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

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

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

You can have a look at the schematic of the NixiSat (which was posted here earlier - not the NixiChron, but I assume it's similar: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=forums&srcid=MDEwMDEwODgzMDkzNzgxMTU3NTQBMDI2MDI2MDkxODMwNDU5NDc0NjYBN3poTlVQTHJxcG9KATAuMQEBdjI&authuser=0) Interestingly, at

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

If that's indeed the issue, it's not surprising that the chip would break after a while, though it's still a little surprising that it would lead to this behavior. But I guess it's possible if the code isn't doing any sanity checks on the data it's receiving and perhaps even relies on it to dete

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

On Thursday, 12 May 2016 19:30:12 UTC+1, Niek wrote: > > If that's indeed the issue, it's not surprising that the chip would break > after a while, though it's still a little surprising that it would lead to > this behavior. But I guess it's possible if the code isn't doing any sanity > checks o

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

Here's the complete NixiChron schematic. After Jeff stop actively selling that clock he was fine with providing the schematic to those who wanted it. So no issues with impropriety.http://goo.gl/f9UW4M On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 3:12:12 PM UTC-7, Nick wrote: > > On Thursday, 12 May 2016 19:30:1

[neonixie-l] Neon Signs

Sorry if this is the wrong group. I have been offered a large quantity of vintage neon tubes from old signs, "burgers", "restaurant" "cafe", that sort of thing, together with straight & curved lines. How do I find out the value? I can test them. Tom Harris

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

Not the wrong place at all. There are Neon tube testers, small battery powered units, that can test to see it if the tubes are OK. Where abouts are you located - there may at be a member near you who can help or lend you a tester... Nick On 13 May 2016 00:02:52 BST, Tom Harris wrote: >Sorry i

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

I have several neon transformers that I could use for testing, one with HV leads ending in croc clips. I call it Cousin Vinnie, as if there's a problem, Cousin Vinnie will fix them :) Still a pocket tester that will not kill you outright sounds a good idea. I've seen sparkies using them to test flu

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

Are the cheap fluorescent testers on ebay that cost $15 or so and take 4 AA batteries any good? Tom Harris On 13 May 2016 at 10:43, Tom Harris wrote: > I have several neon transformers that I could use for testing, one with HV > leads ending in croc clips. I call it Cousin Vinnie, as if there

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

It's not even a schematic error. Jeff used OrCad Capture, and Capture allows one to hide power & gnd pins. As long as they are named the same as the power & gnd nets, they get assigned to those nets and connectivity is established. They can also be made visible and assigned manually to any net,

[neonixie-l] Re: Neon Signs

Tom, the sad fact is they will have little value, unless they are specific to beer or automotive signs. Generic words probably won't sell now maybe you can get creative and construct some signs to peddle to local pubs or eateries... The standoffs can be purchased on-line and mounted to black

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

They work "well enough". But the output voltage is unspecified, so expect that some good tubes will not light up fully, and some bad tubes may still light up partially. Experience will help you tell the two apart. Terry On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:49:39 PM UTC-5, celephicus wrote: > > Are th

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

Don't want to sound flippant but they're worth what you can sell 'em for. Watch ebay and see what free pieces of neon go for. recognizable shapes and letters will bring more. FWIW, I get $30 for 9" plain block letters that I've collected. More for script, especially if it says something. $20 f

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

This is a sticking point for me - I think that any 'weird' part should have its power and ground pins displayed on the schematic icon. Otherwise, people will have doubts about your competence after you're dead and not able to defend your decisions. But yes, Jeff was a very good engineer, even

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

OK, maybe error wasn't the best word - other cad packages do the same thing - perhaps "confusing" is better.. I still don't get this signal level issue. The 5530s have a Vdd of 11V, that makes their Vih 9V, not 4.3V which is the PIC's Voh. The fact that the 5530s make work with a Vdd of 5V is

[neonixie-l] Re: OT: US Customs Service - Delays

On Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 12:10:00 PM UTC-7, jf...@my-deja.com wrote: > > I am not sure who is to blame, but after almost two months, I am still > waiting for some 13-pin dekatron sockets being sent from Russia. > They finally arrived after 12 weeks. Based on the tracking information, it

[neonixie-l] Re: OT: US Customs Service - Delays

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 11:11:59 PM UTC-7, jf...@my-deja.com wrote: > > They finally arrived after 12 weeks. Based on the tracking information, > it took about 11 weeks to get to New Jersey, and another week for the USPS > to get it to California. The package was marked "Air Mail" and c

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

"It's not even a schematic error." I disagree: - you want your schematic to be consistent, in this case it's clearly not as most parts display their ground/power pins connected, except the MAX232A. - you want it to be unambiguous: obviously, it's not. - if you work with multiple voltage levels

Re: [neonixie-l] Neon Signs

On Fri, 13 May 2016 09:02:52 +1000, you wrote: >Sorry if this is the wrong group. I have been offered a large quantity of >vintage neon tubes from old signs, "burgers", "restaurant" "cafe", that >sort of thing, together with straight & curved lines. How do I find out the >value? I can test them.