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Nixie tube projects

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Back in the 1970's, the now largely forgotten, nixie tubes were the height of display technology. Resembling vacuum tubes, nixie tubes are actually a cold-cathode tube variant of a neon lamp. While still functional they are fragile when compared to LED's and to some extent LCD's. Having formerly graced the cockpits of aircraft, the faces of countless scientific tools and other interesting uses, they are now more commonly found in expensive art clocks.

In this guide you'll find step-by-step instructions for 10 different nixie tube projects. All projects come from Instructables.com, are written by our creative community, and contain pictures for each step so you can easily make these yourself.

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Laura Khalil

Editor: Outside, Play, Technology, Workshop

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26 comments

Jul 24, 2011. 11:13 AMWhite_Wolf says:

Wow... I haven't seen nixie tubes in what seems like a hundred years. Didn't know they were still made. Now you've gone and done it... Made me remember how old I really am.... LOL
Now I'm remembering flip card clock displays and 300 bd modems. ...
:0)

Dec 22, 2011. 6:04 PM

mr_bandit says:

@White_Wolf: I used a Wang 702B in high school - it was *cool* and state of the art. Two (count them - 2!!) rows!! of nixie tubes. High tech!!

We recorded our programs on TDK cassette tapes. TDK brand was mandatory because the other brands buggered up the heads. Non-TDK could get you kicked out of the computer lab, a fate worse than death or dealing with a girl (you remember being a nerd in high school....)

Sep 14, 2011. 2:14 PMStingzLD says:

They actually are not made anymore. There are newer versions that are LED based, but the original style nixie tubes that you can currently buy are all old stock. So you were correct in thinking that they weren't made anymore, because they're not!

Oct 12, 2011. 10:05 AMAlderin says:

Statements like that make me wonder just how hard could they be to make? Seems the hardest part to do is fill with the low-pressure gas mixture, which is likely analogous to filling neon tubes, so tech still fairly commonly available. With the detail some Instructable authors put into their projects, it wouldn't surprise me if someone built themselves a new set of nixie tubes. I'd love to see it! I'd do it if I had the time and funds.

Dec 6, 2011. 10:53 AMindrora says:

there is a gentleman in France who builds his own tubes for radios. He's got a very wonderful video of the process on his website: http://paillard.claude.free.fr/ || http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzyXMEpq4qw

As for making Nixies? I'd say the process would be simple enough /except/ for one small factor: You need a really good ignition source (like kr85 gas, which is radioactive) to get the nice smooth glow.

Dec 5, 2011. 9:48 PM

mr_bandit says:

I am looking for a good source for tube sockets, esp the smaller ones. I have a source for Nixie Tubes, but need the sockets for both a tester and projects.

I don't have the tubes with me right now, so i cannot give the part numbers.

If you know a good source for the sockets, please drop me an email via Instructables.

Thanks ... bandit

Dec 22, 2011. 3:05 PMsailbot says:

Try Sphere Nixie in kelowna bc, they have great stock and a good website

Dec 22, 2011. 6:04 PM

mr_bandit says:

Thanks for the lead! I have already looked at the sockets (need to go back and look at the nixies we have ... been too long ..) but already drooling (I'm an old fart, so drooling is expected :^)

Aug 25, 2011. 9:05 PMvruiz3 says:

what exactly is a nixie cube

Jul 27, 2011. 11:37 AMgeneorama says:

Pretty sweet: Steve Wozniak's watch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nixie_Wozniak.jpg

Jul 27, 2011. 11:22 AMgeneorama says:

(removed by author or community request)

Jul 27, 2011. 11:30 AMgeneorama says:

oops, I momentarily forgot about Google / Wikipedia. here's what they are:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nixie_tube

Jul 24, 2011. 2:08 PM66tbird says:

I like building NIXIE kits and projects, challenging and fun, remember they are high voltage so use caution. I've been bit twice and its made me more aware how easy it can happen.

Jul 24, 2011. 8:12 AMLindaLW says:

What are nixie tubes?

Jun 1, 2011. 5:49 PMThe nerdling says:

what are nixie tubes?

Jul 24, 2011. 7:58 AM

Exocetid says:

I am guessing that nixie tubes predate your birth! I managed to snag six of them at a Hamfest shortly after they were displaced by other display technologies and before they became "collectable" many years ago. They are up in the attic becoming more valuable and waiting for a project.

Anyway, if you see one energized I think your first word will be "cool" (or whatever vernacular term is in use by you) because photos just don't do them justice. If you have seen any of the "Steam Punk" genre stuff, nixie tubes are right in there.