moment, maybe i shoul try to set it at around 160V? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/c33dbf80-c149-4289-b1bb-ffe9a9d62779%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/58372773.02d9240a.a39ce.bef2%40mx.google.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
