That is some seriously looking piece of gear. What is the numerical keyboard for and how do you operate it?
On Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 3:22:34 AM UTC Leroy Jones wrote: > Put a toggle switch on the front of the clock. Turn the tubes off when > you leave the room. > Turn them on when you want to see them. All of my nixie clocks have it. > > On Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 9:41:10 AM UTC-5 Terry S wrote: > >> I've used these motion sensors from Panasonic: >> >> >> https://mm.digikey.com/Volume0/opasdata/d220001/medias/docus/2240/EKMB_MC_AMN2_3_Rev_Sep_2012.pdf >> >> Super easy to use. Seems they've gotten a bit pricey since I used them >> last. The one I used is AMN31111. >> >> On Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 4:07:34 AM UTC-5 Christoph Brandstätter >> wrote: >> >>> 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/8857c069-b5d4-4536-8dc6-c9a2b2bc8860n%40googlegroups.com.
