Nixies, was Re: Octal

[Roy J. Tellason]

On Saturday 02 September 2006 06:25 pm, Tony Duell wrote:
> [...]
> 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.

You don't need a voltage doubler to get most of the way there.  Peak voltage 
of a lightly loaded rectifier-filter setup running off "110" (or "115",  
"117",  whatever the case may be -- it seems to be trending higher as time 
goes on) will normally be up around 170VDC,  which is what I keep seeing in 
circuits that are using Nixies.  With enough of a filter capacitor and a 
light load it won't drop by much,  you'll get increased ripple instead as the 
load goes up,  which won't be visible because it's too fast.

-- 
Member of the toughest, meanest, deadliest, most unrelenting -- and
ablest -- form of life in this section of space,  a critter that can
be killed but can't be tamed.  --Robert A. Heinlein, "The Puppet Masters"
-
Information is more dangerous than cannon to a society ruled by lies. --James 
M Dakin