1966 Mag: Build NE-2 Neon Bulb Computer - scan available

[Allison]

>
>Subject: Re: 1966 Mag: Build NE-2 Neon Bulb Computer - scan available
>   From: woodelf <bfranchuk at jetnet.ab.ca>
>   Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:22:41 -0600
>     To: General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts <cctalk at classiccmp.org>
>
>Bob Bradlee wrote:
>
>> And never dialing Zero! 
>> otherwise an operator error will occure :)
>Drat... I can't get all the parts.  :)
>Where do you get a telephone dial now days ... If I got the
>phone with a dial it would work better than the $10 one I have.
>The neon bulbs may be hard to find , the ones now days have
>a built in resistor.

A dial comes from an old phone, check a thrift.

The NE-2s are still very available from most decent electronic 
parts suppliers.

The trick to age NE-2s is run them at 50% over rated for a week
(at lest 40 hours) and they will stabilize nicely.

If you need to grade/match the aged NE-2s a 500hz relaxation osc
and a scope will allow viewing the upper (fire voltage) and lower
(extinguish) voltage as well as sensitivity to light very quickly.
Hint, light should be incandecsent or the osc will try to sync 
on the flourescent flicker.


Allison