I'm not sure about cats but I also use the Panasonic PIR sensors for my IN-18 build, they are nice because they are black colored so it doesn't stick out like a white PIR sensor does. I use EKMC7607112K, of which there's a Sparkfun breakout board for.
That being said, I have a IN-14 clock running continuously 24/7 for over 7 years without any special cycling algorithm and so far all the numbers still look ok. I haven't checked the unlit digits though. For my IN-18 clock, on every digit change I have it cycle through all the unlit digits, so it has that 3D animation effect, but maybe it'll also clean the cathodes. My concern with my IN-18 clock is that maybe a PIR turning them on and off can also cause some sort of damage through thermal cycling. Perhaps the ultimate overkill method would be to keep the tubes enclosed and have a heater running 24/7 so when they do turn on from the PIR there's no thermal shock, haha. On Saturday, 25 January 2025 at 20:33:11 UTC-5 Moses wrote: > 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/9a628b96-4175-45e6-8344-fc1801a8aa35n%40googlegroups.com.
