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February 22, 2023

best nixie tubes for diy

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IN-14 Nubes

IN-14 Nubes

IN-14 Nubes seem to be a popular choice for DIY nixie tube projects. People say that they are designed around the popular IN-14 Nixie tubes [1] and are cheaper than IN-18s [2] . They are also reportedly easy to solder directly to perfboard [4] and come with plastic bases [4] . Additionally, they can be purchased from eBay for around $6 per tube [6] , making them a relatively affordable option for DIY projects. Furthermore, the video in [7] provides an overview of how nixie tubes work and how to use them.
Ramsey kit

Ramsey kit

The Ramsey kit [3] seems to be one of the best options for DIY nixie tube projects. It is a kit that includes a circuit board, components, and clear instructions on how to assemble the clock. It seems to be a good option for someone who is just getting started with nixie tube projects as it provides a straightforward and easy to follow guide. People say that it is a good option for those who want to experiment with nixie tubes without having to purchase a lot of components [4] .
IN-18 Nixie tubes

IN-18 Nixie tubes

IN-18 Nixie tubes seem to be the nicest to look at and use for DIY projects, although they are the most expensive option [2] . They have a long glowing anode and are tall, making them particularly impressive when lit up [5] . They are also sought after by hobbyists, so can be more difficult to find [8] . However, if you're willing to put in the extra effort and cost, they will be worth it!
IN-12 tubes

IN-12 tubes

IN-12 tubes seem to be a popular option for DIY Nixie Clock projects, as they are cheaper than other nixie tubes, such as IN-14 and IN-18 [2] [4] [6] . They can be found on eBay, Amazon, Tindie, Etsy or Ukrainian sellers [6] [8] [10] , and are around $6 per tube [6] . It seems they are good for projects that require binary to segment conversion [4] and some people have been using them for their Nixie Clock projects [8] [10] .
Smart Nixie Tube kit

Smart Nixie Tube kit

It seems like a Smart Nixie Tube kit [3] is a great option for a DIY Nixie tube project. It is estimated to cost around $350 [3] , which is more expensive than some of the other options, such as a kit from a store [3] or a Ramsey kit [3] . However, it may be worth it, since it seems to come with a lot of features such as NTP time sync over Wi-Fi, dimmable tubes via PWM, 6 RGB LEDS with configurable patterns, automatic brightness control with a photoresistor, configurable via an onboard webserver and Android App, and an optional temperature sensor [3] .
All answers

All answers

  • IN-14 Nubes
  • Cloxie
  • Smart Nixie Tube kit
  • Kit from a store
  • Ramsey kit
  • Tubehobby.com
  • AllSpectrum.com
  • IN-18 Nixie tubes
  • SN74141 drivers
  • Breadboard
  • Perfboard
  • PCB
  • Capacitive touch switches
  • Dedicated switching ICs
  • Dedicated nixie drivers

    • Tube Types

    When it comes to tube types, it's important to consider the IN-14 Nixie Tubes [1] . These are designed for the popular IN-14 Nixie tubes, and feature NTP time sync over Wi-Fi, dimmable tubes via PWM, 6 RGB LEDS with configurable patterns, automatic brightness control with a photoresistor, configurable via an onboard webserver and Android App, and optional temperature sensor. Cloxie [1] is another option, with similar features. Additionally, there are the IN-18 Nixie tubes [2] , which are the nicest looking tubes but are more expensive. For a cheaper option, the IN-14 tubes [2] are similar but smaller.

    Price

    When it comes to price, it's important to consider the Smart Nixie Tube kit [3] , which is estimated to be around $350. Alternatively, kits from stores like tubeclock.com [3] and Amazon [3] can be found for around $200-250. Additionally, eBay [2] is a great place to find NOS (new old stock) nixie tubes, which can vary in price. For example, IN-12 tubes can be found on eBay for around $6 per tube [2] .

    Drivers

    When it comes to drivers, the SN74141 drivers [3] can be purchased cheaply from Ukraine or other former Soviet countries. Additionally, MPSA42 transistors [4] can be used for nixie drivers. Dedicated switching ICs [4] are also available, although more research may be necessary to understand how to use them.

    PCB

    When it comes to PCBs, breadboards [4] can be difficult to work with due to high voltages. Perfboard [4] allows the IN-14 tubes to be soldered directly to the board, while a PCB [4] from Chinese fabs is easier to use, and allows for a custom circuit layout.

    Capacitive Touch Switches

    When it comes to capacitive touch switches, a PIC16f1825 microcontroller [4] can be used. Additionally, dedicated switching ICs [4] and dedicated nixie drivers such as the 74141 or similar Russian equivalent [5] can be used. Mounting [4] should be done by soldering the IN-14 tubes directly to the board and mounting the board in a chassis. Additionally, a Neon lamp [4] can be used instead of an AM/PM indicator, and Alpha tubes [4] can display letters as well as numbers.

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    Research

    Source: "Buying nixie tubes in bulk" (from reddit, r/nixie)

    • Buy from Ukrainian sellers
      • Wait until the war is over before making sure you’re buying from a Ukrainian seller
      • Message the seller you intend to buy from first
    • Buy from eBay
      • Round front facing tubes
      • Around 100
    • Buy Soviet tubes
      • IN 8, IN 8-2, IN 14, IN 18

    Source: "Where can i buy 8 new / working Nixie Tubes bel..." (from reddit, r/AskElectronics)

    • Dalibor Farny:
      • Making new nixie tubes, premium item
    • Tubes-store.com:
      • Has IN-19s at the moment
    • eBay, Amazon, Tindie, Etsy:
      • Unused new old stock (NOS) tubes
      • No need to worry about buying used/recycled tubes
      • Prices vary considerably
    • IN-12 tubes on eBay:
      • Can be found for around $6 per tube

    Source: "Buying some Nixie tubes and have a couple quest..." (from reddit, r/diytubes)

    • IN-14 Nixie Tubes:
      • Assume missing punctuation leads
      • 7-8mm leads, but longer might be preferable
      • Plastic bases may not be included, but can be asked for
    • Power Supply:
      • Need to purchase module off eBay
    • Driver ICs:
      • Need to purchase to convert binary to the right segment
    • Shift registers:
      • Used to reduce Arduino pins
    • Base:
      • Plastic base may be used to hold the tube in straight alignment, even on a PCB
      • Can also be used to reach past the base
      • Wood surrounding can also be used

    Source: "Best place to buy new nixie tubes? : r/arduino ..." (from web, www.reddit.com)

    • Ebay
      • Best place to buy new nixie tubes
      • Can buy NOS (New Old Stock)
      • Research type of tube you’re looking for, some can be expensive
      • IN-18 are the nicest but $$$$, IN-14 are similar but smaller and much cheaper
      • Most of these ship from the Eastern block and take a long time to deliver
    • K155ID1 or SN74141
      • Watch out where these ship from too

    Source: "A video about nixie tubes" (from reddit, r/nixie)

    • Different styles of nixie tubes
      • The video covers different styles of nixie tubes, from their conception to modern day.
      • It also provides a technical background on how they work.
    • Where to buy nixie tubes
      • The video doesn’t specifically mention where to buy nixie tubes, but the comments give a clue that test equipment can be purchased online.
    • How to use nixie tubes
      • The video provides an overview of how nixie tubes work and how to use them.

    💭  Looking into

    What are the most cost-effective nixie tubes for DIY projects?

    💭  Looking into

    What are the most reliable suppliers of nixie tubes?

    💭  Looking into

    What is the shipping time for AllSpectrum.com?

    💭  Looking into

    What is the customer support like with tubehobby.com?

    💭  Looking into

    What is the average rating for nixie tube suppliers on eBay?

    Source: "DIY WiFi Nixie Tube Clock" (from reddit, r/diytubes)

    • IN-14 Nixie Tubes
      • Designed around the popular IN-14 Nixie tubes
      • Watch the clock in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD35oEGX9IY
      • Schematics and code for the clock available at https://github.com/vascofazza/cloxie_nixie_clock
      • Features include NTP time sync over Wi-Fi, dimmable tubes via PWM, 6 RGB LEDS with configurable patterns, automatic brightness control with a photoresistor, configurable via an onboard webserver and Android App, and optional temperature sensor
    • Cloxie

    Source: "Want to make nixie tube clock, looking for advice" (from reddit, r/diyelectronics)

    • Tubehobby.com
      • Ships to Australia
      • Good store for purchasing nixie tubes
      • Owner is very responsive
    • eBay/Rutubes.com
      • Good for purchasing nixie tubes
    • IN-14 tubes
      • Looks great for the price
    • SN74141 drivers
      • Can be purchased cheaply from Ukraine or other former Soviet countries
    • Breadboard
      • High voltages make it difficult to use for this project
    • Perfboard
      • Solder the IN-14 tubes directly to the board
    • PCB
      • Easier to use than a breadboard or perfboard
      • Can be purchased cheaply from Chinese fabs
      • Can design your own circuit layout
    • Capacitive touch switches
      • Can use PIC16f1825 microcontroller
    • Dedicated switching ICs
      • Need to look up for more info on these
    • Dedicated nixie drivers
      • 74141 or similar Russian equivalent
    • MPSA42 transistors
      • Can use these for nixie drivers
    • Mounting
      • Solder IN-14 tubes directly to the board and mount the board in a chassis
    • Non software controlled powersupply
      • Can use 555 timer or dedicated switching ICs
    • Lixie display
      • Can use laser cutting for a more modern take on the project
    • Neon lamp
      • Can use this instead of AM/PM indicator
    • Alpha tubes
      • Nixie tubes that display letters as well as numbers

    Source: "Complete beginner making a Nixie Tube clock pro..." (from reddit, r/arduino)

    Source: "The Art of Making a Nixie Tube" (from reddit, r/diytubes)

    • Obsolete giant nixie tubes
      • Users have been hoping someone would succeed at replacing them
      • They have become popular recently
      • NOS and whatever was pulled from old equipment are available
    • DIY tubes
      • Someone has undertaken the challenge of building them
      • There is a video available of someone who has done it
      • The nixie guy is following in the footsteps of someone who has done it before
      • Building gear to do certain operations consistently is necessary

    Source: "Best place to buy new nixie tubes?" (from reddit, r/arduino)

    • eBay
      • Look for “nixie tube NOS” (new, old stock)
      • Only buy from places with a good amount of positive feedback
    • tubehobby.com
      • Good prices and variety
    • AllSpectrum.com
      • New Old Stock in North America
    • IN-18 Nixie tubes
      • Nicest, but expensive
    • IN-14 Nixie tubes
      • Similar to IN-18, but smaller and cheaper

    💭  Looking into

    What are the best Nixie tubes for DIY projects?