14 May
2007
14 May
'07
10:28 p.m.
I wonder if there's any reason to disconnect the
Nixie display too whilst
initially powering the cards? (i.e. are Nixies particularly prone to any
sudden changes in voltage, such as might be brought about if something on one
of the cards decides to let go?)
Not really. Nicie tubes are really just fancy neon bulbs, and are not
easily killed by (sensible) overvoltage. What will ruin them is
excessive overcurrent, but as there's a current limiting resistor in
series with the anode connection anyway (there has to be, think of the
characteristics of a neon blub), sane increases in the supply line
voltage won't do much harm
Many devices with nixe tube displays fed the nixies from an unregulated
supply line, so obviiuosly changes in the supply didn't do any real damage.
-tony