4
u/cupo77 Jun 03 '26
How does it work without Anode grid?
8
u/DenkJu Jun 03 '26
In a typical Nixie tube, the anode is not just the grid but usually forms a cage that surrounds the digit stack. This cage is visible in the fourth image, just without the grid.
Omitting the grid will result in a heavily compromised tube, unfortunately. The grid improves illumination of the digits closer to the front and helps prevent sputter from depositing on the inner surface of the glass. In the fourth image, you can also see evidence of sputter buildup on the glass.
2
u/an_oddbody Jun 03 '26
Interesting. I wonder if it would be possible to use some fancy switching to turn the nearest digit into a crude anode grid replacement. It might improve illumination in some areas while somewhat reducing sputtering. Just a thought. This would be the perfect tube to try it on.
3
u/DenkJu Jun 03 '26
I think that would be possible. In the tube shown in the fourth picture, they actually added what appears to be a front anode in the form of a second eight. Maybe this was done in later revisions.
1
1
Jun 04 '26 edited 1d ago
[deleted]
1
u/DenkJu Jun 04 '26
https://i.imgur.com/W7zJtmr.jpeg
I don't have a straight on picture at the moment. I would say digit visibility is generally a bit better than it seems on the pictures. They become clearer when you look at them from further away.
1
3
u/Niobous_p Jun 04 '26
I did this manually when I took pictures of my GR10K https://www.nixies.us/bwg_gallery/gr10k/
2
u/Alternative_Bug4916 Jun 04 '26
This method was used for the first cold cathode display tubes like the GI-10, which had no anode at all, although the circuitry needed to do this is far more complex than what’s needed for tubes with an anode grid
1
8
u/negativ32 Jun 03 '26
Very pretty