BD-252 Mystery Tube

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Mac Doktor

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Aug 20, 2024, 12:42:17 PM8/20/24
to neonixie-l
I checked all of the usual places but I can't find any data on this tube:



The seller added three more photos after I contacted him. It looks symbolic but I can't quite make the cathodes out. 


Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"


"If only you could see what I've seen with your eyes."—Roy Batty, Blade Runner

Jon D.

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Aug 20, 2024, 1:10:10 PM8/20/24
to neonixie-l
Here's a link to a BD-252 listing with somewhat of a description:

BURROUGHS BD-252 .75 INCH NEON NIXIE TUBE, 0 1 2 A B

gregebert

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Aug 20, 2024, 1:26:40 PM8/20/24
to neonixie-l
The early Burroughs tubes, notably the 5031, are not very reliable. The few that I have that do work, have a purely orange glow whereas the later production tubes (like the stellar 5092) have a slight pinkish/purple tint in some regions due to a better gas mixture (probably a Penning mix, or similar), and more-importantly, the addition of mercury to prolong the electrode life. I have several dead or dying 5031's that cant be resurrected with high voltage or current. The only reason I kept them is that someday I will be stubborn (or stupid) enough to attempt regassing them as an experiment.

I suspect the BD-252 is an earlier production version; note the rounded top and the circular anode in the photos are similar to the 5031's construction. Without seeing it illuminated, I wouldn't risk 200 USD unless I was an insatiable collector with money to burn.

Nick Andrews

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Aug 20, 2024, 6:16:53 PM8/20/24
to neoni...@googlegroups.com
Haha, I got a decent batch of the little tiny IN-2(?) with the side nipple on them and of course some were broken.  I put those aside for similar experimentation, thinking I could try glassblowing to attach a new filler neck on them, evacuate, bake out, then re-gas.  At some point.  After I get room cleared out and build the high vacuum cart I plan to build for making laser tubes, neon, and other craziness.  And time...

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