neon glow lamps (was TTL homebrew CPUs)

[Chuck Guzis]

On 12 Jul 2007 at 22:46, woodelf wrote:

> http://www.vintagecalculators.com/BellPunch/html/the_technology_explained.html#ColdCathodeTube
> 
> http://www.sgitheach.dsl.pipex.com/nixie3.html

Nope--I remember them also.  Plain dead-simple NE-2 type package.  
The application I recall them being used in was as a trigger for a 
touch-sensitive switch.  (They may have been used in security 
applications also).  Coupling stray AC via one's body to the third 
electrode was sufficient to cause the neon to fire.  I've also seen 
this kind of thing done with 2050 and 2D21 thyratrons also, but the 
neon bulb would clearly have a power advantage.

Cheers,
Chuck