[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-08-03 Thread Alex
Looking at that schematic there are a few dubious things about this design, 
but one which strikes me immediately is the 16f678 proc running from 4MHz 
with no apparent other method of keeping time. Software RTC with a 4MHz 
primary clock source. Hows that working out accuracy wise?

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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-08-03 Thread Alex
Meant 16F628, sorry. That additional piggy back on the multiplexing to 
drive the neons AND the LED indicator through one transistor seems a bit 
dubious also, granted since the transistor is NPN and neither is powered at 
the same time there should be no issue but still seems a bit 
unconventional...

On Sunday, 3 August 2014 21:43:37 UTC+1, Alex wrote:

 Looking at that schematic there are a few dubious things about this 
 design, but one which strikes me immediately is the 16f678 proc running 
 from 4MHz with no apparent other method of keeping time. Software RTC with 
 a 4MHz primary clock source. Hows that working out accuracy wise?


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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-08-01 Thread Dman777
Actually, I suspected this also because they seem to be the source/the 
strongest point of the strobbing. If I clip a leg off of each neon bulb, 
will the LED's and Tubes still work as normal? I can't tell from that 
diagram if there is some kind of serial thing going on or not. 

Thanks,
-Darin

On Monday, July 28, 2014 2:29:11 PM UTC-5, Dekatron42 wrote:

 You could try to remove the two neon bulbs and see what happens with the 
 Nixies, if the Nixies stop flickering it could be a software problem in the 
 PIC-processor. You can also replace the 74141 (or K155ID1 - K155ИД1 ) and 
 see if the problem disappears, sometimes they are a bit flaky and won't 
 work correctly.

 or, ask the seller if it is a hardware or software problem and if you can 
 correct it yourself!

 /Martin


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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-28 Thread Niek
Like some others already mentioned, it looks like an issue with the design. 
So, ordering another one probably wouldn't fix the underlying problem. A 
quick thing you could try is replace the PC817 optocouplers with TLP627's 
(as mentioned above). Just buy them on aliexpress.com or something - you'll 
need 6 of them. (try these, you'll get 10 for about 5$ including shipping 
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-10PCS-LOT-Optoisolator-TLP627-1-TLP627-DIP-4/1406962252.html
 
) You'll have to do some soldering, but it may be well worth the effort! 
Consider it a fun project. I'd be extremely frustrated having bought a 
clock, to see that flickering all the time. 

Look, the problem with those PC817's is the max. 35V collector-emitter 
voltage, see this datasheet of the 
part: http://mkpochtoi.narod.ru/pc817_ds.pdf

You can see under Absolute Maximum Ratings, the Vceo rating of 35V. Now, 
look in your clock's schematic, and you will see HV (175V) connected to 
lead #3 (which should actually be #4, but that could be an error in the 
schematic, hopefully) of the PC817. When the nixie is on, the voltage 
across 3 and 4 will be close to 0, but when it's off (it's off at least 
5/6th of the time: your clock works by multiplexing; only one tube is on at 
a time, but because this happens really quickly, your eye will perceive 
them to be all on), it will be higher than 35V, meaning that the 'switch' 
(a transistor is essentially a switch) won't stay closed well anymore. If 
it's not closed, the nixie will light up. This is what you see as 
flickering. The TLP627 works the same as the PC817, but it has a max. Vceo 
rating of 300V, much more than the 175V you need. 
(see http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Toshiba%20PDFs/TLP627,-2,-4.pdf)

Replacing those PC817's will be a good idea regardless, but it's possible 
that it's not the cause of your issue (although it would be the main 
suspect right now). There may be other issues, for instance, you may have 
microstrip crosstalk, caused by long stretches of high voltage (175V) 
traces on your PCB running alongside low voltage traces that lead to your 
PC817's #1 leads. If you post some high resolution photo's of your clock's 
PCB (the printed circuit board), we may be able to see this (as well as see 
if leads #3 and #4 are placed correctly or not), but you really need a 
scope to figure this stuff out. If this is the case, you could potentially 
fix that by bypassing some of these traces with wires. There may also be a 
problem with the software that runs on the PIC microcontroller, which you 
couldn't easily fix without the source, or writing it yourself from 
scratch. E.g. there may be issues with the order and slight delays in which 
the anode's and cathodes are enabled.

If I were you, i'd either send the clock back and ask money back, or 
consider it an interesting learning project and try some of the above 
suggestions.

Good luck!
 Niek

On Monday, July 28, 2014 12:47:31 AM UTC+2, Dman777 wrote:

 I really like this clock because of the remote control for the LED lights. 
  Instead of sending this one back, which would be expensive...I was 
 thinking about asking the seller if he could sell me another one at a 
 discount. But, I would only want to buy one that was in  correct working 
 condition. What are the chances the next one would be ok? Is this problem 
 from design or a anomaly from a flaw in one of the parts?

 Thanks,
 -Darin



 On Saturday, July 26, 2014 5:45:09 PM UTC-5, Dman777 wrote:

 I think I might of caused some confusionwhen I say tubes are turned 
 offI mean.there is a dimmer setting and you can dim them all the 
 way to not being on. I see that weird flickering in the back even when they 
 are turned on their brightestbut it's barely noticeable because the 
 tubes are on full bright. Does this change anything in the diagnostics? 
 Sorry, I'm pretty daft to this stuff. 



 On Thursday, July 24, 2014 12:49:25 AM UTC-5, Dman777 wrote:

 I have this strange behavior with my Nixie clock. The right column 
 marker strobes like there is some kind of short. This clock has a timer 
 function where I can turn off the tubes at a certain time. When the tubes 
 go off, that column marker still strobes on. And also, when the 2 tubes to 
 the right of that column marker are slightly strobing on and off with the 
 column marker. 

 What exactly is causing this? And does it mean that the circuitry may 
 not last as long as the life of the tubes? 

 Video 1:
 Strobing column with tubes on:
 http://youtu.be/HeQjneaF7AA

 Strobing column and tubes when tubes are off:
 http://youtu.be/KKrKTdNek6I


 Thanks,
 -Darin



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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-28 Thread jf...@my-deja.com
 
One more suggestion. I had ghosting in some multiplexed B-7971s. I could 
affect the degree by varying the high voltage, and I eliminated it by 
increasing the anode voltage by about 15V above its original value. Try 
adjusting your +12V. I would feel pretty safe in the 10-15V range.  

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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-28 Thread Dekatron42
You could try to remove the two neon bulbs and see what happens with the 
Nixies, if the Nixies stop flickering it could be a software problem in the 
PIC-processor. You can also replace the 74141 (or K155ID1 - K155ИД1 ) and 
see if the problem disappears, sometimes they are a bit flaky and won't 
work correctly.

or, ask the seller if it is a hardware or software problem and if you can 
correct it yourself!

/Martin

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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-27 Thread Dman777
I really like this clock because of the remote control for the LED lights. 
 Instead of sending this one back, which would be expensive...I was 
thinking about asking the seller if he could sell me another one at a 
discount. But, I would only want to buy one that was in  correct working 
condition. What are the chances the next one would be ok? Is this problem 
from design or a anomaly from a flaw in one of the parts?

Thanks,
-Darin



On Saturday, July 26, 2014 5:45:09 PM UTC-5, Dman777 wrote:

 I think I might of caused some confusionwhen I say tubes are turned 
 offI mean.there is a dimmer setting and you can dim them all the 
 way to not being on. I see that weird flickering in the back even when they 
 are turned on their brightestbut it's barely noticeable because the 
 tubes are on full bright. Does this change anything in the diagnostics? 
 Sorry, I'm pretty daft to this stuff. 



 On Thursday, July 24, 2014 12:49:25 AM UTC-5, Dman777 wrote:

 I have this strange behavior with my Nixie clock. The right column marker 
 strobes like there is some kind of short. This clock has a timer function 
 where I can turn off the tubes at a certain time. When the tubes go off, 
 that column marker still strobes on. And also, when the 2 tubes to the 
 right of that column marker are slightly strobing on and off with the 
 column marker. 

 What exactly is causing this? And does it mean that the circuitry may not 
 last as long as the life of the tubes? 

 Video 1:
 Strobing column with tubes on:
 http://youtu.be/HeQjneaF7AA

 Strobing column and tubes when tubes are off:
 http://youtu.be/KKrKTdNek6I


 Thanks,
 -Darin



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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-26 Thread gregebert
For multiplexed nixie tube designs, the idea of biasing is to keep the 
voltage of the anodes for tubes that are off below the sustaining voltage. 
Most nixies will ionize around 170V, and sustain around 135V. So if you 
bias them at 85V (half the supply voltage if you run at 170V), then you are 
assured it will be off.

In the context of the wikipedia article you mentioned, the bias they refer 
to is the static current thru a vacuum tube,  and like nixie tubes, they 
will degrade faster at higher currents. I doubt biasing a multiplexed nixie 
tube to keep it off will affect it's life. Crossover distortion is 
irrelevant for nixie tubes because they are not used as amplifiers.

One reason I dont use multiplexed drivers in my designs is because the 
tubes are not on continuously, so I believe that a multiplexed nixie would 
be dimmer than a direct-drive nixie running at the same current. If 
additional current is driven into the tube to make it brighter (to 
compensate for the loss of brightness due to multiplexing), I would be 
concerned about reduced lifetime. I dont believe tube lifetime is a linear 
function of current; doubling the recommended operating current would 
probably cut the lifetime much more than 50%.

Multiplexing uses fewer transistors (which saves on component cost and PCB 
area), but that doesn't bother me because I can get transistors and PC 
boards very cheap; billions are made every year. Not true for nixies; I 
think Burroughs stopped making them about 40 years ago (I apologize for 
being such a zealot about brand-loyalty) so the supply of nixies is 
finite and dwindling. Another reason I dont multiplex them is the datasheet 
advised against using long-life tubes in pulsed-mode, which implies not to 
multiplex them. Other tubes might be OK with multiplexing.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-26 Thread Arne Rossius
Hi,

Darin Hensley wrote:
 Here is the diagram I tried to capture with my phone. With this helps any
 I'm trying to see what is causing it?

The PC817 optocouplers are only specified for a collector-emitter
voltage of 35V, so it is very likely one of them is breaking down when
its tube is turned off. It might be a good idea to replace them with
optocouplers that can withstand a higher voltage.

Biasing to 85V won't work with these optocouplers, because
(175V - 85V) = 90V  35V.

If the pin numbers in the schematic are correct, the optocoupler
transistors are also connected in reverse (pin 3 = emitter to +HV), in
which case the specified voltage is only 6V. However the position of the
pins makes me think that very likely, the pin numbers are incorrect and
the transistor is connected correctly (usually, pin numbers are counted
in counter-clockwise direction around the package, however here it is
1-2-4-3).


Best Regards,
Arne

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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-26 Thread Dman777
I think I might of caused some confusionwhen I say tubes are turned 
offI mean.there is a dimmer setting and you can dim them all the 
way to not being on. I see that weird flickering in the back even when they 
are turned on their brightestbut it's barely noticeable because the 
tubes are on full bright. Does this change anything in the diagnostics? 
Sorry, I'm pretty daft to this stuff. 



On Thursday, July 24, 2014 12:49:25 AM UTC-5, Dman777 wrote:

 I have this strange behavior with my Nixie clock. The right column marker 
 strobes like there is some kind of short. This clock has a timer function 
 where I can turn off the tubes at a certain time. When the tubes go off, 
 that column marker still strobes on. And also, when the 2 tubes to the 
 right of that column marker are slightly strobing on and off with the 
 column marker. 

 What exactly is causing this? And does it mean that the circuitry may not 
 last as long as the life of the tubes? 

 Video 1:
 Strobing column with tubes on:
 http://youtu.be/HeQjneaF7AA

 Strobing column and tubes when tubes are off:
 http://youtu.be/KKrKTdNek6I


 Thanks,
 -Darin



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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-25 Thread gregebert
Just to clarify, from the 2 videos, the first one looks like it was 
intended to blend the seconds-digits as they change. It's not leakage 
because the digits are almost fully illuminated.
My guess is the designer actually went to some extra effort to make the 
digits behave this way; it's far easier to just make them jump to the 
next count.

The second video is probably some combination of leakage and short glitches 
where the anodes get pulsed on for a short time, perhaps a few microseconds.

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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-25 Thread petehand
Looks like a design problem to me. The proper way to blank a nixie tube is 
to remove the anode voltage, either by killing the HV power supply or 
disabling the anode drivers. If you leave the power on and the anodes 
multiplexing with no cathode grounded, the anode has some capacitance to 
ground, and the multiplex signal is effectively AC, so some small anode 
current flows and the gas glows. I had a cathode go open circuit on one of 
my clocks - it was the '8' of minutes - and when that digit was selected, 
the whole inside of the tube lit up with a dim diffuse glow. Being as it 
stayed like that for a whole minute it was quite noticeable. Since in this 
case it's entire digits lighting up, probably the cathode driver is 
breaking down. Does it use one of the Russian 74141 equivalents? They're 
only rated for about 70V and if there is no cathode grounded to pull the 
anode voltage down, considerably more than 70V can appear at the driver.

The clock probably won't die from this problem for years, but why take a 
chance? If I were you, I wouldn't use the timer function to turn off the 
tubes, since the tubes run continuously will last longer than a TTL chip 
being broken down by HV pulses on a regular basis.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-25 Thread gregebert
Well, it's multiplexed and there isn't any biasing for the anodes when they 
are off, so that explains the dim glowing digits.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-25 Thread Dman777
I was reading http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biasing

and it states A hot bias can lower the tube life span, but a cool bias 
can induce crossover distortion

Would this be considered hot biasing that could lower the tube life span? 



On Friday, July 25, 2014 11:37:52 PM UTC-5, gregebert wrote:

 Well, it's multiplexed and there isn't any biasing for the anodes when 
 they are off, so that explains the dim glowing digits.


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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-24 Thread GastonP
Or a glitchy output in the microcontroller pin that drives the erm... 
driver.
If I were to risk an answer... that clock seems to be multiplexed in a 3 x 
2 way (3 anode drivers, 2 tubes per driver). I'd check the components 
around that positive (from B+) driver. It could be some  faulty transistor, 
or a wrong value resistor...
Of course an oscilloscope could be of great help, but beware of the high 
voltage.

Gaston

On Thursday, July 24, 2014 4:22:27 AM UTC-3, Nick wrote:

 Looks like a leaky driver... or could be a dry joint around it 
 somewhere... or some surface contamination on the board... etc.

 Nick 


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[neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-24 Thread gregebert
I have seen multiplexed designs use a bias resistor to hold anodes at a 
voltage below ionization when they are not selected; in fact one of my 
Sperry / Beckman datasheets makes specific mention that this type of 
biasing is necessary.

Do you have a schematic ?

I've seen similar behavior with NE-2 bulbs years back; a faint erratic glow 
is visible when one lead is connected to the AC line (in my case, 120v /60 
Hz) and the other is unconnected. I dont see this behavior with my nixie 
clocks (they are all direct-drive) because all tubes have exactly 1 cathode 
driven at all times.

Now that you've raised my curiosity, I'm going to poke around with some 
tubes on my bench to see if I can get a faint glow with only 1 terminal 
connected.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-24 Thread Charles MacDonald

On 14-07-24 07:57 PM, gregebert wrote:


Now that you've raised my curiosity, I'm going to poke around with some
tubes on my bench to see if I can get a faint glow with only 1 terminal
connected.


Don't forget the old Science lab demonstration where the demonstrator 
holds a 4 foot florescent tube near a Tesla coil, or even a van-de-grafe 
generator, and it lights up in her hand. no wires needed.



--
Charles MacDonald Stittsville Ontario
cm...@zeusprune.ca  Just Beyond the Fringe
http://Charles.MacDonald.org/tubes
No Microsoft Products were used in sending this e-mail.

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-24 Thread Dman777
I contacted the seller and he said he would replace or refund the Nixie 
clock. The  only problem is that I have to mail it to Ukraine. Does anyone 
know what that might cost from the USA? 

I'm not a hardware person so what ya'll are mentioning is pretty foreign to 
me. Is this bad...what you all have mentioned? Is it likely the clock might 
die out in a few years? Or start a fire?

Thanks,
-Darin



On Thursday, July 24, 2014 7:09:56 PM UTC-5, charles wrote:

 On 14-07-24 07:57 PM, gregebert wrote: 

  Now that you've raised my curiosity, I'm going to poke around with some 
  tubes on my bench to see if I can get a faint glow with only 1 terminal 
  connected. 

 Don't forget the old Science lab demonstration where the demonstrator 
 holds a 4 foot florescent tube near a Tesla coil, or even a van-de-grafe 
 generator, and it lights up in her hand. no wires needed. 


 -- 
 Charles MacDonald Stittsville Ontario 
 cm...@zeusprune.ca javascript:  Just Beyond the Fringe 
 http://Charles.MacDonald.org/tubes 
 No Microsoft Products were used in sending this e-mail. 


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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Strange Strobe Behavior on my Nixie Clock

2014-07-24 Thread gregebert
If it was my clock, I would just enjoy it as it is. From your earlier 
postings, it has a lot of nice features. Mine are just clocks; no alarm, no 
remote-control, and in some cases no battery-backup so I envy what you 
have. There isn't any fire or safety risk from the leaky digits in my 
opinion. Hard to guess if it will adversely affect the life of the tube.

I did do a few quick experiments on a few tubes with a single connection, 
and the glow is definitely related to the leakage-path. When I used a 
NON-isolated 325VAC supply, I could get a dim glow. When I made the supply 
isolated, it got even dimmer. Changing to 5,000 vac didn't make a huge 
difference. Maybe it's a corona discharge as contrasted to a full-on 
discharge when a lot more current is available.

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