Vacuum tube clock kit Answered

I know what you mean, even one like this one would do for me.

Have y'all heard of Numitron displays?

These are Nixie "lookalikes," but only require a low voltage to operate (~12V.) Much simpler (and safer, too.) Easy to find on the old ebay...

interesting! never heard of Numitrons. they look pretty cool, and simpler and safer sounds good too.

some vintage and retro items are just not the same if fiddled with too much (what's the fun in making it so safe one hasn't much need for care being put into their work?). :-)

I don't get your point. Numitrons are "vintage"--they just aren't nixies (which aren't particularly old technology themselves.)

(Speaking as someone who works on more dangerous retro tech things than most here...)

But suit yourself.

umm what's a nixie?

Nixies tubes are retro display devices from the 50's and 60's.

thanks for explaining :0)

Just because I haven't published anything that was dangerous doesn't mean I haven't worked with dangerous things ;-)

I could, from past experience, publish such guides as:

How NOT to ground an automobile coil (with you hand while kneeling on the bumper)

5 things not to do with gasoline, including pouring it into a sink hole and igniting it

5 things not to do with gunpowder

Hints on archery and where / what not to shoot arrows at

One sure fire way one should NOT use to make a TV tube safe

Things one should not punch

And what kind of wire not to use for a 10,000 VDC power supply

And etc.

Sorry, I'm just trying to understand your original comment. To me it reads as:

"When using vintage technology, I'm incapable of proper care and craftsmanship, unless there's a potential danger involved. "

And I'm having a hard time believing that's what your saying...

I've built and serviced a lot of stuff with HV and vacuum tubes, but I enjoy modern semiconductors, too. They're just different. I've never noticed any projects turning out better simply because there was HV involved.

I was kind of teasing a bit really, but I do like having to be a bit careful with my work (one, two, or 3 piece puzzles don't make the grade ;-)

No need to be sorry, I am sorry that I didn't indicate _{more clearly} that I was not totally serious. I have repaired a few tube radios, but that was mostly a HACK job of replacing filter caps etc. I once took a VERY old toaster apart, to replace the cord for my wife's grandma......I NEVER got it back together again.....holy Toledo, millions of little pieces ! *sigh* and they went everywhere....but I am off on another tangent again....BTW: I like different and I DO build most of my stuff with somewhat modern parts (I still have difficulties with SOT though).

Maybe we all take more pride in building something outside our comfort zone...be it valves, microcontrollers or cookies...

Something dangerous is outside my comfort zone really.

Actually, anything to do with electricity is outside my true comfort zone _{(I am deathly afraid of electrical shocks)} , and yet I picked it as my hobby of choice.

I do like to grow in my understanding and that requires leaving one's comfort zone. ;-)

Exactly.

true, that would make it phosphorescent ;-)

I like the blue coloured numbers.