Informal nixie clock survey...

***tabacco*** · 05-23-2007, 08:51 PM

I need an opinion...

I randomly happened across a guy selling nixie tubes on ebay, and thought it might be fun to build a nixie clock. The problem is, I'm trying to decide between a couple of available kits (there are a billion schematics out there, but I'd rather get a nice looking PCB, plus it's more convenient than tracking down parts). So, there are two I'm trying to decide between... both use Russian-made IN-14 tubes, which aren't my favorites, although they're not bad (plus I can actually afford them). Here are the two kits:

Kit #1:
http://www.ledsales.com.au/cart.php?...category_id=25

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Kit #2
http://www.tubehobby.com/show_det.php?det=42

Both have a few cool features. Kit #1 is $50 more, but directly drives the tubes rather than multiplexing, which means the digits come out a bit brighter. Also, it has actual neon colons separating the digit groups, which is kind of nice. Also, it has a bit of electronic bling, in the form of LED lights for the tube bases. This kit also has an optional add-on to turn the tubes on only when it detects motion (which can be disabled, also), to help save the tubes' life for when you can actually see them.

The second is cheaper, and I like the stacked PCB layout better. But, it uses single neon lamps to separate the columns, and of course there's the multiplexing thing. It does seem like it'd be easier to build a case for, though, which is important because the board on either model could deliver quite a shock. This one has a timer to turn the tubes off at night.

So... which one do you think looks better? I sort of lean toward #1, but I'm kind of undecided.

rlpw · 05-23-2007, 09:12 PM

I would get #1 and build a plexiglass case with 80mm cooling fan in the back with a draw slot for air under and slightly in front of the tubes with mesh cover

*Melanie68* · 05-23-2007, 09:35 PM

I like #1 better (based on looks only). I can't really comment on the technical aspects of them as I don't really understand those differences.

Edit: Building (or completing) one of those would be a heck of an adventure game puzzle.

Jatsie · 05-24-2007, 03:50 AM

What a curious device.

I find the former more aesthetically pleasing than the latter.

bulldog · 05-24-2007, 05:03 AM

I'm kind of like Mel I don't understand the technicals behind it. But based on looks only I think #1 because like rlpw suggested you could build a plexiglass case and you can look through the glass and see all of the parts.

#2 is ok to but I just prefer #1.

Jelena · 05-24-2007, 06:47 AM

I'm with the others. #1 looks better. I think it's because of the green lights in those tubes.

***tabacco*** · 05-24-2007, 07:52 AM

FYI, I just noticed #1 was in Australian dollars, so it's actually cheaper than I thought.

bulldog · 05-24-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabacco

FYI, I just noticed #1 was in Australian dollars, so it's actually cheaper than I thought.

Well that makes it even more appealing

Squinky · 05-24-2007, 09:28 AM

Okay, it's settled. #1 it is.

05-23-2007, 09:35 PM	#3
Melanie68 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 8,907	I like #1 better (based on looks only). I can't really comment on the technical aspects of them as I don't really understand those differences. Edit: Building (or completing) one of those would be a heck of an adventure game puzzle. Share Share this post on Twitter

05-24-2007, 03:50 AM	#4
Jatsie Lovable rogue Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Great Britain Posts: 6,378	What a curious device. I find the former more aesthetically pleasing than the latter. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ "Jatsie is amazing." - Jazhara "My mental image of Jat is a gentleman sitting in a leather armchair, wearing a robe. The light in the room is dim and strangely he's not sitting in front of a computer, but next to a small, round table with a box of cigars on." - Jelena Gay-Nerds.com

05-24-2007, 05:03 AM	#5
bulldog Second Degree Black Belt Join Date: May 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 6,086	I'm kind of like Mel I don't understand the technicals behind it. But based on looks only I think #1 because like rlpw suggested you could build a plexiglass case and you can look through the glass and see all of the parts. #2 is ok to but I just prefer #1. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Lord make my words as sweet as honey, for tomorrow I may have to eat them. “Pretty badass and tough and won't take crap from anyone” -Squinky

05-24-2007, 06:47 AM	#6
Jelena Lazy Bee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 7,518	I'm with the others. #1 looks better. I think it's because of the green lights in those tubes. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Temporary guest in your life

05-24-2007, 07:52 AM	#7
*tabacco* Friendly Server Admin Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Marin County, CA Posts: 4,087	FYI, I just noticed #1 was in Australian dollars, so it's actually cheaper than I thought. Share Share this post on Twitter

05-23-2007, 08:51 PM	#1
*tabacco* Friendly Server Admin Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Marin County, CA Posts: 4,087	Informal nixie clock survey... I need an opinion... I randomly happened across a guy selling nixie tubes on ebay, and thought it might be fun to build a nixie clock. The problem is, I'm trying to decide between a couple of available kits (there are a billion schematics out there, but I'd rather get a nice looking PCB, plus it's more convenient than tracking down parts). So, there are two I'm trying to decide between... both use Russian-made IN-14 tubes, which aren't my favorites, although they're not bad (plus I can actually afford them). Here are the two kits: Kit #1: http://www.ledsales.com.au/cart.php?...category_id=25 Kit #2 http://www.tubehobby.com/show_det.php?det=42 Both have a few cool features. Kit #1 is $50 more, but directly drives the tubes rather than multiplexing, which means the digits come out a bit brighter. Also, it has actual neon colons separating the digit groups, which is kind of nice. Also, it has a bit of electronic bling, in the form of LED lights for the tube bases. This kit also has an optional add-on to turn the tubes on only when it detects motion (which can be disabled, also), to help save the tubes' life for when you can actually see them. The second is cheaper, and I like the stacked PCB layout better. But, it uses single neon lamps to separate the columns, and of course there's the multiplexing thing. It does seem like it'd be easier to build a case for, though, which is important because the board on either model could deliver quite a shock. This one has a timer to turn the tubes off at night. So... which one do you think looks better? I sort of lean toward #1, but I'm kind of undecided. Share Share this post on Twitter

05-23-2007, 09:12 PM	#2
rlpw Creepy Father Figure Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Dammit! Posts: 5,107	I would get #1 and build a plexiglass case with 80mm cooling fan in the back with a draw slot for air under and slightly in front of the tubes with mesh cover Attached Images Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ The Nature Conservancy www.soulpancake.com www.ted.com Twitter

05-24-2007, 09:28 AM	#9
Squinky Unreliable Narrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Le Canada Posts: 9,873	Okay, it's settled. #1 it is. Share Share this post on Twitter __________________ Squinky is always right, but only for certain values of "always" and "right".

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