[neonixie-l] Re: Nixichrom woes

[Mitch]

Good chance that the MAXxxx chip is bad. I had the same issue with one of 
my NixiChrons. 

On Monday, July 11, 2022 at 7:50:53 PM UTC-4 Terry S wrote:

> My Jeff Thomas Nixichron has been misbehaving.
>
> It's worked flawlessly for years. Lately (4 mo?) it's had a hard time 
> keeping a GPS lock, so much so that the GPS coordinates would be wrong when 
> displayed. Sometimes just a little, sometimes a lot. Then it would get a 
> lock and seem to work fine for a while. It got progressively worse.
>
> More recently even the time has been wrong, and the colon neon would never 
> show a GPS lock.
>
> All this led me to believe that the GPS puck was failing (I was on my 2nd 
> puck, a GlobalSat BR355S4). So I ordered another and installed it today. 
> Still no joy. It's just counting the minutes and not getting a lock.
>
> Coincidentally, my Jeff Thomas WWVB nixie clock is also unable to get a 
> WWVB time sync as of late. 
>
> I need to fix both of these wonderful devices. Any input? 
>
> I'd like to get the Nixichron converted to NWTS -- understanding that I'd 
> lose the GPS coordinate display. I know some members here can help me with 
> that and I imagine it's time to make that change. I'm basically clueless as 
> to what's involved.
>
> Terry
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit B7971 Clock

[Mitch]

Thanks! Boards and programmed microcontrollers will be available from me, 
full kits elsewhere.

Documentation is at angryelectrons.co, in the downloads section. The 
assembly manual isn't finished yet. Operations manual is the same for all 
word clocks.

The board behind the clock is the six digit version. I don't have enough 
tubes to run both without decommissioning one of two other B7971 clocks 
that I have. I may just do that.



On Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 11:24:16 AM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> Finished. No cut traces, no jumpers, and no bugs reported so far. It runs 
> the same firmware as all of my word clocks, Nixie and LED.
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: 15 digit IV-17 VFD

[Mitch]

Greg, the board is hacked on the bottom. It doesn't look good, but it 
works. The next version will be perfect.

Brightness is definitely related to the batch. The 87s are the best. They 
are bright at 30v. The 90s are not nearly as bright at 35v or 45v. I'll run 
them at 45v for a few days to see if they improve.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 7:54:11 AM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> The vexing problem I had with this design, is that the HK16K33s I/O lines 
> are supposed to float on initialization, to change the slave address. But 
> the inputs to the 74HC04s are held high for the digits, and low for the 
> segments, so the address would not change. I ended up using a separate I2C 
> bus for the second HK, and now everything works perfectly. I just have to 
> build a few more tube boards, and add the rest of the APA106s.
>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: 15 digit IV-17 VFD

[Mitch]

>
> I got them on ebay. They are just 6 pin, dual row, 2.54mm spacing female 
> headers. The male headers come in strips of 40, and are easily cut to size.
>

I'm finding that the brightness of the IV-17s is very inconsistent. At 30v 
one batch is perfectly bright, and at 45v, which is probably the maximium 
for the TBD62783 chips, another batch is not bright enough.

The board is 362mm x 67mm. There are twelve, SMD chips on the bottom. Six 
TBD62783s, two HT16K33s, three 74HC04s, and one 74HC125D. There are 1120 
solder joints required just for the tubes and headers. The board in the 
picture is really hacked up. Updated boards are on order.



 

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[neonixie-l] Re: 15 digit IV-17 VFD

[Mitch]

Sorry, 16 digits. I can't count this morning.


>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Hi Bill,

They are available at www.angryelectrons.co.

Please let me know if you find any errors with the documentation.

Thanks!

Regards,
Mitch


On Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 4:30 PM Bill Notfaded  wrote:

> Hey Mitch!
>
> How can i order one?  Paypal at the ready.
>
> Bill
>
> On Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 2:28 PM Mitch  wrote:
>
>> Boards arrived today and kits are available.
>>
>> On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 1:18:33 PM UTC-5, Mitch wrote:
>>>
>>> Four were sold last week. I'm just waiting for more boards. Hopefully
>>> they will arrive early next week.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 8:45:15 AM UTC-5, Richard Scales
>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Absolutely love it - is the VFD version far away?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Tuesday, 18 February 2020 15:55:58 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> The factory did a production run just for the LED clocks.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 10:24 AM Nathan Diniz 
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> GEEZ man! How many Alphanumeric displays do you have?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:49:43 AM UTC-6, Mitch wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Here's a 16 digit LED version. The 16 digit VFD will probably use
>>>>>>> one board, but two is a possibility.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in
>>>>>> the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group.
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>>>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/5ddb3419-eaf5-487d-9c81-4d8ab4c5bb2d%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer>
>>>>>> .
>>>>>>
>>>>> --
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>> .
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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

Boards arrived today and kits are available. 

On Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 1:18:33 PM UTC-5, Mitch wrote:
>
> Four were sold last week. I'm just waiting for more boards. Hopefully they 
> will arrive early next week.
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 8:45:15 AM UTC-5, Richard Scales wrote:
>>
>> Absolutely love it - is the VFD version far away?
>>
>>
>> On Tuesday, 18 February 2020 15:55:58 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>>
>>> The factory did a production run just for the LED clocks.
>>>
>>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 10:24 AM Nathan Diniz  
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> GEEZ man! How many Alphanumeric displays do you have?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:49:43 AM UTC-6, Mitch wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Here's a 16 digit LED version. The 16 digit VFD will probably use one 
>>>>> board, but two is a possibility.
>>>>>
>>>> -- 
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>>>> Google Groups "neonixie-l" group.
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>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/neonixie-l/xSpn05I5i3E/unsubscribe.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to 
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>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/5ddb3419-eaf5-487d-9c81-4d8ab4c5bb2d%40googlegroups.com
>>>>  
>>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/5ddb3419-eaf5-487d-9c81-4d8ab4c5bb2d%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer>
>>>> .
>>>>
>>>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

Four were sold last week. I'm just waiting for more boards. Hopefully they 
will arrive early next week.



On Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 8:45:15 AM UTC-5, Richard Scales wrote:
>
> Absolutely love it - is the VFD version far away?
>
>
> On Tuesday, 18 February 2020 15:55:58 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>
>> The factory did a production run just for the LED clocks.
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 10:24 AM Nathan Diniz  
>> wrote:
>>
>>> GEEZ man! How many Alphanumeric displays do you have?
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:49:43 AM UTC-6, Mitch wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Here's a 16 digit LED version. The 16 digit VFD will probably use one 
>>>> board, but two is a possibility.
>>>>
>>> -- 
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>>> Google Groups "neonixie-l" group.
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>>>  
>>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/5ddb3419-eaf5-487d-9c81-4d8ab4c5bb2d%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer>
>>> .
>>>
>>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

The factory did a production run just for the LED clocks.

On Tue, Feb 18, 2020 at 10:24 AM Nathan Diniz 
wrote:

> GEEZ man! How many Alphanumeric displays do you have?
>
>
> On Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 9:49:43 AM UTC-6, Mitch wrote:
>>
>> Here's a 16 digit LED version. The 16 digit VFD will probably use one
>> board, but two is a possibility.
>>
> --
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> .
>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

You will need six tubes.

On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 3:31 PM Dylan Distasio  wrote:

> Is it possible to run it with 4 digits?  Also, I would probably be
> interested in one as I am sitting on B7971s.  I can't remember if I have 6
> though.
>
> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 3:26 PM Mitch Feig  wrote:
>
>> The B7971 version is a 6 digit word clock. The add-on board will make it
>> 8 digits, but no time frame on completing the software for the add-on board.
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 3:04 PM Bill Notfaded  wrote:
>>
>>> How many digits is the B-7971 clock?  I'm interested.  I have two
>>> mod-six, a new 7 digit clock from Mahdi forum member, and the four digit
>>> FLWC from another passed well known forum member I bought.  All are B-7971
>>> clocks.  What's the two digit add on for?
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Bill
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020, 8:09 AM Mitch Feig  wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Richard,
>>>>
>>>> The current version won't support more tubes. I will do a 15 or 16 tube
>>>> version, but I'm not sure when it will be available, but probably by the
>>>> summer. I haven't started working on the hardware or software yet.
>>>>
>>>> The B7971 version will  be available by the end of this month, and the
>>>> two digit add-on board, probably a month or two later.
>>>>
>>>> Regards,
>>>> Mitch
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 8:53 AM Richard Scales 
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Can you update us as to where the version that supports more IV-17
>>>>> (like 12,15 or more etc) is sitting on your road map?
>>>>>
>>>>> Would there be add-on modules for the first kit or separate boards etc?
>>>>>
>>>>> I just need to update my own construction road map!
>>>>>
>>>>> Richard
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:19:55 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first
>>>>>> time. A LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips
>>>>>> raise that voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and 
>>>>>> online
>>>>>> calculators for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes
>>>>>> I have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are 
>>>>>> good.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use
>>>>>> for colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
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>>>>> .
>>>>>
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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

The B7971 version is a 6 digit word clock. The add-on board will make it 8
digits, but no time frame on completing the software for the add-on board.

On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 3:04 PM Bill Notfaded  wrote:

> How many digits is the B-7971 clock?  I'm interested.  I have two mod-six,
> a new 7 digit clock from Mahdi forum member, and the four digit FLWC from
> another passed well known forum member I bought.  All are B-7971 clocks.
> What's the two digit add on for?
>
> Regards,
>
> Bill
>
> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020, 8:09 AM Mitch Feig  wrote:
>
>> Hi Richard,
>>
>> The current version won't support more tubes. I will do a 15 or 16 tube
>> version, but I'm not sure when it will be available, but probably by the
>> summer. I haven't started working on the hardware or software yet.
>>
>> The B7971 version will  be available by the end of this month, and the
>> two digit add-on board, probably a month or two later.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Mitch
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 8:53 AM Richard Scales 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Can you update us as to where the version that supports more IV-17 (like
>>> 12,15 or more etc) is sitting on your road map?
>>>
>>> Would there be add-on modules for the first kit or separate boards etc?
>>>
>>> I just need to update my own construction road map!
>>>
>>> Richard
>>>
>>> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:19:55 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first time.
>>>> A LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips raise
>>>> that voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and online
>>>> calculators for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>>>
>>>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes I
>>>> have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are good.
>>>>
>>>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use for
>>>> colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>>>
>>>> --
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>>> .
>>>
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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Hi Richard,

The current version won't support more tubes. I will do a 15 or 16 tube
version, but I'm not sure when it will be available, but probably by the
summer. I haven't started working on the hardware or software yet.

The B7971 version will  be available by the end of this month, and the two
digit add-on board, probably a month or two later.

Regards,
Mitch


On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 8:53 AM Richard Scales 
wrote:

> Can you update us as to where the version that supports more IV-17 (like
> 12,15 or more etc) is sitting on your road map?
>
> Would there be add-on modules for the first kit or separate boards etc?
>
> I just need to update my own construction road map!
>
> Richard
>
> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:19:55 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first time. A
>> LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips raise that
>> voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and online calculators
>> for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>
>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes I
>> have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are good.
>>
>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use for
>> colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>
>> --
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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Thanks!

Regards,
Mitch


On Tue, Jan 7, 2020 at 12:19 AM Michail Wilson  wrote:

> Ok thanks.
>
>
>
> Although I might still be interested in getting one, I will hold off as I
> thought they were all open source projects.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Michail Wilson
>
> 206-920-6312
>
>
>
> *From:* neonixie-l@googlegroups.com [mailto:neonixie-l@googlegroups.com] *On
> Behalf Of *Mitch Feig
> *Sent:* Monday, January 6, 2020 7:57 PM
> *To:* neonixie-l@googlegroups.com
> *Subject:* Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock
>
>
>
> Hi Michail,
>
>
>
> It is only available as complete kit, less tubes. It is not open source.
> It will be available as soon as the boards arrive, definitely within ten
> days.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Mitch
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jan 6, 2020 at 8:37 PM Michail Wilson  wrote:
>
> Kit form yet?   Price.
>
>
>
> Open project source like the Word Clock 1 and 2?
>
>
>
> Michail Wilson
>
> 206-920-6312
>
>
>
> *From:* neonixie-l@googlegroups.com [mailto:neonixie-l@googlegroups.com] *On
> Behalf Of *Mitch
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 5, 2020 7:40 AM
> *To:* neonixie-l
> *Subject:* [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock
>
>
>
> This project is finished. I wasn't able to find any LED that came close to
> the color of the VFD displays, so I used 1.8mm white LEDs in series with a
> 10k resistor to match the dim glow of the displays.
>
>
>
> The driver for the six digit B7971 word clock is also finished, just
> waiting for some revised boards. The two digit add-on board is up next.
>
> --
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> .
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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Hi Michail,

It is only available as complete kit, less tubes. It is not open source. It
will be available as soon as the boards arrive, definitely within ten days.

Regards,
Mitch


On Mon, Jan 6, 2020 at 8:37 PM Michail Wilson  wrote:

> Kit form yet?   Price.
>
>
>
> Open project source like the Word Clock 1 and 2?
>
>
>
> Michail Wilson
>
> 206-920-6312
>
>
>
> *From:* neonixie-l@googlegroups.com [mailto:neonixie-l@googlegroups.com] *On
> Behalf Of *Mitch
> *Sent:* Sunday, January 5, 2020 7:40 AM
> *To:* neonixie-l
> *Subject:* [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock
>
>
>
> This project is finished. I wasn't able to find any LED that came close to
> the color of the VFD displays, so I used 1.8mm white LEDs in series with a
> 10k resistor to match the dim glow of the displays.
>
>
>
> The driver for the six digit B7971 word clock is also finished, just
> waiting for some revised boards. The two digit add-on board is up next.
>
> --
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> "neonixie-l" group.
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Re: [neonixie-l] Nixie sighting

[Mitch]

I remember that! We used to print, "4377." 


On Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 3:53:39 PM UTC-5, Terry Bowman wrote:
>
>
> On Jan 1, 2020, at 8:45 AM, Robert G. Schaffrath  > wrote:
>
> There were ways to send ASCII symbols to the ASR33 punch that caused 
> characters to be formed by the punched dots. My favorite was "DOES NOT 
> COMPUTE!".
>
>
> That's what we did with my TI 57 programmable calculator. It had to be 
> held upside-down while the numerals "4377" slowly appeared.
>
> There was an ASR33 in the Guidance Dept. when I was in High School. I was 
> allowed to sit down and play with it for a few minutes in my senior year. I 
> don't think they actually used it very much.
>
>
> Sometimes, I miss that old tech though I really would not want to have to 
> make a living now working with it.
>
>
> I wouldn't mind to make some money off of old tech. Specifically, my 
> ASR33. It comes with a stand. Local pickup only. I hate to give it up but...
>
>
> Much prefer Linux/Windows/MacOS and C, C#, Node.js and a few other 
> languages I picked up over the last 40 years.
>
>
> 6502 Assembler, FORTH, 6811 Assembler, and...HyperCard!
>
> My beloved HyperCard is gone but it has been superseded by LiveCode (free 
> uncrippled version available).
>
>
> Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
> "The Mac Doctor"
>
> "I've seen things you *people* wouldn't believe: attack ships on fire off 
> the shoulder of Orion... beams...in the dark in the Tannhauser Gate. All 
> those moments will be lost in time...like tears in the rain." — Roy Batty, 
> *Blade 
> Runner*
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

>
> Thanks, Nick! 
>

Michail, I tried to price the kit competitively with other kits that have 
similar parts counts and capabilities. 

The WordClock-2 displays arrived with almost $500 in tariffs and duties. I 
don't have the details yet from DHL, I just wanted the packages to be 
released after being held hostage in Miami for a week. We'll see when the 
invoice arrives.I think the tariff accounts for about half, but I am happy 
to pay it.

Only two WordClock-2 kits are available to ship Monday. After that, we wait 
for more pc boards. They should arrive before the Chinese Lunar New Year at 
the end of January.

Lots of WordClock-1 kits are in stock, ready to go, in five colors.

WordClock-3 will be available in January, and WordClock-4, shortly 
thereafter. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

Thanks, Richard. Good idea, especially since those tubes are so cheap. I'll 
put that on the list, which is getting smaller by the day. The 30v supply 
should be able to handle many more tubes. I'm not sure about the filament 
supply, though. A second board using an additional HT16K33 will add up to 
eight tubes, or seven and colons.Or maybe one board that holds 15 
tubes.With 15 tubes it can also run the Union Square Metronome clock 
display.

The B7971 boards should be here next week. Some software work will be 
needed because the tubes are directly driven using HV5530 chips. The 
HK16K33 and driver chips are not used because I didn't want to multiplex 
them. It is a six digit board, but a two digit add-on can be connected to 
the right side to add another colon, and two more tubes. 



On Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 11:17:00 PM UTC-5, Richard Scales wrote:
>
> From the photo I can see that you have mounted the tubes on tube carrier 
> boards -  great idea for those tubes - so many legs to solder!
> As bill suggested, more tubes would be lovely, could you even make it 
> modular?
> 8 or 10 tube versions would be most welcome.
>
> Richard
>
>
> On Wednesday, 4 December 2019 03:53:14 UTC, martin martin wrote:
>>
>> those curvy tubes look great!
>> Where can they be had?
>>
>> On Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 4:19:55 AM UTC-8, Mitch wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first time. 
>>> A LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips raise 
>>> that voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and online 
>>> calculators for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>>
>>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes I 
>>> have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are good.
>>>
>>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use for 
>>> colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>>
>>>

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[neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

If the new board designs work well, I'll probably make some kits available 
without tubes.

I'm working now on a B7971 version that will use six tubes, with an add-on 
board to make it eight digits. The circuit design for this one is much 
simpler. It will use a Taylor power supply, same as all of my Nixie 
designs. It will be direct drive, so it can't use the HT16K33 chip. The 
driver software will be different. Otherwise operationally it will be the 
same as the first three word clocks. Because the tubes only have 14 
segments, Russian won't work, and Klingons won't be happy.


On Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 12:20:13 AM UTC-5, Richard Scales wrote:
>
> Also, check the Thyratron clock by Paul Andrews, he found some LED's that 
> matched the Thyratrons nicely, these (or similar) might work for you.
>
> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:19:55 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first time. A 
>> LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips raise that 
>> voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and online calculators 
>> for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>
>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes I 
>> have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are good.
>>
>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use for 
>> colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>
>>

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[neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

Thanks, Richard.

On Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 12:20:13 AM UTC-5, Richard Scales wrote:
>
> Also, check the Thyratron clock by Paul Andrews, he found some LED's that 
> matched the Thyratrons nicely, these (or similar) might work for you.
>
> On Tuesday, 26 November 2019 12:19:55 UTC, Mitch wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>> I was a little surprised that the power supplies worked the first time. A 
>> LM2576 is used to drop the supply voltage to 5v. Two 34063 chips raise that 
>> voltage to 32v, and lower it to 1.65v. The datasheet and online calculators 
>> for the 34063s made that part easy.
>>
>> The next revision will use separate tube boards. Curiously the tubes I 
>> have with 1990 date codes aren’t very bright. The 1987 versions are good.
>>
>> I can’t seem to find matching LEDs for the blue-green color, to use for 
>> colons. Otherwise everything works as it should.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> [image: IMG-0185.jpg]
>>
>>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

Thanks, Dave. I didn't know that part was available. It looks like a great 
choice to use as a separator, but I want to keep the colons, and the part 
must be very small to keep equal spacing between the digits.

 The supplier is able to source 3mm LEDs in a wavelength between green and 
blue, so I'll try that next.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 8:13:47 AM UTC-5, DaveE wrote:
>
> Sorry Mitch, I should have been more clear - the IV-15 tubes are the colon 
> tubes used my DG12B tube clock. They are simple indicators that do not 
> display any numbers or text. They work very nicely with a vfd display, IMHO.
>
> On Wed, Nov 27, 2019 at 1:00 PM Mitch > 
> wrote:
>
>> The clock is designed for alphanumeric displays. I checked the datasheet 
>> for the IV-4. The pinout is the same, but the datasheet is in Russian so I 
>> don't know if there are differences. Worst case, the voltages can be 
>> adjusted by changing four resistors.
>>
>> This wasn't intended to be sold, but I'm not sure now. We'll see when the 
>> new boards arrive next week. WordClock-2 will definitely be available by 
>> the end of the month. Displays will ship from China next week. Those 2.3" 
>> displays are gorgeous, with extremely intense colors. 
>>
>> -- 
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>> "neonixie-l" group.
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>> email to neoni...@googlegroups.com .
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>>  
>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/neonixie-l/8a0b52d0-6425-47b1-a954-a1d2a77bac3c%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email_source=footer>
>> .
>>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: IV-17 Word Clock

[Mitch]

The clock is designed for alphanumeric displays. I checked the datasheet 
for the IV-4. The pinout is the same, but the datasheet is in Russian so I 
don't know if there are differences. Worst case, the voltages can be 
adjusted by changing four resistors.

This wasn't intended to be sold, but I'm not sure now. We'll see when the 
new boards arrive next week. WordClock-2 will definitely be available by 
the end of the month. Displays will ship from China next week. Those 2.3" 
displays are gorgeous, with extremely intense colors. 

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[neonixie-l] The Man In the High Castle

[Mitch]

And again at 42 minutes. 

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[neonixie-l] The Man In the High Castle

[Mitch]

A nixie clock close up is shown on the season four, episode ten, at around 35 
minutes. Looks like IN-12s. 

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

Also, there will be a IV-17 version.


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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

Not yet. It will be available when the displays are delivered sometime in 
December. Documentation will be the same as WordClock-1, at 
www.angryelectrons.co/WordClock-1.

WordClock-1 is sold out. More will be available around December 1st, after 
that, no more. Several LED color options will be offered including Greenish 
(original), Pure Green, Orange, Blue, and White.


On Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 12:48:11 PM UTC-5, M1 wrote:
>
> I don’t think WodClock-2 exists in the wild yet.
>
>  
>
> -1 exists here…..   http://angryelectrons.co/wordclock-1
>
>  
>
> Michail Wilson
>
> 206-920-6312
>
>  
>
> *From:* neoni...@googlegroups.com  [mailto:
> neoni...@googlegroups.com ] *On Behalf Of *Nathan Diniz
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 14, 2019 8:44 AM
> *To:* neonixie-l
> *Subject:* [neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays
>
>  
>
> Anyone got a website I can go to where I can get the documentation for 
> this? This is an incredible thing!!!
>
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>  
> 
> .
>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

The .8" version is available at www.angryelectrons.co. One kit is left, but 
more will be put together shortly.

The 2.3" version is not yet available. The displays are made to order with 
longer leads to leave more room for the RGB backlighting, so it takes a few 
weeks. Available colors are pure green, blue, super red (that's what they 
call it), super green, yellow, white, and orange. I'm not sure which ones 
I'll order, but definitely more than one, and definitely green and orange . 
Kits will be available by the first of the year.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 10:34:17 AM UTC-5, Jon D. wrote:
>
> Is there a web site for the" WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays"?
>
> On Tue, Nov 5, 2019 at 6:35 AM newxito > 
> wrote:
>
>> Thanks for pointing out the HT16K33 issue with big displays! 
>>
>> I’m currently designing a self-made 16 segment display. The limit of my 
>> 3D printer is 250mm (9.8”) but I will start with 140 x 100mm (5.5”). First, 
>> I wanted to use a HT16K33. After your comment, I thought to use some mosfet 
>> to increase the current. But finally, I've decided to use an ATmega328p in 
>> I2C slave mode and RGB 5050 LEDs. That needs a lot more current, but I 
>> think it’s nice to have full color control.
>>
>>
>>
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>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

Nice! Full color will make a very interesting display. 

See unexpectedmaker.com  for 7 and 14 segment RGB displays. He also has a 
nice, 4 digit RGB clock for sale.

Higher current displays can be driven indirectly using the HT16K33.  Just 
use a ULN2803 (and a 74HC04 on the input to invert) on the low side, and 
two TBD62783s on the high side, with common cathode displays. The inputs to 
the 74HC04 need pullups, and the inputs to the TBD, pulldowns. I figured it 
out finally after asking lots of questions and spending a week of time 
breadboarding. It's probably a five minute design project for an EE.


On Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 8:34:58 AM UTC-5, newxito wrote:
>
> Thanks for pointing out the HT16K33 issue with big displays! 
>
> I’m currently designing a self-made 16 segment display. The limit of my 3D 
> printer is 250mm (9.8”) but I will start with 140 x 100mm (5.5”). First, 
> I wanted to use a HT16K33. After your comment, I thought to use some mosfet 
> to increase the current. But finally, I've decided to use an ATmega328p in 
> I2C slave mode and RGB 5050 LEDs. That needs a lot more current, but I 
> think it’s nice to have full color control.
>
>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

Very nice! 

Switching to the ESP32 was frustrating, but well worth the trouble. I just 
use the ESP32 DevKit C and Pico. Can't beat it for $10, and it has built in 
USB. I designed my own clone of the DevKit C to play around with reflow, 
but the parts cost was around $14 so not a good value proposition.

The .8" displays use 1 LED per segment, and all segments appear to be lit 
evenly without using different values for current limiting resistors. I use 
the HT16K33 so no resistors are necessary, and lighting is very even.

The 2.3" displays are a different story. Some segments use two LEDs, and 
the longer ones use four. A 5v supply won't work, and the HT16K33 can't 
supply enough current to run them.



On Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 4:00:00 PM UTC-5, newxito wrote:
>
> Nice clocks! And the features list of your software is impressive.
>
> I want to switch from the ATmega328p to the ESP32 for future projects. 
> That’s why I’m currently building a word clock and trying to learn as much 
> as possible about this module. No single line of code yet, I don’t even 
> know if the controller works… waiting for a 3.3V FTDI board and looking 
> forward to start writing the software.
>
> Just tested the display board, seems to work fine. My only concern is that 
> the short segments are slightly brighter than the long ones. Maybe I can 
> fix it adding some resistors to the brighter rows (segments) …like the 
> cathode resistors for the B-7971…
>
> The case was too wide for my 3D printer, I had to make two halves…
>
> I will only make this one, no kits from my side :-)
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: WordClock-2 with 2.3" displays

[Mitch]

I will try to design an IV-17 version early next year. I'm not how 
compatible the multiplex capability of the HT16K33 will be with VFD 
displays, guess I'll have to try it to see.


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[neonixie-l] WordClock-1 is ready to ship

[Mitch]

A few kits are available now. Lots more will be put together when the kit 
is sold on Tindie, in late November.

http://angryelectrons.co/wordclock-1


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[neonixie-l] Re: High current driver for 16 segment LED display

[Mitch]

Thanks, John. I was at a dead end with this circuit. I tried several values 
of resistors in series with the gate. That didn't work, but disconnecting 
the 2N7000 and grounding the gate on the NDP6020, did turn on the LED. 

I will try the TSC426. The only reason for the 74HC04 was to invert the 
signal because the 2N7000 also inverted it, so a non-inverting chip will 
simplify the circuit. The only issue is the cost. Eight are required to 
drive 16 segments and they are over $7 on digikey, but 27 cents on 
aliexpress. Does a series resistor go between the HK16K33 column driver and 
the gate of the TSC426, and is a resistor required between it's gate and 
source? Also, I think the NDP6020 is overkill to drive at most four LEDs on 
the largest segments, so I'll probably switch to a NTR1P02T1G or something 
similar.

Here is the first word clock based on the HT16K33 
http://angryelectrons.co/wordclock-1.

If I can find a similar circuit using the HK16K33 that will drive IN-17 
tubes, I'll  do a version for them, too.


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[neonixie-l] Re: High current driver for 16 segment LED display

[Mitch]

Thank you.  I will try that tomorrow.



On Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 9:14:16 AM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> I'm having trouble getting this to work. Everything appears to be good up 
> to the gate of the NDP6020P, then it is not switching.That scope image is 
> QuickPrint2.png. The other image is at the drain. The reason for this 
> circuit is that the HK16K33 can't supply enough current to drive large 
> displays, and they run on a higher voltage. I want to stay with that chip. 
> Help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: LED Word Clock

[Mitch]

Sorry. Wrong video.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vEk3Gs5hPDzQu8PpPNUDxuHYG8yFYmSf

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[neonixie-l] Re: LED Word Clock

[Mitch]

Being retired has its advantages. I've been working on the software for the 
last few days with minor interruptions, and it's coming along nicely.

Font and expletive files are loaded from the SD card and stored in memory. 
The word file is accessed one word at a time, directly from the SD card. 
Everything is plain text so the files can easily be edited on a PC with any 
text editor. Multiple languages are supported with separate font, 
expletive, and word files for each. At some point I'll make them work 
together, with options to use each language for a specified mix of words 
expressed as a percentage. I'm working on that now with the expletive file. 

This project started with my clock software, so it will have automatic DST, 
NTP or GPS, three different sleep/off periods, etc. No alarms. I hate 
alarms.

Still lots to do, but I think a first version will be ready sometime next 
month. 

Flickering is only in the video, it is otherwise not noticeable.


https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gqdbpl-0Y7T-AqMOrVnX94LucjA_LTFi

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Re: [neonixie-l] LED Word Clock

[Mitch]

Orange, 2.3" 16 segment alphanumeric displays are available here. Thanks, 
Nick.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/large-2-3-alphanumeric-led-16_60316006912.html


On Friday, July 26, 2019 at 12:11:33 PM UTC-4, Nixcited delighted wrote:
>
> Replacement ‘Union Flag’ alphanumeric LED displays have been custom made 
> in orange, to closely match the neon in old pinball displays. Rottendog 
> make modules using them. Maybe they would supply the individual displays, I 
> don’t know.
>
>
>
> John S
>

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Re: [neonixie-l] LED Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

They draw more current so will require extra driver circuitry. We'll see.

Thanks, Bill.

Mitch


On Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 9:32 PM Bill Notfaded  wrote:

>
> https://www.mouser.com/Optoelectronics/Displays/LED-Displays-Accessories/_/N-6j734?P=1z0j231
>
> There's some nice 14 segment LED displays 4sure!  Keep looking for bigger
> ones!
>
> Bill
>
> On Thu, Jul 25, 2019, 6:17 PM Nicholas Stock  wrote:
>
>>
>> http://www.opto-electronics.com.cn/display-diode/seven-segment-led/alphanumeric-led/2.3-inch-alphanumeric-led.html
>>
>> On Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 6:14 PM Terry Kennedy 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:49:04 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>>>>
>>>> One company that I known of makes 2.3" displays. I'm not sure that they
>>>> will be compatible, but I will check at some point. The . 8" displays I'm
>>>> using now are readable at 20 feet.
>>>>
>>>
>>> evilmadscience has (I think, I didn't look lately) several different
>>> large sizes in both common-anode and common-cathode configuration and a
>>> variety of colors.
>>>
>>> BTW, some MOD-6 development is done on boards with LED displays (less
>>> likely to fall off the bench and smash expensive tubes). And no, that
>>> version isn't available, sorry.
>>>
>>> --
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>>>
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Re: [neonixie-l] LED Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Terry, the 2.3" displays will require extra driver circuitry. Some segments
use two LEDs, and some four LEDs. We'll see once I finish the software.

I think a large LED version of the MOD-6 would be a great, especially
considering the price of B7971 tubes now. I would certainly buy one to join
my two MOD-6s.

Regards,
Mitch


On Thu, Jul 25, 2019 at 9:14 PM Terry Kennedy 
wrote:

> On Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:49:04 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>>
>> One company that I known of makes 2.3" displays. I'm not sure that they
>> will be compatible, but I will check at some point. The . 8" displays I'm
>> using now are readable at 20 feet.
>>
>
> evilmadscience has (I think, I didn't look lately) several different large
> sizes in both common-anode and common-cathode configuration and a variety
> of colors.
>
> BTW, some MOD-6 development is done on boards with LED displays (less
> likely to fall off the bench and smash expensive tubes). And no, that
> version isn't available, sorry.
>
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Re: [neonixie-l] LED Word Clock

[Mitch Feig]

Thanks, Bill. I will add all of the effects the original FLW has, and
everything the MOD-6 has except for fading. It will be easy for anyone to
add different fonts and languages, too.

One company that I known of makes 2.3" displays. I'm not sure that they
will be compatible, but I will check at some point. The . 8" displays I'm
using now are readable at 20 feet.

Regards,
Mitch

On Thu, Jul 25, 2019, 7:21 PM Bill Notfaded  wrote:

> That's sweet Mitch!  I like it.  I love my badnixie alphanumeric clocks
> (my favorite) but other alpha numeric's are awesome and open up so many
> other options vs just numbers. The vfd tubes are also a neat option and
> price available in quantity.  IV-4 and IV-17 I think they are?  Your modern
> electronics would be really awesome with any alphanumerics!  Perhaps if
> sticking to LED how about even bigger ones?  Just some ideas... The one
> thing that's hard to match though are the nixie fade effects... Vfd's and
> LED's just don't seem to have an equivalent for that.  Some alternatives
> like slides in/out and build up/tear downs, and slot machine effects are
> there at least.
>
> Bill
>
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Re: [neonixie-l] 24 Digit Binary Clock

[Mitch]

Haha! Absolutely true, but only a software developer would know that! This 
way most people get the idea.

Mitch


On Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 5:19:56 PM UTC-4, Jens Boos wrote:
>
> Nice work! I hate to be "that guy" but it is not a binary clock, it is a 
> BCD clock ;-)
>
> Cheers
> Jens
>
>
> 'Ian Vine' via neonixie-l > hat 
> am 23. Juli 2019 um 19:20 geschrieben: 
>
>  
> Nice 
>
> On Friday, 5 July 2019, 15:06:53 BST, Mitch  > wrote:
>
>
> The 24 digit binary clock is finished and working perfectly. It's set up 
> for GPS or NTP, settings using a browser.
>
> I ordered 10 boards, 5 are left. Email if you want one.  I'm selling them 
> at cost plus shipping in and out. The board requires four jumpers. I'm 
> working on some assembly notes, but no step by step instructions.
>
> Mitch
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gqdbpl-0Y7T-AqMOrVnX94LucjA_LTFi/view?usp=sharing
>  
>
>  
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[neonixie-l] Re: Clocks! Picture sharing....

[Mitch]

This one is my favorite. The story behind the Bombe clock is incredible. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: HV5530 problems

[Mitch]

Thanks for your reply, Greg.

The CD4504 is used on all signal lines to the HV5530s.

Initially only the first HV5530 operated correctly.

I did not even think to run clock and data lines in opposite directions.  I 
did experiment using microsecond delays to slow the data transfers on all 
GPIOs varying the delays for clock and data, but that didn't help at all, 
even with millisecond delays.Using separate GPIOs for clock and data on 
each HV5530 solved the problem, so I didn't look further.

My question now regards the new Metronome, 15 digit clock that I'm working 
on. It uses five, HV5530s. The old version separated clock and latch only. 
All five HV5530s had data connected in series. I don't know why I did it 
that way, but it has worked perfectly for several years. It seems to make 
more sense to me, to separate data and clock lines in a group of three, and 
a group of two. What do you think?




On Friday, October 5, 2018 at 3:48:33 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> I'm starting a separate thread on this topic that was posted from the 
> introduction discussion
>
> As with any serial shift-register, the biggest source of trouble is 
> timing-related, such as not accounting for setup and hold-time requirements.
>
> *First question*: Are you able to get reliable and predictable data into 
> the first HV5530 that is connected to your controller ? If not, then the 
> entire shift chain will be broken, aka "garbage-in, garbage out".
> This needs to be solved first. I took a quick look at the code that was 
> posted and did not see any obvious issues, so I think your setup/hold 
> timing getting into the first HV5530 is correct.
>
> Do you have level-shifters between your controller and the HV5530 ? The 
> logic portion of the HV5530 is intended to operate at 12V, whereas most 
> controller devices have 3.3V logic levels.
> If you dont have a level-shifter, then you are operating outside the 
> device spec and you venturing into a jungle of unpredicatbles and 
> uncontrollables.
> I know some neonixie members have posted about their good results with 
> HV devices operated outside of spec, so if you are adventurous then go 
> for it.
>
> All I can say, based on my own experience, is that when you are not 
> datasheet compliant, expect trouble. I had 3 completely unrelated problems 
> with a 16-channel A/D converter on my current project, and all of them 
> turned out to be either my misinterpretation of the datasheet, or my 
> failure to pay attention to a detail in the datasheet. Once I got those 
> corrected, it's been fine ever since.
>
> *Second question*: If the first HV5530 is operating as expected, what 
> about the next one in the chain ?
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: HV5530 problems

[Mitch]

Continuing the discussion on this old thread...

My 24 digit binary clock design had two, HV5530s separated by 12". The 
first in the data series worked perfectly, but the second would not because 
of too much noise on the data line. I had  two unused level converters on 
the CD4504 so I separated data and clock for each HV5530, and everything 
worked perfectly.

Now I just went back to my old, 15 digit Metronome clock that I'm going to 
update with Wifi LEDs, etc. It uses five, HV5530s. For that design I 
separated the latch and clock, one set controlling two HV5530s, and the 
other, three HV5530s, with the data line in series between all five.

Although it works perfectly, today it doesn't seem to make sense. What I 
should have done is to separate data and clock, not latch and clock, three 
HV5530s on one set of outputs from the microcontroller, and two HV5530s on 
another set of outputs.

Please let me know your thoughts on this. I'm working on the update now. 
Thanks.

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[neonixie-l] 24 Digit Binary Clock

[Mitch]

The 24 digit binary clock is finished and working perfectly. It's set up 
for GPS or NTP, settings using a browser.

I ordered 10 boards, 5 are left. Email if you want one.  I'm selling them 
at cost plus shipping in and out. The board requires four jumpers. I'm 
working on some assembly notes, but no step by step instructions.

Mitch

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gqdbpl-0Y7T-AqMOrVnX94LucjA_LTFi/view?usp=sharing

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[neonixie-l] Re: Assembled LED Cube Recommendation

[Mitch]

I bought this kit, but I have not yet assembled it. The advantage to it is 
that it's built in layers that plug together, so replacing a bad LED won't 
be a nightmare.

https://www.tindie.com/products/Nick64/jollicube---8x8x8-led-cube-spi-diy-kit/

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Re: [neonixie-l] 15 digit madness

[Mitch]

The Metronome is a clock in Union Square, NYC. Here's the explanation:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome_(public_artwork)

It is a faithful reproduction of the display, just adding date, 
temperature, and scrolling.

Mitch


On Monday, July 2, 2018 at 9:34:08 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> Curious what you display with 15 digits
>
> I super-sized my IN-18 clock; at 14 digits it displays date and time in 
> MM:DD:  HH:MM:SS format
> The thing is so wide there aren't many places it will fit in the house.
>

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[neonixie-l] PCB fabricator recommendations/comparisons?

[Mitch]

I started with OSH Park for the first tow or three orders and never had a 
complaint. Larger boards can be seriously expensive and they take longer than 
the Chinese manufacturers, when shipping from China is by DHL. So far I’ve 
placed about thirty orders with pcbway.com without an issue, and order o 
delivery time is always one week. I also tried Elecrow for one order and they 
were equally good.

What’s interesting about both pcbway.com and Elecrow is that the quotation 
software is very similar, too much so for coincidence. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: Digi-Vista Nixie Clock From 1970

[Mitch]

Terry, I think I'll leave it the way it is, and I may build another one 
with six digits, as in the magazine. The only major part missing from the 
spare parts box that came with the clock, is the transformer.

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[neonixie-l] Re: Digi-Vista Nixie Clock From 1970

[Mitch]

Terry, I never even thought that the last tube was running at 60Hz! The 
tenth seconds digit does appear to cycle through all ten digits within one 
second, though. 

All five circuit board that hold the tubes, appear to be identical.


>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Digi-Vista Nixie Clock From 1970

[Mitch]

I don't remember how I got it. This is the same clock.

http://shadowtron.com/2017/03/11/a-hand-built-nixie-tube-clock-based-on-the-digivista-design/

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[neonixie-l] Re: 7971 nixie tube problem

[Mitch]

The clock uses an MM5314 in a multiplex configuration. That was ok when the 
tubes cost $2.50 each. I’d probably keep the clock in one piece, but long term 
it’s probably a good idea to replace the electronics with a direct drive 
circuit if running it full time. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: NixieChron's Haicom HI-204III GPS Receiver Pucks - Programming them to work with NixieChron

[Mitch]

Just letting everyone know that I'll have another ten NixiChron AVR 
upgrades available shortly. I have around fifteen boards left and five are 
spoken for. After this, I doubt that I'll make more. Around 33 have been 
sold so far. They should be ready sometime later this month or early next 
month.


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[neonixie-l] Re: OT: Lateral thinking: Cheap SMT reflow oven...

[Mitch]

Never. I’ve used it about twenty times and it’s always worked perfectly each 
time. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: OT: Lateral thinking: Cheap SMT reflow oven...

[Mitch]

 Nick, it is very easy to use. Once the profile is set for the paste you are 
using, just press start. I use a standard profile that I have never touched. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: OT: Lateral thinking: Cheap SMT reflow oven...

[Mitch]

I built a ControlLeo reflow oven from a kit, and I just ordered their new 
upgrade with a new touch screen controller. I tell my wife that it’s insulting 
to call it a toaster oven, but she persists. It works great. I just finished a 
few ESP32 DevKitC compatible micro controllers with 100% success. 

I too use pcbway.com and I order stencils without the frame. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: OT: Eagle is now subscription-based

[Mitch]

I bought a book on Eagle to learn, but I switched to DipTrace when I 
realized how much Eagle would cost to make boards that would hold 8, Z568 
tubes. Initial cost and upgrades are very reasonable. 


On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 9:21:24 AM UTC-4, Nick wrote:
>
> As all Eagle users will know, Eagle was acquired from Premier Farnell at 
> the start of the year and Eagle 8, the new version, has a completely 
> different licensing model - it's now subscription based, starting at USD 
> 15/pcm for the "standard" version and going up to USD 65/pcm for the 
> "professional" ones.
>
> I'm a long-time Eagle user, probably for more than 15 years, so have a lot 
> invested in it in terms of libraries and existing designs.
>
> However, I can stake USD 100/pa (the annual up-front cost of the USD 
> 15/pcm option). but you need to be connected to the internet every couple 
> of weeks for your Eagle license to stay active. If it expires, I'm told 
> that you can still generate Gerbers from your old designs and even export 
> in the old V7 format using the free version - our old licenses and software 
> will keep working.
>
> What have Eagle folk here done about this - just wondering... It annoys me 
> slightly, but I guess the previous licensing model was not paying the bills 
> and Autocad are promising great things...
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Nick
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: 1970s Minitron Project?

[Mitch]

Thanks, Nick. That one is close, but the one I'm looking for had a two 
digit display, and it was built on two breadboards. 


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[neonixie-l] Re: 1970s Minitron Project?

[Mitch]

>
> Thanks, John. The clock definitely used 7400 series logic. I remember 
> soldering in the chips without sockets because I couldn't afford them at 
> the time. 
>

I'll keep looking. 

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[neonixie-l] 1970s Minitron Project?

[Mitch]

Hi All,

Back when I was in HS in the 1970s, I built a clock based on an article 
that despite searching everywhere, I can't find. I think I asked this 
question several years ago, but I'll ask again.

The clock used two 5v Minitron (or equivalent) displays, TTL logic, and it 
was built on two breadboards, each about 6" square. The article showed the 
point to point wiring layout on the boards.

I checked old Popular Electronics and Radio Electronics, at least what I 
could find online, with no luck. I'm guessing it was around 1972. Does 
anyone remember?


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[neonixie-l] Re: Raspberry PI controlled Nixie display

[Mitch]

Greg, is I/O fast enough to support cross fades? For a really smooth fade, 
I think updates must be 10ms or less.

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[neonixie-l] Re: Wifi adapter for NCS314

[Mitch]

Thanks, Paul. I didn't put a header for programming the ESP on my clock, so 
I have to remove it to program. The next version will add one.


On Monday, January 23, 2017 at 7:57:38 PM UTC-5, Paul Andrews wrote:
>
> Hand drawn. Hopefully you can read it. It is pretty straight forward:
>
>
> 
>
> The rectangle on the left is a 4 channel level converter. I use this one 
> 
> .
>
>
> To program the ESP01 I use this FTDI board 
> 
>  
> and this little dongle 
> 
> .
>
>
>
>
>
> On Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 6:32:39 AM UTC-5, Paul Andrews wrote:
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I've been working on a project to add a wifi interface to my NCS314 
>> clock. This clock is an Arduino shield, so it shouldn't be hard to add that 
>> to the arduino right? I used an Arduino that had rows of holes next to the 
>> pins and also had specific connector patches for interface pins, so it was 
>> not to hard to pull off I2C signals to connect to an ESP01 through a level 
>> shifter. The coding took a lot longer than I expected - everything was new 
>> to me - but it has all come together nicely. It even has Alexa voice 
>> commands, so it is my first smart home appliance! That part is surprisingly 
>> fun!
>>
>> Anyway the video is a bit boring. Just me using barely visible controls, 
>> but I wanted to share!
>> https://youtu.be/K5BNw0LZC_U
>>
>>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Wifi adapter for NCS314

[Mitch]

Paul, can you post a schematic?

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: NixiChron upgrade, new firmware, NixiChron style case...

[Mitch]

On Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 9:56:44 PM UTC-4, Nick wrote:
>
> Yeah. But it won't work on Lord Howe Island. Showstopper, that !
>
> Nick
>

Oh, but yes it will! I use the Timzone library 
(https://github.com/JChristensen/Timezone)  which is parameter driven. DST 
and STD options can be set in 15 minute increments. It should work anywhere 
in the world. Button option is a sure thing, but I wanted DST to be fully 
automated.

This is not a modified version of Jeff's firmware. It is new and different. 
Some things were left out, such as alarms, and much was added. It isn't 
better, just different.

If you want a board, please contact me directly. Thanks.




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[neonixie-l] Re: NixiChron upgrade, new firmware, NixiChron style case...

[Mitch]

Wayne, the upgrade is a daughter board that replaces the processor. See a 
previous post I made for details. I doubt that it will be compatible with 
anything else.


On Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 2:10:28 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> Only a few Nixichron upgrades are left. I have three ready to go, and a 
> few more boards to be assembled. I may order more toward the end of the 
> year, but it won't be an ongoing business, for sure.
>
> A new firmware release is ready. Some minor bugs were squashed, a few 
> options were added or changed, and most importantly, better tracking to the 
> GPS. I'll email the hex file to anyone who can flash it, or send the board 
> back and I'll do it for the cost of return shipping.
>
> Next project is a Nixichron style case. I know a manufacturer that has 
> large CNC machines and the owner said it would not be a problem to make the 
> cases. We'll see. Talk is cheap, but they've come through before. A sample 
> will be ready in a few weeks. If it goes well, I'll make a version of the 
> Zev clock for it in both six and eight digit configurations. I won't offer 
> kits, 
> probably just cases and boards. The MOQ on the cases will be 50-100 
> pieces. Again this will not be an ongoing business, just a one time thing 
> for fun.
>
> Mitch
>

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[neonixie-l] NixiChron upgrade, new firmware, NixiChron style case...

[Mitch]

Hi All,

Only a few Nixichron upgrades are left. I have three ready to go, and a few 
more boards to be assembled. I may order more toward the end of the year, 
but it won't be an ongoing business, for sure.

A new firmware release is ready. Some minor bugs were squashed, a few 
options were added or changed, and most importantly, better tracking to the 
GPS. I'll email the hex file to anyone who can flash it, or send the board 
back and I'll do it for the cost of return shipping.

Next project is a Nixichron style case. I know a manufacturer that has 
large CNC machines and the owner said it would not be a problem to make the 
cases. We'll see. Talk is cheap, but they've come through before. A sample 
will be ready in a few weeks. If it goes well, I'll make a version of the 
Zev clock for it in both six and eight digit configurations. I won't offer 
kits, 
probably just cases and boards. The MOQ on the cases will be 50-100 pieces. 
Again this will not be an ongoing business, just a one time thing for fun.

Mitch

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[neonixie-l] Re: NIXIECHRON Upgrade!

[Mitch]

On Friday, June 10, 2016 at 4:28:16 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
>
> Today I finished my Nixiechron upgrade project. 
>
>
> Just over a year ago, I sent a Nixiechron board to someone who considered 
> modifying his software to run on the Nixiechron. Unfortunately, business 
> got in the way, and it never happened.
>
>
> When I received the board back a couple months ago, I looked into the 
> possibility of learning PIC processor programming. I’m familiar with Atmel, 
> but the learning curve was too steep. 
>
>
> I didn’t see any way to adapt an Atmel processor to the PLCC socket, so I 
> moved on. Just days later I received some headers that I ordered by mistake 
> with 1.27mm spacing, and I noticed that PLCC pin spacing is also 1.27mm, so 
> that’s how the project got started. 
>
>
> Since this could only be done with a daughterboard, extra space was 
> available to add an RTC, level converter, and connections for additional 
> sensors and switches. 
>
>
> The original idea was to make it snap-in, with no additional connections 
> necessary. But the addition of a level converter required one jumper to be 
> added, to supply it with 12v. Then unfortunately, I noticed that POL was 
> grounded on the HV5530s and that won’t work with the  software I already 
> developed for my clocks, so that pin must be pulled and also connected to 
> 12v. 
>
>
> Other than that one reversible modification and 12v for the level 
> converter, nothing else has to be changed on or connected to the Nixiechron 
> board, and the changes are fully reversible.
>
> I have three Nixiechrons that I’ll upgrade, and two upgrades going to 
> friends. I hope to make some available shortly, but there is no long term 
> business plan here, so we’ll see.
>
>  
>
> Features of the upgrade include:
>
>- RGB LED lighting with a variety of interesting effects. Brightness 
>and color of each intelligent APA102 RGB light is individually controlled, 
>and custom colors can be set for each hour. Optional RGB LED scrolling 
> with 
>digits. Commonly available light strips are used. 
>- Three configurable override periods with independent settings for 
>start and end times, Nixie brightness, RGB LED brightness, RGB colors and 
>patterns, and colon patterns. Each period can be enabled for weekdays, 
>weekends, or both. Period override button restores standard settings for 
>user selectable time period. 
>- Real time clock with accuracy to approximately one second per week.
>- Crossfade or vibrate digit change effects 
>- Original NIXIECHRON GPS receiver is supported, or substitute an 
>Adafruit, Ublox, or other, TTL level GPS that sends standard, NMEA 
> strings. 
>GPS is no longer required. 
>- Automatic time zone setting for Daylight Saving Time. Tables are not 
>used! Month, week, day of week, and time, are used to calculate time 
>changes, for easy updating as rules change. 
>- Scrolling date display with three selectable date formats. 
>- Scrolling temperature using original sensor, or add a BME280 weather 
>sensor to display temperature, pressure, and humidity. 
>- Ambient light sensor increases brightness at user configurable 
>setting. 
>- PIR sensor optionally enables display only when motion is sensed. 
>- Configurable cathode anti-poisoning routing helps to keep tubes in 
>good condition. 
>- Option to add two additional buttons for easier setting. 
>
>
> Alarms are not supported because I hate them on Nixie clocks, and no 
> chimes. The 1PPS LED and AM/PM neon are supported.
>
>
> I assembled a plastic box that contains the PIR, light sensor, weather 
> sensor, and two extra buttons, just to test everything. I only plan to add 
> RGB to my other two clocks. 
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: NIXIECHRON Upgrade!

[Mitch]

Thanks, Mike. Here's a link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3kvk05blsPJQ3pBY0FMRjRDYzQ/view?usp=sharing

The black box on the right houses the sensors and buttons. Ublox GPS is in 
front. 

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Re: [neonixie-l] My NixiChron is sick, what do I do?

[Mitch]

I think I answered my own question. Max771 datasheet, pin 4:

"Active-high TTL/CMOS logic-level shutdown input. In shutdown mode, VOUT is 
a diode drop below V+ (due to the DC path from V+ to the output) and the 
supply current drops to 5µA maximum. Connect to ground for normal 
operation. 1.5V reference output that can source 100µA for external loads. 
Bypass to GND with 0.1µF". 

Apparently it is just an enable line for HV, not a PWM controlled supply. 
Is that correct?


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Re: [neonixie-l] My NixiChron is sick, what do I do?

[Mitch]

Can someone scope the hvenable line? I'd like to know the frequency it is set 
to, or is it just high or low?

Again, replace the Max232. That fixed the exact problem with my nixiechron.  I 
also changed the surrounding electrolytics, but I'm not sure if that made a 
difference. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: My NixiChron is sick, what do I do?

[Mitch]

My clock had the same issues, as I mentioned. It would go through the 
startup function, then it would start beeping and displaying invalid data. 
Put a scope on the output of the RS232 -> TTL level converter when the 
clock exhibits the issue, pins 11 and 12 of the MAX232CPE chip. Also, check 
the HVENABLE line, pin 4 on the CPU. If the MAX chip is socketed, I'd just 
swap it. The chip in my clock was putting garbage data on the CPU and that 
affected the HV supply and probably other functions of the CPU, as well. At 
least that's my non-EE, theory. In any case, it fixed the problem and the 
clock has been running perfectly for a couple months.



On Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 12:33:45 PM UTC-4, Quincy wrote:
>
> My much loved Jeff Thomas NixiChron began behaving oddly last night. And I 
> haven't a clue how to get it fixed. Who does one hire in this sort of 
> situation, how do you find someone?
>
> The problem the clock is exhibiting is pretty weird. It began to beep 
> every few minutes (it's supposed to only beep on the hour) and the display 
> began to show impossible times, like "25:34:12", and the digits would 
> change in ways not consistent with the normal passage of time. I tried 
> powering off and powering on, and it still seems like it's trying to be 
> sort of normal. Normally when you power it on it cycles the tubes back and 
> forth, and beeps, and tries to get a lock on GPS satellites to get the 
> time. And when I power it on it does cycle the tubes and does beep as it 
> does when you turn it on, but all the tubes don't cycle normally, some are 
> out, at least partly, others are on but locked on numbers, some are showing 
> multiple digits at once. 
>
> I bought it assembled.  I haven't yet opened up the clock. Sometimes I 
> can do more harm than good, so I try to explore other options first before 
> turning myself loose on the problem. Occasionally I manage to fix things, 
> but I've also lost parts, ruined components with weak soldering skills, 
> shorted out things. I want to be handy with electronics, but am more used 
> to working in computer code where a serious error can be instantly fixed 
> and undone, not real life where a slight screw up can effectively ruin 
> something you care about forever.
>
> The clock is important to me, so I'd like to get it fixed by someone who 
> is highly likely to be successful and not cause further damage. I'm outside 
> Frederick, MD (just north of Washington, DC), should that matter.
>
> Any recommendations?
>

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[neonixie-l] My NixiChron is sick, what do I do?

[Mitch]

I had a similar problem a couple months ago. The solution was to replace the 
RS-232 level shifter chip. I don't remember the part number, but it was a MAX 
chip. Good luck. Hopefully it is something simple and not the processor. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: Jeff Thomas GPSII Clock

[Mitch]

Greg, I used this:
https://github.com/JChristensen/Timezone

No tables necessary, it does the calculations. If I had to figure this out 
myself, I'd be in a rubber room now.


On Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 7:02:43 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> I *thought* about adding GPS to my most-recent clock, but the DS3231 chip 
> I'm using is so doggone accurate I dont see the need. When daylight-savings 
> started last month, I manually sync'd my clock to the time on my cellphone. 
> A month later, it's still within a fraction of a second.
>
> I also thought GPS might be a solution to changing my clock when 
> daylight-savings started and ended, but after doing some research I found 
> that those dates where time-changes occur are now standardized for the next 
> 20+ years, so I'll just program them in on my next code update.
>

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[neonixie-l] My Project: Nixie Tube Kitchen Timer

[Mitch]

Looks great!  Will you release the KiCad or Gerber files?

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Re: [neonixie-l] Soldering (was: my Z5660M nixie clock)

[Mitch]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try both Kester 331, and alcohol and water with 
regular solder. 


On Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 11:29:53 AM UTC-5, Pramanicin wrote:
>
> I've had success with washing boards with isopropyl alcohol then washing 
> with water and drying. I use regular solder, nothing out of the 
> ordinary...takes a few scrubs with IPA and the boards look clean afterwards.
>
> On Tue, Mar 8, 2016 at 8:05 AM, David Forbes <dfo...@dakotacom.net 
> > wrote:
>
>> Mitch,
>>
>> PC board assembly factories don't use rosin flux these days, because it 
>> can't be cleaned without dangerous chemicals. My city is still remediating 
>> the ground water after the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) got into it from 
>> the local missile factory and poisoned a bunch of people in the eighties.
>>
>> I've been using water-soluble flux for 30 years. I use Kester 2331 
>> organic liquid flux with Kester 331 organic core solder. It's rather 
>> active, so you have to wash it off within a day or the board gets corroded. 
>> I wash the boards under hot running water while scrubbing with a 
>> toothbrush, then remove the water with compressed air.
>>
>> Another benefit of this flux is that it has super wetting action, which 
>> makes it easy to solder 0.5mm pitch TQFP packages with a standard soldering 
>> iron. I can even solder 0.4mm pitch parts.
>>
>> There is also 'no-clean' flux, which leaves less residue than standard 
>> rosin core solder. That's what is used in many factories where low cost is 
>> king, such as consumer audio electronics. It's not show quality, though. 
>> The Kester organic flux makes clean, shiny solder joints.
>>
>>
>> On 3/8/16 5:55 AM, Mitch wrote:
>>
>>> I can't seem to get my boards as clean as they could be. I spray with a 
>>> pc
>>> board cleaner, then wipe and let it dry, and deal with the residue. I 
>>> never
>>> thought about washing with water. I'll give it a try. Thanks.
>>>
>>
>> -- 
>> David Forbes, Tucson AZ
>>
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>>
>
>

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Re: [neonixie-l] my Z5660M nixie clock

[Mitch]

I can't seem to get my boards as clean as they could be. I spray with a pc 
board cleaner, then wipe and let it dry, and deal with the residue. I never 
thought about washing with water. I'll give it a try. Thanks.

On Monday, March 7, 2016 at 11:51:49 AM UTC-5, Jonathan F. wrote:
>
> I cleaned the pcb with a pcb cleaner "Kontakt LR " from Kontakt-Chemie. 
> The english name is "Kontakt PCC" just sprau it over and brush lightly with 
> a fine brush. Then use hot water to remove the cleaner and use a air-duster 
> to blow the water away. Let it dry for about a day. 
>
>
> The R8 is acutally a 10k Resistor (SMDcode 1002 =10k) this is used because 
> the poti is a 5k, so you can set the voltage more exactly. So 10k is the 
> lowest setting and 15k the highest. The voltage divider has to output 1.25V 
> feedback to the MAX1771. So the first resistor is a 1.5Meg, then the poti 
> and 10k in series. The feedback output is between 1.5Meg and Poti. I will 
> post a schematic later this week
>

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[neonixie-l] Hello to All & My Nixie Clock

[Mitch]

Very nice! Is the processor a 1284P? Did you use Atmel Studio, Arduino IDE, or 
something else?

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[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit, IN-18 clock is finished

[Mitch]

Thank you. I won't be selling anything, but the files and documentation 
will be on Github, for anyone interested. 

My projects are very easy to build, otherwise I would not be able to build 
them! Some kit building experience is required. There are no instructions, 
just a schematic and BOM. That's about it unless you want to dig into the 
code. I hope that at some point, someone with real C++ experience will go 
through it and comment. As it is, it works perfectly, and bugs are 
corrected as they are found.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 7:51:24 PM UTC-5, Greg P wrote:
>
> Nice clock Mitch.  Will you be offering a kit or the PCB for sale?  I'd 
> like to get one but lack the chops for all this geek talk you guys are 
> discussing.
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 6:19:12 PM UTC-5, Mitch wrote:
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> I was not aware of that. I'm using a variety of supercaps bought from 
>> Digikey and on ebay. I didn't pay much attention to that part of the 
>> circuit or the values of the supercaps, but I was surprised to find that 
>> one clock had the correct time when not powered for about two weeks. 
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 3:24:26 PM UTC-5, gregebert wrote:
>>>
>>> Nice clock!
>>>
>>> Curious about the capacitor you used for sustaining the DS3231 RTC 
>>> during power-outages because there is a periodic temperature-compensation 
>>> cycle every 64 seconds that takes a spike in current. Datasheet says about 
>>> 600uA for up to 200msec, so each of those will take a bite out of your 
>>> capacitor. If I did my math correctly, a 1000uF cap will drop around 120mV 
>>> after each cycle.
>>>
>>> In my case, I was monitoring standby current of my wristwatch (nominally 
>>> < 2uA) with a 50uA mechanical meter, and the temp-comp cycle pegged the 
>>> meter.
>>>
>>>
>>>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit, IN-18 clock is finished

[Mitch]

Thanks!

I was not aware of that. I'm using a variety of supercaps bought from 
Digikey and on ebay. I didn't pay much attention to that part of the 
circuit or the values of the supercaps, but I was surprised to find that 
one clock had the correct time when not powered for about two weeks. 



On Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 3:24:26 PM UTC-5, gregebert wrote:
>
> Nice clock!
>
> Curious about the capacitor you used for sustaining the DS3231 RTC during 
> power-outages because there is a periodic temperature-compensation cycle 
> every 64 seconds that takes a spike in current. Datasheet says about 600uA 
> for up to 200msec, so each of those will take a bite out of your capacitor. 
> If I did my math correctly, a 1000uF cap will drop around 120mV after each 
> cycle.
>
> In my case, I was monitoring standby current of my wristwatch (nominally < 
> 2uA) with a 50uA mechanical meter, and the temp-comp cycle pegged the meter.
>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit, IN-18 clock is finished

[Mitch]

Thanks. 

Yes, two extra, maybe three. You can have one for the cost of shipping. 
Please contact me off the group if you are interested.

 I'll post the code, schematic, and Diptrace files to Github, shortly. Only 
the seven digit design is there now.
Zev-2 seven digit nixie clock  

I forgot to mention that this version adds another menu to allow custom RGB 
color selection for each hour.

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[neonixie-l] Re: Eight digit, IN-18 clock is finished

[Mitch]

Link is a 9 second movie of the clock operating.

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[neonixie-l] Re: Scope clock artwork so far

[Mitch]

David, would you consider adding a socket for the nrf24L01+? Even if you 
don't implement any functionality with your initial software release, lots 
of options such as remote control and who knows what else, become 
available. And all it takes is 3.3v and connections to the SPI bus.



On Friday, January 15, 2016 at 12:58:11 AM UTC-5, nixiebunny wrote:
>
> I have been doing a lot of component placement work on the new scope 
> clock board. Tetris! This is what it looks like. The six square controls 
> with equilateral triangle dots are the oscilloscope knobs, and the 
> function encoder is at bottom center. The other square pots are trimmers 
> accessible through the front panel. 
>
> The HV power supply is at upper left, deflection at upper right, V power 
> lower left, computer at lower right. A big USB-B connector is behind the 
> lower right corner. RTC battery is at bottom. 
>
> The thru-hole parts (other than controls) are rear mounted, with all SMT 
> parts on the front. There will be 5/16" standoffs in the six outer holes 
> to mount the board to the front panel. 
>
> This is a work in progress. 
>
> -- 
> David Forbes, Tucson AZ 
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: All digits display pictures of 42 kinds of different Nixie Tubes.

[Mitch]

Hi Yan,

Great pictures! Is the eight digit project a prototype? I don't see colons. 
Is that Shenzhen?

Mitch

On Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 6:33:54 AM UTC-5, 严泽远 wrote:
>
> Hello everyone, please check the download link here:
> http://www.nixieclock.org/?page_id=1289
> If you have some high reolution pictures of nixie tube, please let me know 
> if you want to share.
> Thanks.
>
> 在 2015年12月30日星期三 UTC+8上午12:50:21，严泽远写道：
>>
>> Hello everyone, I'd like to show you some pictures of 42 kinds of 
>> different Nixie Tubes, I took these pictures after I finish my Divergence 
>> Meter project, some of these tubes are very rare, if you like high 
>> resolution pictures of one of these tubes please let me know.
>>
>> B-5441 (Burroughs U.S.A.) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> B-5750 (Burroughs U.S.A.) Diameter：13mm
>>
>> CD66 (Rodan Japan) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> CD71 (Rodan Japan) Diameter：9.5mm
>>
>> CD81 (Rodan Japan) Diameter：13mm
>>
>> CD83P (Rodan Japan) Diameter：13mm
>>
>> CD90P (Rodan Japan) Diameter：9.5mm
>>
>> IN-8 (Melz USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-8 Type2 (Melz USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-8-2 (Melz USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-14 (Rovno USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-14 Type2 (Rovno USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-14 Type3 (Rovno USSR) Diameter：19mm
>>
>> IN-16 (Rovno USSR) Diameter：16mm
>>
>> IN-18 (Rovno USSR) Diameter：30mm
>>
>> LD-836 (NEC Japan) Diameter：12 x 16mm
>>
>> NL-812 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：21MM
>>
>> NL-821 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> NL-841 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> NL-901 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> NL-5440A (National U.S.A.) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> NL-5440A Type2 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> NL-5560 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：13MM
>>
>> NL-5859 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：13MM
>>
>> NL-5750 (National U.S.A.) Diameter：13MM
>>
>> QS16-12 (南昌 China) Diameter：16MM
>>
>> QS18-12 (新光 China) Diameter：18MM
>>
>> QS18C (新光 China) Diameter：18MM
>>
>> XN1 (HIVAC England) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> XN1 Type2 (HIVAC England) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> XN3 (HIVAC England) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> Z566M (RFT Germany) Diameter：30MM
>>
>> Z570M (RFT Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> Z570M Type2 (RFT Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1000 (PHILIPS Holland) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1000R (VOLVO Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1010 (PHILIPS Holland) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1020 (Telefunken Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1042 (TESLA Czech) Diameter：30MM
>>
>> ZM1080 (Telefunken Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1082T (TESLA Czech) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> ZM1240 (SIEMENS Germany) Diameter：19MM
>>
>> This is the group photo with my new work: Divergence Meter, please note 
>> there's an AA battery on the right for reference.
>>
>>
>> Boxes of these tubes: 
>>
>>
>> This picture will show you how to take these photos, a special board can 
>> switch digit display controlled by IR remote to prevent the shaking if use 
>> a button on board:
>>
>>
>> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOVvhwbnYfA/VoK48jzsZDI/AEo/r4jl9BnoS_g/s1600/QQ%25E6%2588%25AA%25E5%259B%25BE20151230004345.jpg>
>>
>>
>>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Projects are finished, mostly

[Mitch]

Very nice! Woodwork looks great.



On Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 2:57:43 AM UTC-5, gregebert wrote:
>
> Here's a not-so-good photo of my current clock project. There are sockets 
> for eighteen IN-18 tubes, of which 14 are used. The first 8 are for the 
> date in MM-DD- format, and the last 6 are for time in HH:MM:SS format. 
> On each end, are control boxes. The one on the left is the selector switch, 
> and the one on the right has 4 incandescent status lamps, and toggle 
> switches for setting the time.
>
> I still need to finish wood-staining the center section, and the FPGA code 
> to read the realtime clock module isn't finished yet.  And I need to add 
> colons. If all goes well, the final touches will be laser-printer decals on 
> metal plates, similar to equipment from the 1930's.
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Need Nixichron!!

[Mitch]

There just may be good news coming, in a couple months. We will have to wait 
and see. 

 If it used an Atmel processor I could convert my sketch without much trouble, 
but I don't know anything about PIC processors. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: Multiple HV5530 question

[Mitch]

Thanks again. So with two level shifters available and two open pins on the 
1284P, which two of three lines, CLK, DATA, and LE, would be best to 
separate? From your description, are you saying that CLK and DATA are the 
two best separated?



On Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 12:30:45 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> Separating CLK or DATA for individual HV5530's will, as you said, 
> accomplish the same result. Separating LE is another option but you have to 
> be careful to keep-track of what has been shifted.  It's not obvious from 
> the diagrams I posted, but I actually have 4 serial data signals on the 
> ribbon-cable, and I jumper a separate serial-data signal on each board 
> (which limits my design to 4 boards or 24 digits with a single ribbon 
> cable).
>
> It's entirely possible to construct a single serial shift-chain, but you 
> have to be careful about timing between cascaded HV5530's. According to the 
> datasheet, the data hold-time is 10nsec. The min prop-delay of the 5530 is 
> not specified, so you have to assume it's zero. In order to guarantee 
> hold-time margin, the following equation applies:  Hold-margin = 
> MinPropDelay - ClkSkew - MinHoldTime. In this case, even if you have zero 
> CLK skew, you still have a 10nsec violation on the hold-time. Now, with 
> real silicon the MinPropDelay is finite, and I *suspect* it's more than 
> 10nsec, but I'm not going to risk it. In my case, I created a second clock 
> signal and I can guarantee hold-time margin through the sequencing of the 
> signals from my FPGA.
>
> Clock skew has a lot of subtleties. Yes, it's largely due to the 
> board-trace flight-times, but it's also due to finite risetime of the clk 
> signal itself and when each HV5530 determines the CLK is high or low. This 
> will vary from device to device, and the effect is worsened with slow 
> rise/fall times. Logic-level translators are quite slow, with delays in 
> 100's of nsec; I took no chances and used separate clks. I could have used 
> an inverter to create the second CLK phase, but that was adding another IC 
> and I already had a spare pin on the FPGA.
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Multiple HV5530 question

[Mitch]

Thank you. I'll do it that way.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 9:26:23 AM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> The seven digit, IN-18 board is on order so I'm on to the next project, a 
> fifteen digit Union Square Metronome type clock similar to Jarek's clock 
> here:
> http://hackaday.com/tag/metronome/
>
> Four HV5530s will be connected in series and updated every second, driving 
> twelve Nixies. That should not be a problem. One HV5530 will update two, 
> 1/10 second, and one, 1/100 second Nixie, updated at 10ms.
>
> All five will have the blanking lines connected together, to a PWM pin. 
> That leaves Data, Clock, and Latch, and only two extra level shifters are 
> available on the CD4054B. 
>
> My thought is that only the latch line on the four HV5530s needs to be 
> separated from the latch line on the single, fifth HV5530 because even 
> though the data will be presented and clocked to all five HV5530s, if it is 
> never latched and subsequently replaced with it's correct data, incorrect 
> data will never latch to the wrong display.
>
> With two available level shifters and pins available on the 1284P, clock 
> and latch could be separated, but I'm not sure if separating the clock line 
> too, will make a difference.
>
> Please give me advice on this.
>
> By the way, the cost estimate for the seven digit, IN-18 board from OSH 
> Park was just over $210 for three boards, with shipping. I decided to try 
> PCBWay this time because their estimate was $70 with DHL shipping for five 
> boards.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Multiple HV5530 question

[Mitch]

David - Four are connected serially, updating 120 bits of 128 available. 
That group is updated every second. The fifth chip stands alone and only 30 
of 32 bits needs to be updated every 10ms. 

Greg - This is a much simpler application. From what I understand, which is 
not too much, it appears that separating CLK or LE or DATA will accomplish 
the same thing, and only one needs to be separated. Is this correct? 

The level shifter has two available lines so no additional hardware will be 
necessary.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 7:33:47 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> Here's the approach I took. The PCB is a standalone 6-digit clock, but I 
> designed it so they can be abutted for as many digits as you wish. In my 
> case I'm using 3 boards for 14 digits. On each board, there are 2 clock 
> signals (CLK, CLKB) and I cascade the 2 HV5530's in series. The HV5530's 
> are clocked separately to ensure hold-time margin for the serial data. I 
> use a level-shifter from the 3.3V levels from the FPGA to the 12V levels 
> for the HV5530.
>
> There's no advantage for me to thread the serial data between boards, 
> because there's already a level-translator.
>
> To connect multiple boards, I provide a separate serial-data-in for each 
> board. All other signals are connected in parallel via a 10-conductor 
> ribbon cable. There is a termination resistor for the CLK and CLKB lines to 
> ground, and it will be populated on the last board at the end of the ribbon 
> cable.
>
> I should have provided a screenshot of the timing diagrams I have from the 
> simulations.
>

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[neonixie-l] Multiple HV5530 question

[Mitch]

Hi All,

The seven digit, IN-18 board is on order so I'm on to the next project, a 
fifteen digit Union Square Metronome type clock similar to Jarek's clock 
here:
http://hackaday.com/tag/metronome/

Four HV5530s will be connected in series and updated every second, driving 
twelve Nixies. That should not be a problem. One HV5530 will update two, 
1/10 second, and one, 1/100 second Nixie, updated at 10ms.

All five will have the blanking lines connected together, to a PWM pin. 
That leaves Data, Clock, and Latch, and only two extra level shifters are 
available on the CD4054B. 

My thought is that only the latch line on the four HV5530s needs to be 
separated from the latch line on the single, fifth HV5530 because even 
though the data will be presented and clocked to all five HV5530s, if it is 
never latched and subsequently replaced with it's correct data, incorrect 
data will never latch to the wrong display.

With two available level shifters and pins available on the 1284P, clock 
and latch could be separated, but I'm not sure if separating the clock line 
too, will make a difference.

Please give me advice on this.

By the way, the cost estimate for the seven digit, IN-18 board from OSH 
Park was just over $210 for three boards, with shipping. I decided to try 
PCBWay this time because their estimate was $70 with DHL shipping for five 
boards.

Thanks.




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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Make a clock, go to jail

[Mitch]

I'm about half-way there. No problems at all. Installing the cathode 
resistors is just a little tedious, but I'm almost finished. I have the new 
repeater working with the second version clock now.

I don't think it's recommended, but I used headers under the power supply 
to make it removable on the first MOD-6. 

I'm confident that the clock will never be used as a bomb timer.

On Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 5:38:58 PM UTC-4, Pramanicin wrote:
>
> Almost finished the first MOD_6no problems yet! ;)
>
> Nick
>
> On Thu, Sep 17, 2015 at 2:25 PM, Michail1 via neonixie-l <
> neoni...@googlegroups.com > wrote:
>
>> David,
>>  
>> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre
>> the complex and highly planned attack involved a fire bomb to divert 
>> firefighters, propane tanks converted to bombs placed in the cafeteria, 99 
>> explosive devices, and bombs rigged in cars.
>>  
>> You would have to agree that very few people really know what a clock 
>> looks like without it's case.
>>  
>> Always take the blue pill and cut the red wire.
>>  
>> I am good with unsubbing to this thread.
>>  
>> Anyone finish building their new MOD6 clock?
>>  
>> Michail 
>>  
>> In a message dated 9/16/2015 10:18:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, 
>> dfo...@dakotacom.net  writes:
>>
>> Michail,
>>
>> How many children have brought a homemade explosive device to school 
>> that looked like a clock, in the history of the world? I've never heard 
>> of that happening, ever. On the other hand, I personally have brought 
>> several homemade electronic devices to school that were not bombs.
>>
>> The problem is not the kids, it's that school officials think that what 
>> they see in Hollywood movies is real.
>>
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>> .
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>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
>>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit Nixie project

[Mitch]

Greg, I don't plan on keeping it that way, except maybe the smaller Z570M 
series for seconds. I'll see how it looks. 

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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit Nixie project

[Mitch]

One rescue, one foster. Zev and Sabina.

On Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 9:58:07 PM UTC-4, MichaelB wrote:
>
> Somebody has a Greyhound...
>
> On Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 10:10:41 AM UTC-7, Mitch wrote:
>>
>> This is the final version, although I'm still finding software bugs!
>>
>> Tubes left to right are IN-14, IN-8-2, three Z573M, IN-12B, and National 
>> NL-8522. 
>>
>> I plan on building eight clocks for family and friends. With top view 
>> tubes, I'll use INS-1 neons.
>>
>> A matching acrylic cover fits on base.
>>
>> Thanks to everyone who helped with advice and suggestions.
>>
>> Mitch
>>
>> On Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 8:35:06 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>>>
>>> Thanks for the comments and advice. After running out of memory on the 
>>> Aurduino Micro, I'll switch to the mega 1284P so pins are not a problem. 
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 12:10:18 PM UTC-4, Mitch wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi All,
>>>>
>>>> I'm using 7, 2N3904 transistors with the collectors to VCC, emitters to 
>>>> each LED anode, and bases to seven microcontroller outputs, through a 
>>>> resistor. Is there a chip available with a similar function, to reduce the 
>>>> parts count?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance.
>>>>
>>>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

Thanks again for the comments, Ian.

#1 - Yesterday I removed the pin numbers that were passed as parameters. 
I'll work on removing digitalWrite() by Monday or Tuesday.

#2 - Easily done at the same time. It's probably best to remove the 
'vibrate' code that is more of a kluge than good programming, and do fades 
correctly.

#3 - Would the overhead to assemble a data buffer be worth the cycles to do 
it? I'm thinking about separating the data lines as Carl mentioned. Even if 
that's done, three bits could be located with an offset and written to all 
three HV5530s with one clock write. That could be done on your board with 
two trace cuts and four jumpers. The extra level shifters are there. What 
do you think about that?

#4 - That's beyond my understanding. I was thinking of using a hardware 
interrupt to update the display, but it would require some changes to the 
menu function as it runs in its own loop.And that is on the list of changes 
to be made.

Mitch


On Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 5:28:14 AM UTC-4, Ian Sparkes wrote:
>
> Hi Carl, Mitch,
>
> A couple of thoughts in decreasing order of ease of implementation:
>
> 1) Software only: As a first step I'd bypass the digitalWrite() and 
> control the port directly. I agree that assembler is probably too much for 
> the first round of improvement. I see that your "dataPin" is a constant. 
>
> It's best not to pass it as a parameter: it can be referenced from 
> directly within the "shiftItOut" code and the variable referencing can be 
> skipped. I'd also do away with the number of bits variable. It's a known 
> constant in the code which is required, and you can just call the right one 
> straight away, skipping another comparison.
>
> I'd also tend in the longer term to prepare a full static "data packet" to 
> be shifted out and use the "shiftItOut" routine to just dump that to the 
> output. This section is the innermost loop and needs the most optimisation.
>
> 2) Software only: I was mulling this over, and it occurred to me that out 
> of each 10 cathode group, only 1 cathode is lit at a time (perhaps two if 
> you implement a cross fade that way - but I wouldn't). This means a lot of 
> the time you're only twiddling the clock line without toggling the data 
> line. You're *nearly* doing this in "shiftItOut", but we have:
>
>   if (val == i - 1) digitalWrite(dataPin, HIGH);
>   else digitalWrite(dataPin, LOW);
>
> and it might be better as:
>
>   if (val == i - 1) digitalWrite(dataPin, HIGH);
>   else if (val == i) digitalWrite(dataPin, LOW);
>
> in order to save 8 writes to the data pin at the cost of 8 comparisons. I 
> don't have any benchmarks about the speed of a digitalWrite as opposed to a 
> comparison, but I'd be surprised if they were comparable.
>
> 3) Software only: We can do quite a bit of software optimisation in the 
> code, without much restructuring. For example in "displayD" there are some 
> variable declarations which we could do away with, and we tend to be 
> shifting variable values around quite a lot. I would personally prefer 
> something along the lines of a "display buffer" where changes are made when 
> required. For example we only need to change the hours when they really 
> need changing. This is the next most inner loop and needs the next most 
> attention.
>
> 4) Software and hardware change: The most obvious improvement I can see 
> would be to drive the 5530 clock from a PWM output in CTC mode, and use the 
> ISR to do the shifting. As a nice side effect, it would have an easily 
> programmable (in software) refresh rate. Unfortunately, I think you are 
> using pin 4 as the clock pin and this is not PWM capable (unless I am 
> looking at the wrong data sheet).
>
> Just thoughts... Happy to discuss...
>
> Ian
>
>
> On Wednesday, 2 September 2015 14:33:51 UTC+2, H. Carl Ott wrote:
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Sep 1, 2015 at 1:34 PM, Mitch <mit...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> And I have a question - For the IN-18 version, would it be better to 
>>> connect all three HV5530s to the processor using separate data, latch, and 
>>> clock lines? The processor does have enough spare pins and the code changes 
>>> are trivial. 
>>>
>>> Mitch
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>  If you are using level shifters, then you will need additional hardware 
>> on all the lines. 
>>  I would not bother,
>>
>>  There is a possible advantage to just using separate data lines, while 
>> keeping the CLK/LE/BLANK lines paralleled. You could clock out the data in 
>> 1/3 the time.  
>>  
>> But, it's a trade off when you are bit-b

[neonixie-l] Re: Neon Digital Tube Clock

[Mitch]

That is really great!

On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 9:55:38 PM UTC-4, J Forbes wrote:
>
> I made this clock around 2002, and made the video around 2008. 
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM9TW6GcCQE
>
> http://selectric.org/tubeclock/index.html
>
> I probably need to update the web page! But anyways, the clock quit 
> working not long after I made the video, and has just sat doing nothing. 
> For some reason I brought it out into the light a couple days ago, and 
> started messing with it. The counting was not working, it would sometimes 
> show movement, other times just sit stuck. I poked and prodded and noticed 
> it would sometimes start working for a little while if I wiggled one of the 
> four tubes in the input circuit (which turns the sine wave of the line 
> voltage into a 60 Hz pulse). I realized I could try substituting tubes, and 
> see if it would make a difference. The third one I tried, did the trick. 
> The 6U8A seemed to want to be replaced, it started counting just fine. 
>
> Then I decided to see if I could fix the setting issue. When I was working 
> on the clock originally, I decided to make it into a tall obelisk case, but 
> never got around to actually building the case. To make it fit, I extended 
> the wires from the main unit to the Hour/Minute display unit, and it has 
> always been finicky about setting time since I did that. I decided that 
> maybe it could fit in a smaller case now, so I shortened the wires, and now 
> it works great. I can set the time easily.
>
> It's been running for a day and a half, keeping good time. But it sure 
> does get warm, with 31 vacuum tubes!
>
> Anyways, hope all of you are doing well, and enjoy my little blast from 
> the past
>
> Jim
>
>

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Re: [neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

Thanks for the advice. I checked the Mod 6 and looking closely, there is no 
flicker whatsoever. Hopefully I can get to 4ms updates or close, by writing 
directly to the port, bypassing digitalWrite(), and optimizing the code. 
Assembly language is not an option. Last time I did that was in college, on 
a General Automation minicomputer.

The CD4504 has two unused level shifters so I will connect each of the 
three HV5530's data lines directly to the processor, clocking three bits at 
the same time, without adding hardware. Data for each digit is stored 
separately, so the software changes are easy, at least for that part. 

Hopefully fading will get done, after all.

 

>  There is a possible advantage to just using separate data lines, while 
> keeping the CLK/LE/BLANK lines paralleled. You could clock out the data in 
> 1/3 the time.  
>  
>
>  

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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

Greg, I'd like to understand this so I can do the same for the IN-18 design 
and the next, fifteen digit clock that will use five, HV5530s. Please let 
me know if this is correct:

Latch, blanking, and data, are connected in parallel, on each of your 
boards. Each clock line is connected to a separate pin on the processor. 
How do you clock the data so that it moves across all HV5530s if they are 
not clocked at the same time? 

Would it be an advantage to connect each clock and each data line to a 
separate pin, to load each HV5530 separately rather than serially?






On Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 2:17:17 AM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> Once I finish the clock (a few months from now, I hope...) and post a 
> video, I'll probably give copies of my design report to people in this 
> forum who request it.
>
> Each of my display boards has two HV5530 devices that are connected in 
> series, but I have separate clock signals in order to guarantee hold-time 
> margin by using a 2-phase clock. When multiple display boards are used (for 
> more than 6 tubes), they each have their own separate serial-data-in 
> signal. All other signals are shared in-common. 
>
>
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

The 1284P runs at 5v, and I use a CD4504 level shifter. Someone here 
suggested that, and even though none of the commercial clocks I'm familiar 
with use one they are cheap and easy to include. That will also make it 
easy to go to a 3.3v chip in the future, with only some adjusted resistor 
values. I think every other solid state component on this design is 3.3v 
compatible.

I'm not sure if there is any advantage to connecting the HV5530s in 
parallel to the processor, maybe faster updating. That's why I asked. The 
current design works fine as is, with three connected in series. I'm not 
sure if it will work for a fifteen digit clock with five HV5530s, though.

I like the IN-18, too. It is certainly the best large tube for the money, 
nothing else comes close price wise.

I use acrylic disks under the IN-14 and Z570M series tubes, and I'll do the 
same for the IN-18. Check the picture. They are 5mm think, but I went to 
3mm for the reorder. Illustrator files are included for them in the zip. 
I'll have an IN-18 version soon, too.

The Spectrum 18 also uses acrylic disks under each tube, and individual 
pins. If the component layout for the IN-18 is done carefully and the pins 
are soldered while on the tubes, there should not be any stress on them.

I run most clocks from 6pm-11pm, which is when I'm around. This clock has 
three override periods that are weekday and weekend aware, so I run it 6-11 
during the week, and all day weekends. I don't use the PIR now, but after I 
build a few I'll set one up that way.

Do you plan to share your design?



On Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 6:43:41 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:
>
> You can certainly connect the HV5530's "in-parallel" to the CPU. I would 
> be more concerned about signal-levels, because the HV5530 is intended to 
> run with 12V logic levels and your CPU is probably 3.3V. I'm using a 
> level-shifter IC in my design, along with an FPGA.
>
> BTW, I'm putting the finishing touches on my first IN-18 clock PCB; It's 
> definitely worth the extra expense of IN-18's to get large and 
> properly-formed digits (no funky upside-down 2's and 5's).
>
> I decided to use socket pins soldered to the pcb, rather than actual 
>  IN-18 sockets, because of space constraints. I hope I'm not going to 
> regret this decision, and I'm definitely going to be very careful to form 
> the pins to minimize stress. I also will not be swapping tubes around to 
> even-out their usage (using de-poisoning algorithm instead).
>
> Do you plan to run your IN-18's 24/7, or will you use a motion-sensor, etc 
> ?
>

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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

Hi Ian,

Thanks for your comments.

I do use three, HV5530s to control all seven nixies and six neons. The 
lower right most neon is the decimal for 1/10 seconds, and the upper right 
neon represents degrees for the temperature display.

All four indicator LEDs and seven 2N3904s to turn each RGB LED on or off, 
are connected to the port expander.  The RGB LED anodes are connected to 
three PWM lines on the 1284P using 2N7000 FETs.

No doubt the code can be greatly improved, especially the display function, 
but that will have to be done by someone else if it's going to be done at 
all. I think I'm at the limit of what I can accomplish, here. I think I 
mentioned that the maximum refresh rate at the moment, is around 17ms.

The third release of the board is on order, unfortunately, because there 
are some extra lines available that could have been used to clock the 
HV5530s separately. I was hoping for no jumpers this time around, but that 
is an option.

Mitch

On Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 4:09:06 PM UTC-4, Ian Sparkes 

 Hey Mitch

 I did a smooth fading on a AVR, and the code is up there on GitHub already:

 https://github.com/isparkes/ArdunixNix6

 I do it a different way than I think you will want to, because I use an 
 old fashioned K155,and use 6 I/O pins to control the anodes. I have an 
 inner loop of 1000 iterations (to display each digit), and an outer loop of 
 6 iterations (one for each digit). I manage dimming by defining the off 
 time for each digit (earlier off time = more dimming), and the fading by 
 the switch point between the old and new digit. Each display impression, 
 the switch point is progressed until the fade is done. Of course the code 
 has to be quick enough so that all of this is done without letting flicker 
 creep in. On my 1 x 6 multiplexed clock, this is a challenge, but with 
 careful software design it is perfectly possible.

 What exactly was the problem with the fading? Not smooth? Too hard to 
 program? I guess is that it was not really smooth, because the process of 
 clocking in the data was not quick enough, and that to resolve this, you'll 
 have to be really careful about writing the clock and data lines, probably 
 using bit level operations directly on the ports. Possibly clocking the 
 HV5530s in parallel could help.

 PV Electronics does smooth fading, but using the 20 bit HV5812, so it is 
 possible if you are multiplexing 3 x 2.

 If you post the code up, I'm sure someone will be able to add the special 
 sauce to make s smooth fade. If you have some boards made, I'd like to get 
 one and have a play around with it.

 Regards

 Ian

 My own workings to try and understand the issue:

 In my design I'm transferring 60 bits per impression. cathodes: 6 digits * 
 4 bits * 2 values (before and after fade). Anodes: 1 bit * 6 digits * 2 
 (anode on, anode off). I don't have to toggle a clock line. If I needed to, 
 I would write the registers directly, but right now I don't need to. 
 Standard Arduino ditigalWrite() is fast enough.

 You appear to be using 3 HV5530s, I suppose two managing 3 digits each 
 with the odd 2 bits for the colons, and the last one for the 7th digit? I 
 suppose you are running the RGB back lighting off Atmel's PWM outputs?

 An impression for you is 74 raw bits, but using bit banging on the clock 
 line to clock the data in, so that's tripling that number. However, you 
 only need to toggle the data line 20 times (2 for each digit, 2 for each 
 colon point), which means about 168 bits toggled. If you don't optimize the 
 handling of the data line, you'll end up writing 224 bits per impression.

 That's nearly 3 times the amount of data transferred per impression, and 
 all because of the clock line. I think this is where you need to optimize.


 On Wednesday, 19 August 2015 21:15:54 UTC+2, Mitch wrote:

 I tried doing something similar, and that's how I came up with the 
 vibration effect, which is really just a failed attempt at cross fading. 
 I'm not sure whether the limitation is with the hardware or software, 
 probably both. Writing to registers rather than using digitalWrite() may 
 speed it up enough. That can be someone else's project at this point, I 
 don't think I'll spend more time on it for now.

 The clock on the Metronome in Union Square, uses 15 digits. Time, time to 
 midnight, and 1/100 seconds in between. I think 1/10 makes more sense 
 because at least you can see the digits. I like your idea better, but a 
 combination would make it very interesting.
 Here's the info:
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome_(public_artwork)



 On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 11:55:34 AM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:

  I don't see a way to dim just one digit. With multiplexing, as each 
 digit is selected the PWM rate could be set differently, but I don't see 
 how to do it with direct drive.

 Dimming individual digits is possible with hardware control, but 
 probably not with software. The idea is to resend the serial data

[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

Thanks, Dave. Everything will be included, Diptrace schematic, pc layout, 
Arduino sketch, and operations manual. I have no intention of 
commercializing the project in any way.

This was my first experience with pc board design, and I'm hoping that 
someone here with good hardware experience will improve the design and pc 
board layout. Same with the software. I'll start reviewing and improving it 
in a couple weeks, but someone with extensive Arduino and C++ experience 
can certainly take it much farther.

I'll post more pictures in about two weeks, after the IN-14 and IN-12B 
boards arrive.


On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 8:15:03 AM UTC-4, Dave wrote:

 Mitch,
 This is very nice work indeed !

 Thanks for sharing.

 When you post to github, will it be the code and the diptrace files?

 I deeply appreciate your willingness to share your work.




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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

I tried doing something similar, and that's how I came up with the 
vibration effect, which is really just a failed attempt at cross fading. 
I'm not sure whether the limitation is with the hardware or software, 
probably both. Writing to registers rather than using digitalWrite() may 
speed it up enough. That can be someone else's project at this point, I 
don't think I'll spend more time on it for now.

The clock on the Metronome in Union Square, uses 15 digits. Time, time to 
midnight, and 1/100 seconds in between. I think 1/10 makes more sense 
because at least you can see the digits. I like your idea better, but a 
combination would make it very interesting.
Here's the info:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metronome_(public_artwork)



On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 11:55:34 AM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:

  I don't see a way to dim just one digit. With multiplexing, as each 
 digit is selected the PWM rate could be set differently, but I don't see 
 how to do it with direct drive.

 Dimming individual digits is possible with hardware control, but probably 
 not with software. The idea is to resend the serial data to the HV5530's 
 twice every few milliseconds or so: Once to turn off the digit(s) to be 
 dimmed, then again to turn all digits on. By adjusting the on and off 
 times, you are doing PWM. I have 2 cascaded HV5530's (64 bits), and I clock 
 them at 1.5Mhz, so it's possible to do PWM up to a few kHz.

  

 A 14 digit IN-18 clock sounds interesting. What are you doing with the 
 extra digits?


 I went overboard, so it displays hours, minutes, seconds, date, month, 
 year = 14 digits. My wife saw the nixie clock in the movie Tomorrowland 
 and ordered me to build one for her (yeah, like I'm going to say no ???). I 
 saw no purpose for 12 digits, so I super-sized it to 14 digits. To 
 level-out the tube usage, I swap date and time locations hourly, then run a 
 depoisoning routine at 4AM for 1 hour.

 The clock will be in our vacation home, so the tubes will be off most of 
 the time. It will be an art-deco theme, in a wooden case complete with 2 
 large toggle switches and 1950's-era incandescent panel lamps. I expect it 
 will be 30 inches wide x 5 inches deep x 5 inches tall. I'm leery about the 
 reliability of non-Burroughs tubes, and we already have 3 nixie clocks 
 running 24/7 (why not, they are Burroughs tubes) in our permanent home. 


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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

I forgot to mention that as hard as I've tried, I have not been able to 
figure out smooth, digit cross fading. For now the clock uses a 'vibration' 
effect that you can see in the video, or a no effects digit change.




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[neonixie-l] Re: Seven digit nixie clock

[Mitch]

David, I will put everything on Github when the new boards arrive. The 
schematic and board were done with Diptrace.

Greg, the 1/10th second digit won't fade or use effects because it changes 
so quickly. The 'vibrate' effect works only on the other six digits. 

A level shifter is used, and all three 5530s use the same clock. I don't 
see how to implement separate clocks, and it works fine as is. I did some 
quick timing tests and it appears that the display can be updated no faster 
than 17ms, as the code stands. It is only updated at 100ms now, and 25ms 
when the vibrate effect is used.

The blanking line on the 5530s dims the display with PWM. I don't see a way 
to dim just one digit. With multiplexing, as each digit is selected the PWM 
rate could be set differently, but I don't see how to do it with direct 
drive.

A 14 digit IN-18 clock sounds interesting. What are you doing with the 
extra digits?




On Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 8:11:09 PM UTC-4, gregebert wrote:

 Regarding fading, I've seen clocks that gradually make 1 digit dimmer as 
 the next digit becomes brighter (with overlap), and it looks more like a 
 blurry mess. You may want to use PWM to dim the changing digit in a 100-200 
 msec, before you gradually turn-on the next value. It might be annoying for 
 digits changing every second (or in your case, 1/10 second ??), but for 
 tens-seconds and beyond it should look OK. None of the clocks I've built so 
 far will support this, but the next one will be capable of it.

 Based on the HV5530 driver, I'm assuming your clock is direct-drive, so 
 you will have more options for effects.

 Did you add a level-shifter to drive the 5530's inputs at the recommended 
 12V signal-levels ? I'm also curious if you cascaded the serial 
 data-in/data out signals if both 5530's use the same clock; per the 
 datasheet, doing so is a timing risk (data-hold time is 10nsec, and there 
 is no min-prop delay specified hence assume 0. This implies a 10nsec timing 
 risk).

 I'm finalizing the PC board for my 14-digit IN-18 clock, and took no 
 risks: Using a level-shifter, and separate clocks for each HV5530. I'm 
 using an FPGA instead of a microcontroller, and I have enough room on the 
 FPGA for a small CPU (probably Z80) if I decide to go that route instead of 
 pure Verilog code.


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