# Dalibor Farny > We are resurrecting a lost technology of nixie tubes and make beautiful clocks out of them. ## Posts - [The chuck finally turning!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/the-chuck-finally-turning/): I made an idler pulley tonight so I am able to finally try turning the chuck! - [Another photos..](https://www.daliborfarny.com/another-photos/): I have almost no time to spend on nixies recently (moving to new house, newborn twins..), so there are some photos of my previous work.. It is mostly preparing of tools for work in the future.. A glassworking torch, oxy-gas.. - [Some progress](https://www.daliborfarny.com/some-progress/): Altough I haven’t written any post recently, I am spending almost all my free time on the nixie tubes making (or better – trying to make :-) ).  I am quite busy these days, mostly because of newborn twins ;-).. I built new spot welder (a tranformer based one) with a pincher and a stem fixture that allows me  to make quite nice stems. Now, I am working on glass lathe, completely new design, big thanks to Ron Soyland aka Tubecrafter. There are some photos of my progress on the glass lathe, more photos later.. - [Helium leak detector running!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/helium-leak-detector-running/): At the beginning – I would like to thank to Ron Soyland, I would not be able to get it work without his great help (hundreds of emails) and his extensive knowlege. Thank You Ron! When I bought the machine, I thought I will just google and download a manual for it. But it eventually turned out to be impossible, Alcatel is no longer in business (no support) and there are no mentions about manual for Alcatel ASM 51 on the web. Even the companies who rent it doesn’t have one :-D. Ron has an Alcatel ASM 10, what is similar, [...] - [Spectrometer unit](https://www.daliborfarny.com/spectrometer-unit/): I am step by step disassembling all the helium leak detector I bought recently. There are several things to do.. cleaning the flanges, replacing the o-ring, checking the oil in pumps.. Ron Soyland mentioned that he disassembled also the spectrometer unit to check the filament state, so I decided to do so as well. The unit is pretty simple, I was really surprised.. - [Stainless steel etching](https://www.daliborfarny.com/stainless-steel-etching/): I tried to etch a stainless steel today.. I used a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl), water and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The peroxide acts here as a catalysator, so when the solution stop etching, just add few mls of it and it start again (as long as there is still some HCl in it..). First 10 seconds after submerging the steel sheet into the etching solution nothing happen then rapid reaction begin ;-) Next I will try 3:1 water:HCl, and gradually adding of H2O2. I also tried to apply a photoresistive layer on the clean stainless steel sheet, I used czech [...] - [Helium leak detector (Alcatel ASM 51)](https://www.daliborfarny.com/helium-leak-detector-alcatel-asm-51/): I accidentally skipped several levels in my research and bought a helium leak detector. It was located in France so I had to ask seller to arrange a shipment to Czech republic and.. it arrived yesterday! It is Alcatel ASM 51, 30 years old machine, but if it is working it will be much mightier tool than I actually need ;-) Ron Soyland offered me remote assistance in firing it up (to be honest, I would be hardly able to get it to work without him, thank Ron!), so with little luck it must work! It weights 150kg, 40kg weight the [...] - [Stainless steel foil finally arrived](https://www.daliborfarny.com/stainless-steel-foil-finally-arrived/): I finnaly got a stainless steel foil (316 type) I orded a few months ago from US. I don’t understand why such a primitive thing is impossible to get (or just find) in EU :-( The thickness of it is 0.1mm, I was afraid it would be too thin, but it exactly what I need. I plan to make all electrodes (digits as well as anode mesh) from it, using photo-etching method. It should have nice results.. - [Some tubes to scavenge..](https://www.daliborfarny.com/some-tubes-to-scavenge/): I got some old non-working tubes to disassemble as Ron Soyland does. There are some nice pieces of material that are I could hardly find else as a molybdenum sheets, nickel sheets and pipes, getters, tungsten electrodes.. It is also nice stuff to study for possible working techniques. - [Induction heater](https://www.daliborfarny.com/induction-heater/): I will try to make an induction heater from common induction cooker. Ron Soyland have already warned me that it will perhaps be impossible due to too low frequency of the induction cookers (60khz, needed is several hundred khz). I will try anyway, it would be so easy to just replace the coil that it is worth of trying it! I started with burning the IGBT transistor, so now I wait for another from China.. - [Butt welding (lead-in-wires)](https://www.daliborfarny.com/butt-welding-lead-in-wires/): I used to spot weld wires for electrodes by placing them across and weld. That works but doesn’t look well and I think it makes strain in the glass when sealed (more steel wire in glass, different thermal expansions). I decided to make a simple jig from some aluminum junk so that I will be able to produce nice lead-in-wires for my experiments. - [custom stems: first attempt](https://www.daliborfarny.com/custom-stems-first-attempt/): The most difficult part of the tube will be definitely stems. More than 10 pins must go through, all vacuum tight of course, on small area. I have some ideas about how to do it properly, but the set up will be pretty complex. Furnace with inert atmosphere, high temperature (around 1000ºC), some kind of pressure (maybe just some ballast weight on the top of the mold..). - [Sealed argon tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/sealed-argon-tube/): I spent last two weeks by making completely standalone argon tubes. I wanted to learn how to make a vacuum-tight feedthroughs and try to tip off the tube from filling system. I prepared a simple manifold for filling with argon, what turned out to be leaky, but I didn’t go for super purity gas and it was tight enough to tip off the tube. I am still waitingfor some glass components to make better manifold.. This experiment should also give some view of cathodic sputtering effect. - [Glassworking lathe, part II](https://www.daliborfarny.com/glassworking-lathe-part-ii/): I was struggling with a glassworking lathe recently.. All went well, until I tried to start the motor ;-) My original shaft (inside the small bearings) connected to motor’s shaft was made from aluminium. But probably during pressing it into bearings and pulley, it bent slightly, so it became eccentric :-( So the shaft was made from scratch from steel and pressed to pulley again.. Unfortunately, the hole in the shaft was drilled 0.2mm bigger, so after locking the motor’s shaft into the hole in steel shaft it was eccentric again ;-) So I removed the screws on the motor holder [...] - [HV Power supply](https://www.daliborfarny.com/hv-power-supply/): This PSU was made according to Lindsay’s PSU here: 40-400V, 20W power supply. I would like to thank for the writing of that great howto. - [Glass working lathe](https://www.daliborfarny.com/glass-working-lathe/): One of the most important tools for working with glass will be glassworking lathe. I decided to build one by myself, commercial solutions are too expensive or aren’t available.. It will consists of four ball bearings, two dc motors, one linear bearing, several aluminum profiles and some minor parts.. Synchronizing of the chucks will be done manually by setting the slave motor rpm according to master one. I hope it will work I don’t have needed skills to do it by one shaft or something like that.. - [High-vacuum stopckocks](https://www.daliborfarny.com/high-vacuum-stopckocks/): After some unsuccessful experiments with common (non-vacuum) stopckocs, valves, etc., I finally decided to use stopcocks designated for high vacuum. I found some on eBay for $25/piece. I applied a vacuum grease, set up an simple vacuum system with hoses and tried it. The stopcock is pretty vacuum tight, but there are still some other leaks, probably somewhere among the hoses :-(   - [Argon arrived](https://www.daliborfarny.com/argon-arrive/): I’ve finally got an argon bottle, 1.3m³ of pure argon (99.996%) pressed in 8l bottle. It is pretty heavy ;-) The argon was chosen because it is has similar features to neon, but is much cheaper and – the most important – it is available.. This image comes from Wikipedia. The argon compared to neon has a little lower voltage needed for discharge, that’s useful.. This bottle + argon cost $100, refill costs $20, argon valve costs $25. Neon nonrefillable bottle with 12 atmospheric litres of neon (compare to 1300 litres of argon..) costs also $100, simple valve without gauges costs [...] - [Electronics for pirani gauge](https://www.daliborfarny.com/electronics-for-pirani-gauge/): I was working on electronic part of pirani gauge a few weeks, so there were no new posts.. I moved the system from breadboard to the plastic box, added display and microprocessor. Measurement and control of the display is based on arduino. I am not going to describe the function of pirani gauge, there is a lot of information on the web. All the electronic system is taken from this pages, I only added a pull-up resistor for wheatstone bridge, because after turning it on, the voltage on bridge stayed on 0 – both branches were equal, so now the static [...] - [First experiments with cathode glow!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-experiments-with-catode-glow/): I have successfully done my first experiments with vacuum and gas discharge.. It was quite simple, the vacuum pump is much powerful I expected.. I work only with air, I have no noble gas available yet.. There is a short video I made today. First, I turned on a HV power supply, then the pump is turned on, as the pressure in a glass bottle gets lower, the glow changes..   Common glass bottle, one hole for air-evacuation tube, one for cathode wire, all sealed by hot glue. I used the lid as an anode. - [Vacuum setup](https://www.daliborfarny.com/vacuum-setup/): I planned to use a charging hoses with integrated valves to control provide and control the vacuum in all parts of system. But I found that the valves can’t hold the vacuum and let the air in :-( So I cut the valves and currently I use only the hoses mounted on a glass tube.. I will probably build the setup on a glass joints and glass valves with vacuum grease. It is not the simplest way, but it is cheap and should reliable.   - [Vacuum pump running](https://www.daliborfarny.com/vacuum-pump-running/): I finally cleared the pump from mercury (at least what I found), placed new o-ring (what I destroyed myself) and refilled the original Ultragrade 19 oil. The pump is pretty silent (much more than I had expected), I am looking forward to test it.. Some photos..     - [Spot (tack) welder](https://www.daliborfarny.com/spot-tack-welder/): We can’t use a soldering inside the vacuum tube, the tin would melt during the heating of the tube because of the tin low melting point. Instead of that it is necessary to use a welding, probably the best solution is small spot welder, I choose a capacitive version. Large capacitor is charged on 16-20V and then discharged via thyristor and electrodes into the welded stuff. You can find tons of info about the spot welder, I won’t mess the internet by another one ;-) I recommend this one: Tab welder. Just some photos of mine.. I had to add another [...] - [Borosilicate glass](https://www.daliborfarny.com/borosilicate-glass/): As I mentioned before, I am going to use a borosilicate glass in combination with tungsten wire. This glass is used in labs for scientific glass blowing, so the first place where I started to look for that glass were e-shops with lab supplies. There ale lots of suppliers, but all want some minimum quantity to order – tens or hundreds tubes of each diameter. But I had a luck, I found a 60% sale on 1500mm tubes, diameters from 12 to 20mm and a some 42mm, there were no minimum quantity needed. The glass brand is Simax, it is czech [...] - [Vacuum pump](https://www.daliborfarny.com/vacuum-pump/): I bought a used Edwards E2M5 vacuum pump for $150. I had thought the vacuum pump would be the most expensive part of the system, what a luck to find a pump for that price.. The only problem here is that after unpacking the pump from the box, I found a few drops of mercury spilled in the inlet port. So I examined the pump and realized that someone in the previous lab probably made a mistake and let the mercury get in the pump :-( I take it apart and caught all the drops I saw with the tin wire. [...] - [Tungsten wire](https://www.daliborfarny.com/tungsten-wire/): I started searching for material by looking for tungsten wire.. I found several expensive offers on eBay, too much money for several inches of wire :-( Then I wrote several wire manufacturers, there the price/length ratio was much better, but the minimal quantity I had to order was 10kg of wire ($1500) :-( Finally, I tried to search for the tungsten wire as a “Wolfram wire” and found one seller in UK, who offered a wire for a reasonable price – 300cm/$5.. It is 0.6mm diameter wire, quite hard and thick, 0.2mm in diameter would be better choice.. The tungsten wire [...] - [Vacuum gauge](https://www.daliborfarny.com/vacuum-gauge/): For the rough measuring we can use a common manometer, for more exact measurement at lower pressures, it is necessary to use a gauge for high vacuum. As expected, such a thing is pretty expensive, so I look for some diy solution and I found ;-) It is called Pirani gauge, it consists of one perforated bulb and some simple electronic. The electronics I chose was Sooty’s one. It is simple, cheap and easy to build.. I took a 24v/1.2W, cold resistance 46 Ω. I wasted 3 of 4 I have at home :-( I perforated the bulb using a tungsten [...] - [Glass to metal seal](https://www.daliborfarny.com/glass-to-metal-seal/): The essential matter when making vacuum tubes is good contact of electrodes and glass case, it is called glass to metal seal. It looks simple – just to melt glass, place the hot wire electrode in and wait until it cools down. But there is a problem of different thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), what causes the glass near the connection to crack. So You must use glass and metal with similar TEC. Soda-lime glass + copper wire One way is to take ordinary soda-lime glass (TEC 8.5) and choose metal with similar value of TEC, it is often copper (TEC 17) [...] - [Looking Back at 2025](https://www.daliborfarny.com/looking-back-at-2025/): Let’s look back at 2025, it was year full of difficulties but also of small victories. Omnixie clock The most intensive project in 2025 was the Omnixie clock. This project was done in collaboration with Yan Zeyuan — skilled electronics engineer and designer, known for his beautiful Omnixie clock line. Years ago, Yan built a large Omnixie clock using our R nixie tubes as a side project. It looked so good that we decided to turn the idea into a polished product. Yan was responsible for the electronics and firmware, and for the mechanical construction of the base. My part was [...] - [F tube on hold, new clock in development.](https://www.daliborfarny.com/f-tube-on-hold-new-clock-in-development/): The development of the F nixie tube has proven to be beyond our current resources, both economically and in terms of project scale. As a result, I’ve decided to put it on hold for now. In the meantime, we’re focusing on creating a new nixie clock that will feature the existing R nixie tube. - [Small progress, update video. F project | EP#11](https://www.daliborfarny.com/small-progress-update-video-f-project-ep11/): The progress on the F tube development in the past weeks was small, but considering the limited time, it is still a success. Sealing machine is waiting for renovation, I also found a supplier of P2 material for anodes of the nixie tubes. - [I added stationary burners. F project | EP#10](https://www.daliborfarny.com/i-added-stationary-burners-f-project-ep10/): Sides of the stem are heated properly, but what about the center? This is much more difficult.. I need to find a way to heat the center without burning off the pins. First step is to add stationary burners.. - [Stem ejection mechanism working. F project | EP#9](https://www.daliborfarny.com/stem-ejection-mechanism-working-f-project-ep9/): I am still struggling with development of the stem press, but some progress was made – the ejection mechanism that pushes the glass out of the mold is working! - [I learn how to make glass button stems. F project | EP#8](https://www.daliborfarny.com/i-learn-how-to-make-glass-button-stems-f-project-ep8/): The molds were finished; great time to put in some glass and try pressing stems. There is progress, but the journey to a fully functional stem will be longer than anticipated! Watch “To se vysvětlí, soudruzi”: https://www.ceskatelevize.cz/porady/15513070519-to-se-vysvetli-soudruzi/ - [I finished the glass molds. F project | EP#7](https://www.daliborfarny.com/i-finished-the-glass-molds-f-project-ep7/): The molds are finished, we can do another test molding the glass soon! - [We received the pins, plans for burn-in machine. F project | EP#6](https://www.daliborfarny.com/we-received-the-pins-plans-for-burn-in-machine-f-project-ep6/): The pins for glass stems arrived, we are planning another machine – another piece of the F tube puzzle! - [Machining of the mold holders. F project | EP#5](https://www.daliborfarny.com/machining-of-the-mold-holders-f-project-ep5/): I machined the holders for the glass forming molds, a few more parts, and we can melt some glass! - [New mold design for forming the glass stem | EP#4](https://www.daliborfarny.com/new-mold-design-for-forming-the-glass-stem-ep4/): The new mold design is ready, the glass lathe seems to be aligned well to use it.. Now we need to machine it! - [Cutting Pins for F Nixie tube | EP#3](https://www.daliborfarny.com/cutting-pins-for-f-nixie-tube-ep3/): Another version of a mold for manufacturing stems is in development. Meanwhile, I am trying the process of cutting wires to pins – this will be needed once the mold is ready.. - [First Experiments With Molding glass for F Nixie tube | EP#2](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-experiments-with-molding-glass-for-f-nixie-tube-ep2/): We need to develop a stem press machine for the new F nixie tube. A complex task that needs to be done step by step. In this video, I am doing the first baby steps ;-) - [Starting new project: F | EP#1](https://www.daliborfarny.com/starting-new-project-f-ep1/): We are starting a new project, development of a new nixie tube called F. Stay tuned for more info ;-) - [Large H nixie tubes update and other stuff done in | January 2023](https://www.daliborfarny.com/large-h-nixie-tubes-update-and-other-stuff-done-in-january-2023/): The installation made with the large H nixie tubes is getting tempo.. - [Trying making a flange on glass, H tubes aged | week 16-17/2022](https://www.daliborfarny.com/trying-making-a-flange-on-glass-h-tubes-aged-week-16-172022/): The previous batch of H tubes is finished, we experiment with making a flange on glass cylinder and test a new jig for making the glass relays. - [Aging of the H tube and a vacuum relay project | week 14-15/2022](https://www.daliborfarny.com/aging-of-the-h-tube-and-a-vacuum-relay-project-week-14-152022/): The small batch of H tubes with reinforced digits is ready to be finished – put on aging. It doesn’t go smooth, as usual.. - [New batch of H tubes, preparing shipment to USA | Week 12-13/2022](https://www.daliborfarny.com/new-batch-of-h-tubes-preparing-shipment-to-usa-week-12-132022/): A new batch of digits arrived, so we can continue in prototyping the H tube. We can’t forget about the R tube production and the Puri clocks that we build with them – a new batch of Puri clocks will soon leave to the USA.   - [10 H tubes ready for glasswork - Project H #22](https://www.daliborfarny.com/10-h-tubes-ready-for-glasswork-project-h-22/): We have parts for 10 more H tubes, I am now trying to get them to finished tubes so we can look at the problems and make design changes for the next batch. Glasswork coming! - [Anode cup design finished - Project H #21](https://www.daliborfarny.com/anode-cup-design-finished-project-h-21/): The new space for the development of our nixie tubes is already serving its purpose, so I am able to continue on the H tube project. The problem with rigidity of the anode cup, the main structural element, is hopefully solved – by the first stamped part I ever ordered. - [We now ship also from the USA](https://www.daliborfarny.com/we-now-ship-also-from-the-usa/): Since I started manufacturing and selling nixie tubes and clocks, our customers from the USA formed the single biggest market for us. I remember years where we shipped 50% of our clocks to the USA. Today, I am excited to announce an improvement for our US customers – cooperation with Nicholas Stock from California. Nick will ship our clocks to US customers and also do some warranty and repair services. This change means faster delivery, no import process, lower risk of damaging the package and lower overall cost of the delivery. - [Quick update - Project H #20](https://www.daliborfarny.com/quick-update-project-h-20/): Hi! The end of the year is here, it is almost impossible to find the hours for making videos.. So, I made a quick update.. - [Making: Huge Nixie Tube Finally Glowing! - Project H #19](https://www.daliborfarny.com/making-huge-nixie-tube-finally-glowing-project-h-19/): This is the second prototype build of the H-tube, I fixed several issues from the first build – especially the front window sealing made me soo much happy as the seal is so beautiful. The fun will continue as there are still many issues to solve :-) - [Making: Huge Nixie Tube prototype - Project H #18](https://www.daliborfarny.com/making-huge-nixie-tube-prototype-project-h-18/): All the major issues were solved, the time to make the first complete H tube has come. The main goal for this one is to tell us more about more possible design issues I didn’t think before. And I must confess there is a ton of them! - [Filling the oxygen concentrators with new molecular sieves - Project H #17](https://www.daliborfarny.com/filling-the-oxygen-concentrators-with-new-molecular-sieves-project-h-17/): We always used old oxygen concentrators to make oxygen for our glassworking burners. They troubled us all the time – for the H tube, we need more oxygen, a great occasion to spend resources on building a reliable machine. In this video, I am refilling the molecular sieve beds with fresh new sieves! - [All prototype parts ready, let's clean them - Project H #16](https://www.daliborfarny.com/all-prototype-parts-ready-lets-clean-them-project-h-16/): Unbelievable, we have all parts for a prototype ready! I want to make the prototype as soon as possible to find possible design issues. First operation – cleaning! - [Large Digits For a Nixie Tube- Project H #15](https://www.daliborfarny.com/large-digits-for-a-nixie-tube-project-h-15/): The digits for the new “H” nixie tube have just arrived! They are so large compared to the 50mm numbers in our R|Z568M nixie tube.. I am so eager to see this beast glowing! - [30L/m Oxygen Concentrator Update - Project H #14](https://www.daliborfarny.com/30lm-oxygen-concentrator-update-project-h-14/): We are building our own 30L/m oxygen concentrator to supply our burners for sealing the window glass of the H tube. As usual, there are things that need to be solved :-) - [Ceramawire arrived, anode cup update - Project H #13](https://www.daliborfarny.com/ceramawire-arrived-anode-cup-update-project-h-13/): Small update, the Ceramawire – nickel wire coated with ceramics – finally arrived. Next week I will test whether it is suitable for a high vacuum in combination with high temperatures. So far it looks very promising. Also, the anode cup is evolving – not as fast as I wished it to.. - [Update: pressed metal parts, oxygen source, electronics, internal parts - Project H #12](https://www.daliborfarny.com/update-pressed-metal-parts-oxygen-source-electronics-internal-parts-project-h-12/): Almost all parts for the H-tube are ready, just a few are still in development. Let’s hope the visually boring phase of preparation will be soon over and we will be able to start production soon :-) - [12 weeks left, new Timetable - Project H #11](https://www.daliborfarny.com/12-weeks-left-new-timetable-project-h-11/): There are 12 weeks left to the final installation of the large nixie tube project. Still, a lot of work to be done.. - [First sub-assembly - support of the stem - Project H #10](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-sub-assembly-support-of-the-stem-project-h-10/): It’s time to finish the development of the first parts of the H tube – sub-assembly of the stem and ceramic rods. I designed this connection to be done using ceramics adhesive and it seems it will work. It is vacuum safe and it will provide enough support for the rest of the internal system of our nixie tube. - [Project update - Project H #9](https://www.daliborfarny.com/project-update-project-h-9/): A bit longer video – I wanted to give you an update on progress in: 1:18 – upgrade of the glassworking equipment 5:28 – residual stress in the glass after sealing 7:25 – solder glass testing 11:20 – nitrogen purging setup 15:29 – connecting wires insulation 20:17 – anode cup manufacture 24:52 – ceramic parts. - [Borax is not a suitable coating under high vacuum | Project H #8](https://www.daliborfarny.com/borax-is-not-a-suitable-coating-under-high-vacuum-project-h-8/): Another test made – it turns out that dumet wire with its borated protective layer is not suitable for use in a high vacuum. Maybe at room temperature.. The borax layer (or the borated compounds) evaporates under high vacuum at 500C. I will need to find another solution. - [Is Borax Suitable Coating for High Vacuum? | Project H #7](https://www.daliborfarny.com/is-borax-suitable-coating-for-high-vacuum-project-h-7/): A borated dumet wire would be a perfect solution for the insulated electrical connection between stem and digits inside the tube H. Borax would work as the insulating layer while copper-clad NiFe core would do the electrical connection which is easy to spot-weld to both stem and digit. Moreover, we have plenty of dumet already, it is low-cost, we can cut it to whatever length we need in-house, etc.. But – how does the borax behave during bakeout process under high vacuum, will it be stable once there is plasma around? - [Thinking How to Drive a Panel of 121 Nixie Tubes | Project H #6](https://www.daliborfarny.com/thinking-how-to-drive-a-panel-of-121-nixie-tubes-project-h-6/): While working on the tube H itself, we have to keep in mind also the design of the electronics – without an absolutely reliable driver, the panel will simply not deliver the desired experience. Our first idea was to use a master module with just a string of shift registers – we do this normally in our clocks.. However, it turned out the data flow required in this case would be too large – we will need to split the logic. - [Successful Window-Envelope Seal | Project H #5](https://www.daliborfarny.com/successful-window-envelope-seal-project-h-5/): Finally some progress – I succeeded in sealing of the front window. I still need to do thorough testing, evacuating it etc.. but it seems the design I chose might work. The tooling setup is temporary – I will make it safer and more productive later. - [What Electrical Insulation to Use in a Nixie Tube? | Project H #4](https://www.daliborfarny.com/what-electrical-insulation-to-use-in-a-nixie-tube-project-h-4/): The project of the “tube H” is running well, however, there are still some voids that need to be filled. One of them: I need to find good way how to insulate wires that are connecting the digits to the stem against parasitic glow. - [First Window-Envelope seal | Project H #3](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-window-envelope-seal-project-h-3/): I made another step in the development of the “H tube”.. In this video, I am trying to seal the front window into the tube envelope for the first time. This experiment is mainly about exploring weaknesses in our equipment with the intention to adapt it to this size of the glass. - [Vacuum Holder for Glass Window | Project H #2](https://www.daliborfarny.com/vacuum-holder-for-glass-window-project-h-2/): To successfully seal the glass window to the main envelope body, I need to develop a holder for the glass windows which is able to withstand high temperature and hold the glass by vacuum. I think I can mark this “done”. - [Starting New 150mm Nixie Tube | Project H #1](https://www.daliborfarny.com/starting-new-150mm-nixie-tube-project-h-1/): I am starting a project of a new nixie tube – a large 150mm front-view nixie tube. This particular tube is designed for an artwork that will be installed in October 2020. I want to keep you regularly updated on how is this project coming along. Wish me luck :-) - [Updating Firmware in Our Clocks Remotely](https://www.daliborfarny.com/updating-firmware-in-our-clocks-remotely/): The development of firmware for a product is a neverending story. I always wanted to keep also the clocks of our first customers up-to-date and with all the latest features, so we had to come up with a way how to update their firmware remotely. Thanks for help to: Lukáš Jezný – participating on the clock firmwarehttps://www.jezny.com/ John Kalberer – cloud software https://brewskey.com/ Daniil Kondratyev – clock design and manufacture https://www.coillight.com/ Pierre – making the Solitube clock assembly videohttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXlu0NYEvn77yL5e4SQYgxw - [Making a Custom Nixie Tube for Keysight Technologies](https://www.daliborfarny.com/making-a-custom-nixie-tube-for-keysight-technologies/) - [Plans for 2020 - getting ready for the nixie tube factory.](https://www.daliborfarny.com/plans-for-2020-getting-ready-for-the-nixie-tube-factory/) - [Can Nixie Tube Operate At 100 000 Hz?](https://www.daliborfarny.com/can-nixie-tube-operate-at-100-000-hz/): I am going to switch to making videos instead of writing the blog articles. Each new video will be added as a blog entry. I hope you will like it :-) Yes! With Sebastian, we are trying to understand (and explain) the physics behind the fast switching of digits in a nixie tube. Link to the company which provided the camera: http://www.proxis.cz/ We used Photron Cameras: https://photron.com/ Thank you! - [June|2019 - Nixie Machine III, Grandhotel Pupp, new projects](https://www.daliborfarny.com/june/): Puri and OOO clock in Grandhotel Pupp We finally delievered the Puri and OOO clock to Grandhotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic). The OOO clock turned out to be extremely difficult to finish – the ceramics shrinks and deforms and matching it to exact layout of mounting holes or tubes on board with electronics is a challenge. Of course, it is a problem which has a solution, but the development would take lot of resources which we can invest into nixie tube development. My attitude is to focus more on nixie tubes (and the driving/electronics) and less on the case [...] - [May|2019 - visiting Paul Parry, new lab, TV spot](https://www.daliborfarny.com/may2019-visiting-paul-parry-new-lab-tv-spot/): Meeting Paul Parry Finally, after years of email communication, I had a chance to personally meet Paul Parry with his wife and see his workshop. As you probably know, Paul Parry creates nixie clocks and other devices under brand “Bad dog designs“. Among others, Paul is creator of the wonderful Bombe clock. We spent many hours talking about the work and life in general, about life in Great Britain and Czech Republic. This was my first visit of Great Britain since high school and first visit with “local guide” – Paul had to answer many questions :-) We already meet a [...] - [April|2019 - FOG!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/aprilfog/): Fog! I am skipping February and March blogposts – but I will write them, I promise :-) I just wanted to write April’s post while the memories are still fresh.. What happened that it is so important? Let’s start from beginning – on 8th of October 2018 we made a tube #6059. There was nothing special about that tube with one exception – we noticed a subtle gray fog developed on internal side of the glass envelope. I remembered that exactly this problem appeared once in 2016 – it happened just once, so I decided not to spend time (the most [...] - [March|2019 - Less distraction, clock boards revisions, fog](https://www.daliborfarny.com/march2019-less-distraction-clock-boards-revisions-fog/): Clock boards revisions During March, we prepared revision of electronics board for Puri clock, revisited board for project NX2 (details will come), new board for our Blub clock (details soon) and few prototype boards for our new burn-in/testing device (machine we will use for burn-in and testing of our tubes). looking into list of our orders in Gatema (PCB fab), I found we made 100 individual board designs since 2015, not bad for such a small team. And we use Gatema only for prototypes and small runs – for boards which are visible to customer (Zen, Puri), we use small local [...] - [Feb|2019 - GIT, OOO clock, Blub](https://www.daliborfarny.com/feb2019-git-ooo-clock-blub/): February.. We started using GIT We are now three people writing software for our devices – Sebastian, Radim, me. The same files need to be accessed from LAN and from internet as well (Sebastian on homeoffice or me from home). So we decided to setup a GIT for our source codes. It turned out that we know it more theoretically than practically – especially administration of the repository, merging branches etc.. But in around a week of practice, we developed a reliable way how to cooperate on the projects efficiently. How could we live without GIT before? OOO We made progress [...] - [Jan|2019 - Getter cutter progress, motion sensor](https://www.daliborfarny.com/jan2019/): Getter cutter machine I am building a machine which will cut getter strips to individual pieces with minimal attention from the operator. The process must be clean, precise and reliable. It is not very difficult project, so I decided to take it as first project for my planned youtube video build series. I am learning work with camera and eliminating mistakes I do in taking the footage (e.g. loose microphone cable = no sound, autofocus on = shaky footage, forget turn on lights = noisy image etc..). Getter cutter feeder In first video, I redesigned a feeder part. Now it needs [...] - [Dec|2018 - Burn-in device progress, filming stuff progress](https://www.daliborfarny.com/dec2018-burn-in-device-progress-filming-stuff-progress/): Okay, December is over, 2018 is over, 7.1% of 2019 is over.. It’s high time I wrote a December update :-) Burn-in machine Probably the most single amount of time was invested into building of the new burn-in machine. This project is completely on Sebastian, I am just a source of information about current burn-in methods/parameters. And he does extremely well! We estimated 2 months to build it, it is already over 4 months now – that delay became a normal scenario now and it seems it no longer stress. When building a new machines or digging more into principle of [...] - [Nov|2018 - Grandhotel Pupp, Youtube restart](https://www.daliborfarny.com/nov2018-grandhotel-pupp-youtube-channel-restart/): Mid November.. we are having a meeting with guys from Creepy Studio, discussing results of Designblok. I am pretty frustrated, with this amount of resources spent (wasted), trying hard not to show it and demotivate others. Actually, I am depressed. I don’t mind failing when it is about building a machine, trial and error experiments etc. But I don’t feel comfortable when something goes so much out of expectations, with so many people involved.. Never mind, I need to draw a line and get over it, like I did so many times. David is again suggesting I should focus on our [...] - [Oct|2018 - Designblok, Puri Nixie clock](https://www.daliborfarny.com/oct2018-designblok-puri-nixie-clock/): This year, October was unusually warm and beautiful, it was great to look through the window while working and watch people enjoying the weather :-) So, this is what we did in Octorber: Puri Nixie Clock I started development of Puri Nixie Clock in August 2017, more than a year ago. In october 2018, it was finally released. As usual with new products, the initial idea for Puri came as an improvement for Zen Nixie Clock. Don’t take me wrong, I really like Zen clock and it will always have a special place in history of our business – it was [...] - [Sep|2018 - Sebastian, new clocks, new tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/update-september-2018/): Summer is always busy. We need to do more work before holidays season (July/August) and then need to catch up with the work we delayed – and this happens in September. Fortunately, beside regular work on nixie tubes and clocks, we started several new projects and I want to write about these. Sebastian – our new electrical engineer Since the very beginning of this nixie tube resurrection project, I dreamed about hiring a professional electrical engineer. It must be great if you can just specify what you want as a result (e.g. new clock board), provide the necessary means (tools, parts) and [...] - [Update February - August 2018](https://www.daliborfarny.com/update-february-august-2018/): Everytime I finally get to writing a post I am surprised how much time passed.. Since September, I decided to post updates every month. There are more and more things happening, more open projects, more people working on them.. So I must write continuously. Otherwise the information are condensed and miss the details and opinions I had at that particular time.. Few months ago I started getting a feeling that things were not moving as fast as I would like them to.. There were projects I could not get to at all (new washing table, press brake for bending parts, new website [...] - [Successful beginning of 2018](https://www.daliborfarny.com/successful-beginning-of-2018/): New year started in good way, there were no troubles with manufacture on our side, no surprises on side of suppliers. After Christmas holidays, we jumped into work relaxed, with new energy. The days are longer, with more sun, spring will come soon ;-) - [2017: Year In Review](https://www.daliborfarny.com/2017-year-in-review/): Another exciting year is over, let’s take what it brought to our nixie tube endeavour! - [Reliability of our nixie tubes - vacuum tightness](https://www.daliborfarny.com/reliability-of-our-nixie-tubes-vacuum-tightness/): Customers often ask questions related to lifespan and reliability of our nixie tubes. We recently made a tube with serial number #3000, I think we now have representative sample of tubes to make some nice statistics. In following months, I will write several articles covering all the problematics. - [Mid 2017 update](https://www.daliborfarny.com/mid-2017-update/): Recent 6 months were pretty busy, we now make much faster progress in development of our little nixie tube factory than anytime ever. This blogpost is a summary of our successes and also problems we face to. Let’s take a look what’s been going on here: Zen Nixie Clock The Zen Nixie Clock is what has been making us really busy. Since summer 2016, we’ve shipped over 100 clocks and have received great feedback from customers. Apart from nixie tubes themselves, customers like minimalistic design and also electronic features of our clock (internet connectivity with automatic time synchronization, clock settings accessible [...] - [2016: Year in review](https://www.daliborfarny.com/2016-year-in-review/): Year 2017 is here, right time to review year 2016. Year 2016 was about transformation from one-man-show to small company. And because business is about numbers, I decided I will share them with you. Maybe business people among you will have some notes to my decisions ;-) One year ago, I set myself a goal to arrange things in the company so that I can hire an employee to help me with the manual routine works on nixie tubes. I was working alone, with Karel, a pensioner, for small ad-hoc jobs. My wife Eva was helping me with administrative tasks (accounting, [...] - [Zen Nixie Clock - Update #4](https://www.daliborfarny.com/zen-nixie-clock-update-4/): I am bringing new information regarding the Zen Nixie Clock progress.. Briefly, 99% of all things ready, whole project is now blocked by issues with the aluminum stands.   - [Zen Nixie Clock – Update #3](https://www.daliborfarny.com/zen-nixie-clock-update-3/): Middle of September is here – expected time of shipment of the Zen Nixie Clocks, let’s take a look at what is ready and what we are waiting for.   - [Zen Nixie clock - update #2](https://www.daliborfarny.com/zen-nixie-clock-update-2/): New updates regarding the Zen Nixie clock are here! Aluminum parts surface finish I just received first small batch of tube bases from Adruu, Netherlands based company specialised in surface treatments of aluminum parts. The results is amazing – uniform surface, very nice satin texture. The bases are bead blasted first, then bright dipped and eventually anodized to final color. Special thanks to Adruu’s commercial director Joran van Bussel for very very kind attitude in whole process of this order! The bases will be available in Silver, Champagne gold and black finish. Case aluminum stand, nixie tube bases and colon tube bases [...] - [Zen nixie clock - development update](https://www.daliborfarny.com/zen-nixie-clock-development-update/): The Zen nixie clock is successfully evolving, right time to share the current phase in a post! Display case The case is designed in a minimalistic way to emphasize the nixie tubes themselves. The overal shape of the case and surface finish of the parts will fit every interior. The stand is made of aluminum, it sits on 8mm tall rubber feet. The cover is made of glass and protects the tubes against possible damage and also keep away dust. - [The blog is back!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/the-blog-is-back/): It has been almost two years since my last post on the blog. In 2014, I decided to switch to Facebook and add only short posts with photos. Facebook is great platform for sharing short posts and interact with people, but I found I miss writing more detailed posts. We are now working on several interesting projects which deserves to be described more in details, so I decided to revive the blog. Of course, I will not make posts daily, but it will definitely be more frequently than once per year ;-) Every post will be share on Facebook, so if you follow [...] - [The ShanghaiTime: how it all happened](https://www.daliborfarny.com/the-shanghaitime-how-it-all-happend/): I think it might be interesting to write down all the info about my participation in the When Prague Meets Shanghai contest as it eventually became one of the milestones in my fight for resurrecting the nixie tubes manufacture. - [Looking for a few crazy enthusiasts!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/looking-for-a-few-crazy-enthusiast/): Hi! Do You count yourself as a nixie tube enthusiast? Would You like to become a part of nixie tube’s rebirth? I worked really really hard past two years, on full time basis, putting a small scale nixie tube manufacture together and I am almost ready now.. I designed first nixie clock with tubes made by myself and the only thing I need now is a handful of customers, crazy enough to rush in and help me with testing! You are going to get: – An amazing single-tube clock controlled via amplifier-like rotary knob, with geeky 3D printed case. The nixie [...] - [Getter flasher building photos](https://www.daliborfarny.com/859/): I currently build a getter flasher according to Ron Soyland‘s design (he will publish it on his site soon). There is a few photos from the building process: - [Introducing: ShanghaiTime nixie clock](https://www.daliborfarny.com/introducing-shanghaitime-nixie-clock/): Soooo.. After six weeks of intensive development, I am posting first photo of finished ShanghaiTime clock. As I already wrote, I designed this clock for a glass-art contest “When Prague Meets Shanghai” arranged by a czech company producing high-end glass chandeliers called Preciosa. I plan to write more, attach some photos of the innards, electronics etc., this blogpost is just about to share my excitement from how great it turned out to be on a photo! The ShanghaiTime clock, photo: janskrasek.com - [Facebook page established](https://www.daliborfarny.com/facebook-page-established/): I decided to establish a Facebook page for nixie making project. I plan to add there some random photos, snapshots and so.. I called it “DaliborFarny.com”, on that domain will be a static content and some products for sale I hope ;-) You are welcome here: Facebook page - [Nixie clocks for a contest](https://www.daliborfarny.com/nixie-clocks-for-a-contest/): I am working hard on a clocks for a contest called “When Prague Meets Shanghai” (more about contest here: WPMS). This is a first oportunity how to present working tubes in a real product. - [Another nixie tubes made](https://www.daliborfarny.com/another-nixie-tubes-made/): As I promised, I started making a sample tubes. I am now working on a project for one local contest, more later.. And I made two new tubes as a prototypes for that project. All three tubes, from oldest to newest. - [Big progress: Lab Sample No.3](https://www.daliborfarny.com/big-progress-lab-sample-no-3/): I experienced big success today. I sealed first really working nixie tube (or nixie retort ;-). I surprisingly didn’t forget to do any individual step in the making process and ended up with a tube that by far exceeded my expectations. I tested the tube carefully on the helium leak detector several times, I also checked all the vacuum system, gass filling manifold and gas connectors. I found one small leak on the teflon washer on one of the needle valves (for neon filling) – repaired – and one on the connector to neon bottle – placed a new o-ring. I [...] - [Garden shed finished](https://www.daliborfarny.com/garden-shed-finished/): Finally, the shed is finished and I can start moving all the equipment that I gathered in recent two years there. Building of the shed was the major job during last 5 months, I didnt have much time for real nixie tube research, but that changes! I made the glassblowing stuff working today – torches, propane-butan bottle, oxy concentrators, manifold and so.. I also moved some of the stuff here, it is waiting to be sorted out.. - [Metal parts for nixie tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/metal-parts-for-nixie-tubes/): I got a sample of etched parts today, the quality is absolutely outstanding! Sharp edges, no etched spots, no under-etched places. I cant wait to put it all together! Sorry for quality of the photos, all were made in a hurry, as usual ;-) Hexagonal anode grid - [Assembly test No.2](https://www.daliborfarny.com/assembly-test-no-2/): I made some minor changes is the last nixie tube design and decided to get it etched from brass. It would be better to have it made from stainless steel, but the company I use for etching experience some problems with photo resist, so I decided to use a brass, only for this test. Brass is nice material, it is unfortunately impossible to use it in vacuum tubes. It relieves a zinc into vacuum during a bake out phase, the zinc then condensates on the colder glass envelope.. It is also too soft and numbers made from brass would sputter heavily. [...] - [Heathaway glas lathe in the shop!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/heathway-glass-lathe-in-the-shop/): New addition to the workshop, Heathway glassblowing lathe. I got it on eBay and it took almost a month to arrange a trasport from UK here to Czech republic. But it finally came off and it is now sitting firmly on the concrete block for my future garden lab (masked as garden shed) :-D This lathe was manufactured in 1968 in UK and served all its life in a university glassblowing lab. That lab was cancelled around 2012 and the equipment was sold out. I am currently spending all my time building the shed so that I can accomodate all the [...] - [First nixie digits assembly](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-nixie-digits-assembly/): Hi all, the frequency of posting updates decreased significantly, but don’t be afraid, I am still working hard to produce real nixie tubes. I am building a garden shed now, I collected so many crazy stuff that I need more room again. I will post some photos of the garden shed later ;-) I am developing a layout for etching all the metal parts necessary for assembling a nixie tube, such as digits, anode grid and so. My plan is to make Z568M reproductions as I consider these tubes the most beatiful ones! I found that using a 0.1 mm thick [...] - [Oxygen concentrator](https://www.daliborfarny.com/oxygen-concentrator/): I decided to switch to oxygen concentrators from liquid oxygen in tanks. The tank is empty really fast and getting a full one is bothering, time and money consuming ;-) So I bought a slightly used Oxymat 3 from eBay, it was sold as-is and I counted with some malfunction. This one is a new model and has only 4760 hours on it, the price was 150 EUR. When I turned the oxycon on, it started to beep and signalised a problem with red LED. So I took it apart and found one plastic fitting broken, it was the fitting what [...] - [Another update: digits for nixie tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/another-update-digits-for-nixie-tubes/): It has been some time since my last blog post, don’t be afraid, I am still working on nixie tube project! Around 2-3 hours a day in average. I am building a shed on the garden where I will place all the workshop. I hope it will be finished in one month. I am also parallely working on the last parts of the whole nixie tube project. One of the most important things are the inner metal parts, I originally planned to etch them myself, but that project became so complicated that I try to outsource as many processes as I [...] - [Another failure of the leak detector](https://www.daliborfarny.com/another-failure-of-the-leak-detector/): My leak detector suffered another defect. I was just doing some tests of the filling manifold while the filament was suddenly turned off and the needle of the vacuum gauge went out of the scale. After some time spent by looking for the problem, I found that the transformer is really hot, 110°C, that was really bad. It meant that there would be probably shorted winding. I finally got a new custom transformer from Bohemia Trafo, good communication, great quality and reasonable price of around $60, the transformer has 9 windings! I still havent finished the repair yet, but it looks [...] - [Should have been first nixie tube :-(](https://www.daliborfarny.com/should-have-been-first-nixie-tube/): I decided to build a tube what would use the technologie like original nixie tubes. I made a mica sheets, used a glass spacers, build an enclosure for digits with grid.. I also made a new style stem with evacuation tube inside, just as experiment.. The tube could have a round top cap.. The tube ready to bake out and pump down, the vacuum pumps already started and then it happened.. I broke the evacuation pipe :-( It is pretty fragile.. So enjoy just some photos of ruined tube ;-) - [The oven for baking out the nixie tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/the-oven-for-baking-out-the-nixie-tubes/): I almost finished the oven for baking out nixie tubes.. I had to replace the heating element because the previous one melted :-D The only thing I had to add is the fuse ;-) The oven will work up to 500°C, I plan to bake the tubes at temperature of 480°C. The limiting element is the temperature sensor, it is rated for 600°C. The PID controller (MyPin TA4) works to 1200°C, the fire-resistant board (white material) should work up to 1150°C. I limited the power to 200W, the oven goes to 450°C in 45 minutes. If You are interested in details, [...] - [First sample "nixie tube"](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-sample-nixie-tube/): So, there is my first nixie tube. I was really eager to make anything sealed, so I didn’t pay much attention to details and lifetime of the tube. There are two (stainless steel) cathodes – “0” and “7”, a small piece of stainless steel sheet is used as the anode. Distance of the cathodes to the anode is different, so behaviour (breakdown voltage, current needed) is different – it is easier to light the “7”, the “0” gives uneven glow. However, when I fill it on the manifold, both striked nicely, I think that some moisture from the glass was evaporated [...] - [A Milestone: first neon glow!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/milestone-first-neon-glow/): Finally! I saw a neon glowing today, first time in my system! I filled the tube first on 1 torr with argon, then to 32 torr with neon, so the ratio is 1:31 = 97% neon and 3% argon. The glow doesn’t cover whole digit, the shape of electrodes is not perfectly parallel and there is just a back plate as the anode, so the electric field is not homogenous. So I have now reliable gas filling manifold. From now on, I am going to play with glass and make some “lab samples” ;-) I unfortunately drop my glow tube on [...] - [Neon bottle connector](https://www.daliborfarny.com/neon-bottle-connector/): The last thing I had to make was a connector to neon bottle. This is a low pressure (12 bar) disposable aluminum bottle used in neon sign making. There is 7/16 UNEF thread, it uses the same standard as cans for camping stoves. I machined it from brass so I would be able to solder the copper capillary into it directly without playing with teflon washer. After screwing the connector to the bottle, there is no flow from of the gas. You have to turn down the stem where is a thorn, this thorn opens the seal in the bottle and [...] - [Homemade vacuum needle valve](https://www.daliborfarny.com/homemade-vacuum-needle-valve/): I have been looking for reliable vacuum needle valve for a long time. It should not be to expensive, it should allow me to control the flow fine and not cost much. I tried glass system, cheap valves from China and more, but I was not satisfied with any of these. But as usually, Ron came out with great design of a needle valve what could be made on a lathe easily. Just a aluminum bar, some common fittings, teflon rod and a piece of a mild steel bar. Easy! I decided to take some photos during machining so that anyone [...] - [Baratron controller](https://www.daliborfarny.com/baratron-controller/): The last part of the manifold was the pressure gauge, I had the 0-100 torr baratron, but no controller. The baratron needs supply of +15V and -15V. It gives linear output of 0-10V for 0-100 torr. So I build a simple power supply using two zener diodes (15V) and two 15Ω resistors. If You are interested in schematics, just write a comment. The input power is 40V, output ±15V. A cheap voltmeter from Ebay was used to display the output: - [Test of the new manifold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/test-of-the-new-manifold/): Just a short test.. The digit height is around 6 cm, voltage 400V, current limiting resistor 8kΩ. The needle valve is very very fine, it is possible to increase the pressure in the 10-2 torr scale, much finer than necessary for nixie tube work (tens of torrs)! - [New gas filling manifold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/new-gas-filling-manifold/): I finally made a progress in making my new gas filling manifold. I finally made it modular instead of brazing it together. I had really big problems with brazing the aluminum, I use the “Castolin 190 FB” solder and had to learn how to use it.. It is necessary to heat the aluminum sufficiently (approx. 600°C) so that the solder melts immediately after touching the joint. When the solder cools down, it makes white layer of flux what have to be filed off before another soldering – when You want to repair it. I initially used just gas-air torch, but it [...] - [Test of the glow tube](https://www.daliborfarny.com/test-of-the-glow-tube/): I have just made first test with the glow tube I made yesterday.. It works, all seals seems to be vacuum tight, or at least good for my purposes (short-term test). It turned out that making the glow even along all the number is pretty difficult, I will have to form the anode grid flat and probably add a back plate. Or just add the back plate and remove the anode grid. The gas used is argon, striking voltage around 350V. This is a glow at lower pressure, I would guess somewhere around 1 torr, so it is not so bright [...] - [Test tube](https://www.daliborfarny.com/test-tube/): Finally! Something more like a nixie tube ;-) I made a test tube what will be possible to pump and fill with gas and than isolate by a glass high vacuum valve. I will test with it right pressures, gas mixtures, electrode distances and many many more.. Pictures of glowing numbers will follow soon! - [Leak detector update](https://www.daliborfarny.com/leak-detector-update/): I spent some time on the leak detector recently. There are two fans, AC 230V, one for the diffusion pump, one for cooling the electronic box. Both started to make loud noise, so I had to replace them. I was surprised that the new fans are absolutely identical to these original 30 (or how many) years old ones! The same faston connectors, threaded holes for ground of the same diameter.. I would not believe something on that old machine could turn out to be so easy ;-) This machine has two vacuum pumps, one for making rough vacuum in inlet port, [...] - [Gas filling manifold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/gas-filling-manifold/): I started to build gas filling manifold, the previous solutions were not satisfactory :-( This manifold should have these features: all parts brazed together (by AlSi compound) kf-25 flange connection baratron connection evacuation tube connection valve for fine control of neon valve for fine control of argon valve for fine control of vacuum, when the pressure in the system is too high, this will suck some gas back. It wont be necessary to evacuate all the system and start filling from scratch.. All the parts on the photos below are made on metal lathe, using 4 independent jaws chuck..   - [First chuck finally complete!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/first-chuck-finally-complete/): I have just finished first chuck for the glass lathe. The last part – worm holder – turned out to be much more easier than I had originally thought. I just drilled a hole into U holder cut (laser cut), cut a half of the hole and got a groove for the worm axis. All these operations were done in 4 independent jaws chuck, pretty handy stuff! - [More sofisticated glow tube :-)](https://www.daliborfarny.com/more-sofisticated-glow-tube/): I started training glassblowing, the glass tube mounted in my metal lathe. It is not so easy as I had thought! Right flame, right temperature, right pressure on the glass.. Many aspects of the working with glass to learn.. By this simple project, I want to practise: Making the leak-tight stem Sealing the previously prepared stem into glass tube Blowing of the round end on the glass tube Making a tee-joint for evacuation pipe Leak detection Pumping and tipping of the tube The latter two steps were still not made, but I am going to put it right soon! There is [...] - [A valve for filling the tubes with argon](https://www.daliborfarny.com/a-valve-for-filling-the-tubes-with-argon/): The high pressure valves from eBay finally arrived yesterday. The seller dailyappliance2010, item number #290804664389. It is not intentionally a vacuum valve, but as Ron reffered, this valves should be leak tight, at least for the purpose of filling the tubes with gas.. I bought two brass adapters with hose nozzle on one side (hole 6mm) and 1/4″ male thread on the another. If the adapter is screwed directly into the valve, it would leak. So I machined a PTFE washers, that are pressed by the brass adapters to the body of the valve. This should form leak tight seal. I [...] - [The oven update](https://www.daliborfarny.com/the-oven-update/): I am waiting for some stuff to come from US before I can continue building the inert gas manifold.. So I brushed up the parts of the oven for baking the tubes and made some progress on it. I found some Promasil fire-resistant boards in a local shop in 50% sale, perharps Christmas sale ;-) so I bought two of them. They are 50mm thick, so it will be much easier to work with than the previous 25mm boards. I built smaller enclosure with different design of doors, inner dimmensions are 100 x 100 x 150 mm. I mounted the nichrome [...] - [Finally moved..](https://www.daliborfarny.com/finally-moved/): I have been moving to new house recently, November was really busy month, almost no time for nixie research.. But there are also good news, I have more free room in the new house and big garden, where I plan a shack for nixie related activities (metal lathe and some other noisy and dirty tooling).. I spent an hour every evening by setting up a small workshop in the attic, I prepared a glass working table with the torches and gas manifolds.. Can’t wait to turn the flame on ;-) - [Some other photos of the lathe..](https://www.daliborfarny.com/some-other-photos-of-lathe/): The chuck is now mounted on the spindle, also the worm gears are now ready.. I wait for the jaws to be cut on the laser.. ## Pages - [Parts](https://www.daliborfarny.com/parts/): [wc_list_products] - [Our Services](https://www.daliborfarny.com/our-services/): [wc_list_services] - [My Account](https://www.daliborfarny.com/my-account-3/): [wc_cr_my_account] - [Book Device](https://www.daliborfarny.com/book-device/): [wc_book_my_service] - [Review Your Job](https://www.daliborfarny.com/review-your-job/): [wc_get_order_feedback] - [Job Status](https://www.daliborfarny.com/job-status/): [wc_order_status_form] - [Retailers](https://www.daliborfarny.com/retailers/) - [Specials](https://www.daliborfarny.com/specials/) - [Past Editions](https://www.daliborfarny.com/past-editions/) - [Manuals & Downloads](https://www.daliborfarny.com/manuals-downloads/) - [Refund and Returns Policy](https://www.daliborfarny.com/refund_returns/): This is a sample page. Overview Our refund and returns policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases. Additional non-returnable [...] - [Support](https://www.daliborfarny.com/support/) - [Collection: Collaborative editions](https://www.daliborfarny.com/collection-collaborative-editions/) - [Collection: Our Designs](https://www.daliborfarny.com/collection-our-designs/) - [Collection](https://www.daliborfarny.com/collection/) - [Shop](https://www.daliborfarny.com/eshop/) - [Projects](https://www.daliborfarny.com/projects/) - [Work on nixie tubes](https://www.daliborfarny.com/manual-work-on-nixie-tubes/) - [Nixie tubes lifespan](https://www.daliborfarny.com/nixie-tubes-life/) - [PF 2023](https://www.daliborfarny.com/pf2023/): Hi! You are here earlier than we expected. Please try scanning the QR code again on 28th, all should be running fine by that time. Thank you for understanding :-) Jste tu dříve, než jsme čekali.. Prosím zkuste naskenovat QR kód 28. prosince, vše by mělo být touto dobou již funkční. Děkujeme za pochopení :-) - [Packaging / Shipping](https://www.daliborfarny.com/packaging-shipping/): Is it safe, to travel across the world? / clock adventure journey We think of all the things our Puri nixie clocks might encounter on their way to you, and how you might want to use them. We also wish the actual packaging of the clocks we send to you to enhance your joy and underscored the uniqueness of your order. Clocks often travel to the other side of the world and the risk of damage is therefore high. Air freight, ferries plus ordinary car transport. This led us to draf the double, secure design packaging tailored to our clocks. Foam [...] - [Availability / Service](https://www.daliborfarny.com/availability-service/): Dostupnost na pohledJe pár míst kam se můžete na hodiny dojít podívat, pokud naď nimi uvažujete ale rádi byste si “osahali” originál. 1. Cinymood studio – Londýnské muzeum, kde se nachází celá expozice věnovaná elektronkám. 2. …………………… - [Nixie clock in the interior](https://www.daliborfarny.com/clocks-in-interior/) - [Pre-owned and Ex-demo nixie clocks](https://www.daliborfarny.com/pre-owned-and-ex-demo-nixie-clocks/) - [Keeping the nixie tube vacuum-tight](https://www.daliborfarny.com/keeping-the-nixie-tube-vacuum-tight/): How to get the electrical signals through the glass envelope? One of the most critical parts of the nixie tube is called the stem. It is the part where the metal electrodes penetrate the glass envelope. If it is not manufactured perfectly, it can contain leaks along the electrodes that will eventually let the surrounding air enter the nixie tube and spoil the sensitive internal atmosphere. All the mass-manufactured nixie tubes from the 70s use flat disc stems. A flat stem allows the nixie tube to be small and makes manufacturing easier and less expensive. The only problem is that the machinery needed [...] - [Volná místa](https://www.daliborfarny.com/volna-mista/): Kdo jsme a co děláme? Jsme malá firma z Březolup na Zlínsku, po letech vývoje se nám s pomocí komunity podařilo nemožné – vdechnout život krásné, ale desetiletí opuštěné technologii číslicových elektronek – tzv. digitronů. Každý měsíc vyrobíme 200 elektronek, osadíme je do designových hodin, které potom rozesíláme našim zákazníkům po celém světě. Naším posláním je digitrony dále rozvíjet a skrz vyladěný produkt jim zajistit další budoucnost ve světě plné spotřební digitální elektroniky. Technický sklář Srdcem hodin jsou digitrony, stará technologie, kterou jsme vlastním vývojem vzkřísili. Výroba zahrnuje i práci se sklem – zatavování elektronek na sklářském soustruhu. Nyní hledáme nového [...] - [About](https://www.daliborfarny.com/about/) - [Unsubscribe](https://www.daliborfarny.com/unsubscribe/): Accidentally unsubscribed? - [Manage subscription](https://www.daliborfarny.com/manage-subscription/) - [Confirmation](https://www.daliborfarny.com/confirmation/): Yup, we’ve added you to our email list. You’ll hear from us shortly. - [My Account](https://www.daliborfarny.com/my-account-2/) - [Form test](https://www.daliborfarny.com/form-test/) - [Bulletin](https://www.daliborfarny.com/bulletin/) - [Contact](https://www.daliborfarny.com/contact/) - [(hi)story](https://www.daliborfarny.com/story/) - [Return policy](https://www.daliborfarny.com/return-policy/): RETURNS Our policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately, we can’t offer you a refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted: (if applicable) * Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error. * Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery Refunds (if applicable) Once your [...] - [Privacy policy](https://www.daliborfarny.com/privacy-policy/): PRIVACY STATEMENT SECTION 1 – WHAT DO WE DO WITH YOUR INFORMATION? When you purchase something from our store, as part of the buying and selling process, we collect the personal information you give us such as your name, address, email address and phone number. When you browse our store, we also automatically receive your computer’s internet protocol (IP) address in order to provide us with information that helps us learn about your browser and operating system. Personal information are kept during the warranty period (10 years). SECTION 2 – CONSENT How do you get your consent? When you provide us [...] - [Manufacture](https://www.daliborfarny.com/manufacture/): I’ve been building our nixie tube production facility from scratch since 2011. There is not a single piece of machinery obtained from closed vacuum tube companies. All pieces of nixie tube manufacture technology we have was built in-house, mostly using parts from eBay or second-hand market. On the beginning of development of every manufacturing process, there first must have been deep understanding of the physical/chemical laws on the background. Only with this knowledge, it is possible to make vacuum tubes with consistent quality and long lifespan.   Careful cleaning One of the most important aspects of vacuum tube manufacture is purity [...] - [Terms and conditions](https://www.daliborfarny.com/terms-and-conditions/): TERMS OF SERVICE OVERVIEW This website is operated by Glow tube research, s.r.o.. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Glow tube research, s.r.o.. Glow tube research, s.r.o. offers this website, including all information, tools and services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced [...] - [Payment error](https://www.daliborfarny.com/payment-error/): Payment error - [Payment cancelled](https://www.daliborfarny.com/payment-cancelled/): Payment cancelled - [Thank you for purchase](https://www.daliborfarny.com/thank-you-for-purchase/): thank-you-for-purchase - [My Account](https://www.daliborfarny.com/my-account/) - [Checkout](https://www.daliborfarny.com/checkout-2/) - [Cart](https://www.daliborfarny.com/cart/) - [Warranty](https://www.daliborfarny.com/warranty/): Nixie tube warranty All our nixie tubes and clocks come with 10 years warranty. The warranty covers: defects in workmanship and material defects of gas mixture (leaks, excessive cathode poisoning) The warranty doesn’t cover: issues caused by long-term usage of excessive current (over ~7mA) – please refer to Technical section for current specifications. damage of a product resulting from negligence damage of a product resulting from unauthorized modification of the product damage caused by accident or natural disaster theft or loss of the product The warranty is counted from date of purchase. - [Newsletter](https://www.daliborfarny.com/newsletter/) - [Zen Nixie Clock](https://www.daliborfarny.com/zen-nixie-clock/):   Zen Nixie Clock is our first 6-tube clock designed using R|Z568M nixie tubes from our production. The case is designed in a minimalistic way, combining simple aluminum stand and a glass cover – just like a museum vitrine. Thanks to its simple shapes, the clock suits every interior – especially offices, living rooms.. Would you like to receive updates about ZEN Nixie Clock development? Subscribe to our newsletter: [ut_one_third] [/ut_one_third] [ut_one_half] [/ut_one_half] [ut_clear] Zen Nixie Clock features Internet connection – the clock contains a wifi module and is designed to operate online. The time is automatically synchronized from network, so you don’t have [...] - [Thank you!](https://www.daliborfarny.com/thank-you/): Thank you for purchase. - [Shanghai Time nixie clock](https://www.daliborfarny.com/shanghai-time-nixie-clock/): The ShanghaiTime clock CONTEST OBJECT, THE NIXIE CLOCK ShanghaiTime is a two-tube nixie clock made for a glass-art contest “When Prague meets Shanghai”. This contest came shortly after I finished first nixie tube prototype (late summer, 2013). It was first opportunity to showcase results of my work. I had only two months to entire process of designing, programming and manufacture of the clock – and I did it, with few hours reserve ;-) The base is machined from solid aluminum block, anodized to matte black finish that contrasts with the embedded shiny glass board. There are two laser-engraved circles that are lit [...] - [R|Z568M Nixie Tube](https://www.daliborfarny.com/r-z568m-nixie-tube/): The name of R|Z568M relates to one of the original nixie tubes made back in 60’s – a Z568M. The R in its name means resurrection. I wanted to pay tribute to old engineers from RFT company who chose this name and I decided to keep it, so together it makes “R|Z568M”. Original Z568M was manufactured in East Germany by RFT, a tube making company. I personally find this tube most beautiful nixie tube ever. Vintage font, nice inner structure, eye-catching proportions, this was the reason why I took this tube as an inspiration for my first tube design – R|Z568M. [...] - [Front Page](https://www.daliborfarny.com/) - [Blog](https://www.daliborfarny.com/blog/) ## Products - [Adapter EU 12V 2A 5.5/2.1](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/adapter-12v-2a-5-5-2-1/) - [R Nixie Tube Omnixie Graphite Gray](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/r-nixie-tube-omnixie-graphite-gray/): The name of R|Z568M relates to one of the original nixie tubes made back in 60’s – a Z568M. The R in its name means resurrection. I wanted to pay tribute to old engineers from RFT company who chose this name and I decided to keep it, so together it makes “R|Z568M”. Original Z568M was manufactured in East Germany by RFT, a tube making company. I personally find this tube most beautiful nixie tube ever. Vintage font, nice inner structure, eye-catching proportions, this was the reason why I took this tube as an inspiration for my first tube design – R|Z568M. - [Colon tube Omnixie Graphite Gray](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/colon-tube-omnixie-graphite-gray/): Omnixie colon tube – graphite gray color - [Puri 6 Silver #197](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-silver-197-2/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri 6 Black-Silver #290](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-silver-290/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri 6 Black/Gold #191](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-gold-191/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri 6 Black/Gold #146](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-gold-146/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri 6 Black/Silver #199](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-silver-199/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Robin Sterling Clocks](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/robin-sterling-clocks/): Crafted from hardwood, shaped by math. - [TM1](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/tm1/): The Time Machine 0I consolidates Frank Buchwald’s design and structural principles into a futuristic work of art. - [NT163](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/nt163/): The NT163 defies convention, standing as a biomechanical marvel. - [Nixie Machine III](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/nixie-machine-iii/): A mechanical artwork of time by Frank Buchwald. - [Nixie Machine II](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/nixie-machine-ii/): A mechanical artwork of time by Frank Buchwald. - [Puri Nixie Clock 4 Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-4-silver/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 4 Black-Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-4-black-silver/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 4 Black](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-4-black/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 4 Black-Gold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-4-black-gold/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Urwerk Space Time Blade](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/urwerk-space-time-blade-dark/): A beacon of innovation and nostalgia. - [Puri Nixie Clock 6 Black-Gold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-6-black-gold/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 6 Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-6-silver/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 6 Black-Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-6-black-silver/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri Nixie Clock 6 Black](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-nixie-clock-6-black/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Blub Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/blub-silver/): Minimalistic yet captivating way to tell time. - [Blub Black-Gold](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/blub-black-gold/): Minimalistic yet captivating way to tell time. - [Blub Black](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/blub-black/): Minimalistic yet captivating way to tell time. - [Blub Black-Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/blub-black-silver/): Minimalistic yet captivating way to tell time. - [Omnixie Graphite Gray](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/omnixie-graphite-gray/): A softer take on minimalistic nixie clock design. - [Puri 6 Black #198](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-198/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Blub Ocean](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/blub-ocean/): Minimalistic yet captivating way to tell time. - [Puri 6 Silver](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-silver-197/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [H nixie tube #219](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/h-nixie-tube-219/): We ended up with two extra tubes during the making of Umashimenkana project. They’re pre-production samples, fully functional, and we decided to share them with you. - [H nixie tube #222](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/h-nixie-tube-222/): We ended up with two extra tubes during the making of Umashimenkana project. They’re pre-production samples, fully functional, and we decided to share them with you. - [Puri 4 Silver #416](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-4-silver-416/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Puri 6 Black #170](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/puri-6-black-170/): A pure, uncompromisingly minimal nixie clock. - [Zen Clock #113](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/zen-clock-113/): The clock that started it. - [Pre-owned and ex-demo clocks](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/preo-wned-and-ex-demo-clocks/): Tento produkt funguje jen jako odkaz do menu – přesměrovává se potom ale na page s výpisem.. - [Zen Nixie Clock](https://www.daliborfarny.com/product/zen-nixie-clock/): The clock that started it. 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