Thank you all for your help and input. Based on the information shared in the group, running the IN-14 Nixie Tubes 24/7 seems like a straightforward and practical approach. Adding sensors could introduce potential issues, and I personally prefer the look of the tubes when they run continuously. Since the long-term lifespan appears to be sufficient based on shared experiences, this works perfectly for me.
Once again, thank you all for your support! ZY schrieb am Montag, 27. Januar 2025 um 09:57:42 UTC+1: > 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/ce3b21d9-4f0e-42e5-adbc-a4d8fb169e57n%40googlegroups.com.
