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Posts tagged ‘hack’

3
Aug
Unknown Panaplex Display #1

Help identify these plasma neon displays

Okay, the last time I asked for help identifying an unknown device, you guys came through.  Even Evil Mad Scientist helped out (you guys rock.)  Well, I now have two Panaplex-style neon displays that I can’t seem to find that much information on.  Does anyone have any information on these or hints to where I can find more information?  I’ve found a few references to the larger display, but have not had any luck locating data sheets

Or, do you just have an interesting factoid about these guys?

Read moreRead more

19
May
Mark 1 Fire Computer

Mechanical Computer Basics

YouTube user gwz40 uploaded a series of fascinating videos on mechanical computers and how they were used in in the US Navy for controlling projectiles fired from one moving ship to another moving target.   The movies were produced as part of a US Navy training program and illustrate the basic components that are used inside a mechanical range fire control computer.  Each mathematical operation is translated in to a mechanical component and the components are combined to provide a desired calculation based on (up to) 25 inputs.  Basic geometric shapes are used for shockingly complex operations. Read moreRead more

24
May
RGBV Laser Scanner

RGBV Laser Scanner

Here is some more recent footage of the RGBV laser scanner video I’ve been working on.  It is really only good for beam effects but it is still a lot of fun to play with.

Specs

  • 200mW @ 650nm
  • 120mW @ 532nm
  • 40mW @ 473nm
  • 190mW @ 405nm

Software is LaserLine

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3
May
pcb

Nixie, Numitron and VFD Tester

I am considering building the following tester based on my own design. I’d like some feedback:

Features:

  • Clearly labeled inputs for power (VFD, Nixie and Numitron)
  • On board batteries for Numitron power (no other power needed)
  • On board batteries for the filament for VFD Displays (only +30v needed or 3 9v batteries)
  • Outputs for up to 18 elements: should handle any type of display you will encounter!
  • Buttons for each element to allow for testing of each element individually
  • A black finish on the board with white silk screened text
  • Fully assembled!
  • Probably more as I go

Price: Est. $50. Read moreRead more

16
Nov
watch21

Kickass watches

I got quite a bit of interest from the Kickass Clocks post so I thought I would do a follow up. Now, for the neatest watches in the world.

The Nixie Tube Digital Wristwatch!

By Jeff Thomas / Resonant Instruments LLC

http://www.amug.org/~jthomas/watch.html

This is the really little brother of the NixiChron clock.  The fact that he managed to fit all of the components in to such a small packagaing – and fit four vacuum tubes in it is amazing.  They require about 180vdc to power…your average AA battery puts out just 1.5 for comparison. Read moreRead more