Re: [neonixie-l] Hewlett Packard Power Cord

2019-05-07 Thread gregebert
3D printer is very handy for things like this. -- 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 neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group,

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: First nixie clock: do I need to switch anode?

2019-05-06 Thread gregebert
The datasheet I found online for the IN-4 has these values, so your resistor value will need to be increased somewhat. Remember - This is the operating voltage, not the ionization voltage (which is always higher). operating voltage Voltage drop V 150 Cathode current nominal Cathode current

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: First nixie clock: do I need to switch anode?

2019-05-05 Thread gregebert
The exact anode voltage is not critical; it needs to be high enough to ensure the tube is reliably ionized over the life of the tube. 200 volts is a good value. What matters the most is the *current*. If the current is too high, the tube's life will be reduced. If the current is too low, the

Re: [neonixie-l] Interesting multi-digit tube

2019-05-05 Thread gregebert
I think "Panaplex" is a trademark from Beckmann/Burroughs for the multiplexed display technology they were promoting in the 1970s as the battled with up-and-coming LEDs . -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this

Re: [neonixie-l] More crazy because of anime movie...

2019-05-03 Thread gregebert
Cant be legitimate bidding; these tubes are neither large nor shown operating. Notice 1 bidder keeps pushing the price up. -- 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

[neonixie-l] Re: Suggestions for a LiPo powered nixie power supply design?

2019-05-02 Thread gregebert
I meant to say "humiliating" -- 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 neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send an email

[neonixie-l] Re: Suggestions for a LiPo powered nixie power supply design?

2019-05-02 Thread gregebert
I've done a fair amount of work with flyback converters, or minor variants. The other circuit looks like some kind of self-oscillating topology, and I have not done anything with those other than build a Radio Shack kit with one back in the early 1970's. I really wish manufacturers would

[neonixie-l] Re: First nixie clock: do I need to switch anode?

2019-05-02 Thread gregebert
I dont recommend line-operated designs unless you've done some previous design work at high-ish voltages. There are a lot of not-obvious things that go wrong (line noise, transients, component failure, inadequate isolation) with very bad consequences. If you have done a lot of past designs, I

[neonixie-l] Re: Suggestions for a LiPo powered nixie power supply design?

2019-05-02 Thread gregebert
Sounds like your transformer is saturating; common problem with small magnetics. I used an LPR6235-123 from Coilcraft in my wristwatch. They sell to end-users in small quantities, which is nice. Even though it only ran for 7 seconds at a time, it still overheated at 7mA load but it's a

[neonixie-l] Re: First nixie clock: do I need to switch anode?

2019-05-02 Thread gregebert
Switching the anodes is what multiplexing does, the advantage being that you can share the cathode logic across several tubes. But with savings, there is also a hidden cost: You must run the anode current higher for multiplexed operation versus direct-drive. If the tube is specifically

[neonixie-l] Re: more memories - Numitron!

2019-05-01 Thread gregebert
How many years was it running before a segment burned-out ? Or maybe you've yet to see one fail ? -- 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

[neonixie-l] Re: A Trip Down Memory Lane...

2019-05-01 Thread gregebert
Doh! You're supposed to use the upside-down "bat nixies" for that clock. -- 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

[neonixie-l] Re: More crazy because of anime movie...

2019-04-28 Thread gregebert
Tugging on parts before they are properly unsoldered causes the most damage. Use a suction-type desoldering tool (Edsyn Soldapult has been my favorite for almost 40 years now). First, apply a small amount of fresh solder as it will help heat the joint more uniformly. Then suck away as much

Re: [neonixie-l] Cd27 on eBay...

2019-04-28 Thread gregebert
I guess it all depends upon whether or not you are a purist with unlimited money and patience. Auctions are so rare for these devices that it will take years to get a set of 6 for a clock. The RZ568m (Dalibor's tube) is essentially the same height (50mm) vs 54mm for the CD27. For less than the

[neonixie-l] Re: Tube/bulbs for colon separators?

2019-04-27 Thread gregebert
I use plain old NE-2 bulbs, and 3D-print a holder for them, with a dark (black) colored material. -- 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

[neonixie-l] Re: WTB: Looking for dead CD47 (or other very large nixie)

2019-04-26 Thread gregebert
Nice try! I have not had much luck melting a nixie tube with a torch and careful uniform heating. There's always some place where the glass has too high a temperature gradient, usually the base, so it cracks. I think you would need to heat-soak the tube at the annealing temperature for a few

[neonixie-l] WTB: Looking for dead CD47 (or other very large nixie)

2019-04-25 Thread gregebert
I'm looking for a dead CD47 for my nixie-tube display-case project (desktop museum); physical damage is OK though I wont pay as much. I have a dead b7971 (cracked glass at the base) already. Reply privately if you have one you are willing to sell. Thanks in advance. -- You received this

Re: [neonixie-l] IN-18 new for sale

2019-04-24 Thread gregebert
I have 14 IN-18 tubes running in my clock for a few years now, with no failures. *They are a good quality tube*. Be careful when socketing them, because the pin material is a soft metal that bends easily. The light surface corrosion on the pins is harmless, and I dont recommend trying to clean

[neonixie-l] Re: Numitron clock driving question

2019-04-19 Thread gregebert
Series resistor on filaments will also reduce the surge-current when the segment is turned-on, greatly extending the lifetime. >From what I've researched on tube filaments, reducing the surge-current during turn-on (ie, adding series resistance) is the best way to extend lifetime. There

Re: [neonixie-l] Lot's of high priced B7971 from France...

2019-04-16 Thread gregebert
I was expecting to see the Z568M prices plummet when Dalibor started selling; instead I just see fewer for sale and always at a higher price. BTW, I was finally able to convince my wife I should investigate the RZ568M, so now I'm going to test the balance between my addiction and my wallet.

Re: [neonixie-l] Lot's of high priced B7971 from France...

2019-04-16 Thread gregebert
It's a harsh fact of finite-supply vs demand . Eventually, the price will get high enough that someone will come along start manufacturing these beasts, and others, I'm sure. I just visited Dalibor's website, and he's produced more than 7200 tubes, and has managed to make a profit, though he's

[neonixie-l] Re: Ultronic Brokerage Display >>Controller<< on eBay

2019-04-12 Thread gregebert
Saw incandescent stock tickers in-action during a brokerage visit in my 3rd grade class. It ran so hot that they had noisy fans sucking-in the air around the bulbs so it wouldn't overheat the office. That was 50 years ago.I vaguely recall a much smaller panel of nixie displays, but they

Re: [neonixie-l] Silver coating on inside of glass

2019-04-11 Thread gregebert
So it looks like the cathodes are poisoned (dark areas), and where they are still glowing, the metal has deposited nearby. I wonder if you can depoison them with high current, and coax the metal to redeposit at the bottom of the display by leaving it vertical, where the temperature is lowest.

Re: [neonixie-l] Silver coating on inside of glass

2019-04-10 Thread gregebert
I tried heating one of my tubes with this shiny interior coating, and it would not turn to gas. The pressure inside a nixie is fairly low, so I thought that if this was mercury, it should have boiled-off, but it didn't. Perhaps it is a different metal; I'm not going to break it open to find

Re: [neonixie-l] Not nixie, but close enough :)

2019-04-08 Thread gregebert
The DT1704 appears to have 2 parallel filaments inside; if one of those is open, it will definitely affect the shape of the electric field and how the electrons get to the segment anodes. Do the bad tubes have higher filament resistance compared to the good tubes ? You should be able to

Re: [neonixie-l] Another Tube Hobby Failure

2019-04-07 Thread gregebert
#1 Make sure you are purchasing new units from a reputable supplier; there are fake parts out there that are poor quality. Never re-use salvaged electrolytics. #2 Heat will shorten the life of any electrolytic; it only takes a few well-placed vent holes to keep things cool. #3 Not all

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: B-7094 Clock

2019-04-05 Thread gregebert
I have clocks with both tubes (5092 and 6091). The 6091 should be operated at higher current (3mA vs 2.2mA), and has a larger diameter than the 5092, but is otherwise electrically equivalent. I do my own designs, so I dont know if kits exist. While the 6091's are bigger, I dont think they are

[neonixie-l] Re: Not nixie, but close enough :)

2019-04-05 Thread gregebert
It's almost as though there is a floating grid in the tube. Can you see any physical differences between good and bad tubes ? There isn't a specific grid pin for the DT1704 VFD; I have some large VFDs that do have a grid, and it uses a surprisingly large current. -- You received this message

Re: [neonixie-l] Alternatives to 74141's etc

2019-04-04 Thread gregebert
Board-layout with the HV5530 can be an issue, so I connect the tube-pins to the easiest route on the driver IC. That gives a clean board layout (zero feedthrus for tube signals) but scrambles-up the bits. Unscrambling them in RTL code or software is easy, though. -- You received this

Re: [neonixie-l] Alternatives to 74141's etc

2019-04-04 Thread gregebert
+1 for the HV5530 I have a 14-tube clock with IN-18's driven by six HV5530's, and have had no issues other than some mild cathode poisoning (my fault) which is easily cured. I strongly recommend using a level-translator IC when controlling the HV5530 from 3.3/5.0 VDC controllers; others have

Re: [neonixie-l] 8971/7971 clocks

2019-04-01 Thread gregebert
Strattman authored a good book on neon design (Neon Techniques); recommended reading. -- 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

[neonixie-l] Re: RZ568M clock kits?

2019-03-29 Thread gregebert
I would put a RaspberryPi as the main controller; it can get time from the network via built-in WiFi and all of the control software can be updated/modified by the end-user. Since it's a Linux-based platform with remote login via VNC, there's no limit to the kinds of applications that can be

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] Re: TESTED 4 Nixie Tubes Burroughs B-7971 3½" tall 14-segment character

2019-03-27 Thread gregebert
WARNING: This product may become addictive. At least nixie tubes are a *healthy* addiction. I think everyone in this forum thrives on the new creations, misadventures, and shared knowledge. I enjoyed the conspiracy theories, but in the end we're all happy you got your tubes. Just be sure to

Re: [neonixie-l] TESTED 4 Nixie Tubes Burroughs B-7971 3½" tall 14-segment character

2019-03-27 Thread gregebert
I recall Poly-Paks selling 7971 units back in the mid 1970's; one of those barrel deals where I guess they literally had barrels of these things. I cant tell you how many times I've kicked myself in the face for not buying any of them. I'm guessing most of these came from brokerage houses that

Re: [neonixie-l] TESTED 4 Nixie Tubes Burroughs B-7971 3½" tall 14-segment character

2019-03-26 Thread gregebert
Supply and demand... Personally, I think 7971's are butt-ugly, but they are so gigantic it's hard to resist. I was going to bid on that pair because I need a replacement, but not at that price. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group.

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Q: Active full-wave rectifiers

2019-03-25 Thread gregebert
I tend to use higher voltage transformers, in the 8-12VAC range, full-wave rectifiers + filter-cap, then use switching-regulators that are pin-compatible replacements for the popular LDO regulators. They are 90%+ efficient, and therefore generate almost no measurable heat. If the current is

Re: [neonixie-l] Push-pull driving cathodes

2019-03-06 Thread gregebert
The required voltage rating of a cathode driver has been debated in this forum a few times. There are 2 opinions that I know of - The driver needs to be rated at the full anode-supply voltage - The driver only needs to be rated at (Anode_supply_voltage - Voltage_drop_across_nixie_tube)

Re: [neonixie-l] The B-7971 Shoutbox lives again (for a limited time only)!

2019-03-05 Thread gregebert
At roughly 100 USD per tube, that's going to empty a few wallets. -- 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 neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To

Re: [neonixie-l] Push-pull driving cathodes

2019-03-03 Thread gregebert
For direct-drive, you can just let the cathodes float, and they will be completely dark unless your driver has leakage. I've done 5 full designs with direct-drive that floats the cathode, and none has any issues. All told, there are 52 nixie devices in operation with no hint of failure or

[neonixie-l] Re: OT: GPS week number rollover

2019-02-28 Thread gregebert
Too bad we wont be around for the Y10K debacle; that's going to be hilarious. Better hurry, we've only got 7980 years to prevent that train-wreck.. Even the DS3231's are supposed to be good till 2199. Who knows, maybe some of our nixie clocks will still be working then. -- You received

Re: [neonixie-l] Backlighting Nixies with Ne lamps instead of LEDs

2019-02-25 Thread gregebert
The 'opto' means there is electrical isolation between the control inputs, and the other terminals. The input (control) side of an opto-triac looks and behaves like an LED, except the LED is buried inside the package and not visible. For the 'triac', it behaves similar to SPST normally-open

Re: [neonixie-l] Backlighting Nixies with Ne lamps instead of LEDs

2019-02-25 Thread gregebert
I'd recommend driving neon bulbs from an AC source to maximize their lifetime; opto-triacs work nicely. I think I paid about 0.75 USD each for MOC3023. Another neonixie member posted a clever way to apply a square-wave to the neon bulb using 2 transistors + 2 resistors; it uses a bit more

[neonixie-l] Re: 7971 clock project video

2019-02-24 Thread gregebert
Nice video. The modular construction is a great idea. How snugly do the pins get held into the socket cups ? I was ultra-paranoid about pin-stress so I literally numbered my b7971's for a specific location, put the socket pins on the tube, and then soldered. Each "socket" was customized to

[neonixie-l] Re: Pinball score reel clock

2019-02-17 Thread gregebert
Probably would not want that thing in your bedroom when it rolls-over at 1 AM.. Definitely would be a great desk clock for the workplace. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Metro Exodus Artyom Edition comes with a fully functional Nixie watch! Who made that watch?

2019-02-14 Thread gregebert
How long does the battery last on 1 charge ? My bench-test nixie watch has been running for 4 years now on it's original battery charge, and the battery came from my cellphone after several years of usage. Not a typo, I literally have not added any charge to that battery for 4 years now.

[neonixie-l] Re: Good Nixie Tube books

2019-02-11 Thread gregebert
Here's the book list - Neon techniques (Strattman) - Neon Engineer's Notebook (Crook & Fishman) - Neon Superguide (Caba) Not nixie, but overall very informative and will help you understand the process & techniques -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the

[neonixie-l] Re: Good Nixie Tube books

2019-02-11 Thread gregebert
On a whim, I did a search on helium leak-detection and came across this document link which is helpful info: https://www.leyboldproducts.com/media/pdf/90/c7/87/Fundamentals_of_Leak_Detection_EN.pdf Leaks will kill nixies, so be sure to understand them. Several years ago I was researching neon

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: 32 kHz output of Maxim DS3231* RTC

2019-02-11 Thread gregebert
Better check the accuracy of your frequency measurement; an error of 67 Hz will throw you off about 7 seconds per hour, or about 1.5 hours per month. The DS32xx devices do have a trimming register to handle timing-offset, but I've never used it. What amazes me is how many of these fake RTCs

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Update of my Nixie tube car gauges project

2019-02-11 Thread gregebert
Be extra careful about ESD/surge events; the automotive electrical environment is quite nasty, especially in older vehicles that have mechanical voltage regulators. Depending upon where you tap the power & ground, your circuit can be affected by large di/dt events, such as starting, charging,

[neonixie-l] Re: Update of my Nixie tube car gauges project

2019-02-11 Thread gregebert
Are you using any discrete A/D converters, or are you using one already integrated into a microcontroller ? I found a lot of quirks with the 16-channel A/D on my current project, so ping me if you want to learn from my war stories. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: MPSA42 troubles

2019-02-09 Thread gregebert
This is where a curve-tracer really comes in-handy. Sadly, even old used ones are a bit expensive compared to scopes from the same era. I've been tempted many times over the years to design my own, but like most projects I dream-up I never get time to build them. -- You received this message

[neonixie-l] Re:

2019-02-09 Thread gregebert
Considering only 3 USD has been pledged so far, they have a long way to go and there isn't a lot of confidence from investors. They should have several batches of tubes running thru burn-in, and I did not see that in the video; I dont know how they can backup a 15 year warranty if tube

[neonixie-l] Re: Would it be possible to use an A-108 Dekatron as an analog display meter?

2019-02-03 Thread gregebert
Would you consider an A-101 ? It runs bidirectionally. I use oshpark for small PCB's (under 4 square inches), and pcbway for larger boards. I believe pcbway can do some cleanup, etc of your PCB layout per their website. I cant comment on their abilities here; I do the full PCB design myself.

[neonixie-l] Re: Building a clock on a prototype board?

2019-02-03 Thread gregebert
After you've done a perfboard project, I suggest you design your own small PCB and fab it thru a low-cost manufacturer such as www.oshpark.com For $5 USD per square-inch, you get 3 boards including shipping, so it's an inexpensive way to explore if you want to do larger boards, and if you want

Re: [neonixie-l] How dangerous is 150V - 170V DC?

2019-02-01 Thread gregebert
Here is a link I found : https://www.asc.ohio-state.edu/physics/p616/safety/fatal_current.html The fatal current range is 100-200mA . How they determined this is probably an ethical question. As you said, having series resistance is what can save you, unless you touch the other side, such as

Re: [neonixie-l] Pulsed operation and anode current

2019-01-31 Thread gregebert
Are you seeing residual glow on digits/segments, aka ghosting ? If so, you will want to bias the inactive anodes to a voltage below the sustaining voltage. There are several threads in this forum about ghosting with multiplexed displays -- You received this message because you are subscribed

[neonixie-l] Re: VFD grid current. Any ideas why it's so high ?

2019-01-25 Thread gregebert
I peeked at some ILC1-1/7 listed on Ebay, and there was a photo with a tape measure showing "14" . My heart skipped a few beats, then I realized it was *centimeters*, not inches. Still, these things are gigantic. They would make an interesting "see-thru" clock. -- You received this message

[neonixie-l] Re: VFD grid current. Any ideas why it's so high ?

2019-01-25 Thread gregebert
On Friday, January 25, 2019 at 3:27:25 PM UTC-8, Tomasz Kowalczyk wrote: > > > I think that the highly positive grid voltage allows to make electron > "beam" hit all anode areas more evenly. If I recall correctly, in some > older VFDs you could see that anodes glow slightly brighter >under

[neonixie-l] VFD grid current. Any ideas why it's so high ?

2019-01-25 Thread gregebert
I just received some ILC1-1/8 VFD's (large-ish 7 segment Soviet era, approx 100mm tall) and did some basic testing. I was very surprised to see a large current on the grid, on the order of 30-40mA, whereas the segment current was around 5mA when glowing nicely. I havn't dabbled with vacuum

Re: [neonixie-l] Pulsed operation and anode current

2019-01-25 Thread gregebert
Make sure you test the DCDC converter under full-load. Every one of these I've ever designed & built always worked beautifully under low load, and as the load increases all sorts of gremlins start creeping out of the jungle. Some of them are easy to spot, like overheating. Others require you to

[neonixie-l] Re: Scope Clock Newbie Question About Heat

2019-01-22 Thread gregebert
BTW, I have used PLA for mounting small power transformers, with no issues. I just put a lot of ventilation holes on the sides and bottom for convection current. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and

[neonixie-l] Re: Scope Clock Newbie Question About Heat

2019-01-22 Thread gregebert
Most of the heat for the CRT should be from the filament; This is what I found online Vf 6.3 Volts / If 0.31 Ampere / Indirec That amounts to about 2 watts; the anode power is much smaller. If you provide louvers on the case so that natural convection can remove the warm air, you should be OK

Re: [neonixie-l] Pulsed operation and anode current

2019-01-22 Thread gregebert
The advantage and importance of the series anode resistor is that it makes your anode current more predictable. Without the resistor, your anode current will be determined primarily by the tube's characteristics, which vary over time and tube-to-tube, ie unpredictable. I think that tube

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Pulsed operation and anode current

2019-01-22 Thread gregebert
Assuming the 170VDC supply is not adjustable, you can easily put another DC supply in-series with it. There are a variety of small DCDC converters available with isolated outputs; just connect the (-) output of the converter to +170VDC, and power your nixies from the (+) output. A +24VDC

[neonixie-l] Re: Pulsed operation and anode current

2019-01-21 Thread gregebert
Welcome to the group; I assume no responsibility if you get addicted to nixie tubes, and all sorts of vintage display devices. Be very careful about how much current you pass thru a nixie; too much will cause premature wearout and too-little can result in cathode poisoning. Also, be aware that

[neonixie-l] Re: Increasing output current limit on MAX1771 power supply design

2019-01-16 Thread gregebert
Just to elaborate a bit more, the individual segment currents of a b7971 are different, due to different lengths. Since these tubes are getting quite rare, not to mention expensive, I also recommend anode-current limiting in addition to the individual cathode drivers. Per the datasheet, the

[neonixie-l] Re: Wood cases for nixie kits?

2019-01-15 Thread gregebert
I use whatever I can find a Lowes/Home Depot , and stain it. Most of the fine solid woods are birch or poplar. Beware of the large 4x8 sheets that are a laminate, because when you sand them, the top-layer is so thin it sands-away. BUTthe next layer down is thick enough to tolerate

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Counterfeit RTC modules

2019-01-02 Thread gregebert
For now I'm going to hold off on any experiments that require code-changes. I'll keep this RTC chip online for additional experiments; known-good RTC will go into the second board-set. It appears the alarm registers are testable with software; I dont have the INT/SQW pin connected in my system.

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Counterfeit RTC modules

2019-01-02 Thread gregebert
When I looked at the raw data from the RTC, which is in packed BCD format, I could clearly see that my code was not properly parsing it. I believe it was Sep 30--> Oct 01 where I calculated the wrong month. The Jan 01 rollover bug has incorrect BCD data from the RTC itself. -- You received

[neonixie-l] Re: Counterfeit RTC modules

2019-01-02 Thread gregebert
It comes up as 09/01/2017. I'll keep this RTC online for a few more weeks, as the system debug is almost done. There was another rollover a few months ago where the date was messed-up, but I traced that to a software bug that was my fault. [image: ScreenHunter_15 Jan. 02 06.48.jpg] -- You

Re: [neonixie-l] Counterfeit RTC modules

2019-01-01 Thread gregebert
Label says DS3231, but it's definitely fake. I have 2 other clocks with genuine DS3231's (purchased from DigiKey), and they have behaved as expected for years. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and

[neonixie-l] Re: Counterfeit RTC modules

2019-01-01 Thread gregebert
Happy New Year, unless you rely on the dirt-chip RTC module I bought several months ago, because today would be Sept 2, 2018. WHAT ??? That's the date my RTC chip reported this morning: 09/02/2018 Last night, before midnight and right after I got tired of writing software, it was correct at

[neonixie-l] Re: Sale a big VFD tubes ILC1-1/8L

2018-12-20 Thread gregebert
I just bought 7 of these https://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-ILC1-1-8L-Giant-Big-VFD-Display-Tube-Nixie-Clock/192764920216?hash=item2ce1af4198:g:VdcAAOSwjodZ7hQR:rk:1:pf:0 for yet another future clock project. Has anyone here built a device with these ? I couldn't resist the $10 USD price for a display

[neonixie-l] Re: Dummy load

2018-12-20 Thread gregebert
Power (heat) is your enemy, so the first thing to determine your maximum power requirements. I usually start with a spreadsheet. I've used things ranging from small resistors, to large light bulbs. Even a 5 gallon bucket of salty water. Pick some voltage & current targets, and plot the power

[neonixie-l] Re: Repair / Troubleshoot an IN-18 Blue Dream

2018-12-18 Thread gregebert
Paul - Can you post some details about the hot-air soldering/reflow you did ? I'm soldering my SMT devices manually by hand because my casual experimenting with a heat-gun got bubbled PCBs and very hot (and probably damaged) ICs. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the

[neonixie-l] Re: The black tubes

2018-12-18 Thread gregebert
I've had 2 types of black tubes - Uniform fine black film over the entire face of the tube. I dont think these are recoverable. - Black opaque splotch on tube; I've seen watched the splotch dissolve in some areas, and deposit in others. Hoping I can use a magnet to relocate the

[neonixie-l] Re: B6844A’s

2018-12-17 Thread gregebert
I have some that are dual-marked 5092/6844, and never noticed any failures. Luckily, most of mine are genuine Burroughs 5092. On a related note, I have a few 6091 (the next-size up from a 5092) and those show darkening inside the glass, which I'm certain is sputtered-away cathode material that

[neonixie-l] Re: Old Russian Beta Radiometer

2018-12-12 Thread gregebert
Some of the parts have date-codes; looks like 1984 to 1986. Maybe post-Chernobyl equipment ?? Nice workmanship -- 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

Re: [neonixie-l] Dummy load

2018-11-22 Thread gregebert
Ten-each of 100W power resistors on Ebay of various sizes (10 ohm, 100-ohm, 1k ohm) for a future decade box. That will give you any resistance value from 10 ohms to 10K, and will handle any reasonable load for any HV supply I ever expect to build. For now they can be connected with jumper

Re: [neonixie-l] Lovely project with "fake" IEE NIMOs!

2018-11-20 Thread gregebert
and there's no limit, other than your imagination, to what gets displayed. Purple LED ? yellow-and-blue striped NIMO ? Green nixie ? You get the idea. But it still seems like cheating. Would my wife have known if I gave her a cubic zirconia ring, instead of diamond ? -- You received

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: "The clock that cost its inventor millions"

2018-11-19 Thread gregebert
I guess it all amounts to this: Are you Steve Wozniak, or are you Steve Jobs ? Having a day job as a EE, when I have time to work on projects during nights & weekends, it's just for fun and learning. But if I started selling kits, etc, it would become a second job and dont think I would find

[neonixie-l] Re: Single inductor supplies and heat issues

2018-11-07 Thread gregebert
Be careful about simply increasing the inductance, because that can actually reduce the amount of energy-per-cycle, hence the power, assuming constant frequency. Energy = 1/2 LI^2, and from V = Ldi/dt , you can infer energy-per-cycle = 1/2 (V^2) * (T^2)/L In other words, to increase the

[neonixie-l] Re: Single inductor supplies and heat issues

2018-11-06 Thread gregebert
Also, be sure to use a scope and look carefully through the design. The switching device (most likely a MOSFET) is susceptible to voltage overstress, so make sure the drain-source voltage is not exceeded, and especially not the gate-source voltage because it is a very thin oxide that can only

[neonixie-l] Re: Single inductor supplies and heat issues

2018-11-06 Thread gregebert
Most likely., the inductor is exceeding it saturation current. That is the point where additional current does not add much magnetic energy, and at that point you will see an increase in lost energy (heat). Try an inductor witrh the same inductance, and a higher Isat rating. My experience with

[neonixie-l] Re: New to dekatrons looking for advice.

2018-11-01 Thread gregebert
I have a Soviet-era A101 that has been spinning at 1 revolution/second 24/7 for more than 5 years, with no hint of degradation. Spin-direction should not have any effect on lifetime; mine changes direction at the top-of-the-hour. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the

Re: [neonixie-l] OT: Reasonable quality step-up converter?

2018-10-24 Thread gregebert
Jens - Can you install any 220V outlets in your garage ? Typical setup in US/Canada is for homes to have 3 incoming wires (120V-neutral-120v). Most outlets are 120V, which is across the neutral line and either of the 120V "hot" leads. To get 240VAC, use both 'hot' leads.. At the

Re: [neonixie-l] Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-23 Thread gregebert
Perfect solution is a supply that is 100% efficient and gives 1.1V @ 1200mA (power for 6 NIMO tubes), and magically limits the current to 200mA. Nothing will ever be this good; it's just a reference point for cost-comparison. The FPGA solution I described is an added feature for the 2.5V

Re: [neonixie-l] Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-23 Thread gregebert
If you want absolute minimum energy consumption, then you will want to ramp the power supply, etc. I looked at a lot of tradeoffs and calculated the cost of energy for each. Circuit/component costs were not modeled. I have the option of soft-starting my 2.5V filament transformer, because it's

[neonixie-l] Re: Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-23 Thread gregebert
On Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 4:59:29 AM UTC-7, Dekatron42 wrote: > > @gregebert: Isn’t there a risk of flash-over if you don’t use high voltage > resistors for the anode connection? These are series resistors which normally have only a minimal voltage-drop across them, typ

[neonixie-l] Re: Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-22 Thread gregebert
I recommend small series resistors for each anode; I'm using 100K SMT devices and with a 30uA load-current per tube that's a negligible 3V drop across the resistor. It allows you to measure tube-current, but be careful as it's 2kV. Also helps reduce the zap if something shorts-out unexpectedly,

Re: [neonixie-l] Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-22 Thread gregebert
> > @gregebert - Do you have to take the fuse resistance into account in your > circuit to maintain a centered heater voltage (I guess so as the fuse > resistance can be several ohms with high speed low current fuses)? > > Eventually, yes. Right now I have safe-en

Re: [neonixie-l] Filament transfomer current for driving six NIMOs?

2018-10-22 Thread gregebert
Congratulations on acquiring 6 NIMOs !! I've gone thru all the NIMO filament analysis and came up with the following, which I have implemented in my design 1. Transformer is 2.5V CT, 3A. Triad F301X.. It has dual primaries so it can operate on 115 or 230 VAC mains. 2. Series fuse 250mA (BEL

[neonixie-l] Re: 12 digit Japanese panaplex-like tube 1972

2018-10-16 Thread gregebert
Build a gonculator. I didn't realize it, but 'Gonculator Day' has just passed by (Oct 5). Rummage thru your junkbox of unused electronic gizmos that you've never had the heart to throw away, and build something utterly useless that looks very cool. And make sure every component does something,

[neonixie-l] Re: Heads-up - spammer using this group to harvest email addresses

2018-10-10 Thread gregebert
Probably coincidence; I get very little spam and I dont have extra filtering set. As far as I know, your email address is not disclosed until you send a private message to a neonixie member, and even then only to the member you are contacting. Group admins have the ability to view the email

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: HV5530 problems

2018-10-08 Thread gregebert
I was surprised, and definitely pleased, that I could get several Mbytes/sec thru a virtual 8-bit I/O port I implemented on my RasPi (basically, an arbitrary collection of GPIO pins) to connect to a local FPGA using the WiringPi library, and compiled-C as the software. No glitches found on

[neonixie-l] Re: Nixie Tube Test Bench HV Electrophoresis Power Supply Idea

2018-10-08 Thread gregebert
*Jon* - Be sure to send a join-request to this group: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/hvps1-user-forum I set this up for people who have the boards to ask questions, get the documentation, etc. Generally, all of the parts can be purchased from DigiKey, and you will need to bend some

[neonixie-l] Re: HV5530 problems

2018-10-07 Thread gregebert
Sounds like this is trending to be a software issue, rather than a hardware issue, but to be sure I have 1 simple suggestion: Write a simple chunk of code to display a static number; there are 10 tubes so I would display 0123456789. I cant tell from the video you posted what is being displayed

[neonixie-l] Re: Nixie Tube Test Bench HV Electrophoresis Power Supply Idea

2018-10-06 Thread gregebert
A few years ago I designed my own nixie bench supply, and I gave away the extra PCB's to interested neonixie members for the cost of shipping; no more boards exist. The most useful feature is the adjustable current-limit, in my case I use a 10-turn pot to adjust the current, from 0 to 20mA,

[neonixie-l] HV5530 problems

2018-10-05 Thread gregebert
I'm starting a separate thread on this topic that was posted from the introduction discussion As with any serial shift-register, the biggest source of trouble is timing-related, such as not accounting for setup and hold-time requirements. *First question*: Are you able to get reliable and

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Heads-up - spammer using this group to harvest email addresses

2018-09-29 Thread gregebert
The sockets email I got was from Yuriy; I'm on his list because I bought some tubes from him recently. It amazes me how many vintage devices he's acquired for resale. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group

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