Best boost converter up from 5v?

[Martin Baadsgaard]

Hey guys.

Yea simple question, I want to make a nixie clock with 4x IN-12's and I want to keep the circuit simple. 

Something akin to this: 

Youtube.com

Not sure if I should provide 12v to my circuit and use a linear regulator to step down for logic to 5v like in the video, or if I can just provide 5v directly and pick a boost converter based on that.

I can see on Aliexpress and ebay that you can get some tiny little things these days for about $10.

Aliexpress

[Richard Scales]

NCH8200HV for sure 100% from omnixie.com.

- Richard

[Martin Baadsgaard]

Ah so THAT is where the Aliexpress ones "got their inspiration" from!

[Martin Baadsgaard]

$61.27 with shipping 😨 

I can't justify that...

[Paul Andrews]

• If you go with 12V, use a switching regulator for 5V instead - much more efficient. You can get them with the same form-factor as a linear regulator.
• If you go with 5V and you want to build your own flyback converter, take a look at my design here. It is good for 12 - 15 mA at 176V and is well behaved if you try and draw more than that. I will say though, that building boost converters can be finicky - the layout and component choice is critical, so it is worth building a prototype to get that right. Obviously that pushes the cost up...

[Martin Baadsgaard]

So I am partially doing the chosen design because I got the ICs "for free" along with the tubes and because this is my first electronics project.

I don't have much experience or equipment yet and so I don't think attempting something like a flyback converter would be a suitable undertaking for me.

So I still need to find a pre-built solution, unfortunately...

Also:

I came across this site: https://www.nixieclock.org/ is that literally just a rip-off of https://omnixie.com/ ???

[Martin Baadsgaard]

.. And the answer to the question about the websites appears to be "no"! Because the nixieclock.org is printed on the PCB of the boost converters sold on omnixie.

So time to have a look around and see where else I can buy it.

Looks like there are several copies but the genuineness can potentially be spotted by whether the contact info is printed on it...

[John Rehwinkel]

Yea simple question, I want to make a nixie clock with 4x IN-12's and I want to keep the circuit simple. 

Something akin to this: 

Youtube.com

Not sure if I should provide 12v to my circuit and use a linear regulator to step down for logic to 5v like in the video, or if I can just provide 5v directly and pick a boost converter based on that.

I like the TaylorEdge ones, they're compact, and a solid, professional design.  Available in vertical and horizontal mounting to accommodate varying packaging requirements.

- John

[Martin Baadsgaard]

Oh those also look very nice and price is decent! Although shipping is also $14

This will be my go-to if I can't find a seller I am willing to trust on those NCH8200HV ones.

[Jon]

Another upvote for the TaylorEdge ones - I've used them in a variety of designs over many years and they're great. Decent direct support from the designer too. I am happy to design my own switchers but I only bother now for dekatron circuits or other  oddball things. For regular nixie needs, it's very difficult to match the price/performance/board economy of John's work, so I've come to the conclusion that my time is better deployed elsewhere :)

Jon.

[Richard Scales]

Where are you located ? I usually purchase NCH8200 for < £20 plus shipping and that comes to way less than $60.

Another option is available here as a kit: https://threeneurons.wordpress.com/nixie-power-supply/hv-supply-kit/ The site also publishes full details of the circuit which I have used many times with success on my own boards. It's a well established design using a part which is relatively ancient but has proven reliable. 
As Paul mentioned, layout of these things is often critical so always look at the manufacturers recommendations for the layout of components, tracks and copper fills as it can make the difference between a functional power supply and something that gets too hot and releases the magic smoke from time to time (speaking from my own experience).

- Richard

[chuckrr]

I have one of John Taylor's prototypes in a nixie clock I scratchbuilt in 2010 that uses (6) National NL-6844A tubes.

It has been running  perfectly since that time.   Highly recommended!   Top quality work.
 

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[Martin Baadsgaard]

I'm in the UK. I see omnixie is selling "on offer" for $19 but then when it comes to shipping and taxes it adds the ~$40.

nixietubes.org guy, Yan Zeyuan, is linking to taobao for purchasing a genuine product where it sells for $12.

Can't buy from taobao so trying aliexpress and buying from someone who claims a genuine product.

We will see when it lands.. Could still be a copy. Price was £13.  

[严泽远]

Hi Martin, I'm Yan Zeyuan, a Nixie Clock enthusiast and the designer of NCH8200HV. nixieclock.org is my website based in China, omnixie.com belongs to my authorized reseller and business partner in US, you can purchase it directly from me and save some shipping costs.

Thanks.

Yan.

[Martin Baadsgaard]

Hello Yan, sounds great! Richard also suggested I bought from him but maybe I can avoid depleting his stock.

I will write you an e-mail directly.

Thanks!

[martin martin]

Here's the on I use:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/152237036068

~

mcve...@gmail.com

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