Questions tagged [nixie]

Nixie tubes are cold cathode gas discharge tubes with multiple elements. Elements are typically in the shape of numbers from 0=9, or mathematical symbols. Elements glow orange when high voltage is applied between the anode and one of the cathodes.

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Is my circuit correct (Nixie Tube Clock)?

I am making a clock with Nixie tubes IN-12 A and made a circuit. I would like to know if it is correct before making the PCB and 3D case.
Eileen's user avatar
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PWM with IN-12 nixie tubes [duplicate]

I have some IN-12 nixie tubes and I can drive them using TPIC6B595N chip which has 50V clamping. And this chip has G pin which it is possible to use global dimming. What I questioned is which PWM ...
enis's user avatar
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6 votes
3 answers
969 views

Neon bulb power source

I am designing a Nixie tube clock and need to power some INS-1 neon bulbs. The bulbs have a striking voltage of 65 - 90 V and an operating current of 0.5 mA. To power the bulbs should I divide 170 V ...
Warsp's user avatar
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1 answer
71 views

Simple 3.3 V to 12 V voltage level translator on data bus

I would like to build a nixie tube clock with a unique idea. The idea is that the clock queries the accurate time (it respects the DST too) from my home server. So the clock does not require any ...
Nabukudurriusur's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
103 views

K155ID1 power dissipation

I build my own nixie clock with four digits (IN-14, 10k anode-resistor) with a seperate K155ID1-IC for each digit (so no multiplexing). Also, I am only using the 0-9 range, so every tube has one digit ...
verfelixt's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
152 views

Capacitor keeps exploding on nixie HV power supply

I purchased the NK104B HV power supply from here to power some IN-4 nixie tubes. Whenever I turn it on, the 3.3 uF 200 V capacitor explodes. The first few times I used it (for a cumulative ~5 minutes ...
Minecat40's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
217 views

Nixie anode transistor dimmer

I'm working on my nixie clock (IN-14) and I am stucked on one problem. When I tried to dim my nixie tube through transistor on cathode, everything works fine. simulate this circuit – Schematic ...
Antaury's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
93 views

Powering nixie tube from negative voltage?

I've built a photomultiplier tube supply; it takes +100VDC from a boost converter, which then goes through an inverting (in the sense of postive->negative rather than DC->AC) charge pump to give ...
T.S's user avatar
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1 answer
47 views

Understanding HD5522 logic supply voltage requirements

I'm working on a schematic for an yet another Nixie IN-12 clock using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 and HD5522 32-channel serial-to-parallel converter with open drain outputs to sink the Nixies. The HD5522 ...
BennX's user avatar
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3 votes
1 answer
395 views

High voltage +170V based on NE555 design - short circuit

I love Nixie tubes so I decided to build a Nixie clock. I am a beginner. I have one successful design that electronics SE helped me design. That PCB was based on through-hole components and an Arduino....
Mat's user avatar
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0 votes
2 answers
454 views

Choosing PWM frequency for dimming nixie tubes

I got some IN-14 gas discharge tubes and I want them to live as long as possible. For that I need to dim them to the point that the digits just about to start to partially lose glow. One way is to ...
7E10FC9A's user avatar
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2 answers
168 views

Understanding a 555 timer PWM schematic

I'm tinkering with the circuit described in Dimming the nixies but am confused by part of the schematic shown (highlighted below) What are the potentiometer connections being described here? Is there ...
markhellewell's user avatar
4 votes
5 answers
969 views

High side switch for high voltage Nixie tube

Short version: I am looking for a high side switch (20mA, 400V) circuit for half wave rectified mains, which I would be able to control with 5V GPUO. Long version: I am building a Nixie clock with ...
Michal's user avatar
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0 votes
2 answers
96 views

Calculating resistance value for voltage range

I have been working on a DIY Nixie tube clock. Looking at the schematic for my specific Nixie tubes, the ignition voltage is 170V. This led me to buy a 12V - 170V boost converter. Using this I can ...
James Barnett's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
348 views

Nixie tube project

I just got into Nixie tube clocks. I researched and found all the resources for the project (datasheets, models for Eagle/Fusion 360, etc.) I designed a schematic as well as the board. The parts cost ...
lemmE's user avatar
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726 views

Nixie tube clock circuit schematic

I recently found out about Nixie tubes, how to implement the decoder, microcontroller, as well as the power management. I have one big problem. I don't really know if ground = ground. On the schematic ...
lemmE's user avatar
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Nixie tube and high frequency AC (drawbacks)

Recently I salvaged a piezo humidifier driver board which produces high frequncy AC volage. Naturally I decided to touch it's output. It hurt so I deduced there might be enough voltage to power a ...
Eduard's user avatar
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How to open/close a high (~110V) voltage circuit from a low voltage (5V) one with a transistor?

I'd like to turn on/off a Nixie tube from a 5V circuit system (Arduino). I've found a solution that uses transistors (1 pnp and 1 npn). Can't we do it with 1 singe transistor? What to consider? What's ...
haxpanel's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
77 views

Driving lamps with the fewest number of NPN switch transistors

I'm building a small system to drive some Nixie lamps and I'm missing some of the classic ICs that could make this design significant simpler. I ended up with some discrete NPNs to select the lamp and ...
balaur's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
157 views

How to multiplex 8 pieces of 74141 without transistors? [closed]

I'd like to use 8 pieces of 74141 in order to drive the same amount of Nixies with an Arduino. What approaches will I need to consider? Update: I'm able to drive 1 single Nixie with a 74141. The ...
haxpanel's user avatar
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MPSA42 confusion

i want to drive my nixie clock with mpsa42, but i am confused about wiring diagram. I found one with Base resistor and one without it. From some sources i found that mpsa42, is digital BJT, but from ...
Jakub Prochazka's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
415 views

Design check for a high-side switch circuit, for driving Nixie tubes

I am designing a circuit that enables using an Arduino board to drive Nixie tubes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixie_tube), which are LED-like devices that require ~170V to ignite, and ~140V to ...
sartin_fish's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
265 views

Why does a 1.8mA current draw still create a blue glow in my Nixie Tubes?

I've created a Nixie Clock with 6 IN-14 Nixie tubes. I've run into the issue where the tubes have a faint blue glow surrounding the digits. I've heard this is due to the Nixie tubes being over-amped ...
Espresso's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
208 views

Fuzzy digits when driving with TPIC6B595

I designed a schematic and PCB of a simple Nixie clock and I hope that someone will be able to explain what's happening. The problem is that when I'm driving the cathodes with TPIC6B595 shift ...
Adam's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
700 views

Ghosting on Nixie Tube Clock

I have problem with my nixie clock. There are ghosts when changing numbers on the lamps. I'm using multiplexing with TLP627 opto-coupler to control anodes and NPN MMBTA42 bipolar transistors to ...
Leon M's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
521 views

Do small 1:1 isolation transformers exist?

I am building a Nixie clock that will be powered from 110V wall power. The design is based around having this 110Vac as the input voltage, but I wanted to put an isolation transformer inline for ...
pbandjazz's user avatar
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1 answer
195 views

Can I use the main power battery as a RTC battery as well?

Im currently thinking of a Nixie-Watch. Because I have almost no space on my PCB, I would like to use the 3.3v battery which powers the whole system also as the RTC Battery. I could connect a 3.3v ...
Leocat's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
2k views

Nixie Tube driver ICs keep dying

I really need a hand here. I am trying to control an IN-19B nixie tube with an Arduino UNO. I am using a 170v power supply with a 20K resistor on the anode and the k155id1 driver IC. I have got things ...
Callum Cooper's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
564 views

Boost converter ringing

I'm working on a Nixie clock based on a STM microcontroller. It consists of two boards: one includes the microcontroller and a boost converter and the other includes the tubes and two HV5530 high ...
Stelian Saracut's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
193 views

Voltage clamping for nixie tube driver

I want to design a nixie clock based on a high voltage shift register: the HV5530. I don't what to multiplex the tubes to avoid loss in brightness. My idea is to leave the anodes powered all the time ...
Stelian Saracut's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
201 views

Power Supply Nixie tubes (IN 9)

I am in big trouble with my power supply for Nixie tubes (IN 9 bargraph.) I need 140V -160V (150V prefered) output voltage and 10x 12mA --> ~140mA current. (~ 21W). I tried to design boost ...
Flop Dani's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
546 views

Drive Nixie tube with BJT

I'm trying to replicate the Nixie clock designed by Kevin Lee (https://0x7d.com/2017/nixie-tube-clock/). It uses a NXP PCA9685 PWM controller and a MSD42WT1G BJT to drive each tube cathode separately. ...
Marco's user avatar
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26 votes
3 answers
4k views

Help identify the IC manufacturer: is it really possible that these ICs from the 60's just made a comeback (К155ИД1)?

So we've been manufacturing Nixie Clock kits for the last few years, and for the multiplexers we used 74141 ICs, or their Soviet clones (К155ИД1). The latter were easier to find on ebay and were used ...
anrieff's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
59 views

Not All I/O Pins Work for Nixie Driver on Arduino MEGA and ATMEGA1284PU

I am tearing my hair out, and help would be immensely appreciated. I am developing a nixie RPN calculator. I am using nixies being driven by K155ID1 nixie drivers, connected to an ATMEGA1284PU. I ...
csapidus's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

What determines Nixie tube digit stack order?

I recently watched a video of Nixie tubes being built and another user had asked what determines the stack order of the digits in front of the anode. I searched around trying to find the answer but I ...
HDL_CinC_Dragon's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
364 views

Anode scanning Nixie circuit

I'm looking into driving nixies and i came across this multiplexing circuit I am a little bit confused about the chosen voltages. The 200v line I would assume is to meet the required strike voltage, ...
Will D's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
4k views

Alternatives to High Wattage Resistors? (Do multiple low-wattage resistors equal a single higher wattage resistor?)

I am a beginner, so I may have made a horrible mistake in my diagram, but I am trying to learn. According as I have figured it, I am having an issue wherein I need a resistor rated for a minimum of ...
Matthew T. Scarbrough's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
214 views

Damaging BCD-to-decimal decoders?

(ACTUAL QUESTION IS AT THE BOTTOM) I am a beginner in electronics and am learning more day-by-day to my best. I first got interested in Nixie tubes a few years back, so those are what I play around ...
Matthew T. Scarbrough's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
270 views

What is the use of these capacitors in this circuit?

I'm pretty new to electronics, and while exploring the web I came across this circuit for a 180v Nixie tube power supply. http://www.electronics-lab.com/project/hv-nixie-dc-dc-switching-power-supply/ (...
prenone's user avatar
  • 233
0 votes
3 answers
1k views

mc34063 boost converter - low performance and noise on avr interrupt

I have some problem with my nixie project. 1 - my mc34063 boost converter have poor performance. While i use active pull down D3 and Q2 for driving my mosfet then its enough for only one nixie tube (...
Dobijasek's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
849 views

Can you place two boost converters in series to boost 3v to 180v?

I am looking to build a power supply for a NIXIE tube. They need to output 180v at 4ma but will run off of a 3v lithium battery. The battery can take the current requirements for the input, but at the ...
ryan smith's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
405 views

numitron tube IV-6

I have a IV-6 numitron tube, and it requires 25V over each segment. The segments have a common cathode. I thought of putting a BJT transistor, with numitron in collector, until I realized that cathode ...
Willy Wonka's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
161 views

Driving a filament

I have a filament that needs 1V, and is rated at 50mA at 1V. I would like to use 5V supply for it, and I am wondering, how to approach this. 50mA at 1V means that the resistance is 2k, as per Ohm's ...
Willy Wonka's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
7k views

What is a modern SN74141 alternative? [closed]

I'm making a Nixie Clock and I had to buy from ebay some old SN74141 (KM155ID1 equivalent). Is there some newer IC which does the same things as this one, or similar, that I could get from big ...
prenone's user avatar
  • 233
3 votes
2 answers
733 views

MAX6966 a suitable sink driver for nixie tubes?

I recieved some IN-14 nixie tubes for Christmas, and was hoping to implement them in a project i have been considering for some time. The details are unimportant, except that each nixie tube should ...
Joe's user avatar
  • 151
1 vote
1 answer
398 views

How to design the footprint when the pin positions are slightly different for each part?

I'm a beginner of electronics. I have several IN-12A nixie tubes. I want to mount the nixie tube on the PCB. However, the position of the pin in the datasheet is out of the position of the pin in the ...
Ho jun's user avatar
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0 votes
2 answers
610 views

Why is this IC ok for high voltage?

I've used some SN74141 BCD-TO-DEC/DRIVER I had laying around to drive some nixie tubes recently, and I have also seen someone on the internet use HV5622 High Voltage Shift Register. I looked at both ...
prenone's user avatar
  • 233
-3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Is this circuit OK for a Nixie Tube clock? [closed]

I am designing a Nixie Tube Clock circuit for some IN12-A nixie tubes. My circuit is a modified version of the one found here http://www.instructables.com/id/SMD-Nixie-Clock/ . You can find my version ...
user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
674 views

What is the benefit of driving the HV5622 chip to the recommended operating voltage?

I am a beginner in electronics. I want to use HV5622 serial-to-parallel converter to drive nixie tubes. However, there are two types of datasheets: Recommended condition and absolute maximum ratings. ...
Ho jun's user avatar
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0 votes
3 answers
3k views

How to drive four nixie tubes with arduino?(in-14/clock)

I'm looking to build a nixie clock. I have looked online, I found some guides but many used expensive nixie clock kits or custom pcbs. I came across some threads about driving a single nixie tube with ...
Classic Games's user avatar