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February 26, 2023

best nixie tubes for diy

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eBay

eBay

eBay seems to be the most popular option for buying new nixie tubes [1] , especially New Old Stock (NOS) [4] . Buying from eBay can be relatively cheap [4] , and there are various types of nixie tubes available for purchase [3] , including IN-18 and IN-14 [4] . It is also possible to buy a kit on eBay that includes all necessary components to build a nixie clock [5] . Additionally, parts such as K155ID1 or SN74141 equivalents can also be bought on eBay [4] .
Tubehobby.com

Tubehobby.com

It seems that Tubehobby.com is a good option for those looking for nixie tubes for DIY projects. People say that it has good prices and variety [2] and the kits include everything needed [5] . Furthermore, the skill level required to assemble them is low [5] and they don't get hot [5] , so they are suitable even for those with minimal experience. Compared to other options like eBay and Etsy, it seems that Tubehobby.com offers an all-in-one solution which is easier to use [3] .
AllSpectrum.com

AllSpectrum.com

AllSpectrum.com seems to be a good source for purchasing new old stock (NOS) Nixie tubes in North America [2] . This could be a great option if you want to build a DIY Nixie tube clock since they don't rely on thermionic emission and require no heater [5] , making them suitable for DIY projects.
Etsy

Etsy

It seems like Etsy is an option when looking for un-cased Nixie tubes, as people have reported buying them from there [2] . They can be purchased together to save on shipping [2] , and the cost is around $150 each plus shipping from Russia [2] . It may be worth looking into if you are interested in making a DIY Nixie tube clock, as kits from TubeHobby.com are also available [5] .
Korg Corporation NuTube

Korg Corporation NuTube

The Korg Corporation NuTube [2] seems to be a great option for DIYers interested in nixie tubes. It is a VFD turned triode [3] , and requires an Anode voltage of 140Vdc, Anode current of 2-10mA, and a Maximum voltage of typically 200-250Vdc (higher voltages shorten tube life) [3] . It also requires specialized sockets. It seems to be easier to use than the Haydu Brothers Laboratories Nixie Tubes or Burroughs 616 Nixie Tubes, as Numitrons require only 5v for operation [7] , making them more suitable for DIY projects. Furthermore, the Ice Tube Clock kit can be found on Ebay at a cheaper cost than the TubeHobby.com kit reviewed on reddit [5] , so this could be a cost effective option as well.
All answers

All answers

  • eBay
  • Tubehobby.com
  • AllSpectrum.com
  • Etsy
  • Korg Corporation NuTube
  • Burroughs 616 Nixie Tube
  • Motorhead256 Nixie Clock
  • Hyperion Nixie Clock
  • Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock
  • K155ID1
  • SN74141
  • Haydu Brothers Laboratories Nixie Tubes
  • IN-18
  • IN-14
  • Ice Tube Clock

    • Availability of NOS

    Finding New Old Stock (NOS) nixie tubes is becoming more difficult as time passes, since most of them are pulled from old equipment [2] [7] . eBay is a great place to look for NOS [1] , but it can be difficult to find them in good condition. It may be worthwhile to check out specialist sites such as Tubehobby.com and AllSpectrum.com for NOS [1] .

    Cost

    Nixie tubes can range in price from around $150 each plus shipping from Russia on Etsy [2] , or kits from Tubehobby.com for about $78 US [5] , to finding kits on Ebay for cheaper costs [5] . Finding a balance between cost and quality is an important factor to consider when looking for the best nixie tubes.

    Power Supply

    Power supply needs to be taken into account when looking for the best nixie tube. Nixies typically require anode voltage of ~170Vdc and anode current of ~2-10mA, with a maximum voltage of 200-250Vdc (higher voltages will shorten tube life) [3] . Specialized sockets are also required [3] . For DIY kits, power supply needs to be purchased separately [5] .

    LEDs

    LEDs can be used in conjunction with nixie tubes, such as the two bulbs included in the TubeHobby kit which separate digits and blink out seconds [5] , or left off, covered, or changed to another color [5] . The Ice Tube Clock kit from Adafruit also offers LEDs that glow when powered up [7] .

    Soldering

    Soldering is required when assembling nixie clock kits, such as those found on TubeHobby.com or Ebay [5] , but most of them have good instructions and require minimal construction skills [7] . In addition, Numitrons offer a viable alternative which run off 5v and require no high voltages; they can be made using Arduino, shift registers and a RTC [7] .

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    Research

    Source: "nixie tubes for sale | eBay" (from web, www.ebay.com)

    • eBay
      • 3,700+ results for nixie tubes
      • Categories include: Consumer Electronics, Vintage Tubes & Tubes Sockets, Other Vintage Electronics, Home & Garden, Collectibles, Business & Industrial
      • Options for Brand, Type, Condition, Price, Buying Format, Item Location, Shipping Options, Local Pickup, Show Only
    • Related Searches

    Source: "DIY Nixie tube clock" (from reddit, r/diyelectronics)

    • Nixie tube clock kits
      • Kits have good instructions on building them
      • Can be turned on and off with transistors
      • Require minimal construction
      • Easily made, even by those with minimal experience
    • Lixietube project
      • Modern variate for nixie tubes
      • LED lightened layers of plexiglass with numbers/characters
      • Microcontroller manages which LED to be switched on
      • Looks cool, very innovative and yet still simple idea
    • DIY Nixie Clock
      • 3D printed jigs and cheap parts from ikea can be used
      • Nixies are basically no different to 7-segment LED displays
      • Several ICs that are designed to control nixie digits
      • Easily within the reach of a DIY project
    • Numitrons
      • Alternative to Nixie tubes
      • Run off 5v, so no need for high voltages
      • Clock can be made using Arduino, shift registers and a RTC

    Source: "Want to make nixie tube clock, looking for advi..." (from web, www.reddit.com)

    None

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

    • Replacing obsolete giant nixie tubes
      • People have been hoping someone would succeed at replacing the obsolete giant nixie tubes
      • NOS and whatever was pulled from old equipment are the current options
    • DIY tubes
      • A video was shared which showed how to make your own Nixie tubes
      • Someone followed in the footsteps of another person who had made their own gear to do certain operations consistently
      • Making your own gear to do certain operations consistently is a viable option
    • NOS
      • NOS (New Old Stock) are the current options for nixie tubes
      • NOS nixie tubes can be found in old equipment
    • Videos
      • Videos have been shared which show how to make Nixie tubes
      • Videos have been shared which show how to make your own gear to do certain operations consistently

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

    • Nixie kits
      • Kits available for making nixie clocks
      • Videos about nixie tubes and how to use them
    • Test equipment
      • User suggests buying test equipment to better understand nixie tubes

    💭  Looking into

    What is the most cost-effective way to build a Nixie tube clock?

    💭  Looking into

    What are the most common types of Nixie tubes?

    💭  Looking into

    What are the shipping fees for Nixie tubes from AllSpectrum.com?

    💭  Looking into

    What type of variety does Tubehobby.com offer for Nixie tubes?

    💭  Looking into

    What kind of feedback should I look for when purchasing a Nixie tube from eBay?

    Source: "Just built a Nixie Tube clock. Quite possibly t..." (from reddit, r/pics)

    • TubeHobby.com kit
      • Kit includes everything needed
      • Skill level required to assemble is low
      • Costs about $78 US
      • Power supply needs to be purchased separately
      • Tubes don’t get hot (not even warm)
      • Size is smaller than expected
      • Kit includes two bulbs to separate digits and blink out seconds
      • LEDs can be left off, covered, or changed to another color
      • Soldering required
      • Takes a few hours to assemble
    • Ebay kits
      • Can be found on Ebay at a cheaper cost
    • Ice Tube Clock
      • Link to Adafruit’s Ice Tube Clock kit provided

    Source: "Tube of the week: Nixie Tubes" (from reddit, r/diytubes)

    • Haydu Brothers Laboratories Nixie Tubes
      • Introduced in 1955
      • Contain an anode and ten cathodes
      • Gas (usually neon) immediately surrounding the cathode glows and illuminates its shape (typically numerals 0-9)
      • Do not rely on thermionic emission and have no heater
      • Typical operating conditions: Anode voltage ~ 170Vdc, Anode current ~ 2-10mA, Maximum voltage typically 200-250Vdc (higher voltages shorten tube life), Specialized sockets required
    • Korg Corporation NuTube
      • Introduced in 2016
      • VFD turned triode
      • Typical operating conditions: Anode voltage ~ 140Vdc, Anode current ~ 2-10mA, Maximum voltage typically 200-250Vdc (higher voltages shorten tube life), Specialized sockets required
    • Burroughs 616 Nixie Tube
      • Introduced in 1964
      • Contain an anode and ten cathodes
      • Gas (usually neon) immediately surrounding the cathode glows and illuminates its shape (typically numerals 0-9)
      • Do not rely on thermionic emission and have no heater
      • Typical operating conditions: Anode voltage ~ 170Vdc, Anode current ~ 2-10mA, Maximum voltage typically 200-250Vdc (higher voltages shorten tube life), Specialized sockets required
    • Motorhead256 Nixie Clock
      • Beautiful clock made by /u/motorhead256
    • Hyperion Nixie Clock
      • Clock made by /u/Kakkun
      • Made of walnut and aluminum
    • Dalibor Farny Nixie Clock

    Source: "DIY Nixie tube clocks: a unique and classy gift" (from reddit, r/DIY)

    • Un-cased Nixie tubes from Etsy
      • Can be purchased together to save money on shipping
      • $150 each plus shipping fee from Russia
    • PCB CNC files available on website
      • Can be ordered from Russia off of Etsy
      • Appears to run off a Atmega328 or something similar
    • Leave them on all the time
      • Last about 30 years or so
    • Can be run via Arduino

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

    • eBay
      • Look for listings with “NOS” (New, Old Stock)
      • Look for established sellers with good feedback
    • Tubehobby.com
      • Good prices and variety
    • AllSpectrum.com
      • New Old Stock in North America
    • When stock gets depleted, no plans to manufacture for enthusiasts

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

    • eBay:
      • Best place to buy new nixie tubes
      • Look for NOS
      • Do research on the type of tube you’re looking for
      • IN-18 are the nicest but expensive
      • IN-14 are similar but smaller and cheaper
      • Most of these ship from the eastern block and take a long time to deliver
    • K155ID1 or SN74141 equivalent
      • Watch out where these ship from

    💭  Looking into

    What are the best Nixie tubes for DIY projects?