How long do in14 Nixie tubes last?
Nixie tubes are cold cathode devices and have no filament to burn out, so they have long lifetimes: a well-made nixie tube can last more than twenty years in continuous operation.
Why are Nixie tubes so expensive?
Today, nixie tube clocks are still available but rare. People who make them usually use Soviet military stocks. As old tubes get used up, they also become more expensive. The tiny tubes used in watches are especially rare because they were rarely used in the nixie display age.
What are the largest Nixie tubes?
The largest Nixie tube, the CD47, now sells for around US $1,000; back in 2000, it could be had for $100 or less. Some individuals, spotting an opportunity and a challenge, set out to make their own artisanal Nixie tubes.
Do Nixie tubes use a lot of power?
Although the voltage is high, the amount of current flowing is very small, so the clocks do not use much power. They only consume about 3 to 4 Watts of power, and consequently generate almost no heat. The tubes are not hot or even warm to the touch.
Are Nixie tubes durable?
Average longevity of Nixie tubes varied from about 5,000 hours for the earliest types, to as high as 200,000 hours or more for some of the last types to be introduced. There is no formal definition as to what constitutes “end of life” for Nixies, mechanical failure excepted.
Do people still make Nixie tubes?
The last nixie tube was made in the early 90s, when this beautiful technology was replaced by lower-cost alternatives. But production has now resumed in the Czech Republic.
What are the smallest Nixie tubes?
Russian IN-17 Nixie Tubes. These are one of the smallest tubes ever made. Digit height is approx. 8mm.
Are Nixie tubes efficient?
Efficiency ranges from around 65% for 3.7V in, up to around 80% for 5V and 12V.
Are Nixie tubes still being made?