I believe you can tune some of the microwave (and maybe some of the PIR?) to basically ignore small pets. I don't have too much direct experience, but there is info all over the web about microwave / MMwave stuff.
On a tube lifetime note, I just realized the first serial number of the first 6 digit clock kit I made in 2005 has been continuously running since! Z57xM tubes with 175,000+ hours! I see no degradation at all! -Moses On Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 1:07:34 AM UTC-8 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/1bf27186-1181-4eb5-b818-e4b1ae9ec2cfn%40googlegroups.com.
