Small nixie tube + lens != large nixie tube

[gregebert]

Awhile back I mentioned I would experiment with a smaller nixie tube and a plano-convex lens to see if it's feasible to 'synthesize' a larger nixie display.

I obtained two 50mm (about 2") glass lenses from Ebay for a few dollars, and tested them with 5092 nixie tubes (15mm, or 0.6")

Observations

1. Looking straight into the lens, digits were clearly readable, much larger and good brightness. It actually worked. In fact, it worked so well that I got digits almost 2" tall from a 5092 nixie.

Drawbacks:

1. The viewing angle is significantly reduced. Basically, you have to observe the tube directly thru the axis of the lens

2. Only a few digits will be in-focus. This is because the various digit-cathodes in the nixe-tube are stacked, and therefore only a few will be close to the focal point of the lens

3. You have to create some sort of mounting for the lens. Unless the tubes are already sufficiently spaced apart, you wont have room for multiple lenses.

Unfortunately, you cant get something for nothing: A $3 lens + $6 nixie tube is not the same as a $400 nixie tube (That's the most recent selling-price I saw for a single 7094 on Ebay)

Sorry I dont have time to make a lens-holder and take pictures; too busy with my wristwatch.

[JohnK]

What about the lens that is half a cylinder [like in old calculator displays] ?

I have a half inch high one.. must go look at the distortion [and maybe should have done it before posting - but I have to find it first!]

 

john K

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[kay486]

Yea, i noticed that lens+nixie tubes could work (never really understood why i hasnt been used though. maybe the lenc were too expensive to make?) when i messed up with large fresnel lens from old ovehread projecotr :)