Ok. I've decided that my 6-tube clock will either do a direct drive using six 74141's and three shift/latch chips *OR* a 2x3 mux. I'm kinda leaning towards the direct drive because it won't sing or flicker. Questions:
Will the 2x3 mux really be noticeably dimmer? I know folks say that a 1x6 really sings. Can anyone comment on whether a 2x3 sings/flickers and how noticeable it is? I'm concerned about tube life with direct drive since the duty cycle is 3 times higher over a 2x3 mux. Can the tubes be dimmed by increasing the anode resistor WITHOUT stressing the tubes (ie. is it unhealthy to "underdrive" the tubes assuming you at least make the strike voltage)? I know most folks here on the list prefer the max1771 based supply over the common 555 based one due to efficiency. I have read though that the 1771 ps is *very* finicky to things like board placement, lead lengths, and component flavors. The 555 seems simpler and more reliable at the expense of efficiency. Firstly is this true? And secondly, would the usual 555-based design be adequate to drive six IN-14's? -Ryan -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/neonixie-l?hl=en-GB.
