[sdiy] scopes

[Colin f]

> various features) about Nixie-tube clocks. The latest number contained a
> re-take where one of the guys described his hurdles in building a
> Nixie-tube
> clock-kit (which happends to use GPS no less!).
>
> I want to build one too!

For a synth-diyer, a nixie clock is probably a trivially easy project.

I re-built one that my brother bought on eBay.
Aside from the poor accuracy of the PIC timer used to count time (replaced
with an AVR and an MSF receiver module) I just about fainted when I looked
inside it.
It was generating the HT supply for the nixies by rectifying and smoothing
the mains input.
This is UK mains we're talking about, so there was a ground referenced
~400 volt DC supply, running through ribbon cable wires soldered to
stripboard, millimeters away from un-grounded metal switches poking out
the back. Case was wood, so obviously un-grounded too.

Suffice to say, if you're building a Nixie clock, remember to use an
isolating transformer for your HT...

Colin f




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