I like the larger nixie lamp, so I decided to rattle up a smaller version based on the matching smaller LED lamp kit form eBay.
You can download the file and viewer/printer at:- http://www.bigclive.com/freebies.htm
This version has only got eight neons, so it's easier to build, and the component layout on the back of the PCB is also very uncluttered making it an easy PCB to build.
It uses two resistors (220K for 200 - 250V and 47K for 100-120V) to charge a small 10nF capacitor via a standard 1N4007 diode. When the voltage across the capacitor exceeds about 90V a random neon will conduct and discharge the capacitor via a 1K resistor. This results in brief flash from the neon, but because there are a lot of matched neon lamps in parallel the one that conducts first will be very random.
If you enjoy these videos you can support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and bags of neon lamps at:- https://www.patreon.com/bigclive
You can download the file and viewer/printer at:- http://www.bigclive.com/freebies.htm
This version has only got eight neons, so it's easier to build, and the component layout on the back of the PCB is also very uncluttered making it an easy PCB to build.
It uses two resistors (220K for 200 - 250V and 47K for 100-120V) to charge a small 10nF capacitor via a standard 1N4007 diode. When the voltage across the capacitor exceeds about 90V a random neon will conduct and discharge the capacitor via a 1K resistor. This results in brief flash from the neon, but because there are a lot of matched neon lamps in parallel the one that conducts first will be very random.
If you enjoy these videos you can support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and bags of neon lamps at:- https://www.patreon.com/bigclive
That bag looks a lot like the ones milk comes in.
Always use 1 resistor per lamp and put them directly in ac but if you want dc just ad the diode first than resistors and then neon lamps just focus on line tester principle
Is the light emiitted the same if the neon lamps are operating on ac or dc?
Lovely. I played with neons quite a lot in the 1960s and 70s. Now I'm acquiring the parts to play some more and borrowing some ideas from you. Thank you.
I should point out that you should use a 1N4007 in that application. If you design for worst case and assume just a simple halfwave rectifier and capacitor across the mains (no resistors), the capacitor will charge up to the peak mains voltage, or 240 x 1.414 = 339 volts on the positive half-cycle. The mains then swings to a peak negative voltage of 339 volts, subjecting the diode to a reverse voltage of 680 volts. In your circuit, the resistors and neons limit the voltage on the capacitor to a maximum of 100 volts, but the diode could still see a reverse voltage of 440 volts. Might as well use a 4007 and not tempt fate.
Looks like curry sauce
But don't drink it of course の人の
I made the string version of it using blue "neon" bulbs. It took two weeks for 6 out of 9 to start flicker. I have video uploaded.
An excellent video!!! I really do enjoy the kit build ones as they are so instructive and hope you will do more in the future. However I must say I personally prefer the more modern way of making the PCB's–the water-spray film and nail-art UV bath and so on. I do not like those sealed bags at all.
A couple of things strike me–when you say it needs to be on for days does that mean it needs to be switched on continuously for days? Also, what makes it more active at night-time?
As a bonus, I guess this when coupled to a light-sensor array could be a very nuts-and-bolts way to make a true random number generator for cryptographic purposes–to produce bulk key material for a one-time pad based system for instance.
This is very relaxing to lay down to.
Observation though, to cheaply automate the agitation. Could you not lay a cheap vibrator from poundland (hehe) under the baggie? Perhaps put it all on a bowl or towel to keep it from vibrating itself off the workbench.
I know its been 2,5 years, but still.
I'm a electronics newbie really, done a few small projects yet you make everything look so easy…. I'm just wondering if these could be built without the circuit board, as I don't really have the room/ability to create my own boards…
Is a Nixie lamp still a Nixie lamp if it doesn't show numbers?
Pretty things, they are, anyway.
I feel like I am throwing up gang symbols when I am soldering.
Hi Clive do you have a website add for this pcb echoing system