Thank you both for your helpful insights! I really appreciate the detailed advice.
Regarding the motion sensor, I do see how it could be a great solution to prolong the tubes' lifespan. However, I have two cats, and I’m concerned they might trigger the sensor frequently, which would defeat the purpose. That said, the clock will be placed inside a display case, so the cats won’t have direct access to it. I’ll keep thinking about the motion sensor idea and see if I can make it work despite the cats. Thanks again for sharing your experiences and recommendations – they’ve been very helpful! Richard Scales schrieb am Sonntag, 29. Dezember 2024 um 06:45:46 UTC+1: > For my designs, a motion sensor (usually mounted remotely) is a must have > for any design that uses expensive tubes so they are on only for a limited > time. You wouldn't leave all the lights on in a room if you were not using > it would you ? > I have used PIR modules as well as microwave sensors. PIR I usually mount > remotely and plug in with a cable - a microwave type sensor can easily be > built in to the housing of a lot of clocks. > For PIR I have used HC-SR501 and HC-SR505. For microwave sensors I have > used several including RCWL0516. The microwave sensors are more sensitive > and can 'see through walls'! > - Richard > > > On Saturday, 28 December 2024 at 19:15:39 UTC Senk Ju wrote: > >> I have had an IN-14 clock running 16h/day for around five years and the >> tubes still look as good as the day I got them. I also know people who have >> had their IN-14 clocks running for decades without any noticeable >> degradation of the tubes. It’s generally advised to drive Nixie tubes at >> their rated current, as running them at too low a current can increase the >> risk of cathode poisoning. If you’re multiplexing the tubes, keep in mind >> they’ll need higher currents to achieve the same brightness since each tube >> is only illuminated for a fraction of the time (e.g., 1/6 if six tubes are >> multiplexed). For a clock, however, dimmer tubes might actually be >> desirable. Whether multiplexing is good or bad for the tubes seems to be a >> topic of debate. I don't think you have to worry about it damaging the >> tubes. If you are concerned with longevity, I would instead recommend >> turning off the tubes at night. >> >> >> >> Christoph Brandstätter schrieb am Samstag, 28. Dezember 2024 um 19:39:53 >> UTC+1: >> >>> Hi everyone, >>> >>> I recently acquired six IN-14 Nixie tubes and plan to build a clock with >>> them. Ideally, I’d love to keep the clock running 24/7, but I’m concerned >>> about how this might affect their lifespan. I’m aware of issues like >>> cathode poisoning, so I know it's important to regularly cycle through all >>> digits to prevent buildup. However, I’d like to know if there are other >>> best practices or tips to ensure they last as long as possible. >>> >>> Here are some specific questions I have: >>> >>> 1. Lifespan in Continuous Operation: I know that running Nixie tubes >>> 24/7 reduces their lifespan, but does anyone have experience with how long >>> they actually last under continuous use? >>> >>> >>> 2. Lower Current: Does running the tubes at a lower current >>> significantly extend their life? What current settings have worked well for >>> others? >>> >>> >>> 3. Multiplexing: Is multiplexing a good approach for improving lifespan, >>> or is it better avoided? >>> >>> >>> 4. Presence Sensors: I've seen people use presence sensors to only light >>> up the tubes when someone is nearby. If anyone has implemented this, what >>> hardware or sensor type do you recommend? >>> >>> >>> >>> I’d also appreciate any other tips or experiences you might have >>> regarding maintaining the longevity of Nixie tubes. >>> >>> Looking forward to learning from you all! >>> >> -- 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 view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/9d4d9285-dc93-444c-a176-47306ee66712n%40googlegroups.com.
