Nixie Tube Digital Display for Receivers

Watch the build process of a Nixie Tube digital display for older receivers. See the design of a scratch built circuit board, and the thought process involved in component placement and population. This is the final part of this Nixie tube series. For the earlier parts of the series, click the "SHOW MORE" tab, right below this writing.
HP paper for toner transfer. UPC # is: 884962 248607
Previous videos in this series:
Part 1 of this series: • The NIXIE Tube, and Ho...
Part 2 of this series: • The Crystal Oscillator...
Part 3 of this series: • NIXIE Tube Programmabl...
TDR Video (for understanding signal reflections) • "TDR" or Time Domain R...

[@SmokeFlame1]

I know absolutely nothing about electronics. Yet I'm captivated by the knowledge this young man displays. If I weren't 82 years old I know what my next hobby would be.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

SmokeFlame1 , I'm only79 (LOL) and an EE, as well as a teacher. HE STILL blows me away and I'm an Extra Class amateur radio operator! ROFL de KQ2E

[@oscarilmio7148]

Let me tell you something, I followed many of your videos and I was fascinated, now I have followed all three videos of this programmable frequency meter and I was amazed. I don't mean by the project itself, which is EXCELLENT, but by the way you explain and simplify rather complex concepts without going too far into the forest of formulas and the various "laws" of electronics. I think, and I am convinced, that my electronics professors would be happy to meet you and have a chat with you, so let me call you TEACHER. To you my most respectful applause. B R A V O !

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment Oscar!

[@lynnnash4576]

Mr. Carlson this is fascinating to me. I worked for Burroughs when Nixie tubes ruled the world so this has me salivating like Pavlov's dog. You are at the top of your game my friend, thank you for this project, very well done.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your comment Lynn! I bet you would have some very interesting stories to tell.

[@dentonfender6492]

"Will it work". Of course it will. You are so methodical, you don't have a sloppy bone in your body. Great to watch the process of designing electronics to fit a housing (the old Bakelite case) rather than the other way around like myself who designs a housing to fit after I build the electronics.

[@cliffordarrow6557]

I totally hear you about how the container can drive the project. As a kid, I remember looking at everyday containers like candy tins and wondering to myself what neat project could be fitted in it... Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@tallperson9422]

Another superb project that enthralled me. I will never get to your level but I am constantly striving to get better and your videos are a great motivation to do so.

[@webwolf7]

Very awesome build, this is exactly what I would want to build for my Panasonic RF-2200 receiver. Can't wait to get some free time to watch this video all the way through and attempt to build one of these!

[@arongooch]

This might very well be the best project I have seen on KZbin yet. Very nice!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Aron, glad you enjoyed!

[@skycarl]

Paul, really enjoyed the whole series on this. Learned a lot about Nixies, ICs, circuitry, and more. Thanks as always for sharing your vast knowledge. Look forward to more. Carl

[@testdriver3146]

Mr. Carlson, you mesmerize us with your knowledge and takes us back to days of that past we sometimes refer to as "the good old days" and for that and this, I thank you from the bottom of my aging heart.

[@carlospitcher4335]

This was an incredible video. Took me a couple of days to finish it. I am no electronics or telecom engineer... but damn, I do find captivating your explanations and work. Such high standards are always inspiering.

[@pkav8tor]

Beautiful ..... your perfection brings smiles and admiration to one that understands why it is important. Congrats on another well done project. Thank you for sharing.

[@marco56702]

The final product is really on the border between good electronics and art, my hat's off to you

[@mikesradiorepair]

What can be said other than PERFECT. If someone didn't know you made it they would think this was an original antique looking at it from the outside. Great job.

[@lo377ps]

Really great how much effort you put in your projects. Keep on going!

[@shanookflc]

Thanks Paul once again you blow me away with your videos the work and time you put into your projects you are a amazing guy and a genius at what you do. Can't wait to see your next restoration. Thanks again Paul for Sharing.

[@tommyn.j3628]

Are nexie out of produktion ?

[@derstrom8]

I thoroughly enjoyed this project, it covered so much of the design and build process! Great video!

[@1blisslife]

Such a nice Sunday, that I will be enjoying this project, and begin the build on my end :)

[@bloguetronica]

I'm glad to see the excellent end result! Thanks for sharing and for another great video!

[@rebelba42]

...i really enjoyed it. Especially your circuit board design are very nice and clean. Great work, thank you!

[@jose_simon]

Great design and very good looking results! Thumbs up!

[@evanrenberg2682]

Beautiful work! This has been a great series Mr. Carlson. Thank you for all the videos you make!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad your enjoying Evan!

[@YanickT]

Thank you for this one! Because of you i'm building a Nixie tube Clock. :) Before your video. I didn't knew these tube. Realy interresting and exiting!

[@alpagutsencer]

Master of my soul. My day is much more beautiful now thanks to you. ^^

[@magrosi65]

Watch your videos is always a pleasure, thank you!

[@cocusar]

I'm a new subscriber, but I took the time to watch all your videos. Thanks for your indepth explanations and really interesting builds. And I really like the long videos!

[@TheRangerDale]

Paul I have seen a Lot of your videos and from stand point of a 74 yr old persdn it was great very explain well and easy following thru.Your Touch was great in making this project just perfect and unbelievable Respones to its coverage, I wasn't expect that at all. So Yes thrumbs up, toes are up as well lol 73's Great one of your thee best Paul

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Dale!

[@dissahc]

what an awesome build! thanks for sharing

[@graemebrumfitt6668]

Sooo love this build, that bakelite case looks like some thuya burr, beautiful. Thanks Mr Carlson. Loved it when you span the dial in the other vid n the tubes just flashed the numerals :-)

[@funcatvids9198]

I love nixie tubes! And this video is very well done! Keep up the good work!

[@DonaldHolben]

I really enjoy the long videos :) thank you!

[@glennstevenson6242]

Me too...!

[@bwack]

Same here :) love the long in depth videos.

[@craneoperator4]

wow!!!! turned out amazing love it...another great video

[@damianvieira]

Beautiful clean and detailed job. Thank you!

[@williamhayden7711]

I was thinking it might've been ideal to have access to those switches via the bottom using alignment tools. That way you just need to lay the unit on it's back while making the necessary adjustments. The display can be monitored as the adjustments are made as well. This prevents the need to have to unscrew everything to get to the switches. Of course making that actually work with the necessary layout and parts is a totally different topic, but where there's an idea and the will to make it happen there's a way. All in all it's a magnificent build.

[@larryk4mu240]

Worked out very nice! Good series.

[@Mariano.Bernacki]

Excellent and educative as always Paul. Thank you.

[@atbglenn]

Paul, great job! Love your long videos!

[@TheFunkman]

Another great video! Thanks Paul!

[@expected1139]

Instant thumbs up. Even before i watched the video. Because, as we all know, it is going to be outstanding again.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Joko!

[@sludge-en9on]

Mr carlson i've never seen nixie tubes before, they look really wild thankyou for the video it is informative with my hobby studies cant wait to watch more

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Glad you're enjoying Nick!

[@michaelhofmann5091]

When I watch your videos, I feel like we just went back in time to somewhere in the 50's. That feeling is just so awesome and relaxing, if that makes sense :D On top of that, you're able to explain things in such a way that is real easy to understand, and is so informative and educational! Thank you! Keep up that awesome work! What a beautiful project! Greetings Michi

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks for your kind comment Michi!

[@glenthemann]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@faxcapper]

Very informative and best of all very entertaining, Paul!

[@kg2nc]

I really enjoyed the video and at the end when you finish cleaning the bakelite it was a piece of art to see. The detail of the bakelite when you clean it was amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing it with use. 73's kg2nc

[@mikedrz]

Another dandy video! Thanks Mr. C. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Sunday.

[@TheRadioShop]

Just got the chance to watch this, Basically been without internet for 2 weeks now due to hurricane and flooding. Paul this was just fantastic. Very well laid out design and explanation. Most of all it is beautiful and a work of art. Very well done.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Hi Buddy! Glad to hear your ok, and we all know.... the most important thing..... the test gear is fine too :^) LOL. Thanks for your kind comment. Hope all gets back to normal down your way soon. Take care!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Paul. Test gear made out fine. Radio room was in bad shape though. Part of the roof blew off along with the house roof. About 6 grand worth. Going to take a little time. Anyway again, this was a great video, had to watch it twice :-)

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Wow! Sorry to hear about that. Glad your all ok. If I lived closer, I would head over and give you a hand. Good to hear no gear was damaged. Looking forward to new video's.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Paul. Will be back on the 101 series soon. Just so much to do here.

[@MrMac5150]

Wow this is unreal....Genius at work

[@Dan79istheman]

Fantastic Paul! Really love your work mate!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Dan!

[@louisnemick317]

Thank you for your explanation of everything and I enjoy your videos.

[@tonyperry6702]

You're amazing. Love your videos. Don't always understand but love them just the same.

[@calmar42]

Beautiful build, inspired my to do something similar for my old radio console.

[@harindugamlath]

Wow. Another episode. Thanks. Never been this early!

[@vinceotten129]

As always, I’ve learned a lot. My notebook’s page count keeps on climbing!

[@theduckisok]

Excellent as always.

[@bsvenss2]

Great video as always! Thank you.

[@davidgrey943]

The project turned out extremely well and looks very professional in appearance the method for doing the double sided board is a nifty idea. I wondered how you actually did that I have got three or four boards to do I will let you know how I got on and many thanks for the time and effort.

[@orvilnunez2181]

Another great video. I love the look of the Bakelite enclosure.

[@pjakobs]

Very nice job and well explained!

[@Repair-rookie]

You should make this as kit 😊 I would definitely buy one.

[@terrystearns9463]

All I can say is awesome just awesome your a Genius..

[@patprop74]

Mr Carlson it is a thing of beauty, your knowledge and attention to detail is impressive to say the least.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thank You!

[@patprop74]

Mr Carlson, I hope you don t mind, I model a version of that Bakelite box for 3d printing and to fit a cheap DIY frequency counter kit. I linked your video in the description. here is the link www.thingiverse.com/thing:2828641

[@billmoran3812]

If a plastic manufacturer comes forward with a quality case matching the old one, this could be a great kit item.

[@killarmy220]

You made my day ! Thanks for sharing !

[@MrTragicDragon]

Nice project. Love the case.

[@billmoran3812]

Really nice project. Guess a lot of people will want to build one. If a plastic manufactures

[@northhankspin]

That looks AMAZING!!!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks!

[@AverageWannabe]

Awesome series.... loved it.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks!

[@ianbutler1983]

With Paul's video-the longer the better. I would not touch the bakelite case with a drill bit either, it could come to pieces. Thanks Paul.

[@on8hc]

This is so nice I enjoy the long videos

[@MDFRESCUER]

Video full of information. Thanks.

[@stefflus08]

Excellent video, thank you! I'll be using your viaplugging standoff method, I'm always using the helping hand with the board standing up for any wire work so I probably would have done it for this too without giving any thought to if there was a better way.

[@FingersKungfu]

Your lab is amazing.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks!

[@warplanner8852]

Paul, words cannot describe your genius, practicality, and ingenuity! And, yes, I can believe that something mundane can inspire such a project. Often happens to me as I wander around the TRW swap in SoCal and encounter a meter box or old chassis with parts. Those can be had for a song, are cheaper than the original box and components will have cost, and are, of course, pre-drilled. Your project is an Art Deco masterpiece! Bill, k6whp dit..dit

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

Thanks Bill!

[@MichaelLloyd]

Wow! The case cleaned up very nicely. Nicely photographed too. 73 NE5U Mike

[@Rcplanecrasher]

I would love a video with an in depth explanation about the RF considerations on the layout!

[@wa6gxq]

Very Nice. Thank You!

[@fredlllll]

:O these bcd switches!! i needed something like that for my project. just ordered some :)

[@lelandclayton5462]

Very nice job.

[@Me11oIngenuity]

Nice work! Thank you sir!

[@jackneff179]

Good one Paul

[@hydrolisk1792]

Beautiful project as always. I would love to make one just like this :)

[@hannahbananagamingandexplo7598]

Great Video

[@jeroldlawrence5186]

Fantastic teaching video.... Thank You

[@esuohdica]

If only I was retired and had better eyesight! Very impressive project 👍

[@MartinPHE]

nice work, thanks

[@ikonix360]

very nice project.

[@MichaelLloyd]

I'm at about 20 minutes in and I have many comments. I'll limit myself to two for now- (1) this video is OUTSTANDING! (2) I build my own boards with Cadsoft Eagle and mill them out with an Othermill (two sided boards are easy). If it's something I really want to share with a friend I'll send the Eagle file out to Osh Park and have boards made. Because I don't know anything about RF circuit board design, the one type of project that I've avoided is a project with RF circuitry in it. That's pretty limiting for a Ham operator. So yes! I am interested in hearing your thoughts on RF design. 73 NE5U Mike

[@radarmusen]

Very beautiful and no blue led in the buttons to spoil the art of tubes.

[@LB-tl3vx]

that crt is in excellent shape

[@joopterwijn]

I understand why do not wat to drill holes in the front, but I think it would not disturbs the overall look. Nice Serie!

[@Etherionix]

Who in their right mind would give this video a thumbs down?

[@KE8UYV]

Brilliant! ❤ My list of future projects just got longer!😂

[@JasonTHutchinson]

Another awesome build! I don't know why someone would downvote you. I guess some people just want to watch the world burn.

[@Boleo806]

Love your videos, as a broadcast engineer, it is nice to see some of this old equipment getting some love. BUT Windows XP? Really? LOL! Keep up the good work!

[@NivagSwerdna]

Very nice

[@djzio]

Wow. Just wow.

[@andrzejpl9897]

Love it !

[@God-CDXX]

that looks sweet

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Fascinating, as usual! I've learned more from you in the past year than I did in three years of electronics college back in the 70s. You've inspired me to build up a new test bench so I can restart my old electronics hobby once again. I noticed in this video that you have a light on your Dremel drill stand that is perfectly centered on the drill site but I can't tell if it is above the table shining down or under it shining up. How did you build that light, may I ask? And yes, I would like to know more about how RF and DC grounds should be designed. Thanks!