Camera Flash Circuit and Nixie Tube Tutorial - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2011, 09:46:04 pm
content: For those interested, our new episode is about the camera flash circuit and nixie tubes. I analyze the the flash DC-DC converter at the schematic level and use it to power a nixie tube. I also measure the efficiency of this system. Please visit:http://www.TheSignalPath.comThanks!

author: Kiriakos-GR
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2011, 10:04:46 pm
content: Well I belong to the Fun club of Olympus digital Full TTL .I have no interest about old tubes..

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2011, 10:09:19 pm
content: Hi,This tutorial analyzes the schematic of the flash circuit found in disposable cameras. The principle of operation, measurements, etc. It also shows how this circuit can be used to power a nixie tube. It is not about different flash types.

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 02:58:00 am
content: This is absolutely fantastic. I can ditch TV cable and watch EEVBlog and your channel all day long

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 03:41:04 am
content: Quote from: djcrunkmix on June 14, 2011, 02:58:00 amThat's great! EEVBlog was the reason why we started TheSignalPath! We have lots of topics planned for the future, it just takes so long to produce these videos. Feel free to join our forum and leave us a message or recommendations.

author: thmjpr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 04:52:57 am
content: Very nice video.I think there is a good explanation for the neon bulb flashing here:http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/Semi/SEMI_7.htmlhttp://www.thesuperclick.com/2/NEON_LAMP/default.aspxOnce struck, the turn off voltage is lower, which means it will stay lit for a bit (hysteresis):The flashing seems a bit erratic though, not sure how to explain that.Maybe someone can calculate the frequency (assume neon strike voltage = 200V?).edit: you should add a donate link on your website when you have the time

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 03:05:13 pm
content: Thank you! I too agree that the answer lies in the property of the neon tube. Its "strike" voltage and its steady state lit voltage are different causing a hysteresis. The smaller capacitor becomes discharged to below the "on" voltage and it turns off until the smaller capacitor charges to above the "strike" voltage. Since that 4.7MOhm resistor is in the middle, it can't stay on continually.PS: I am also from Canada, but now live in the US. Thank you for your suggestions, can you kindly post your answer on the TheSignalPath forum as well?

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 04:21:01 pm
content: Are you the owner of TheSignalPath?

author: Hugoneus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2011, 04:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: djcrunkmix on June 14, 2011, 04:21:01 pmYes, I am one of the main two owners.

author: thmjpr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 02:54:51 am
content: Quote from: Hugoneus on June 14, 2011, 03:05:13 pmI posted in the appropriate thread:http://thesignalpath.com/forum/index.php?topic=10.0I included my (failed) ltspice attempt as well.

author: ivan747
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2011, 03:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: djcrunkmix on June 14, 2011, 02:58:00 amThat's exactly what I've been doing since I discovered how to subscribe to channels.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 19, 2011, 08:54:14 pm
content: Very nice video indeed! More 'how stuff works' type videos would be great, I think they fill a gap. I have 6 of those exact tubes next to my bed in a clock, they really are beautiful, especially in the LCD era.Quote from: thmjpr on June 14, 2011, 04:52:57 amI am working on a nixie project at the moment and have this fresh in my head. If you want to further read up on this (and the operation of cold cathode tubes), you can look up the terms 'maintaining potential' during 'normal glow' operation.Alex

author: faz_8@hotmail.com
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 24, 2016, 06:39:20 pm
content: Hi,Any body knows about video streamer card? I have attached the picture.Quote from: ivan747 on June 19, 2011, 03:58:44 pm