[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks dixter I will see when they get here. I have a couple ways to go but if the resistors fit in the colon base it should be fairly easy to do. I really got to thank Dalibor for helping me out on this. We will see soon as the shipment is in the states. >>> -- You received this message be

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Would be nice if you can get Dalibors collin tubes to work... let us know what we would need to do to make these part of the PV clock... thanks On Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 6:49:05 PM UTC-5, Edward Van Belkom wrote: > > Grrr! One last time. > > > > Well close to a year ago I started my ve

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Grrr! One last time. Well close to a year ago I started my version of a Michael Barile SlingBlade clock using PV Electronics R568 Clock kit. Jeff Walton built a NWTS from Manual Azevedo (sorry for his lost) for me. Everything went well and I have enjoyed the clock immensely includi

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Sorry for the multiple posts. I had to correct some spelling:-) On Monday, July 31, 2017 at 9:10:38 AM UTC-5, Edward Van Belkom wrote: > > I am starting my new clock project and will be posting my build here. > > For now this is what I will be ordering. > > PV Electronics R568 Clock kit with blac

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well close to a year ago I started my version of a Michael Barile SlingBlade clock using PV Electronics R568 Clock kit. Jeff Walton built a NWTS from Manual Azevedo (sorry for his lost) for me. Everything went well and I have enjoyed the clock immensely including the MOD-SIX_Gen V Michae

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well close to a year ago I started my version of a Michael Barile SlingBlade clock using PV Electronics R568 Clock kit. Jeff Walton built a NWTS from Manual Azevedo (sorry for his lost) for me. Everything went well and I have enjoyed the clock immensely including the MOD-SIX_Gen V Michae

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well close to a year ago I started my version of a Michael Barile SlingBlade clock using PV Electronics R568 Clock kit. Jeff Walton built a NWTS from Manual Azevedo (sorry for his lost). Everything went well and I have enjoyed the clock immense

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> I got my acrylic cover today and had some picture on the final build. > Thanks everyone that helped with this project. It is my first time clock I > built but all the advice got me to this phase. > Thanks for all the help. I am not good on photography so please excuse the pictures I post

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thank you for the kind words Roddy! MichaelB said I would have to re design his SlingBlade to fit the PV board and he was right. You just hope it will turn out right after spending all the money to get it fabricated to fit the PV board. The colon's was the fourth try when discussing with Micha

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Your clock is looking excellent, Edward, those colon tubes you made are in > keeping with your overall design and make your clock stand out. The finish > on the aluminium is fantastic and sets off the brass parts really well. > Great to see a project realised from start to finish. -- You

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Thank you Dixter. > > It turned out better that I expected. Now if the acrylic cover turns out I > will be a happy camper:-) > On Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 8:29:06 AM UTC-5, dixter wrote: > > Very nice looking clock... :-) > > DB > -- You received this message because you are sub

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Very nice looking clock... :-) DB -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send an email t

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Pramanican :-) > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send an email to neonix

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I used 1mm brass rod for supports. This worked perfectly as it was the same diameter as the pins for the PCB . I made the supports and solder them to the PCB with enough sticking through to become the new pins for the neon bulbs. I put black heat shrink on before soldering and pre-tinned the to

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Jens > Yea, I never though of it that way;-) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this g

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Jeff! Dalibor was kind enough to make two glass tubes and bases for me before shipping the tubes. I was able to adapt Pete's round colon PCB and designed the supports to hold the neon bulbs. Hopefully when he is in production he will send me a pair that I can adapt to Pete's PCB and mak

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

ha ha! Good one Jens. Those aren't the standard colons from Pete, the containers are, but I'd hazard a guess that there's some formed copper pipe with heatshrink over it insidethey look very professionalnice job! On Wed, Oct 25, 2017 at 4:55 PM, jb-electronics wrote: > Nice job! Also, t

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Nice job! Also, this forum is probably one of the very few places on earth where you can say "Pete's colons" and nobody gets it wrong. On 10/25/2017 4:48 PM, Edward Van Belkom wrote: I finished my clock today so here are a few pictures. My acrylic case will still take about a month to

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Very nice!  Look forward the finished case.  Are those Pete's new colons?  Jeff W Original message From: Edward Van Belkom Date: 10/25/17 5:48 PM (GMT-06:00) To: neonixie-l Subject: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Jon MichaelB gave me a lot of guidance to get to where it is. I also want to thank Jeff Walton for getting and assembling the NWTS. Everyone here made me feel welcome and gave advice to get it the state it is in now. Thank you all! > > -- You received this message because you are su

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Really nice outcome !!! Even without an acrylic case it is gorgeous... -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I finished my clock today so here are a few pictures. My acrylic case will > still take about a month to finish and I will post a picture with it > installed. Hope you like it:-) >

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I got my tubes today and did a test on them with the NWTS and PIR hooked > up. Everything is working well so I took everything apart and am ready to > do the final finishing on the clock base. Hopefully next week I will do the > final soldering of the last items left and start the final assem

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Jeff I am trying to adjust everything for optimum performance and reliability before my tubes arrive. I have not soldered in the 270K resistors for the colon neon bulbs so wondering if a different value would work better or if these would be fine at 180VDC instead of the 170VDC that was

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes Well great news. Dalibor is shipping my tubes today!  I am getting close to having the clock base done and ready for sanding and anodizing. I have a sample at the anodizer now to see what grit sandpaper I need to sand

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well great news. Dalibor is shipping my tubes today! I am getting close to having the clock base done and ready for sanding and anodizing. I have a sample at the anodizer now to see what grit sandpaper I need to sand the aluminum. The hard coat will fill in some so I need to see that it matc

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Roddy My goal is to get a bright brushed look with 220 grit sandpaper. Then I want to seal it as soon as I can to lock in that look. Every Brass part will have the coating before putting it all together for the last time. That is why I mentioned Everbrite ProtectaClear as a sealant in

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Edward, when putting protection on brass be careful as the surface has to be totally free of any moisture which could cause a slow patina due to oxidisation on it under the protection. One way to avoid this is to warm the plates to drive off any moisture before applying the protection. A hair

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Rails mounted. Back to the shop for the final cutout. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neon

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks John. I have been careful with the board and so far everything is turning out OK. Once the rails are mounted and the board is installed for fit I will store it in a static free bag until the final assembly begins. I am at awe how Roddy, Michael and everyone else can come up with these i

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

And now we have four! Tomorrow I will install the brass rails to support the PCB and countersink all the holes. Then one last trip to the shop where they will trim the plates to shape outlined on the brass plate below. I just had a small drill press to open up the holes with the unibit but it

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

; of the electrophorus The above is just a nudge to read up on it; I am not an expert. John Kaesehagen Australia - Original Message ----- From: Edward Van Belkom To: neonixie-l Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 2:56 AM Subject: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> I got the back plate holes done with the unibit today. I did each hole > individually without stops and that worked fine for me. >

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well finally starting to move forward on the base. I got the back plate back today from the shop and the front one will be done tomorrow. I tapped the holes for the switches and did a final fit. I needed the nut on the toggle so I could tighten it to the right orientation. I indented the sw

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Terry Easy enough to change as I have not ordered the screws yet. > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Terry I also can get Black Anodized Aluminum flat head socket head screws. Or Black oxide steel. What would you prefer? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, sen

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Edward, Just be careful using stainless fasteners in aluminum. They may gall and you might have trouble removing them after a time. This is a bigger problem when using plated fasteners in stainless, but can happen anytime stainless is one of the components. A tiny dab of anti-seize should help.

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Before I get all my holes drilled I thought I would check the hole spacing and 1/4-40 tap for the switches. I was going to use nuts on the outside instead of tapping the holes but I think this will look cleaner overall. I also wanted to see what size fasteners I wanted and am going with stainles

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Those are pictures of Michael's base. I am using his design for reference. The Hard coat black anodizing will be about $50 for the lot charge. The gold Bright dip anodizing is $75 lot charge plus shipping so ended up around $100. That is the same cost as the brass so that is why I decided to g

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

That's funny you should be talking about the costs of brass versus andodising! The case for the new ZM1040 clock I am building was originally going to be mirror finished brass 2 mm thick until I found out what it would cost! Instead of brass I am now making it in 2 mm aluminium that will be ano

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> Well I picked up my brass and aluminum stock and brought it to the shop to > get the holes drilled, so I can go to town on the unibit to enlarge the > holes, with the double taper. I sure hope you will still be able to see the > detail after anodizing the aluminum a black hard coat. The bras

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Dalibor. I sent you an e-mail:) > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send a

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

The height of the base is 25mm, 53mm outer diameter. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

If someone has one of Dalibor's tubes can you get the exact measurement of the height of the black base? Thanks > -- You received this message because you

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Finished everything up today. Hooked up everything and got the NWTS connected to the network and have a Green locked sync signal LED lit. I am as far as I can go until the plates come in to start on the base.

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Roddy > I can't wait to see the tubes also :) It was nice for John to let me use his shop to assemble it. A nice solder station is hard to beat. The cheap lighted magnifying visor was a great help and it would of been hard to do without it. I will finish soldering all the wire leads t

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 1:16:19 AM UTC+1, Edward Van Belkom wrote: > > Well it took 7.5 hours but I got the kit assembled. I spent some time > cleaning the flux off after soldering 3-6 components and seemed to work > well. When I was all done I spent another half an hour cleaning the b

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well the video did not work. Let me try again. Video > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails fro

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well it took 7.5 hours but I got the kit assembled. I spent some time cleaning the flux off after soldering 3-6 components and seemed to work well. When I was all done I spent another half an hour cleaning the board with alcohol again to get ride of some streaks still left behind. I did the vol

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Greg All the parts are in a (ESD) bag and the PIC is in conductive foam. I have a wrist strap that I can connect to the pads for the power supply input on the PCB. I should be able to get it all done tomorrow except for all the wiring going to the remote switches and LED's. I wi

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Good luck with the building. If you have a wrist-strap, shorting all of the power-supply connections, including gnd, together and tying this to your wrist-strap will usually keep you ESD-safe. If you dont have a wrist-strap, then be sure to touch the shorted connections with one hand, before you

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Thanks Greg. > I brought everything to the shop today and got the last few items to start building. I will start bright and early tomorrow morning and hopefully have most of it completed that day. So far I will be mounting the inductor, Resistor networks. Piezo sounder, 3 MOSFET's, HV boa

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I dont think that would eliminate the potential problem. Antistatic foam is not prone to charge-accumulation from friction; beyond that it has no magical properties. If you are using this to hold ESD-sensitive thru-hole parts, you're probably better-off wearing a wriststrap and slightly bending

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

How about add a piece of antistatic foam to the bottom of the foam? On Monday, August 28, 2017 at 12:18:00 PM UTC-5, gregebert wrote: > > Be careful with any plastic contraptions; they can create ESD problems. As > long as no ESD-sensitive parts are on the board during handling, no worries. > > I

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Be careful with any plastic contraptions; they can create ESD problems. As long as no ESD-sensitive parts are on the board during handling, no worries. If you do have ESD-sensitive parts, it's probably best to mount them last. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Goog

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I also added a parts holder so very easy to put part in, move foam pad over part , rotate board and solder;) > -- You received this message bec

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

On Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9:50:40 PM UTC+1, Edward Van Belkom wrote: > > > I thought I would make a little jig to hold the board when soldering. Zero > cost and just a little time to make. Any more hints before I start on > Monday are welcome:) > I hijacked your idea, Edward, and made th

Re: [neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I bought one of these... https://smile.amazon.com/Aven-17010-Adjustable-Circuit-Holder/dp/B00Q2TTQEE/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1503938056&sr=8-13&keywords=panavise Couldn't be bothered to make my own at the price...;-) On Mon, Aug 28, 2017 at 9:34 AM, Terry S wrote: > I have a similar jig I made

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I have a similar jig I made for working on radio chassis years ago -- similar in theory but think about it scaled up about 8x. And I was inspired at the time by the guys over at rec.pinball who make similar jigs for working on pinball playfields. Terry On Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 3:50:40

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Edward Van Belkom wrote: > > > I thought I would make a little jig to hold the board when soldering. Zero > cost and just a little time to make. Any more hints before I start on > Monday are welcome:) > I hijacked your idea, Edward and made this for working on PV Electronics boards, adjustab

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Edward, now that is a nice and simple solution for builds! I have been using those ones with alligator clips for ages and you have to keep adjusting them. That idea of yours I am going to adapt for multiple board sizes. Nice one! On Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 9:50:40 PM UTC+1, Edward Van Belk

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Roddy! That should do the trick. The colon tubes will be the last thing I will construct. I just have to pick up a cheap magnifying head visor that I found for $5.00 tomorrow and I will be ready early next week to tackle the kit. I will be using these 3mm LED's that are diffused and sho

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I thought I would make a little jig to hold the board when soldering. Zero cost and just a little time to make. Any more hints before I start on Monday are welcome:)

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Monday or Tuesday of next week I will start building the clock kit. I will start posting pictures of the build then. I also finished the final prints and spreadsheet for the stand and brought them to the shop the get the four plates made and drilled with the pilot holes. They will also mill th

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Monday or Tuesday of next week I will start building the clock kit. I will start posting pictures of the build then. I also finished the final prints and spreadsheet for the stand and brought them to the shop the get the four plates made and drilled with the pilot holes. They will also mill th

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I'd really appreciate a photo or two of the design in the different steps to a finished clock. /Martin -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to neonixie-l

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Edward, one method of retaining the brass as it is and to stop it shorting out is to coat it with a lacquer. You can either use a spray lacquer or paint on a clear gel coat nail varnish such as Sally Hansen's Double Duty. If you use the DD, give it a couple of days to get to a rock hard finish

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> Thanks Roddy > I gleamed most of the ideas from Michael's builds. He is a genius when it comes to Nixie clock frame designs. He gives you enough hints to use your creativity to build your clock without holding your hand along the way. Thanks Michael it is working:) I hope everything goes

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Edward, > you have obviously thought out this project very carefully and I am impressed with your solution for the colon indicators. Pete's kit for Dalibor's tubes is very unique and presents the tubes excellently. I am sure that your finished clock will be amazing. I have a couple of th

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> Well I think I figured out how to do my colon tubes > With the PV kit I have two small round PCB boards with a RGB LED soldered in the middle of it. It has 8 pins that 4 are used by the RGB LED. I got some 1/16" brass tubing and with a #60 drill I was able to open up the hole to fit one of

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks Terry I figured by the time I got all the needed supply's I would be spending one bill at least. Thanks to John's kind offer to use his shop It will be around a 1/4 of that and he likes chatting with me so all good. Dalibor is also helping me with the colon tube glass covers and bases

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 11:36:07 PM UTC-4, blkadder wrote: > > As for a soldering station, I would just get a good adjustable iron > (Amazon or AliExpress) and a decent holder for the iron. I have been > thinking of getting one of the Hakko brand systems, but I just don't work > on eno

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well very good news. I stopped at Appleton Electronics a part supply house and talked to the owner. I wanted to see if he had a solder station I might be able to use. He took me to the back and showed me a full electronic repair workshop with solder/desolder SMS station and everything including

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I have a suspicion you will find the quality of the tools in a $20 kit disappointing. Terry On Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 10:36:07 PM UTC-5, blkadder wrote: > > I have had great luck using Scotch Brite Pads to give the brushed look on > aluminum, I find that wire brushes can leave deep scra

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

For aluminum, I just put 320 grit sandpaper on my electric vibrator (not *THAT* kind of vibrator...) and it leaves a nice swirly pattern. It's very easy to find surface imperfections by the blurry ring around them, so just sand that area a bit more. I dont leave bare metal exposed on frontal ar

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I have had great luck using Scotch Brite Pads to give the brushed look on aluminum, I find that wire brushes can leave deep scratches. On one project I did, I used some Scotch Brite pads, and then used some flat clear spray paint to keep the look. As for a soldering station, I would just get a

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Weller WESD51 is my favorite affordable soldering iron. I've done quite a bit of surface-mount assembly with it; having the adjustable temp is nice. And as the name implies, it's ESD-safe. If you have extra money, by all means, get a Metcal. I used one about 25 years ago and I've never seen a b

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

The brushed aluminum (or stainless) effect can be achieved in a number of ways -- I suggest you get samples of the material and try a few. A wire brush is the obvious first choice. Try both steel and brass brushes. Also try steel wool, 3M pads, and wet sanding with very fine paper. Each makes a

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Thanks everyone for your comments and support on this project. I have my sister visiting this week so will get back on it next Wednesday . I do have a couple questions. What inexpensive soldering station will work well for this kit? I have soldered before so I have the skills but not the equipm

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > It will be good to see what you come up with, Edward. Those tubes are > incredible looking and will make any design stand out. > > I'm a pen and paper guy too although half the time I work straight from my > head in creating casings for clocks built on Pete's kits. Don't always get > it

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I'm very interested in the cost/workmanship of the machined items that you have done. Please post a picture when you receive it, and of course when you finish your clock. I'm trying to find a sweet-spot mix of 3D-printed parts vs machined items for an upcoming project. The handmade wood cases I

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I have built a couple of Pete's kits, and now his are all that I will use. I find them the easiest to put together, and with the replaceable tube feature, it makes the clocks almost endlessly customization. I will be interested to see your housing when you get things machined. I too am an ana

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

I always enjoy reading detailed descriptions of the process of making something. It is not something I have any real experience with, so it helps me start to understand the process and the options for when I finally get around to this. -- You received this message because you are subscribed t

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Just an update where I am at. My kit arrived safe and sound from Pete today. I have the design pretty well finished up. I did not need a CAD program as outlined below. A shop with a CNC mill just wanted the X and Y coordinates for each hole, what size were the plates and where was "0" located

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

> > Thanks Bob > I am still a paper pencil guy for right now. I made a couple prints with tracing paper to test the design. After some adjustments with a real eraser I overlapped them and the were identical. I made a spreadsheet in Excel that shows the center point distance of each hole verti

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Hi Edward, Check out Autodesk Fusion 360... It's a very powerful 3D CAD/CAM program that I've recently started using. The learning curve is modest and there is excellent support from Autodesk as well as a large user community. Youtube videos and such... Fusion 360 will also support laser cutti

[neonixie-l] Re: PV Electronics R568 Clock Project With Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes

Well the PV Electronics R568 Clock kit was ordered today. Pete is a great guy to work with. Jeff is getting my NWTS. Dalibor has my order for 6 Black R|Z568M Nixie Tubes. I also have been working on the stand design. I have most of the hole spacing documented in a Excel file and have the di