Hey again John, 
    Just get some little 'seed' beads from the bead store for spacers.
     If you've got ultrasound, I recommend it- there can be a little 
refractory sludge in 'em from the production.
     I made a few 'crackle' tubes using black seed beads and neon about 10 
years back...really cool effect.

    -Dylan



On Friday, September 28, 2012 7:09:57 AM UTC-7, jrehwin wrote:
>
> > it is not so easy, the total surface of each digit should be constant to 
> achieve constant current and constant brightness of each digit (else You 
> will have to struggle with resistors on cathodes..). Bigger number = higher 
> current.. 
>
> While this is true, it isn't an absolute.  Existing nixies have different 
> currents for different digits (particularlay "1").  Since they're 
> more-or-less constant 
> voltage devices, the anode resistor tends to even out the different 
> current draws.  Running nixies from higher voltages with larger anode 
> resistors 
> helps with this (at the cost of efficiency).  Some designs actually use 
> current regulation instead of anode resistors, and these will tend to 
> overdrive 
> the smaller digits slightly. 
>
> That said, it would be simple enough to write code to adjust the digit 
> stroke thicknesses to achieve matching total areas.  Note that in some 
> nixies, 
> the "1" digit is made with a double stroke to help with this. 
>
> > And I also like the retro look of original digits ;-) 
>
> That is a perfectly valid reason.  If I were going to clone a nixie, I'd 
> choose the CD-66 with its particularly nice digit shapes. 
>
> However, if I'm making my own nixies, I'd be interested in making them 
> visibly distinct from existing ones.  If I want a CD-66, I 
> can just go buy one (unless I want a CD-66 with 30mm digits).  If I want a 
> nixie with Böcklin or Klingon digits, I'll have to make 
> my own. 
>
> There's also a mechanical consideration - thicker digits will be more 
> rigid and stable, and should survive longer.  However, 
> this thickness can be in material thickness or stroke width. 
>
> > Once I have working tube (as close as possible to original) I can play 
> and change things inside.. 
>
> Absolutely.  Coming up with digit shapes is likely not the most difficult 
> problem in making nixies. 
>
> > Have You made something working with mentioned digit graphics? 
>
> Not as of yet.  My original plan was to photoetch them, but I just heard 
> from someone who's making custom variable 
> capacitor plates, and has access to a water jet cutter. 
>
> I've been pricing the little ceramic rings used as insulating digit 
> separators, and they're expensive, so now I'm thinking 
> of glass and mica as alternatives. 
>
> - John 
>
>

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