I'm just designing an easy to build thermometer kit based on the Russian IN-9 bargraph Nixie tube.
My intention to do such a thing was a photo I've found on the internet:



Now the very first prototype is ready. The goal was to use only easy to understand analogue technique, no pic and no processor. So measurement can only done with a multimeter.



The thermometer is powered via 5V from one or two USB ports (depending on the PC's power capacity, sometimes a power Y-cable is needed) or from a cheap external USB loader.

See here a video from this prototype and also some photos








Thanks to the big size of the base I can used "hrugged" electronic parts which are not as filigree as used in my clocks. So assembling the kit is very easy.

Edit:
Prices and availability - The kit will cost 79 EUR plus shipping (10 EUR for overseas) fully completed incl. case, scale, IN-9 tube and USB-cable and I hope that I can deliver the first kits at the beginning of April.

Very kOoL, when will you be taking orders for this...?

Put me on the list for one. Could one add an external probe for outside temperature?

The termometer has a second input, but actual the circuity isn't able to display temperatures lower than 2°C.
The measurement range of this input is actual +30°...+60°C and can be used e.g. to monitor the processor temperature of the PC.
But I can do a redesign for an extended temperature range on the second input, displayed on the left scale, let's say -20°...+40°C

where is mine?

Hhm, it seems that I have to redesign the step up converter (5V --> 125V). It generates heat, not too much for a Nixie clock but too much for a thermometer with build in temperatur sensor. So the displayed temperature will be around 3°C too much when powered on for a while.

These modifications will also lower or disable the switching noise generated by the inductor...

The transforming of the sensor's output voltage (100 mV @ °C, eg. 200mV @ 20°C) to the display graph lenght however is extrem exact

Jürgen sent me this work-in-progress photo a few days ago. But, I'm bad about posting things quickly

"For a full length bargraph now the circuity draws only around 300mA @5V --> 1.5VA and this creates 10mA @ 120V --> 1.2VA (only 0.3VA losses); but I must also connect the MC34063A to the voltage doubler circuity (the flying IC "ICL7660" with the two diodes and the two capacitors) and not only the new BC639/640 driver stage for the MosFet...as the converter will shut down when the supply voltage is lower than exact 5V and it should normally just work at 4V."

I now see where I got wrong with all my kits. you see, I was under the belief that the components were supposed to be soldered to the circuit board.

Michail

In Germany this helter-skelter up of the board is called a "wired hedge-hog"

These are really cool tubes. Does anyone know what the intended application was for these tubes?