[TriEmbed] Nixie Tubes

[Sean Ulrich]

I messed around with nixies a few years back.  But this what I remember off
the top of my head.  From what I recall, I needed two things:

1) A DC-DC converter to boost your power supply (5V I assume?) up to the
level of your tubes (probably 160 or more depending on the tubes you are
using).  I used a DIY kit that gives you the board and components and you
solder them on.  I forget from where.  Maybe something like this:
http://www.allspectrum.com/store/nixie-power-supply-high-voltage-switch-mode-dc-dc-converter-kit-95-190vdc-25ma-180vdc-p-521.html

2) Driver IC that can handle the voltages you are dealing with.  The most
popular is the 74141 or the russian clone (which is easier to come by).  I
used the Russian clone and it worked fine.  Here's some info.  I'm not sure
where I bought mine from.  I think I got the tubes and driver IC from the
same place.  There's a handful of Nixie websites out there you should be
able to find with a quick google.
http://www.neonixie.com/ic/

Good luck!

Sean


On Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 9:56 AM, Grawburg <grawburg at myglnc.com> wrote:

> I'm thinking about using a couple of nixie tubes as a counter dislay with
> the HO train-as-conveyor-system
> I've set up using a Raspberry Pi.  I'm using an MCP23016 port expander and
> only using 8 of the
> available 16 ports for my setup.  I know using an LCD is probably easier
> to setup, I just wanted to do
> something a bit more unusal.  Of course, I have no idea how to interface
> the tubes with my Pi and how
> to convert the Python output into suitable input for the nixie. . .but
> that shouldn't stop me.
>
> Comments from smarter guys, please.
>
>
> Brian Grawburg
>
> --
> The truth will set you free . . .but first it will infuriate you.
>
>
>
>
>
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