Nixies, was Re: Octal

[Tony Duell]

[...]

> available.  Lacking that, MPSA42 transistors can drive Nixies.  The 
> only real problem is a source of HV, but several people (including 
> myself) are working on small "canned" HV generator modules which will 
> be available cheaply.

Another way to do it is to use 'back to back' mains transformers. Connect
the 'secondary' (which is now used as a primary) of a small mains
transformer to the (AC) output of the trnasformer you're using to provide
the logic supplies (or to the output of another mains transformer if
you're using the SMPSU for the logic).  Then rectify or voltage double the
output of this extra transformer (the winding that was originally the
primary) to get about 200V DC. 

-tony