Round end-view tubes + long-life?

[MikeDL]

Hi.  I've been building nixie clocks and recently realized just how many varieties of tubes there are out there.  I'm interested in larger (IN-4 ish) round end-view tubes.  While the IN-4 is visually nice looking and relatively inexpensive, I am concerned about it's lifespan and am looking for alternatives.  I've discovered the B6091 and it seems like a good choice, but I wanted to see if anyone can suggest any similar long-life tubes.

Thanks!

[gregebert]

I have clocks with 6091 and 5092 tubes, and my limited data shows the 5092 are probably longer-life than the 6091.

Other end-view tubes, such as the 5031 which pre-dates the 5092, have a shorter lifetime.

5092: I have 4 clocks, each with 6 tubes, and have had zero failures since these went into usage 2-3 years ago

6091: My big-clock uses 15 of these, and one of them developed an internal short after 1 year (multiple cathodes on at same time). Beware, though, this particular clock displays the same digit continuously, which will reduce the lifetime of the tube. I'm experimenting with rotating the tubes periodically to see if it extends the lifetime. They are larger, harder to find, and obviously more expensive than 5092's. But if you can get enough for a clock, plus a few spares, go for it.

I've bought several 5092 & 5031 tubes, and so far I've never encountered a bad 5092. I have several 5031 that will partially illuminate some cathodes, and I have not been able to zap them into usefulness with extra current.

Lastly, stay away from IN-1 tubes. They are junk. Period. I got several failures per-week when I tried using them o=in my big clock.

[David Forbes]

The ZM1020 or GN4 are nice tubes. I have used them in a couple clocks
that are working over a decade.

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--
David Forbes, Tucson AZ

[MikeDL]

It's an interesting problem because the data is sparse for the life-extending techniques

I'm using:

- 2x3 multiplexed

- Digits are on 24x7 but dimmed via photoresistor

- slot machine once an hour

If the (for example) B6091 and the IN-4 cost the same, the B6091 would be an easy

choice.  But six 6091s cost ~ $180.  For $180 I can get ~ 60 IN-4 tubes!

[threeneurons]

You can always save the non-mercury (IN-4, ...) for non-clock nixie projects, such as a voltmeter, or sudoku game, were they are ON only for short periods.

[Sir Melon]

Unless there is a specific need for longevity, the IN-14 is quite a good choice with a fairly long life span, lots of data, large with long pins and it's cheap.
A notable method increasing life span is checking voltage and current as if there's too much there will be severe consequences and if there is insufficient power or it is turned on often with a fast start sputtering will occur.