Lens end neon bulb

[bdu...@gmail.com]

I had a few of these neon bulbs for colon separators in Nixie clocks, but am almost out and would like to find more.  I originally found them at a now defunct electronics surplus store (I think).

They are nice because they have a lens at the top end instead of the regular glass blob.  The envelope on this version is about 4.75mm, and the full length of the glass is about 16mm.  

If anyone know where you can find lens end neon bulbs I would appreciate a pointer.

- Bill

[Mike Mitchell]

I've used the Russian INS-1 for a colon separator.  https://tubehobby.com/show_det.php?det=9 or https://www.ebay.com/p/707429259

See also https://hackaday.io/project/1940-modular-nixie-display/log/29161-ins-1

[Mac Doktor]

On Sep 3, 2020, at 6:50 AM, Mike Mitchell <mmit...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've used the Russian INS-1 for a colon separator.  https://tubehobby.com/show_det.php?det=9 or https://www.ebay.com/p/707429259

See also https://hackaday.io/project/1940-modular-nixie-display/log/29161-ins-1

There are a number of Soviet indicator lamps with a form factor similar to the INS-1. The big difference is that they're all thyratrons. The IN-6 is the most common. I haven't studied the datasheets closely but you may be able to trigger them with something like 5V. 

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"

https://www.astarcloseup.com/

“The book said something astonishing, a very big thought.
It said that the stars were suns, only very far away.
The Sun was a star, but close up.”—Carl Sagan, Cosmos, 1980

[bdu...@gmail.com]

Mike, Terry,

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have a number of INS-1 neon tubes.  They are rather large, but usable.  I was hoping to find a smaller bulb with a lens end.

I have seen thyratrons before, but have not found explanations on how to drive them.  If you have any pointers that would be appreciated.

- Bill

[GastonP]

I just found this ones in the auction site we all love (tongue in cheek). Usual disclaimers apply (not my auction, don't know the seller, etc.)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NE-1M-Neon-Light-Bulbs-with-magnifier-focus-lens-For-turntable-speed-strobes/172514011732

Pretty expensive priced, but it gives a hint on the name (NE-1M) and one possible application (turntable strobe light) which explains the price.

Gastón

[Bill Duane]

Hi Gaston,

Those look exactly like the ones I have!  Great find.

I did locate another possible source, but it is a little hard to see from the picture if there is a lens on the top of the bulb or not.  Interestingly, the bulbs you located are NE-1M, and these are NE-1P.

https://www.electronicsurplus.com/inter-market-inc-ne-1p-lamps-lights-neon-miniature

Good news is the NE-1Ps are a less expensive - guess I will have to buy a few to see if there is a lens.

Thanks for helping out.

- Bill

[Bill Duane]

Not sure if anyone else is interested, but I bought some of the bulbs at the Electronics Surplus site, and they do have the lens end.  They are $0.45 each.  Attached is a picture of the purchased bulbs.

- Bill

[GastonP]

Those do look nice! Good find. If they are more stable than  INS-1s, which sometimes develop kind of a flickering, I envision the supply will dry pretty soon.

[Greg P]

Do you have a link for these bulbs.  I would like to order some?

[Bill Duane]

Greg,

The link is just below.

- Bill

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[bdu...@gmail.com]

Gaston,

Try reducing the series dropping resistor value a little.  On one clock kit I have, the neon bulbs were driven off the 170v supply each bulb with a 220K resistor in series. I was having flickering, and the kit designer mentioned that often you may need to play with the series resistor value as different bulbs behave a bit differently.  He suggested trying a slightly lower value.  In my case replacing the 220k series resistors with 180k resistors stopped the flickering.

- Bill