How Does a Nixie Tube Work?
Ron O’Donnell I love Nixie tubes, they are so vintage and warm. Simply put, these are neon light bulbs filled with rarefied Neon. There are one common electrode and many additional electrodes. High voltage (about 180 volts) makes this bulb glow. It’s important to know that Nixie tubes are different…
What Are Vacuum Tubes?
Michael LeRoy (electronics, programming) Generally speaking, a vacuum tube is a glass tube with at least one heater element (filament). The air is pumped out, and an additional metal piece is connected to the tube. Vacuum tubes were replaced by contemporary transistors and have performed the same kind of work….
Why Are Nixie Tubes and Nixie Tube Watches so Expensive?
Henry Blake, electronics The reason is that nobody is making nixie tubes on a commercial basis nowadays. They are popular among people who like vintage devices and their futuristic appearance. For example, check out any sci-fi movie from the 60s or 70s, and you’ll certainly see nixie tubes there. Today,…
Safety Precautions with Nixie Clocks
Safety Precautions Assembling Nixie Clocks with High Voltages Question Ricco Hey guys, I’m assembling a nixie clock according to common instructions and at this point, I need to test high voltage components. The power supply is 12 V 250 mA, up to 170 volts. As far as I know, it’s…
Catchy 10 facts about the time and clocks
A day on Mars is only 39 minutes longer than an Earth’s day. The impression ‘in clockwise order’ is quite usual for us, but have you ever though why does it go that way, not opposite direction? It all goes from the sun-dial, when the shadow of a so-called clock-hand…