6844 saga continues. "in the past I too quest for picoseconds "conan the barbarian" or was it westdave? i used 6 of the very pretty bullet shaped B6844 nos nib, i ran them at specs with a clock that ran with a 10mhz rubinium oscillator that could have been out of a US ICBM sold to china as dismantled parts and sold back to california ,they run hot to the touch and are stable to about 10 to the negitive 11th .0and elevan zeros ,and i was running against a EM608A GPS mod putting out a nice clean one second from space.(to see if they would drift apart and how long it took to error) the B6844's lasted one month and then they were as black as coal,even the hours rated in the specs are low ,so i pulled them and plugged in the radioactive nixie with the (long number )and changed the very neon color, for a sharp, pink/orange, these will last forever.
. -----Original Message----- From: neonixie-l <[email protected]> To: Digest recipients <[email protected]> Sent: Fri, Mar 24, 2017 12:51 am Subject: [neonixie-l] Digest for [email protected] - 20 updates in 6 topics [email protected] Google Groups Topic digest View all topics IN-13 Burn-in - 3 Updates 6844A saga - 10 Updates HV control chips - 2 Updates Digest for [email protected] - 24 updates in 4 topics - 2 Updates IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 - 2 Updates brightest nixie tube clock already assembled - 1 Update IN-13 Burn-in Willsor <[email protected]>: Mar 23 10:36AM -0700 Sorry for the slow reply! Yes I have double checked all the connections and they are correct. I may try to burn them in again with a slightly higher current. On Friday, 17 March 2017 16:55:51 UTC, marta_kson wrote: Paul Andrews <[email protected]>: Mar 23 01:43PM -0700 There is an article about IN-13 tubes here: https://www.saltechips.com/lab/the-parasitic-current-leakage-mechanism-of-the-in-13-tube/. The whole site is dedicated to those tubes. It is very interesting reading for anyone interested in how Nixie tubes work. On Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 8:20:06 AM UTC-4, Willsor wrote: Tomasz Kowalczyk <[email protected]>: Mar 24 12:23AM -0700 This is very interesting. Do you know (or does anybody know) if the same applies to IN-9? W dniu czwartek, 23 marca 2017 21:43:25 UTC+1 użytkownik Paul Andrews napisał: Back to top 6844A saga Paul Andrews <[email protected]>: Mar 23 08:06AM -0700 Hi all, I recently bought some 6844A tubes of ebay - I fancied making a four tube clock with round top-view tubes. In my head I had assumed that these would be doped with mercury, but they aren't. However, before I found that out I bought four Raytheon JAN 6844A tubes and 2 Burroughs 6844A tubes - I figured if I changed my mind and wanted to make a six tube clock, I might as well have the extra tubes lying around. Another assumption: They would have the same mechanical specs, but they actually look very different - I prefer the look of the Burroughs tubes. All of them are NOS. So, I tested them and the Raytheon tubes are fine. One had Cathode poisoning (NOS? It was in the original box!). That was easily fixed with some over current and it was fascinating to see that work - this is the first time I have had to do that. The Burroughs tubes are quite a different story. On one of them, half the digits don't light up, but the leads to the digits do! I have posted some pictures below. On the other one, none of the digits light up - only the leads. Well, I'm going to put this down to experience - I am probably not going to build a clock with tubes that aren't doped with mercury - but I would like opinions as to what might be going on with the Burroughs tubes. Note that the behavior is independent of the actual anode current - other than how brightly they glow! This one shows just the lead lighting up: <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z6PoJP4nnLg/WNPjcEjdM3I/AAAAAAAAAgM/ZNebX4kd688dm4tLHQctcx4gKlWhKQ4VQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG> This shows the digit 3 and the lead lighting up: <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FqBjwt1dVbQ/WNPjh-0kJoI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Y3dHcwgftdcZzKl_Hdq-hV6CSKo_Pf9KQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG> This shows a lead and a 'not connected' pin lighting up: <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxhpDHCFwfY/WNPjmNaOt7I/AAAAAAAAAgU/Qpm6i0ZEfQg2-FVLJq-dDXwgij2bSoSOwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG> This shows the digit 2 behaving itself! <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WsXz-S9LjuY/WNPjUwcZxiI/AAAAAAAAAgI/IqMWFM_bOCI8zIcgPCgBH98EAZQwRW_0gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG> Dekatron42 <[email protected]>: Mar 23 08:28AM -0700 Raising the anode voltage has always cleared the problem with the wires glowing for me. /Martin John Rehwinkel <[email protected]>: Mar 23 11:37AM -0400 I don't know what's going on either, but the orange, pink and green glows simultaneously are wonderful! I kind of what that tube for myself now. - John <[email protected]>: Mar 23 11:47AM -0400 The green is easy to reproduce. Just wear a fluorescent green running jersey when you look a the tubes! From: John Rehwinkel Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 11:37 AM To: 'Grahame' via neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] 6844A saga I don't know what's going on either, but the orange, pink and green glows simultaneously are wonderful! I kind of what that tube for myself now. - John -- You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/neonixie-l/1HhUSWlSrSo/unsubscribe. To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, 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/C8D6DA87-CC2C-447B-A2B0-EEB5FC487436%40mac.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. gregebert <[email protected]>: Mar 23 08:50AM -0700 I've seen this on 5031's; I was unable to cleanse them even with very high current (tube got very warm...) If you cant get the 6844's to clear-up, switch to 5092's. They are trouble-free; I have not had a single failure out of 24 tubes I've been running for the past 6 years. "chuck richards" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 08:59AM -0700 I too have a rather long 6844A saga to tell! Back in 2010 I built a 6844A clock. It works fine, the tubes are fine. They do not have mercury, therefore the color is more orange with no blue outline. This clock has a toggle switch on the front to shut off the readouts. I only run the tubes when I want to see them, otherwise they stay dark. This clock keeps the best time of any of them. It's a free-running clock, not connected to any time synching source such as WWVB or GPS. It holds up the correct time within about +/- 1 second per year. The biggest problem I had with the 6844s was with the sockets. There is a certain type of socket which very easily cracks the glass from way too much sideways force on the pins. There is another type of socket which has much more supple forks which are mounted in nice generous holes so they can move around to accommodate the pin spacing. Found this all out the hard way after those "tube-killer" sockets ruined (2) of my NOS 6844A tubes!! At least my 6844a saga taught me the difference between real sockets and cheap imitation junk sockets which are no good. In my opinion, building a 6844A clock with the tubes mounted in sockets out the front is well worth doing! Chuck >https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/d4b55acf-389d-46cd-9d71- >0109ace4e35c%40googlegroups.com. >>For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. $4.95/mo. National Dialup, Anti-Spam, Anti-Virus, 5mb personal web space. 5x faster dialup for only $9.95/mo. No contracts, No fees, No Kidding! See http://www.All2Easy.net for more details! jb-electronics <[email protected]>: Mar 23 10:33AM -0600 Personally, I am also a fan of the orange glow with no mercury :) Jens On 3/23/2017 9:59 AM, chuck richards wrote: Paul Andrews <[email protected]>: Mar 23 10:34AM -0700 Well this is fun! I upped the current signifcantly (6.9mA - just over 2x recommended max), which caused some internal arcing briefly! Blew a resistor (I guess it was a 1/4 W. Interestingly it went from being a 5.1K to being a 27K resistor). Bottom line is it kinda sorta works. But the results are patchy and some of the wires still glow some. The Raytheon's are much better engineered. All of the incoming gubbins is sprayed with something white - maybe an insulating coating - and the anode mesh has some kind of arrangement in the anode to let out the splatter. You can see some in the pictures below. @Chuck, do you have a photo of the sockets you used? Though I was planning on just making my own. @gregebert, I like the dome shape on the Burroughs 6844A tubes. The 5092 tubes are more like the Raytheons. <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RiyMtutjkwg/WNQGOsVWHII/AAAAAAAAAgk/FN6lQb3nscozJcUZoFf40obR3WlxDvNJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XD8ZfGYbW_c/WNQGSEf0aXI/AAAAAAAAAgo/TD1Nkub_0XkDkzu9M2dEEoV1xrir0xgfACLcB/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6liI4uzjai0/WNQGWLKEgII/AAAAAAAAAgs/eVacslStxp807Y-XerzDOm8jC8wTfb05ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG> "Jeff Walton" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 02:02PM -0500 As the cathodes are “cleaned” by running at higher current, the problem with the wire glow may go away at regular current levels. My understanding is that a 40-50 year old tube that has not been run may still end up with some mild impurities on the cathodes which will “burn off” after running for awhile. Old tubes generally take a few moments to light reliably when first powered up. The wire glow is sometimes impossible to fix, especially if there is no insulating coating layer on the wires. Jeff From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 12:35 PM To: neonixie-l Subject: [neonixie-l] Re: 6844A saga Well this is fun! I upped the current signifcantly (6.9mA - just over 2x recommended max), which caused some internal arcing briefly! Blew a resistor (I guess it was a 1/4 W. Interestingly it went from being a 5.1K to being a 27K resistor). Bottom line is it kinda sorta works. But the results are patchy and some of the wires still glow some. The Raytheon's are much better engineered. All of the incoming gubbins is sprayed with something white - maybe an insulating coating - and the anode mesh has some kind of arrangement in the anode to let out the splatter. You can see some in the pictures below. @Chuck, do you have a photo of the sockets you used? Though I was planning on just making my own. @gregebert, I like the dome shape on the Burroughs 6844A tubes. The 5092 tubes are more like the Raytheons. <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RiyMtutjkwg/WNQGOsVWHII/AAAAAAAAAgk/FN6lQb3nscozJcUZoFf40obR3WlxDvNJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XD8ZfGYbW_c/WNQGSEf0aXI/AAAAAAAAAgo/TD1Nkub_0XkDkzu9M2dEEoV1xrir0xgfACLcB/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6liI4uzjai0/WNQGWLKEgII/AAAAAAAAAgs/eVacslStxp807Y-XerzDOm8jC8wTfb05ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1288.JPG> -- 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 email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/cae3a555-8b85-428f-9de0-f141be28ff8f%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/cae3a555-8b85-428f-9de0-f141be28ff8f%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. Paul Andrews <[email protected]>: Mar 23 05:27PM -0700 Running them at a high currenr for a while has workee, except for one holdout. This digit will light at about 4mA, which is the maximum recommended. Occasionally it will light at 2mA. When it lights it pulls the same current as all the other digits, otherwise it draws less. So I am wondering if a constant current source might convince this recalcitrant digit to light. Or maybe I just want to play with a constant current source! I've looked up a bunch of sources on the web (and here on this group!), but I really don't know enough to follow what is being said. I really need a circuit diagram, with specific parts and maybe some formulae I can slap in a spreadsheet if I need to adjust stuff. I get that there are drawbacks to simple solutions, but this is just to play around with. If anyone could help me out with this, I would be very grateful. In the meantime, I will keep plugging away with what I can find on the internet. Back to top HV control chips Luka C <[email protected]>: Mar 23 09:26AM -0700 Small update: After some further research, I've decided that those current limiting diodes are a bit too expensive for the clock (6 x 15 = 90 diodes). I've implemented a current source using a depletion type MOSFET along with a resistor like in the attachment, I'll test it out and see how it works. Since these types of MOSFET have some margin in the Vgs between batches (apparently the Vgs is written on each reel), I'll adjust the resistor size after purchasing a lot of them first. Dana ponedjeljak, 27. veljače 2017. u 18:32:10 UTC+1, korisnik gregebert napisao je: gregebert <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:20PM -0700 Should work, but be careful about Vgs(on) variations, because they will directly impact the current. I use a similar approach, but it's a PMOS, and I put a bias on the gate with an isolated 12V DCDC converter --> pot (so I can adjust current). The bias reduces the effect of Vgs(on) variation. BTW, the DCDC converter and the pot gives me an adjustable 0 to -12V (relative to the anode supply), that is tied in-common to all of the anode-current regulators. Back to top Digest for [email protected] - 24 updates in 4 topics westdave <[email protected]>: Mar 23 02:37PM -0400 yeah? but i still like the Lixies, and do not have the equipment to make them, so a purchase is preferred (yep a born sucker, just awaiting) aspersions? noun 1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival. 2. the act of slandering; vilification; defamation; calumniation;derogation: Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored. "theres one born every minute,and two to take him!" P.T .barnum -----Original Message----- From: neonixie-l <[email protected]> To: Digest recipients <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, Mar 23, 2017 12:49 am Subject: [neonixie-l] Digest for [email protected] - 24 updates in 4 topics [email protected] Google Groups Topic digest View all topics IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 - 11 Updates Inductor specs in threeneuron's HV PSU - 7 Updates Lixies/Tixie Clock - 5 Updates question about threeneurons clock kit - 1 Update IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 Piano Forte <[email protected]>: Mar 22 04:14PM -0700 RE:IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 I reached out to Dieter and Claus, and Claus advised that the IN18 Blue Dream (PCB & Kit) is out of production until 2019 (!) - any background on this development?, its a pity since I was about to order a second BD - I should have ordered a second one last year.when I first had the inclination............. gregebert <[email protected]>: Mar 22 05:21PM -0700 Just guessing here, but the supply of IN-18's continues to dwindle. Meanwhile, Dalibor continues to crank-out more tubes, so my crystal ball says you will see a kit with some flavor of new-production nixies. Dan Hollis <[email protected]>: Mar 22 05:30PM -0700 Greg P <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:06PM -0700 Buy the PV Electronics Spectrum 18. http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=157 Great kit, great support, in stock, direct drive, many case options and way more features at a much more attractive price point. On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:14:57 PM UTC-4, Piano Forte wrote: Gene Segal <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:22PM -0700 I wonder if the production stopping is in some way related to questionable customer service for the Blue Dream? Good to know there are other options out there. -- Sent from Postbox <https://www.postbox-inc.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=siglink&utm_campaign=reach> Nicholas Stock <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:30PM -0700 I'll echo the perceived lack of service too....I've repaired two blue dream clocks for people as no support was offered.. Pete's Spectrum 18 is a great clock for a very good price. Nick Piano Forte <[email protected]>: Mar 22 09:43PM -0700 Thanks for the recommendations everyone - I actually reached out to Pete shortly after the BD discontinuation news, and ordered his Spectrum 18 kit, PIR and Case last week. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with - responsive, accommodated special requests and provided a first-rate experience overall during my first order with him. I ended up losing a tube to gas leakage on my BlueDream, and I attribute it to the rigid cup-style pin holders that stress the gas seal (1992/02 date code tube failed after 10 months of service, even leaving it in the same location). I am afraid to move the tubes around the BD, and Pete's design solves the pin stress issues (also like the PIR shutoff feature). On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:30:52 PM UTC-7, Pramanicin wrote: Alic <[email protected]>: Mar 22 10:26PM -0700 It's a pity. It's still my favorite IN-18 clock because it is compact and I like the proportions (the tubes are on the axis of the board). I was also secretly hoping that the black'n'wood would become available again. Maybe things have changed since. Also, I don't know what others expect from someone who sells nixie DIY clock kits as a hobby, but on the rare occasions when I had a question or a problem with Claus' and Dieter's clocks, I always received good advice on how to repair it myself. The board of the Blue dream isn't expensive enough to be sent back (especially from the USA) and spend hours on a repair. I never had problems with gas leaks with the nixies I bought from Dieter with the clocks. One set is from '92 as well. I did have problems with tubes off eBay where the pins were not straight. "Jeff Walton" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:48AM -0500 Agree, Pete is great to work with. Very good customer service! ------------------------ Did you have a schematic to do the repairs on the Blue Dream? Jeff From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Piano Forte Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 11:44 PM To: neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 Thanks for the recommendations everyone - I actually reached out to Pete shortly after the BD discontinuation news, and ordered his Spectrum 18 kit, PIR and Case last week. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with - responsive, accommodated special requests and provided a first-rate experience overall during my first order with him. I ended up losing a tube to gas leakage on my BlueDream, and I attribute it to the rigid cup-style pin holders that stress the gas seal (1992/02 date code tube failed after 10 months of service, even leaving it in the same location). I am afraid to move the tubes around the BD, and Pete's design solves the pin stress issues (also like the PIR shutoff feature). On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:30:52 PM UTC-7, Pramanicin wrote: I'll echo the perceived lack of service too....I've repaired two blue dream clocks for people as no support was offered.. Pete's Spectrum 18 is a great clock for a very good price. Nick On Wed, Mar 22, 2017 at 7:22 PM, Gene Segal <[email protected] <javascript:> > wrote: I wonder if the production stopping is in some way related to questionable customer service for the Blue Dream? Good to know there are other options out there. <javascript:> Greg P March 22, 2017 at 7:06 PM Buy the PV Electronics Spectrum 18. http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info <http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=157> &cPath=18&products_id=157 Great kit, great support, in stock, direct drive, many case options and way more features at a much more attractive price point. On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:14:57 PM UTC-4, Piano Forte wrote: -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/079545aa-7659-4a97-8f25-05b8fa34412b%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/079545aa-7659-4a97-8f25-05b8fa34412b%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. <javascript:> Piano Forte March 22, 2017 at 4:14 PM RE:IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 I reached out to Dieter and Claus, and Claus advised that the IN18 Blue Dream (PCB & Kit) is out of production until 2019 (!) - any background on this development?, its a pity since I was about to order a second BD - I should have ordered a second one last year.when I first had the inclination............. -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/ee702b38-7b86-496a-9575-55efa5b1891f%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/ee702b38-7b86-496a-9575-55efa5b1891f%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Sent from <https://www.postbox-inc.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=siglink&utm_campaign=reach> Postbox -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/58D33158.70207%40earthlink.net <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/58D33158.70207%40earthlink.net?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . 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 email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/042c7f39-933f-44f0-8b6f-c4ff2ed85aa0%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/042c7f39-933f-44f0-8b6f-c4ff2ed85aa0%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. "Jeff Walton" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:53AM -0500 I also have a Blue Dream with IN-18. As you say, it is very nicely proportioned. Also, the colon fade and digit fade are among the nicest out there. It is a beautiful clock with lots of features. It's a bit of a pain to program and I have to pull out the manual and relearn it every time I want to do something and have to make notes to remember the settings. Eventually it becomes clear. The documentation with example settings helps a lot. While I have not had any issues with the clock itself, I have lost a couple tubes (originally supplied with Blue Dream) where the tube seals failed and tube went dark. I do blame the pin socket arrangement for applying too much stress but it is certainly an elegant design and layout. In ~2.5 years, I have "refreshed" a couple tubes on the Blue Dream that began to cathode poison, beginning with the "8". My night mode was originally set to dim to 20% and I think that might be too low and hasten poisoning the cathodes if the clock sees any amount of hours, so I increased the dim setting to 40% and have not seen any poisoning for awhile. I do have a motion sensor outlet that powers the clock fully off after 10 minutes of no motion activity, so I think it will help the overall tube life. The internal battery that holds the time and settings is supposed to be good for ~10 years and this is OK to do per Dieter and the latest manual. It does change the start time that date and cathode poisoning prevention occur. The counters for the display functions start when the power is reapplied. So by cycling the full power, on one cycle, the date may show at the top of the hour and on the next motion cycle, it will be different. On mine, the date will show 55 seconds after power turn on time if you set a 55 sec time, 5 sec date display ratio. If you power on and off as I do, you also need to set the cathode poisoning cycle to occur at a frequency that is shorter than the external motion timer or it will not count up long enough to ever digit cycle if the clock doesn't stay on long enough. One thing that would be helpful for repair is if anyone has a Blue Dream schematic that we could keep for troubleshooting. The brains of the clock are in the firmware (protects the design) so it would be nice to at least have an electrical schematic in case parts ever fail and need troubleshooting/replacing. The assembly documentation is very nice but contains no schematic except for a breakout of the DIN connector for using an AUX output. I asked Nocrotec for one some time ago but never got a response. I'd love to add a PIR to the clock instead of the motion sensor outlet to keep the display timers alive. Anyone ever see a schematic of the IN-18 Blue Dream to share? Hopefully, they bring the Blue Dream back because it is really a great looking clock! Jeff -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Alic Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 12:27 AM To: neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 It's a pity. It's still my favorite IN-18 clock because it is compact and I like the proportions (the tubes are on the axis of the board). I was also secretly hoping that the black'n'wood would become available again. Maybe things have changed since. Also, I don't know what others expect from someone who sells nixie DIY clock kits as a hobby, but on the rare occasions when I had a question or a problem with Claus' and Dieter's clocks, I always received good advice on how to repair it myself. The board of the Blue dream isn't expensive enough to be sent back (especially from the USA) and spend hours on a repair. I never had problems with gas leaks with the nixies I bought from Dieter with the clocks. One set is from '92 as well. I did have problems with tubes off eBay where the pins were not straight. -- 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/fab14382-e7ac-4d2c-898b-155dff7f5600%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. Alic <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:02AM -0700 I know I received a link to schematic for the black'n'wood which I downloaded, but I have to check when I'm home for the one of the blue dream. Back to top Inductor specs in threeneuron's HV PSU "Morten Mønsted" <[email protected]>: Mar 22 03:40AM -0700 Hi, westdave <[email protected]>: Mar 23 02:37PM -0400 yeah? but i still like the Lixies, and do not have the equipment to make them, so a purchase is preferred (yep a born sucker, just awaiting) aspersions? noun 1. a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander: casting aspersions on a campaign rival. 2. the act of slandering; vilification; defamation; calumniation;derogation: Such vehement aspersions cannot be ignored. "theres one born every minute,and two to take him!" P.T .barnum -----Original Message----- From: neonixie-l <[email protected]> To: Digest recipients <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, Mar 23, 2017 12:49 am Subject: [neonixie-l] Digest for [email protected] - 24 updates in 4 topics [email protected] Google Groups Topic digest View all topics IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 - 11 Updates Inductor specs in threeneuron's HV PSU - 7 Updates Lixies/Tixie Clock - 5 Updates question about threeneurons clock kit - 1 Update IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 Piano Forte <[email protected]>: Mar 22 04:14PM -0700 RE:IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 I reached out to Dieter and Claus, and Claus advised that the IN18 Blue Dream (PCB & Kit) is out of production until 2019 (!) - any background on this development?, its a pity since I was about to order a second BD - I should have ordered a second one last year.when I first had the inclination............. gregebert <[email protected]>: Mar 22 05:21PM -0700 Just guessing here, but the supply of IN-18's continues to dwindle. Meanwhile, Dalibor continues to crank-out more tubes, so my crystal ball says you will see a kit with some flavor of new-production nixies. Dan Hollis <[email protected]>: Mar 22 05:30PM -0700 Greg P <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:06PM -0700 Buy the PV Electronics Spectrum 18. http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=157 Great kit, great support, in stock, direct drive, many case options and way more features at a much more attractive price point. On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:14:57 PM UTC-4, Piano Forte wrote: Gene Segal <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:22PM -0700 I wonder if the production stopping is in some way related to questionable customer service for the Blue Dream? Good to know there are other options out there. -- Sent from Postbox <https://www.postbox-inc.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=siglink&utm_campaign=reach> Nicholas Stock <[email protected]>: Mar 22 07:30PM -0700 I'll echo the perceived lack of service too....I've repaired two blue dream clocks for people as no support was offered.. Pete's Spectrum 18 is a great clock for a very good price. Nick Piano Forte <[email protected]>: Mar 22 09:43PM -0700 Thanks for the recommendations everyone - I actually reached out to Pete shortly after the BD discontinuation news, and ordered his Spectrum 18 kit, PIR and Case last week. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with - responsive, accommodated special requests and provided a first-rate experience overall during my first order with him. I ended up losing a tube to gas leakage on my BlueDream, and I attribute it to the rigid cup-style pin holders that stress the gas seal (1992/02 date code tube failed after 10 months of service, even leaving it in the same location). I am afraid to move the tubes around the BD, and Pete's design solves the pin stress issues (also like the PIR shutoff feature). On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:30:52 PM UTC-7, Pramanicin wrote: Alic <[email protected]>: Mar 22 10:26PM -0700 It's a pity. It's still my favorite IN-18 clock because it is compact and I like the proportions (the tubes are on the axis of the board). I was also secretly hoping that the black'n'wood would become available again. Maybe things have changed since. Also, I don't know what others expect from someone who sells nixie DIY clock kits as a hobby, but on the rare occasions when I had a question or a problem with Claus' and Dieter's clocks, I always received good advice on how to repair it myself. The board of the Blue dream isn't expensive enough to be sent back (especially from the USA) and spend hours on a repair. I never had problems with gas leaks with the nixies I bought from Dieter with the clocks. One set is from '92 as well. I did have problems with tubes off eBay where the pins were not straight. "Jeff Walton" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:48AM -0500 Agree, Pete is great to work with. Very good customer service! ------------------------ Did you have a schematic to do the repairs on the Blue Dream? Jeff From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Piano Forte Sent: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 11:44 PM To: neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 Thanks for the recommendations everyone - I actually reached out to Pete shortly after the BD discontinuation news, and ordered his Spectrum 18 kit, PIR and Case last week. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with - responsive, accommodated special requests and provided a first-rate experience overall during my first order with him. I ended up losing a tube to gas leakage on my BlueDream, and I attribute it to the rigid cup-style pin holders that stress the gas seal (1992/02 date code tube failed after 10 months of service, even leaving it in the same location). I am afraid to move the tubes around the BD, and Pete's design solves the pin stress issues (also like the PIR shutoff feature). On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:30:52 PM UTC-7, Pramanicin wrote: I'll echo the perceived lack of service too....I've repaired two blue dream clocks for people as no support was offered.. Pete's Spectrum 18 is a great clock for a very good price. Nick On Wed, Mar 22, 2017 at 7:22 PM, Gene Segal <[email protected] <javascript:> > wrote: I wonder if the production stopping is in some way related to questionable customer service for the Blue Dream? Good to know there are other options out there. <javascript:> Greg P March 22, 2017 at 7:06 PM Buy the PV Electronics Spectrum 18. http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info <http://www.pvelectronics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=157> &cPath=18&products_id=157 Great kit, great support, in stock, direct drive, many case options and way more features at a much more attractive price point. On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 7:14:57 PM UTC-4, Piano Forte wrote: -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/079545aa-7659-4a97-8f25-05b8fa34412b%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/079545aa-7659-4a97-8f25-05b8fa34412b%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. <javascript:> Piano Forte March 22, 2017 at 4:14 PM RE:IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 I reached out to Dieter and Claus, and Claus advised that the IN18 Blue Dream (PCB & Kit) is out of production until 2019 (!) - any background on this development?, its a pity since I was about to order a second BD - I should have ordered a second one last year.when I first had the inclination............. -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/ee702b38-7b86-496a-9575-55efa5b1891f%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/ee702b38-7b86-496a-9575-55efa5b1891f%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. -- Sent from <https://www.postbox-inc.com/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=siglink&utm_campaign=reach> Postbox -- 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] <javascript:> . To post to this group, send email to [email protected] <javascript:> . To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/58D33158.70207%40earthlink.net <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/58D33158.70207%40earthlink.net?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . 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 email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/042c7f39-933f-44f0-8b6f-c4ff2ed85aa0%40googlegroups.com <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/042c7f39-933f-44f0-8b6f-c4ff2ed85aa0%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. "Jeff Walton" <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:53AM -0500 I also have a Blue Dream with IN-18. As you say, it is very nicely proportioned. Also, the colon fade and digit fade are among the nicest out there. It is a beautiful clock with lots of features. It's a bit of a pain to program and I have to pull out the manual and relearn it every time I want to do something and have to make notes to remember the settings. Eventually it becomes clear. The documentation with example settings helps a lot. While I have not had any issues with the clock itself, I have lost a couple tubes (originally supplied with Blue Dream) where the tube seals failed and tube went dark. I do blame the pin socket arrangement for applying too much stress but it is certainly an elegant design and layout. In ~2.5 years, I have "refreshed" a couple tubes on the Blue Dream that began to cathode poison, beginning with the "8". My night mode was originally set to dim to 20% and I think that might be too low and hasten poisoning the cathodes if the clock sees any amount of hours, so I increased the dim setting to 40% and have not seen any poisoning for awhile. I do have a motion sensor outlet that powers the clock fully off after 10 minutes of no motion activity, so I think it will help the overall tube life. The internal battery that holds the time and settings is supposed to be good for ~10 years and this is OK to do per Dieter and the latest manual. It does change the start time that date and cathode poisoning prevention occur. The counters for the display functions start when the power is reapplied. So by cycling the full power, on one cycle, the date may show at the top of the hour and on the next motion cycle, it will be different. On mine, the date will show 55 seconds after power turn on time if you set a 55 sec time, 5 sec date display ratio. If you power on and off as I do, you also need to set the cathode poisoning cycle to occur at a frequency that is shorter than the external motion timer or it will not count up long enough to ever digit cycle if the clock doesn't stay on long enough. One thing that would be helpful for repair is if anyone has a Blue Dream schematic that we could keep for troubleshooting. The brains of the clock are in the firmware (protects the design) so it would be nice to at least have an electrical schematic in case parts ever fail and need troubleshooting/replacing. The assembly documentation is very nice but contains no schematic except for a breakout of the DIN connector for using an AUX output. I asked Nocrotec for one some time ago but never got a response. I'd love to add a PIR to the clock instead of the motion sensor outlet to keep the display timers alive. Anyone ever see a schematic of the IN-18 Blue Dream to share? Hopefully, they bring the Blue Dream back because it is really a great looking clock! Jeff -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Alic Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2017 12:27 AM To: neonixie-l Subject: Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 It's a pity. It's still my favorite IN-18 clock because it is compact and I like the proportions (the tubes are on the axis of the board). I was also secretly hoping that the black'n'wood would become available again. Maybe things have changed since. Also, I don't know what others expect from someone who sells nixie DIY clock kits as a hobby, but on the rare occasions when I had a question or a problem with Claus' and Dieter's clocks, I always received good advice on how to repair it myself. The board of the Blue dream isn't expensive enough to be sent back (especially from the USA) and spend hours on a repair. I never had problems with gas leaks with the nixies I bought from Dieter with the clocks. One set is from '92 as well. I did have problems with tubes off eBay where the pins were not straight. -- 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/fab14382-e7ac-4d2c-898b-155dff7f5600%40googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. Alic <[email protected]>: Mar 23 12:02AM -0700 I know I received a link to schematic for the black'n'wood which I downloaded, but I have to check when I'm home for the one of the blue dream. Back to top Inductor specs in threeneuron's HV PSU "Morten Mønsted" <[email protected]>: Mar 22 03:40AM -0700 Hi, Back to top IN18 Blue Dream out-of-production until 2019 Peter H <[email protected]>: Mar 23 01:03AM -0700 I have 2 of these clocks, I had some problems with one of it (it was my mistake) and I received a very good support and it's a great nixie clock. Am Donnerstag, 23. März 2017 08:02:55 UTC+1 schrieb Alic: Greg P <[email protected]>: Mar 23 07:21AM -0700 I agree with you Nick! There was quite the heated exchange a couple of months ago between me and Dieter, but the moderators flagged and deleted the thread. I'd be happy to discuss privately if anyone is interested? On Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:30:52 PM UTC-4, Pramanicin wrote: Back to top brightest nixie tube clock already assembled Tomasz Kowalczyk <[email protected]>: Mar 23 02:53AM -0700 Fun fact about LC-516 and why they look a bit different from IN-1 (hexagonal grid): LC-516 was made in a very similar way as LC-513 were done with same method (probably same machines to save costs), and later they had B13B to U11 adapter glued to them. I found photos of an LC-516 with black part taken off: http://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3143775400_1361302255.jpg http://obrazki.elektroda.pl/2781526900_1361307069.jpg I wonder what would happen if the plastic part of IN-1 would be removed... unfortunately I don't own any. Back to top You have received this digest because you're subscribed to updates for this group. You can change your settings on the group membership page. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it send an email to [email protected]. -- 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/15b01e5ad44-5581-1e24d%40webprd-a34.mail.aol.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
