Let's talk old school: What do you think is the coolest Nixie tube multiimeter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: cvanc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 11:33:45 am
content: So I have a hankering for a Nixie tube bench meter. What ones should I be considering? This would not be a museum piece, I would restore and actually use it. So I guess I'm asking two questions here:1- Which ones have your vote for the coolest one ever made?2- Which ones have your vote for the ones that remain realistically usable and viable as a current-day tool?Many thanks!

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 12:07:21 pm
content: The HP 3450a/b multifunction meter. Basic meter did DC volts, options added AC and resistance (no current measurements), 5-1/2 digits and 4 wire measurements to boot.Not small, but it stacks nicely.I have a 3456a that I use for most precision work, but I use the 3450 once in a while just because it's so cool. I haven't calibrated it, but it's tracks the 3456a quite well.The 3450 has shown up in a couple threads on this forum which is where I first became aware of it. Took me a year to track one down.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 12:20:16 pm
content: Solartron A221http://www.amplifier.cd/Test_Equipment/other/OndrejM/SOLARTRON-A211.pdfhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/solartron-a211-vintage-voltmeter-by-schlumberger/

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 05:26:47 pm
content: The Datron 1061 is pretty neat too; it uses a Panaplex nixie display (next to impossible to replace if it goes bad)These are all higher end meters. What kind of resolution are you looking for?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 05:44:35 pm
content: Not Nixie tube, but... when I'm rich I'll get one of these:

author: guido
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 06:23:48 pm
content: Panaplex indeed.Got two of those Data Precision meters, just for the looks. In reality the display even looks better that the photo.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 06:30:04 pm
content: It would be cool to build a "steampunk" multimeter using Nixie tubes and a decent handheld multimeter which has RS232 output (all controlled by an Arduino or whatever...)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2015, 06:30:56 pm
content: Quote from: cvanc on October 12, 2015, 11:33:45 amFlyingHacker's Fluke 8100B is pretty cool:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/nixie-tube-fluke-8100b-dmm/

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 04:01:40 am
content: Though perhaps not crazy high on the 'cool' factor scale, the HP 3440 comes up fairly regularly on eBay.-Pat

author: sync
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 03:56:13 pm
content: Quote from: PaulAm on October 12, 2015, 12:07:21 pmYes, for the technical coolness. I own one too.The coolest looking Nixie tube voltmeter is probably the HP 2402a.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 04:53:58 pm
content: a properly dismantled and completely recycled one.

author: sorenkir
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 07:54:00 pm
content: I have a few ones (I love Nixies).The NLS MX-1 is one of the most accurate: 5 1/2 digits, 0.015% DC accuracy according to the only data found on this instrument: a datasheet in Swedish!Auto-ranging, rear inputs, ~1973 vintage. Still spot on, but easy to calibrate (last picture).NLS stands for Non Linear Systems (Del Mar, California). In 1953, they sold the world's first DVM, seehttp://www.hp9825.com/html/dvms.htmlSome pictures below.Michel.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 08:58:41 pm
content: I thought Avo made a handheld DVM, but I can only find references to the DA114.http://www.camion-militar.com/spa/item/MDX0027.htmlThe one I remembered was more like this one, with plastic case segments forming the buttonshttp://www.mcamafia.de/nixie/images/dvm_schneider_1.jpgIt's not a nixie, but I like the HP970Ahttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-416-35-years-of-test-equipment/?action=dlattach;attach=52867;image

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 09:18:50 pm
content: I have two, a NLS MX1:And an HP Counter with DVM:Also this working NLS baby that predates all DMMs, Nixie or otherwise:

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2015, 09:50:25 pm
content: I found some voltmeter from Poland, Europe.