[neonixie-l] Re: Is it possible to identify a single nixie?

2020-05-15 Thread gregebert
For each of my expensive tubes (b7971, R|z568m) I measure and plot the I-V characteristics. There aren't any serial numbers on b7971's so I just write one on the backside. If the tube fails later on, I check the I-V characteristics to see if anything changes; so far only 1 b7971 has failed

Re: [neonixie-l] Shipment delays from Ukraine

2020-05-14 Thread gregebert
I'm seeing long delays from the Czech Republic as wellordered 2 tubes from Dalibor, which were quickly shipped, but there has been no update since April 27, with status of 'sent to destination country'. Either it's waiting for a flight (most likely), or it's landed in the US waiting to be

[neonixie-l] Re: HELP WITH HIGH POWER SUPPLY

2020-05-14 Thread gregebert
The voltage tripler as shown requires symmetric positive and negative cycles. The flyback topology you are using is primarily unipolar, so it wont produce the symmetric positive and negative cycles like a line-powered transformer does. If you are going to use a flyback topology with a voltage

[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit B7971 Clock

2020-05-05 Thread gregebert
Looks like you have a second board behind, with colon partially visible. I hope you bought your tubes awhile back; the recent b7971 prices are crazy. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop

[neonixie-l] Re: Digit Fading / transition effects using HV566 Blanking

2020-04-30 Thread gregebert
I have an 8-tube clock with b7971's and whenever I find the time... I will add a software routine that calculates which segments will change, and instead of changing them all at-once, they will be split into a few groups that change every 50-100msec. I think it would be too distractive for

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-29 Thread gregebert
Ideally, you want a totem-pole driver for the SN74568 because it will shunt-away some of the leakage current that would otherwise get amplified. You've got me stumped on the 3.3V vs 5V observation. The only thing I can think of is the 3.3V driver has stronger pulldown than the 5V driver (need

Re: [neonixie-l] Power supply 300Vdc / 400 mA

2020-04-29 Thread gregebert
[image: ScreenHunter_26 Apr. 29 11.35.jpg] I use a simple NMOS current-limiter in my HV supply. Basically, there is a resistor on the source lead, and the voltage-drop across that resistor provides negative feedback. To set the current-limit, I have a 10-turn potentiometer to set the gate

[neonixie-l] Re: 9-segment nixie posted on Ebay

2020-04-29 Thread gregebert
And it finally sold for 255 USD. I hope the winner is in this forum and makes something with it. -- 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: MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-28 Thread gregebert
I suspect that leakage current is causing the Darlington driver (2-stage high current-gain amplifier) to turn on. With a base resistor (see datasheet), any leakage current into the base can still get amplified, because some of it will leak into the Darlington-pair and get amplified. A scope

Re: [neonixie-l] clock with Sperry SP-151

2020-04-25 Thread gregebert
The SP-151 is durable; I built a wristwatch a few years ago with the same unit my father got as a sample back in 1974. In fact, the prototype on my workbench is still running after 5 years on the *same* charge I put on the Li-ion battery (yeah, the battery drives the display and the RTC).

[neonixie-l] Re: Favorite component suppliers....

2020-04-25 Thread gregebert
Nick - How much business have you done on AliExpress ? I've only bought 1 item (box of 1000 green NE-2 bulbs), and the sale was fine, but I've heard concerns some sellers aren't vetted like they are on Ebay. There is a lot of really neat industrial product available, and I'd like to purchase

Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-25 Thread gregebert
As much as I would love to have my own curve-tracer, I have to be practical. The transistors I select have SPICE models, so I simulate everything in detail. Nixie tubes, especially the rare or expensive ones like b7071 and R|Z568 , I generate I-V curves by hand for each segment/cathode. A

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-24 Thread gregebert
When I was in high school, I got to use a Tek 575 curve tracer. Perfect instrument to nail-down any differences between these devices. Every now and then, I take a look on Ebay and ask myself if I should buy one. Yikes...I just took a peek and there are several available. Fortunately I just

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-24 Thread gregebert
It's the leakage (Icbo) that is 1000x greater in the MJE device, not the current gain. There are many factors affecting leakage and current gain: - Some are environmental (temperature, reverse-voltage, operating current) - Some are device construction (physical dimensions of base width

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-23 Thread gregebert
Much of the additional leakage current is caused by the higher DC gain of the MJE device; the datasheet says gain peaks around 240. Basically, the reverse-leakage current from the collector-base junction gets amplified by the DC gain (beta), to produce the overall leakage (Icbo) -- You

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-23 Thread gregebert
I'm absolutely certain the MJE die is physically larger. For one thing, it must conduct more thermal energy to the case. Another tip-off is the difference in DC current-gain, and that in-turn accounts for part of the 1000x difference in leakage current. I believe leakage current is directly

Re: Re: [neonixie-l] MPSA42 or MJE340?

2020-04-22 Thread gregebert
There are thermal considerations; the MJE340 is designed to be used on a heat sink and is rated for 20W, vs 1.5W for the MPSA42. Also, there are some differences in the safe operating area curves; the MJE340 can tolerate a bit more current at any given voltage. MJE device also has a lower Vce

Re: [neonixie-l] Caption competition candidate

2020-04-22 Thread gregebert
Terry - How did bombarding go ? That is the main reason why I never took up neon design; it's pretty dangerous. I've also wondered about how much vacuum equipment is really necessary; some books suggest you need to get well below 50 microns to get a good tube. That's way outside my budget and

[neonixie-l] 9-segment nixie posted on Ebay

2020-04-22 Thread gregebert
Not my item / no affiliation: https://www.ebay.com/itm/EXPERIMENTAL-NIXIE-TUBE-DEVELOPMENT-SAMPLE-PANDICON-RARE-UNIQUE-9-segment/223985955147?hash=item34269a714b:g:RKwAAOSwKk5eoG8n 9-segment displays are uncommon, and the nice thing about them is you can make fairly decent-looking words with

Re: [neonixie-l] Power supply 300Vdc / 400 mA

2020-04-21 Thread gregebert
The 4mA minimum load is livable; even at 300V it's only 1.2 watts. It's probably required for safety reasons so that you dont have an open unregulated output. In fact, a lot of switchmode supplies require a minimum load, otherwise the output goes to zero volts. Please be VERY careful with this

Re: [neonixie-l] Anyone interested?

2020-04-19 Thread gregebert
Very interesting.I assumed that typical flames didn't radiate anything significant in that lower wavelength region.. Do these detectors have a gas that ionizes when UV is present ? That would make the most sense since UV is higher energy than visible light. -- You received this message

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Anyone interested?

2020-04-19 Thread gregebert
Are they thermally-activated, or is it something ingenious, like visible/infrared detection ? -- 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] Re: Another Nixie resistor question

2020-04-19 Thread gregebert
Let's suppose the meter WAS connected properly..then what ? Since this has a dc-dc converter, it's possible the output was pulsating, rather than smooth DC. In which case the meter might be attempting to measure peak or RMS current. In that case, the higher-than-expected reading might

[neonixie-l] Re: Another Nixie resistor question

2020-04-19 Thread gregebert
Where, exactly, did you measure the current ? Best if you can post the exact schematic and where your meter was located. -- 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

Re: [neonixie-l] Has anyone had any experiance with the Microchip HV5630 drivers?

2020-04-15 Thread gregebert
Level-shifters, such as the MC14504, are cheap insurance to guarantee proper logic levels at the HV drivers. You can use a resistor-divider at the and of the serial chain to read the data back into your controller so that you can verify the integrity of the chain.. -- You received this

Re: [neonixie-l] GIANT VFD clock anyone?

2020-04-08 Thread gregebert
Ping me when you start energizing them. I've already done some basic experiments and there are some learnings you will want to leverage. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails

[neonixie-l] Re: Clocks! Picture sharing....

2020-04-08 Thread gregebert
What makes the axe-man go on a rampage ? -- 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 view this discussion on the

Re: [neonixie-l] GIANT VFD clock anyone?

2020-04-08 Thread gregebert
Michail - Have you decided when you are going to start the design work ? I will be using the displays in groups of 2, with one of them turned upside-down. This allows you to use the decimal points for a colon, and it reduces the wiring clutter because the pins face eachother. I was thinking of

[neonixie-l] Re: GIANT VFD clock anyone?

2020-04-07 Thread gregebert
I'm very impressed at the price (99 USD). I bought 7 of these tubes awhile back for a future project, and I know it's going to cost me a lot more to build it, not to mention the amount of time to develop it. I'm skeptical about the power consumption (5V@1 amp = 5watts). The filaments alone

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: B7971's on the bay....

2020-04-05 Thread gregebert
The one-and-only "antenna" version of the b7971 I had in my 8-tube clock failed as shorted segments after 2 years of usage. Not sure if others have seen reliability issues with a particular tube style, but that's my experience. I only use direct-drive, and the clock is well-protected from

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Discovered an old advertisment

2020-04-03 Thread gregebert
If someone could post good-quality pictures of the PCB (both sides), that would satisfy my curiosity . I definitely remember the Poly-Pak ads, and at the time I was not electronically-adept enough to design the drive electronics so I bought a bunch of LED displays instead. I also had a 6-tube

[neonixie-l] Re: Have you seen these neons on Amazon?

2020-04-02 Thread gregebert
I've bought similar bulbs, with leads. Several years ago I bought a box of 1000 green "NE-2" from China, and sold a few batches to neo-nixie members. It's hard to tell what the internal gas is, but when it ionizes it also causes the phosphor coating of the bulb's interior to glow. The nice

[neonixie-l] Re: Restore or scrap for parts?

2020-04-01 Thread gregebert
How functional is it ? If it's totally dead it might be worth checking the power supply. I would suspect some keys no longer work due to contamination after almost 50 years. Russian VFD's are still cheap and plentiful so the scrap-value of this calculator seems low to me. -- You received

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Elektronika-7 Clock... What kind of IV-26 tubes? Just found out there's Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 IV-26's.

2020-03-31 Thread gregebert
I use a manual suction device to get most of the solder out, flex the lead with soldering tip to make sure it's no longer attached to the via, then cleanup with braid after the part is removed. Lastly, clean-of flux with a swab moistened with appropriate cleaner. Often, it's easier to snip the

[neonixie-l] Re: HELP WITH LTC3426 (1 TO 5)V BOOSTER DC-DC

2020-03-31 Thread gregebert
That topology wont work for getting HV for driving a nixie tube. The original design uses an inductor and operates as a boost-converter to produce a higher output voltage, generally around 5V, from the input. When you replace the inductor with a transformer, you are taking energy out of the

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: B7971's on the bay....

2020-03-29 Thread gregebert
Opportunity is knocking on Dalibor's door for a "Rb|7971" -- 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 view

[neonixie-l] Re: B7971's on the bay....

2020-03-29 Thread gregebert
There were two b7971's available last night on Ebay at 150USD each, used and *untested*. They are already gone. This is crazy. -- 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,

Re: [neonixie-l] Sperry / Beckman SP-101 Panaplex display

2020-03-26 Thread gregebert
Are you OK soldering them ? As long as you have a good-quality PCB manufacturer, the PCB will tolerate rework (install-remove-install). I had to deal with that with my watch; soldered-down an SP-151, then found I had to unsolder, remove, and re-install. Wasn't too bad. -- You received this

[neonixie-l] Re: 15 digit IV-17 VFD

2020-03-26 Thread gregebert
Can you measure the segment current ? For a given current, the brightness should be similar for tubes in the same condition. If not, there is a problem with manufacturing consistency. As VFDs age, they produce less luminous output. Some will develop visible dark bands nearest the filament(s),

[neonixie-l] Re: 15 digit IV-17 VFD

2020-03-25 Thread gregebert
Can you provide the manufacturer part numbers for the header-sockets and pins you are using to mount the small PCB's to the motherboard ? I have not been able to hunt those down on Digikey's site and I'd like to use them for a future project. Very nice job with the overall construction. What

[neonixie-l] Re:

2020-03-24 Thread gregebert
Just sent directly to you; I've been very busy dealing with a knee injury and all of the work/life changes due to COVID-19. Working from home makes everything more difficult and less efficient. Once you have the gEDA tools installed I can assist with using the files. -- You received this

Re: [neonixie-l] Custom+Logo+Display+Pushes+Nixie+Tube+Technology | Hackaday

2020-03-17 Thread gregebert
I was thinking he would stay with gas-discharge, but allow custom tooling from a .gif file, etc . VFD is a very different beast. I've seen phosphor-coated novelty bulbs that give other colors, but they have short lifetimes (500 hours typically) -- You received this message because you are

[neonixie-l] Re: Most overpriced nixie tube ???

2020-03-14 Thread gregebert
I made a "lucky: offer of 7.77 USD, and Ebay pop-up told me to make an offer above 5832 USD.. -- 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] Most overpriced nixie tube ???

2020-03-14 Thread gregebert
Not quite an "upside-down airplane" postage stamp, but.Most likely an engineering sample. Not my listing or anyone I know. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Lucky-nixie-tube-unique-artefact-77-plasma-indicator/114149048472?hash=item1a93d04098:g:8WUAAOSwS3JebOxT [image: ScreenHunter_25

[neonixie-l] Re:

2020-03-12 Thread gregebert
I will dig them off my server this weekend and email them directly to you. On Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 2:01:33 PM UTC-7, ZethieTail wrote: > > wheres the files tho? im still new to the group > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l"

[neonixie-l] Re: IV-22 VFD decimal place resistor

2020-03-11 Thread gregebert
You would tie the decimal point to a positive supply (like the other segments) thru a larger resistor. I would start with a resistor value 10x higher than the series resistor on the segments. To prevent wearout, use the lowest current that gives acceptable illumination. I didn't see anything

[neonixie-l] Re:

2020-03-10 Thread gregebert
You would need hundreds of 22V10's to do the watch; If the HV supply was redesigned, you could use a microcontroller, though I doubt you would have the power-savings I have. I'll give you the SP-151 footprint & symbol files; when you have those working in gEDA tools I can provide the

[neonixie-l] Re:

2020-03-10 Thread gregebert
Not sure if you meant my wristwatch, or Westdave's clock. I have design files for gEDA PCB, etc, but I dont recommend this design to anyone for a wristwatch. My HV power supply overheats after 15-20 seconds of continuous usage (transformer saturation). The original watch shown in my photo

[neonixie-l] Re: Displaying unused tubes

2020-03-01 Thread gregebert
I have an informal "museum" on my desk at work; all tubes are functionally dead (gas leak), but they otherwise satisfy everyone's curiosity. Original plan was to use a display case, but people like to hold them, etc. Everything else is archived in tube boxes, and kept in a metal ammo box.

Re: [neonixie-l] Nixie Calculator Bundle...

2020-02-28 Thread gregebert
The more I think about this, the more I think I will just use a 75 USD LCD touchscreen for the RasPi, and define my own keyboard. -- 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,

[neonixie-l] Re: Nixie Calculator Bundle...

2020-02-28 Thread gregebert
Is someone interested in bringing-up 1 or 2 calculators with the original system, and selling-off the other 2-3 calculator terminals ? That way, a good chunk of the original machine is preserved. I do feel bad destroying it. I'm mostly interested in the keyboard because it will cost me about

Re: [neonixie-l] NL-7094 Price Craziness

2020-02-27 Thread gregebert
orbuild a clock so you can *enjoy* them. What good is a bunch of 50+ year old tubes sitting in the box ? -- 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] Nixie Calculator Bundle...

2020-02-25 Thread gregebert
I will say this much: The RasPi is such a complete, convenient, and low-cost (10 USD) platform that gives you easy hardware control thru C-language, that I will not consider any other platform for many years to come. Bringing in the keyboard signals to software is simple, and controlling

Re: [neonixie-l] Nixie Calculator Bundle...

2020-02-25 Thread gregebert
I would be willing to go in for 1/3 or 1/4 share for 1 of the desktop units and replace the brains with a RasPi. Hopefully there would be enough room in the desktop unit case for a PC board, and use an external laptop power supply. I have no interest or desire trying to resurrect the control

Re: [neonixie-l] Nixie Calculator Bundle...

2020-02-25 Thread gregebert
What is contained in the control unit vs the desktop unit ? Is this similar to a compute-server and remote terminals ? -- 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

Re: [neonixie-l] NL-7094 Price Craziness

2020-02-25 Thread gregebert
Let's face it.we're all a bunch of nixe-holics, nixie-junkies, neon-tweakers, or whatever you want to call this addiction. I agree the price is high, but someone out there is going to buy it and make something they will be proud of, so that's all that really matters. I just spent more than

Re: [neonixie-l] LED constant-current power supply

2020-02-21 Thread gregebert
I would start with a few ideal scenarios to understand your total power. For example, if you use 180V most of the time, and have a short "boost" when bulbs need to turn on, your power will be minimized. But with all segments on, that works out to 180*26*4*0.013 = 243 watts to display , and

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: LED constant-current power supply

2020-02-20 Thread gregebert
You probably just want a HV supply, about 250 VDC, and a fuse instead of a constant-current supply. I think IN-28's are rated at 13mA, so you could arrange them in groups of 16 with a 1/4 amp fast-blo fuse to protect each group. If power consumption is a concern, you can get clever and step-up

[neonixie-l] Re: LED constant-current power supply

2020-02-20 Thread gregebert
Essentially, yes. But be aware of the open-circuit output voltage; the supply will attempt to pump-out the amount of requested current, and in order to do so, it will increase it's output voltage until the desired current is obtained. Just make sure that *you* are not the load. For example, if

[neonixie-l] Re: Dekatrons - phenolic or metal bases

2020-02-13 Thread gregebert
A-101s are phenolic-base, and very reliable. Mine has been running 24/7 for 7 years now, with no signs of degradation. -- 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: Opto Coupler for PWM control - Sanity Check

2020-02-07 Thread gregebert
Fundamentally, it should work, but be aware you are now pulsing the displays. Some folks in this group have reported audible noise from multiplexing. Some panaplex displays require multiplexing by the nature of their pinout (common cathodes, separate anodes) so that would be a moot issue.

[neonixie-l] Re: LED Nixie Tube Digital Display

2020-02-05 Thread gregebert
These use current-sensing transformers intended for line-frequency loads, and most-likely passive (RLC) loads. So, not for DC. I've seen DC volt and ammeters, but they will require a separate power supply. The nice thing about the AC-line monitors is they are self-powered, and seem to run down

[neonixie-l] Re: LED Nixie Tube Digital Display

2020-02-05 Thread gregebert
I've started putting these in all of the line-powered equipment I make. So cheap and easy to use. They even have versions that fit into a knockout for 1/2" conduit fittings. As LCDs continue to get cheaper, someone is bound to make a nixie (or perhaps NIMO) font. -- You received this message

[neonixie-l] Re: Zumbo's Just Desserts

2020-02-04 Thread gregebert
There's some hinting of multiple reflections when you look at the '2' very carefully, which happens with edge-lit, but it looks so incredibly-nixie because they did an outstanding job. The creator said he used acrylic for the edge-lit numerals; I was expecting high-quality optical glass. --

Re: [neonixie-l] 1971 Nixie in a catalog

2020-02-02 Thread gregebert
I'll take a dozen NL7037.. I do remember getting one of these catalogs from Radio Shack back in the 70's; pages and pages really neat stuff. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving

[neonixie-l] Re: FS: IN-16

2020-01-15 Thread gregebert
Yuriy - Someday you need to write a book about your adventures as a tube-hunter. Finding 3600 tubes is amazing; congratulations ! -- 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,

Re: [neonixie-l] My latest project...

2020-01-13 Thread gregebert
Definitely a must-have if you want to measure your time-dilation on a long airplane flight, or perhaps when climbing a very tall mountain ? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails

Re: [neonixie-l] My latest project...

2020-01-13 Thread gregebert
It's really a matter of what you want for a reference. A Rubidium/Cesium/whatever reference will give you a very stable 10Mhz timing reference, but it *wont* give you the official time-of-day. Every so often, there are corrections to official world time and if you're using a stable timing

[neonixie-l] Re: Circuit help...it's in a clock.....

2020-01-13 Thread gregebert
Neglecting switching characteristics for a moment, the only 2 parameters for a free-wheeling diode are (1) it must safely handle the peak inductor current, and (2) the reverse-breakdown voltage must be greater than the supply voltage. In operation, it acts as a regular diode to provide a path

[neonixie-l] Re: Circuit help...it's in a clock.....

2020-01-10 Thread gregebert
Oy vey, Rube Goldberg would be proud. The zener diode should be around 12V; it needs to less than the maximum-allowed Vgs for the MOSFET so that the MOSFET is protected. If the zener diode is less than 12V, it will consume a few mA when the solenoid is energized, but that's harmless. Now,

[neonixie-l] Re: Circuit help...it's in a clock.....

2020-01-10 Thread gregebert
OK, if the input is mechanical, and basically shorts-to-GND for turnin, then you're OK because the resistors you have will act as a pullup, and shut off the MOSFET. Next, we need to look very carefully at the circuit layout, because there are ways the free-wheeling diode could en-up not

[neonixie-l] Re: Circuit help...it's in a clock.....

2020-01-10 Thread gregebert
If there was any kind of electrical surge/transient, it's possible the gate-source was damaged, though we'll never know for sure. MOSFETs can fail in the shorted (on) state, and that would also fry the coil. Automotive electrical environments are not well-behaved, and prone to transients when

[neonixie-l] Re: noisey clock

2020-01-08 Thread gregebert
About 3 years ago I gave away my extra boards (only charged for shipping) to 3 members of this forum; I just sent out a ping to see if anyone has built theirs yet. The gerbers and docs are posted to the private group ( https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!forum/b7971-driver-board-user-group

[neonixie-l] Re: 4/6 digit clock

2020-01-08 Thread gregebert
Our bedroom clock has 8 tubes (b7971), and is PIR activated. Needless to say, it's very bright when on. I set the timeout to 100 seconds, and I dont ever recall being awakened by the display turning-on. A future project is to modify the code so it reports how many times the PIR sensor was

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

2020-01-07 Thread gregebert
Speaking of b7971's , I see a pair of untested 7971's on Ebay with a starting bid of 150 USD eachyikes. I'm glad I finished mine a few years ago.big tube, and quite versatile, and a bit ugly. Whoever is determined enough to acquire a batch of these, rest assured you'll get used to the

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Beautiful dekatron image

2020-01-06 Thread gregebert
On Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:22:41 AM UTC-8, Pramanicin wrote: > > An Objet d'Art? > >> >> Absolutely, though a 6x6 could also display crude alphanumerics. The basic idea is an FPGA to sequence each dekatron, and process commands from a main control device, such as a RasPi. Patterns would

[neonixie-l] Re: Beautiful dekatron image

2020-01-06 Thread gregebert
I'm glad to see someone actually built one; I've had a 6x6 (yep, 36 dekatrons) on my back burner for a few years now. My base is 3D-printed; each "tile" is a 3x3 array of tubes, and I have 4 tiles. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l"

[neonixie-l] Re: For those with deep pockets.... five GR10J/F with sockets on eBay....

2020-01-05 Thread gregebert
Odd they are priced so high; maybe a rare tube? IN-18's are 10mm taller (40mm) and list for around 50 USD each. -- 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] NIMO Tubes on ebay

2020-01-05 Thread gregebert
I've wondered about using small CRTs, such as the 3L01I, to emulate a NIMO . Back-burner project for me. LCD/OLED allows you to mimic any kind of display/font/color/language and no worries about un-obtaianble display devices. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the

[neonixie-l] Re: Blue Y1938 tubes

2020-01-03 Thread gregebert
Yeah, right call to scrap it. How long are your VFD tubes lasting ? Do you keep the filaments always-on ? Are the phosphors always-active, or do you shut-down during certain hours, or use a PIR sensor ? I'm planning to make a night-clock which slowly turns-on the filament supply after the PIR

Re: [neonixie-l] Nixie sighting

2020-01-02 Thread gregebert
I still have my $10 APF scientific calculator from 1976 which got me thru high school, college, and did my taxes on it for a few years thereafter. The VFD display is still working nicely. Not programmable. BTW, that price ($10) is what I paid for it in 1976 at a drugstore. It outlasted the 2

Re: [neonixie-l] Homebrew clock at the auction.

2020-01-01 Thread gregebert
Listing mentions it was built by his grandfather. It definitely looks "rough around the edges", but he certainly put his heart into it. If I ever end up having grandkids, I hope they will keep my clocks alive with the spare tubes I have rather than sell them on Ebay. -- You received this

[neonixie-l] Re: Blue Y1938 tubes

2019-12-28 Thread gregebert
I guess this is one of the uglier devices from the 1970's that's not worth keeping/fixing as a clock-radio ? -- 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: Sperry / Beckman SP-101 Panaplex display

2019-12-21 Thread gregebert
I made a wristwatch with a similar device (SP-151). Segment current is 335uA, which is right around what you mentioned. If you are multiplexing, you may need to tweak the segment current and timing; mine is direct-drive. Making the PCB footprint was a challenge; I used a digital caliper and

[neonixie-l] Re: VFD anode contamination ?

2019-12-19 Thread gregebert
I'm certain that dim phosphor near the filament is an unfixable wearout mechanism caused by electrons (from the filament) bombarding the surface. The electric field-strength is at it's highest closest to the filament. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google

[neonixie-l] VFD anode contamination ?

2019-12-18 Thread gregebert
I just bought 3 NOS VFD tubes, still in their original Radio Shack packaging. I'm testing one of them, and noticed that some anodes are not glowing fully, and in fact require a much higher voltage to get decent brightness. I'm wondering if they have been sitting around for such a long time that

Re: [neonixie-l] Argon Piranha

2019-12-14 Thread gregebert
Very cool! How much current does the argon tube require ? My recollection is that Argon radiates significantly less energy in the visible region compared to neon. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group

[neonixie-l] Re: 7 Segment Common Anode Display

2019-12-03 Thread gregebert
Reduce the resistors to increase the LED segment current. I assume you are doing 8:1 multiplexing, so each digit is only on for 1/8 of the time therefore you need more current. Many years ago when I built my first computer, the HEX display that I wire-wrapped used 10:1 multiplexing and the

[neonixie-l] Re: WOT, transistor radio question....

2019-12-03 Thread gregebert
L3 is before the mixer, so it's still 88-108Mhz raw VHF (FM). My best guess is that L3 and the resistor make up a crude high-pass filter, especially if this is an AM/FM radio, to prevent AM (and other signals) from interfering with the mixer. I dont understand why the other side of the coil has

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: NixiChron thinks it's 04 16 00, at least for today...

2019-12-01 Thread gregebert
A close-relative of the Y2K problem that was a hot issue 20 years ago. Now, for those of you who use software-based solutions such as the RasPi, there is a ticking time-bomb waiting for us on January 19, 2038. On that date, all software using 32-bit signed integers for the time will overflow.

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Finally...

2019-11-26 Thread gregebert
Looks like 64x64 matrix, probably 64 anode-connections on 1 side and 64 cathode connections on the other. I would expect a lot of flicker with 64:1 multiplexing at 1Khz; that's basically 16Hz flicker-rate. Even the 128x32 dot-matrix displays used on pinball machines have annoying flicker in my

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Homebrew high voltage nixie power supply

2019-11-25 Thread gregebert
If you have a digital scope, here are a few things to try: 1. In your controller, add a few lines of code to wiggle a spare I/O pin when the controller gets reset. Then use this to trigger your scope; if noise is causing your controller to restart, your scope will catch it. I've done this, and

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Homebrew high voltage nixie power supply

2019-11-20 Thread gregebert
There are drop-in replacements for the 'old-school' linear voltage regulators, and they use high-frequency switching to minimize the component sizes. Recom Power makes several of these, and I've used them on several projects with no problems. -- You received this message because you are

Re: [neonixie-l] Heathkit Panaplex Clocks

2019-11-18 Thread gregebert
Is anything besides the transformer getting warm ? This is where a laser thermometer is very handy. How dirty/dusty were the PC boards ? In my garage it's possible for metal fragments to get everywhere. Try brushing/vacuuming/blowing w/ compressed air. I know it sounds gross, but sniff around

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: 7 Segment Common Anode Display

2019-11-08 Thread gregebert
As long as you have direct software control of the 3 GPIO pins (shift, load, serial_data), it's fairly simple to write a routine to send serial data. Just make sure that you *never* change more than 1 GPIO pin in the same instruction, otherwise you run the risk of a logic race condition and

[neonixie-l] Re: 7 Segment Common Anode Display

2019-11-04 Thread gregebert
The Maxim part you mentioned is for VFD's, and it looks like it can run as low as 8V. If you use it to drive the anode of your LEDs, you run the risk of exposing the logic driving the cathodes (segments) to roughly 6 volts (the LED has about 2V of forward bias). If the Arduino has 5V-tolerant

[neonixie-l] Re: New CD47 sized tubes?!

2019-10-31 Thread gregebert
Copy that. Off-the-shelf metal could easily be recycled and contain a lot of impurities. Once he's sold enough to invest in helium leak-detection, and moved the tubulation away from the crimp, I will consider buying one tube to experiment with. Getting a uniform glow across the digits was a

[neonixie-l] Re: New CD47 sized tubes?!

2019-10-30 Thread gregebert
I see similarities with Dalibor's manufacturing process, notably the flat crimp for bringing-out the leads. The tubulation at the base is different, and typical of many nixies. It appears the numerals are hand-made by bending wire. The connecting wires glow along with the numeral. Still, very

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

2019-10-28 Thread gregebert
Given my age (I'm approaching 60), I'm not taking any chances getting shocked; one wrong zap and my heart is toasted. I usually take more precautions than reasonable, and that's probably why I dont recall ever being shocked working on a project. It's the everyday things (lawnmower, fish tank)

[neonixie-l] Re: Vibrator power sup0ply question..(O.T.)

2019-10-16 Thread gregebert
I dont think that cap is directly exposed to the push-pull activity from the vibrator/transformer, but there could be some second-order effects. Note the series inductor; that raises the possibility the cap could get exposed to reverse voltage. -- You received this message because you are

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