Introduction: Nixie Tube Socket Pins
I want to make a watch with some nixie tubes, Dolam 513 and Z560M. They need a socket called B13B - for a lot of money, and too big for me. The other possibility is to use solderable socket pins, for the 1 mm pin diameter. These are not available, but you can take them off from the old parallel or serial port sockets. Not a big deal, but if you see the photos, will be easier for you.
Step 1: The Serial Port Socket
The pins are deep in the socket, and you cannot pull them out. Ok, there is the force, which helps, but the pins will be damaged.
On the last photo You see the best version of D-SUB socket. it is made for soldering into the PCB, so it has small diameter pins, and even brand new is not too expensive (I have bought a 25p D.SUB socket for 0,4 USD in Hungary) - but let's try the ebay...
Step 2: Dismantling the Socket
Just grab the side of the socket with a pliers, and bend the metal a few times. The metal frame is assembled of two parts, in this way you will have access between them, and inserting a screwdriver you can separate the two halves.
And the plastic isolater is ALSO made of two parts - thats why it was not possible to pull out the contacts before.
Step 3: The Pins on the Nixie Tube.
Thats it.
