Dalibor; I am an electrical engineer - and I would simply like to say that this is NOT a tube! It is a masterpiece work of electrical knowledge, material science knowledge, glass-blowing skill, artistic ability, creativity, attention to process discipline, attention to process detail and craftsmanship in so many disciplines that just so happens to culminate in the form of a tube! Very well done! I can't convey just how impressive it is to watch your video!
I can add a word or two... as an Industrial Engineer (with automated machine prototyping/fine-assembly experience), CNC Machinist/Programmer, Welder and Special Effects Technician in the Vancouver film industry. I would like to recognize the scaling master-craft of the facilities and the production value put into the video quality and flow. Damn I wish I was European sometimes. It sometimes feels like I live in the woods in Canada. All my great bosses of the past were Europeans/Asians that lived here.
This man had to begin from the ground up in order to find a way to produce these tubes after years of trying, and now thanks to this video if by any reason he ever stops production someone else will have the bases with clear steps and explanations of why things are done that way. Much respect, thank you for doing this.
I am a vacuum electronics technician by education. I understand every step, I know what and how you are doing. I could not even imagine that this knowledge would be in demand in the modern world. Thanks for sharing. It reminded me of years of study and practice at the plant. BTW greetings from Russia.
A real craftsman! I respect a man who takes pride in his work. I grew up when everything used tubes. Now integrated circuits and transistors have taken over.
Hello I am watching this in 2024 so I hope you are still reading your comments as I would like to say that the skill, precision and knowledge you demonstrate is to be applauded. You have achieved a wonderful blend of art and engineering kind Regards Clare
I had no idea it was this involved. I would have thought more of the process was automated. I guess there isn't' enough demand for a large nixie tube factory?
One of the very rare videos, where I - a craftsman myself - experienced crafting proceedings that were completely new to me. I watched nearly breathlessly and with the highest respect for your outstanding skills. Thank you!
That was the most impressive craftsmanship I have ever seen. WOW. As a machinist myself, I am super impressed. Thank you for your dedication to reviving a lost art form.
Damn you, Dalibor! I bought a whole bunch of these figuring they'd hold value for my retirement! Now you are making more of them. Seriously, though, this took some perseverance. It's admirable.
I take my 100 hats off for this guy. Incredible what he has achieved from the tiny shed to a super clean and fully fledged production lab. Even if I don’t use Nixie tubes myself, I truly wish he gets all of them sold . I wish him a prosperous future. And thanks for the great video.
I seen these tubes when I was a kid,back in 50-60 all the tv had them in, but I didn’t know it took so long to produce these tubes. Thanks you so much for keeping this old Art alive,very good work,lots of patient and a steady hand, Thanks again!!
Greetings from a retired pharmaceutical chemist/microbiologist in South Africa. Your laboratory and production equipment is to die for. Your attention to detail, consistency, craftsmanship and skill shines for all to see. You are a master alchemist/craftman/technician par excellence Dalibor! RESPECT!!!!
Fascinating process to watch, thank you for sharing this. As an Engineer I can watch each step and know that there were a huge number of hours that went into developing each, seemingly simple, part of the process. You have obviously put a lot of effort into this and I wish you every success.
Utterly stunning. I was transfixed, not only by the intensive effort and artistry that went into creating these masterpieces but also by the incredible Cinematography. Every detail was clearly photographed, complex and tiny details lovingly illustrated. The lighting was expertly designed to be perfect in the details and in portraying the beauty and artistry of the process. In effect, the creation of this video, as well as the unspeakably brilliant execution of making the nixie tubes themselves is a performance art piece unto itself. My congratulations!
“I moved from the garden shed to a local castle” - how can I also move from my garden shed to a local castle? Also, most fascinating video I’ve watched in a long time.
I'm wondering the same... I've been doing custom wood burning and engraving for a while (not nearly as cool or intricate work as this) but damn if like to move my work out of the garage and into a local castle! 😂
Learned something new today! Absolutely mind blowing how much time and effort you have spent to learn all these production steps and to turn it into a business. Respect 👍🏻
To see this nostalgic yet key part of our electronics evolution is inspiring! Especially from some one so young. We must not forget where we came from. What technical feats of engineering spawned our current hi tech society. This clock will start many conversations about electron flow with ones who may have never been interested in electronics. Thank you for showing fortitude and endurance in make this a reality.. Nice work my friend.
Not only you are self tutored in this engineering feat, but the patience level and trial and error you must have gone through (breaking some of those tubes) is off the charts. The amount of work and specialised tools that go into this craft is beyond reason. Bravo, dude! Bra-vo! I also liked you didn't fill the clip with music or blabber. It's the kind of stuff that is best backed by the blow torch and electric motors and all the machinery working with you side by side to create this awesome piece of art. And it is, by any account, an art.
This video showcases a good man and master craftsman of a lost art. My father and I built a seven-segment Nixie Tube clock in the 1970s which sat in a place of honor on top of the television set for at least 20 years. Our original TV was 100% vacuum tubes including the tuner and 3-electron gun shadow-mask cathode ray tube that was a marvel of vacuum technology at the time. In 1975 I worked in the Motorola television factory in Chicago where they were still using vacuum CRTs. By then, all else had been transistorized and the first integrated circuits were coming into use.
I worked for EEV (English Electric Valve Company) for 17yrs as a stock controller and it always fascinated me how clever some of the technology and techniques were for making tubes. I used to Love watching the glass tube man turning glass on a lathe or the guys who used to grow carbon grids for the Klystrons that were as fine as a spiders web ! I think there was also a dept that made Nixie tubes of sorts, as well as the LCD screens. Clever people all of you :O)
This gets my vote for BEST content of any you tube video . I was absolutely enthralled and oblivious to anything going on around me for the duration . I am absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship and would skip the handshake and go immediately to the man hug brother ! Spectacular does not even begin to describe . Thank you.
Mr. Farny, as I watched this video of you making Nixie tubes, I sat absolutely spellbound. This is fascinating, incredible. The immense skill, the attention to detail, the nerves of steel, and the patience, oh the patience! Placing those numeric cathodes with such precision, shaping the glass envelopes with the skill of a true craftsman. This was awesome, and I thank you for sharing this with the world sir. Your Nixie tubes look fabulous, true works of art. Old technology perhaps, but so new. Best of success to you Mr. Farny.
Holy moly jay, it’s getting creepy.. you have commented on literally every single video I’m watching :D Guess we have the same interests or you’re just absurdly active on this platform :D
Enjoyed the Video. In 1995 I started working for Sony in San Diego after Navy Retirement. I worked at the CRT Plant making Picture Tubes or CRT's. Much of the glass works is what we did but was automated with Fanuc Robots. My area did the Getter Flash with RF to improve the vacum inside the CRT. Pretty Impressive. Also used NIXIE Tubes in my early Navy Days starting in 1975.
digitalwoodshop wow, very nice comment, thank you for sharing this! If you like to share some details, I would be very interested to compare our techniques of getter activation..
@@daliborfarny Our getter was attached to the electron gun on a long thin piece of metal that put it about 3 inches from the Anode for the 17 inch Monitor CRT's we made. We too used a Copper water cooled coil powered by a Pillar RF Generator. The Fanuc Robot would hold the coil up to the CRT. I was 6 hours into the 12 hours that it took to make the CRT. It arrived in my area 250 an hour having just had the CRT sealed. We clipped the glass tube used to draw the vacuum and went to the High Voltage Knocking Station to start the gun aging process. Next we did the getter flash. Then painted carbon on the outside making the CRT a Capacitor with the carbon inside. Then a base cap was applied to the pins with high voltage RTV. Then a metal band was heated red hot by RF and pulled up on the CRT face used to mount the CRT. Then off to a hanging aging line then final testing. I liked the way you used the RF to heat the Anode. Would love to see a video how the number wires are made. Thanks for the Video. Just saw the rest of your videos... GREAT !!!
Really good to hear from someone in the business, I was thinking how much this video reminded me of another I saw about the last CRT rebuilder in the USA. I think CRT will have a revival too before not very long, they may be heavy and not quite as high resolution (although Sony and Philips made some great CRT's, what with Trinitron and then Philips fixed convergence tubes that were high resolution, easy to set up and slimmer than regular tubes too). They'll still be working happily long after the last Plasma or LCD/LED panel has died. My 1983 Beovision 8802 has a brilliant picture and much prefer watching that than a modern set! Thank you both.
digitalwoodshop amazing! Did you outgas getters before sealing off the tube (while still on pump)? How did you clipped the exhaust tube without cracking the stem? I have the original Philips CRT pumping cart with tipoff coil, I plan to experiment with this kind of sealing-off. Thank you!
@@daliborfarny After Frit Seal in a 3 hour oven to glue the panel to the funnel the gun was inserted by Fanuc Robot and sealed around the outside.. Next it went into a cart 2 at a time with Vacuum Pumps leading to the final seal of the tubliator. I got it and we had a guy with a file that snapped the tubliator off. It was never automated in my area. We also did 32, 27, and 20 inch TV CRT's then and eventually they added 19 inch Monitor CRT's in addition to my 17 inch area. Started in 1995 and spent 2 years in production then took a job in the Calibration Lab. Doing everything from Power Supply Repair to Multimeter Calibration. Then moved to Philly closer to home to the Sony Service Center at Bristol, PA for 4 years fixing everything from Play Station 2's to Tivo's. The San Diego CRT Plants were closed and buildings taken down. They still have the Technology Center in San Diego close to the Golf courses :). The Service Centers closed and moved to San Diego. Speaking of CRT Tube Re-manufacturing.... I live close to a now closed former company called Croma-tube at Hawley, PA where they replaced the Guns in CRT's for years. I visited the plant while home on Vacation a few times from Sony. The big project at the time was small black and white CRT about 10 inches that went in Mexico Passenger Bus's. They had thousands of them. They closed a few years ago. Sony also bought it's Funnel Glass from a place near me too. TechnoGlass near Scranton, Pennsylvania also closed now too. They shipped the new Funnels to San Diego and brought back broken glass for Cull to add to the mix. Sony had it's own 18 Wheel Transport Company. One of the trucks going from San Diego to PA was hijacked. I can just imaging the look when they opened the truck to find it full of broken glass... At the time they also made 32 inch TV's at San Diego so they got wrong truck... The Panel glass for Sony CRT's came from Japan. And the Gun & Getters were sitting in a clean room robot tray open to the air before being sealed to the funnel. So no out gassing before being sealed in the CRT.
I've got a few comments to make. As a craftsman, it is easy to tell when someone is "next-level". You are certainly that! Also, I just watched a 37 minute video on RUclips and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Heck of a job, man. You should be very proud of your craft and talent. How in the world did you end up finding a client base that needs nixie tubes on a scale that can justify your operating costs and profit?! My mind is blown.
Welcome to czech republic it almost is normal here ;)
3 года назад+2
You can get one too, if you have the will and time to make it useful again, state will even sponsor a big portion of money needed for the renovation... (castle in every town and nobody is willing to put up with the upkeep)
It is good to know that someone has revitalised these old techniques. When I was a child, every electronic device had vacuum valves - I remember looking through the vents of the portable record player, seeing the orange glow of the tube (for our US friends) heaters and wondering how the music came out. These were the days when tubes/valves were made in bulk - sadly most are gone now. I remember the small nixie tubes too - my school had a sixth form physics class build a clock with them. Silicon is great, but tubes have heart.
Who else noticed the tube on the very top left of the testing rack is not displaying #6 ? But i must say, this is an amazing production video, i totally under estimated the complexity of make a Nixie tube. Incredible work!
Congrats on reaching your dream! And making NIXIE tubes for the rest of us. Brings back a lot of good memories from when I worked in a Cathode Ray Tube factory. Over one million tubes per year. For black and white Televisions at first, then bank ATM machines, and on to serving the personal computer market. Even made thousands of 30mm types for a giant scoreboard in a sports stadium! Each dot was a single CRT with Red, Green, or Blue color phosphor. Fun times! Until LCD flat panels were perfected...! Greetings from Portland, Oregon, USA.
This is a great video of how beautiful things can be created with passionate work. And thank you for NOT ADDING MUSIC! I enjoy the sound of tools, machines and materials. It's like ASMR to me.
This is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen on RUclips. To recreate the entire manufacturing process of nixie tubes is the pinnacle of the Maker Movement. I'm extremely proud of you. Well done!
I am at a loss for words. As one who builds miniature engines and designs drones; all I can say is you sir have my utmost respect. Greetings from Greece.
Cool video, well done. Just shows how labour intensive it is. Also after all that hard work, it looks like you have a faulty 6 on the top left tube @ 37:26
For anyone wondering, the purpose of the getters is to absorb impurities in the gas that would otherwise build up over time on the digits, plates, screens and glass making it tinted and hard to see.
Scavenges, or "gets" any stray Oxygen atoms, among other things. Its a sacrificial material. Nice to see it headed up with induction now, that's two fewer legs on the tube base
This is high art. I'm hoping in the time since the release of this video you've been able to procure more tooling to automate more of what is obviously a painstaking process to ensure a high quality product. As it stands, this was oddly emotional to watch-like some small resurrection of a forgotten elegance. Thank you for doing it.
Sir, you do not make nixie tubes. You make functioning pieces of art. Truly amazing work, just beautiful. Keep up the great work. And to find out that you are self taught? Makes your art all the more amazing. I am more than impressed.
+iosef 333 if I'm not mistaken, it's like the filament in a light bulb. the individual numbers become hot, producing a glow, and which one lights up varies depending on the voltage (or maybe some very clever circuitry systems). Either way it's pretty damn awesome.
you've really built a marvelous business. Creating a need for a long obsoleted technology... and done it with amazing artistic skill. Thanks for sharing this with us.
soooo many haters unable to appreciate the old technology. sure expensive as hell but its still a nice thing to have as an art piece at the very least.
You're quite possibly the only person living ready, willing, and able to manufacture nixie tubes, nice work, all too often knowledge is lost once the next generation of technology is introduced, I for one am glad that you decided to revive this lost art, and have taken on this substantial task.
The people who downvoted this and the ones who are leaving disparaging comments have no vision. They say new tech is better and it is for general use. But this guy's customers determine whether or not the tube fits their needs, not you or I. As long as the market supports his efforts, it is worth it for him to do it.
@@statusquo9520 Like I said, no vision. When I worked in a semiconductor plant we had all kinds of equipment that used these tubes. Pretty much anything that uses a display and you want an old fashioned or steampunk look.
@@bobbybaucom4489Being contemptuous doesnt make you look good. I just asked a simple question. So, again. Where it work better then current tech ? What advantages it will have over it ? Listening to cassettes still ?
@@statusquo9520 you say, "so again", and then proceed too ask a totally DIFFERENT question. Not much point in attempting a serious conversation with you.
Despite being created by the U.S. based Burroughs Corporation in the 1960s, no one makes vacuum tubes better than the Russians. Thank you so much for keeping these wonders still alive.
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I suspect this wasn't done for money. I think money was outweighed by curiosity passion and the tenacity of problem solving. And I'm simply amazed by the pursuit of near perfection for this one thing. Awesome achievement.
RUclips: let's put this video in recommended for everyone 3 years later 6th number of the top left nixie tube at 37:21 : IGHT IMMA HAD OUT... Me: that gorgeous glow coming from those tubes are warming my heart... Amazing work. I love people who keep alive ancient technologies, keep it up :)
i absolutely love nixie tubes, and the fact that they're being kept alive. but with only expensive low scale production on the market, sadly they will never be for the average consumer, and that's a darn shame, and will probably lead to nixie tubes dying out again in the near future :/ that being said please don't take this as criticism, your making a great product and should ofcourse be paid for it.
I hope these guys wear ear protection with that ultrasonic cleaner. You don't experience pain from them because the sound is above hearing level for most people, but they are VERY loud. I have one myself and I NEVER operate them without the protection on. You can get hearing loss from them and many people do not know this.
Right at the beginning of the video, I thought "these tubes look rather 'new' (for the lack of a better word)...", seeing that you made them explains why. And makes it even more impressive.
Done: 1. Laboratory in local castle 2. European accent 3. Lots of unknown scientific equipment To do 1. Hire an Igor 2. Laugh maniacally now and then 3. World domination.
Dalibor; I am an electrical engineer - and I would simply like to say that this is NOT a tube! It is a masterpiece work of electrical knowledge, material science knowledge, glass-blowing skill, artistic ability, creativity, attention to process discipline, attention to process detail and craftsmanship in so many disciplines that just so happens to culminate in the form of a tube! Very well done! I can't convey just how impressive it is to watch your video!
Jerry you said it all, very well said and Dalibor needs such appreciation and encouragement. Thank you Sir.
Это лучший комментарий для этого восхитительного видео!
Cant add a single word... just wow
I can add a word or two... as an Industrial Engineer (with automated machine prototyping/fine-assembly experience), CNC Machinist/Programmer, Welder and Special Effects Technician in the Vancouver film industry.
I would like to recognize the scaling master-craft of the facilities and the production value put into the video quality and flow.
Damn I wish I was European sometimes. It sometimes feels like I live in the woods in Canada. All my great bosses of the past were Europeans/Asians that lived here.
All that just for it to probs break
This man had to begin from the ground up in order to find a way to produce these tubes after years of trying, and now thanks to this video if by any reason he ever stops production someone else will have the bases with clear steps and explanations of why things are done that way. Much respect, thank you for doing this.
Beautifully Done Video To Match The Beautiful Work.
Thank You For NO MUSIC
Just The Natural Sounds Of The Skilled Work Being Done.
10,000 thumbs up from me! If you want music, turn on your own!
Everything about this is beautiful, from the revival of the nixie tubes, to the pristine lab, to the nixie tubes themselves.
I am a vacuum electronics technician by education. I understand every step, I know what and how you are doing. I could not even imagine that this knowledge would be in demand in the modern world. Thanks for sharing. It reminded me of years of study and practice at the plant. BTW greetings from Russia.
A real craftsman! I respect a man who takes pride in his work. I grew up when everything used tubes. Now integrated circuits and transistors have taken over.
am i the only weirdo that just absolutely fell in love with that little spot welder? what a neat little tool
Nah it’s not just you man 😂☺️ I don’t even weld, and I need me one of those!!
Hello I am watching this in 2024 so I hope you are still reading your comments as I would like to say that the skill, precision and knowledge you demonstrate is to be applauded. You have achieved a wonderful blend of art and engineering kind Regards Clare
I had no idea it was this involved. I would have thought more of the process was automated. I guess there isn't' enough demand for a large nixie tube factory?
Nice to see you here! ;)
Now just Techmoan still has to stop by^^
Ah yes.... Techmoan
One of the very rare videos, where I - a craftsman myself - experienced crafting proceedings that were completely new to me. I watched nearly breathlessly and with the highest respect for your outstanding skills. Thank you!
this man has worked his arse off ,and deserves all the success he gets :) i salute you
This guy has the knowledge of a scholar, talent of a sculptor and the patience a saint.....a true craftsman, nice work!
and the hands of a surgeon!
That was the most impressive craftsmanship I have ever seen. WOW. As a machinist myself, I am super impressed. Thank you for your dedication to reviving a lost art form.
No wonder the clock that tech moan reviewed was £1000 seems like a reasonable price now ...I admire your patience and work ethic 👍👍
Damn you, Dalibor! I bought a whole bunch of these figuring they'd hold value for my retirement! Now you are making more of them. Seriously, though, this took some perseverance. It's admirable.
Is it just me or does his website look FANTASTIC?
I take my 100 hats off for this guy. Incredible what he has achieved from the tiny shed to a super clean and fully fledged production lab. Even if I don’t use Nixie tubes myself, I truly wish he gets all of them sold . I wish him a prosperous future. And thanks for the great video.
I seen these tubes when I was a kid,back in 50-60 all the tv had them in, but I didn’t know it took so long to produce these tubes. Thanks you so much for keeping this old Art alive,very good work,lots of patient and a steady hand, Thanks again!!
Greetings from a retired pharmaceutical chemist/microbiologist in South Africa. Your laboratory and production equipment is to die for. Your attention to detail, consistency, craftsmanship and skill shines for all to see. You are a master alchemist/craftman/technician par excellence Dalibor!
RESPECT!!!!
Fascinating process to watch, thank you for sharing this. As an Engineer I can watch each step and know that there were a huge number of hours that went into developing each, seemingly simple, part of the process. You have obviously put a lot of effort into this and I wish you every success.
It is fascinating. The only thing I didn't understand is what those micrometers were for at the 29:48 mark.
As a neon bender for 12 years I can fully appreciate the craftsmanship in the detailed processes that make this an art.
Utterly stunning. I was transfixed, not only by the intensive effort and artistry that went into creating these masterpieces but also by the incredible Cinematography. Every detail was clearly photographed, complex and tiny details lovingly illustrated. The lighting was expertly designed to be perfect in the details and in portraying the beauty and artistry of the process. In effect, the creation of this video, as well as the unspeakably brilliant execution of making the nixie tubes themselves is a performance art piece unto itself.
My congratulations!
“I moved from the garden shed to a local castle” - how can I also move from my garden shed to a local castle? Also, most fascinating video I’ve watched in a long time.
I'm wondering the same... I've been doing custom wood burning and engraving for a while (not nearly as cool or intricate work as this) but damn if like to move my work out of the garage and into a local castle! 😂
Learned something new today! Absolutely mind blowing how much time and effort you have spent to learn all these production steps and to turn it into a business. Respect 👍🏻
A genuine artform, exceptionally well executed. The craftsmanship and patience demonstrated for producing these is truly remarkable.
To see this nostalgic yet key part of our electronics evolution is inspiring! Especially from some one so young. We must not forget where we came from. What technical feats of engineering spawned our current hi tech society. This clock will start many conversations about electron flow with ones who may have never been interested in electronics. Thank you for showing fortitude and endurance in make this a reality.. Nice work my friend.
Not only you are self tutored in this engineering feat, but the patience level and trial and error you must have gone through (breaking some of those tubes) is off the charts. The amount of work and specialised tools that go into this craft is beyond reason. Bravo, dude! Bra-vo! I also liked you didn't fill the clip with music or blabber. It's the kind of stuff that is best backed by the blow torch and electric motors and all the machinery working with you side by side to create this awesome piece of art. And it is, by any account, an art.
I decided to nominate this video for the prize of the most award-winning mechanical labor.
This video showcases a good man and master craftsman of a lost art. My father and I built a seven-segment Nixie Tube clock in the 1970s which sat in a place of honor on top of the television set for at least 20 years. Our original TV was 100% vacuum tubes including the tuner and 3-electron gun shadow-mask cathode ray tube that was a marvel of vacuum technology at the time. In 1975 I worked in the Motorola television factory in Chicago where they were still using vacuum CRTs. By then, all else had been transistorized and the first integrated circuits were coming into use.
I worked for EEV (English Electric Valve Company) for 17yrs as a stock controller and it always fascinated me how clever some of the technology and techniques were for making tubes. I used to Love watching the glass tube man turning glass on a lathe or the guys who used to grow carbon grids for the Klystrons that were as fine as a spiders web ! I think there was also a dept that made Nixie tubes of sorts, as well as the LCD screens. Clever people all of you :O)
So you just decided to try and make them yourself and build a small business based on the production of the nixie tubes.
That Sir, is truly amazing!
This gets my vote for BEST content of any you tube video . I was absolutely enthralled and oblivious to anything going on around me for the duration . I am absolutely amazed at the craftsmanship and would skip the handshake and go immediately to the man hug brother ! Spectacular does not even begin to describe . Thank you.
Mr. Farny, as I watched this video of you making Nixie tubes, I sat absolutely spellbound. This is fascinating, incredible. The immense skill, the attention to detail, the nerves of steel, and the patience, oh the patience! Placing those numeric cathodes with such precision, shaping the glass envelopes with the skill of a true craftsman. This was awesome, and I thank you for sharing this with the world sir. Your Nixie tubes look fabulous, true works of art. Old technology perhaps, but so new. Best of success to you Mr. Farny.
This is really something special
Holy moly jay, it’s getting creepy.. you have commented on literally every single video I’m watching :D Guess we have the same interests or you’re just absurdly active on this platform :D
Hello
Wtf Jay, you here!?
Enjoyed the Video. In 1995 I started working for Sony in San Diego after Navy Retirement. I worked at the CRT Plant making Picture Tubes or CRT's. Much of the glass works is what we did but was automated with Fanuc Robots. My area did the Getter Flash with RF to improve the vacum inside the CRT. Pretty Impressive. Also used NIXIE Tubes in my early Navy Days starting in 1975.
digitalwoodshop wow, very nice comment, thank you for sharing this! If you like to share some details, I would be very interested to compare our techniques of getter activation..
@@daliborfarny Our getter was attached to the electron gun on a long thin piece of metal that put it about 3 inches from the Anode for the 17 inch Monitor CRT's we made. We too used a Copper water cooled coil powered by a Pillar RF Generator. The Fanuc Robot would hold the coil up to the CRT. I was 6 hours into the 12 hours that it took to make the CRT. It arrived in my area 250 an hour having just had the CRT sealed. We clipped the glass tube used to draw the vacuum and went to the High Voltage Knocking Station to start the gun aging process. Next we did the getter flash. Then painted carbon on the outside making the CRT a Capacitor with the carbon inside. Then a base cap was applied to the pins with high voltage RTV. Then a metal band was heated red hot by RF and pulled up on the CRT face used to mount the CRT. Then off to a hanging aging line then final testing. I liked the way you used the RF to heat the Anode. Would love to see a video how the number wires are made. Thanks for the Video. Just saw the rest of your videos... GREAT !!!
Really good to hear from someone in the business, I was thinking how much this video reminded me of another I saw about the last CRT rebuilder in the USA. I think CRT will have a revival too before not very long, they may be heavy and not quite as high resolution (although Sony and Philips made some great CRT's, what with Trinitron and then Philips fixed convergence tubes that were high resolution, easy to set up and slimmer than regular tubes too). They'll still be working happily long after the last Plasma or LCD/LED panel has died. My 1983 Beovision 8802 has a brilliant picture and much prefer watching that than a modern set! Thank you both.
digitalwoodshop amazing! Did you outgas getters before sealing off the tube (while still on pump)? How did you clipped the exhaust tube without cracking the stem? I have the original Philips CRT pumping cart with tipoff coil, I plan to experiment with this kind of sealing-off. Thank you!
@@daliborfarny After Frit Seal in a 3 hour oven to glue the panel to the funnel the gun was inserted by Fanuc Robot and sealed around the outside.. Next it went into a cart 2 at a time with Vacuum Pumps leading to the final seal of the tubliator. I got it and we had a guy with a file that snapped the tubliator off. It was never automated in my area. We also did 32, 27, and 20 inch TV CRT's then and eventually they added 19 inch Monitor CRT's in addition to my 17 inch area. Started in 1995 and spent 2 years in production then took a job in the Calibration Lab. Doing everything from Power Supply Repair to Multimeter Calibration. Then moved to Philly closer to home to the Sony Service Center at Bristol, PA for 4 years fixing everything from Play Station 2's to Tivo's. The San Diego CRT Plants were closed and buildings taken down. They still have the Technology Center in San Diego close to the Golf courses :). The Service Centers closed and moved to San Diego. Speaking of CRT Tube Re-manufacturing.... I live close to a now closed former company called Croma-tube at Hawley, PA where they replaced the Guns in CRT's for years. I visited the plant while home on Vacation a few times from Sony. The big project at the time was small black and white CRT about 10 inches that went in Mexico Passenger Bus's. They had thousands of them. They closed a few years ago. Sony also bought it's Funnel Glass from a place near me too. TechnoGlass near Scranton, Pennsylvania also closed now too. They shipped the new Funnels to San Diego and brought back broken glass for Cull to add to the mix. Sony had it's own 18 Wheel Transport Company. One of the trucks going from San Diego to PA was hijacked. I can just imaging the look when they opened the truck to find it full of broken glass... At the time they also made 32 inch TV's at San Diego so they got wrong truck... The Panel glass for Sony CRT's came from Japan. And the Gun & Getters were sitting in a clean room robot tray open to the air before being sealed to the funnel. So no out gassing before being sealed in the CRT.
I've got a few comments to make. As a craftsman, it is easy to tell when someone is "next-level". You are certainly that! Also, I just watched a 37 minute video on RUclips and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Heck of a job, man. You should be very proud of your craft and talent. How in the world did you end up finding a client base that needs nixie tubes on a scale that can justify your operating costs and profit?! My mind is blown.
I'm an specialist electronic technician formed at the 70's years. This is simply amazing forever and ever!
I moved from garden shed to a local castle... Ok then that's a normal thing I guess
Welcome to czech republic it almost is normal here ;)
You can get one too, if you have the will and time to make it useful again, state will even sponsor a big portion of money needed for the renovation... (castle in every town and nobody is willing to put up with the upkeep)
I started watching but found myself immersed in both the creation process and your mastery of many skill sets. Very nicely done!
This is top tier craftsmanship and art. It also gives an insight why craftsmanship has its costs. Keep up the art.
I can't believe I sat and watched this whole video to the end.
This man makes nixie tubes in an old castle. You sir, have won the internet!
I come back to watch this every now and then
😂
I've watched this 2 times previously throughout the years, but I watched it again for the 3rd time with the same enthusiasm.
It is good to know that someone has revitalised these old techniques. When I was a child, every electronic device had vacuum valves - I remember looking through the vents of the portable record player, seeing the orange glow of the tube (for our US friends) heaters and wondering how the music came out. These were the days when tubes/valves were made in bulk - sadly most are gone now. I remember the small nixie tubes too - my school had a sixth form physics class build a clock with them. Silicon is great, but tubes have heart.
There's only one man and a huge way from beginning. Hats off!
hopefully this craft never dies...
Who else noticed the tube on the very top left of the testing rack is not displaying #6 ? But i must say, this is an amazing production video, i totally under estimated the complexity of make a Nixie tube. Incredible work!
Congrats on reaching your dream! And making NIXIE tubes for the rest of us.
Brings back a lot of good memories from when I worked in a Cathode Ray Tube factory. Over one million tubes per year. For black and white Televisions at first, then bank ATM machines, and on to serving the personal computer market. Even made thousands of 30mm types for a giant scoreboard in a sports stadium! Each dot was a single CRT with Red, Green, or Blue color phosphor.
Fun times! Until LCD flat panels were perfected...!
Greetings from Portland, Oregon, USA.
This really is one of the best put together longer videos I have ever watched. The first time I checked how much is left was 30 minutes in.
This is a great video of how beautiful things can be created with passionate work.
And thank you for NOT ADDING MUSIC! I enjoy the sound of tools, machines and materials. It's like ASMR to me.
This is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen on RUclips. To recreate the entire manufacturing process of nixie tubes is the pinnacle of the Maker Movement. I'm extremely proud of you. Well done!
I am at a loss for words. As one who builds miniature engines and designs drones; all I can say is you sir have my utmost respect.
Greetings from Greece.
Cool video, well done. Just shows how labour intensive it is. Also after all that hard work, it looks like you have a faulty 6 on the top left tube @ 37:26
Only in Europe, can you hear someone say, I didn't have room in my garden shed so I moved to a castle.
I´m just happy to live in a world where a man can _move to a local castle and make Nixie Tubes_
For anyone wondering, the purpose of the getters is to absorb impurities in the gas that would otherwise build up over time on the digits, plates, screens and glass making it tinted and hard to see.
Now I getters it, thank you
Scavenges, or "gets" any stray Oxygen atoms, among other things. Its a sacrificial material. Nice to see it headed up with induction now, that's two fewer legs on the tube base
Never thought I'd ever watch someone make a nixie by hand. Very, very impressive.
This is high art. I'm hoping in the time since the release of this video you've been able to procure more tooling to automate more of what is obviously a painstaking process to ensure a high quality product. As it stands, this was oddly emotional to watch-like some small resurrection of a forgotten elegance. Thank you for doing it.
If making nixies by hand is this complicated, I wish I could see one of the old factories for them back when they were operating.
Sir, you do not make nixie tubes. You make functioning pieces of art. Truly amazing work, just beautiful. Keep up the great work. And to find out that you are self taught? Makes your art all the more amazing. I am more than impressed.
G.W. Smith I agree with you
Guys, thank you very much for positive comments, this motivates me to come up with another videos in the future!
How it makes light?
+iosef 333 if I'm not mistaken, it's like the filament in a light bulb. the individual numbers become hot, producing a glow, and which one lights up varies depending on the voltage (or maybe some very clever circuitry systems). Either way it's pretty damn awesome.
Really great video, had to stop what I was doing and actually watch til the end.
you've really built a marvelous business. Creating a need for a long obsoleted technology... and done it with amazing artistic skill. Thanks for sharing this with us.
"I needed more room so I moved from the garden shed to a local castle." :) Now that is style...
best 37 minutes spent on youtube yet.
i have so much to do today but.... i had to watch this entire video, i couldn't help it once in started i couldn't stop.
What an excellent craftmanship. Bravissimo!
Thanks RUclips recommendations. See you in 10 years
This guy put a lot of hard work, research and money into this. What a cool and interesting way to burn your house down.
Lol, it's not his house, it's his castle.
I would have thought he would have burned fingers a few times touching the hot glass...
5yus5yeuytyu
LMAO
soooo many haters unable to appreciate the old technology. sure expensive as hell but its still a nice thing to have as an art piece at the very least.
You're quite possibly the only person living ready, willing, and able to manufacture nixie tubes, nice work, all too often knowledge is lost once the next generation of technology is introduced, I for one am glad that you decided to revive this lost art, and have taken on this substantial task.
What a great video. Thank you for sharing your craft.
The people who downvoted this and the ones who are leaving disparaging comments have no vision. They say new tech is better and it is for general use. But this guy's customers determine whether or not the tube fits their needs, not you or I. As long as the market supports his efforts, it is worth it for him to do it.
Where else can you use this except of clock ?
@@statusquo9520 Like I said, no vision. When I worked in a semiconductor plant we had all kinds of equipment that used these tubes. Pretty much anything that uses a display and you want an old fashioned or steampunk look.
@@bobbybaucom4489Being contemptuous doesnt make you look good. I just asked a simple question. So, again. Where it work better then current tech ? What advantages it will have over it ? Listening to cassettes still ?
@@statusquo9520 you say, "so again", and then proceed too ask a totally DIFFERENT question. Not much point in attempting a serious conversation with you.
@@bobbybaucom4489 So your answer: For esthetics. Got it.
“Local Castle” so... you just have castles laying around?
Not too rare in europe ;)
it is the UK, late but great posts
What to do, what to do? How to apply and what to do?
@@hungtuanto3597 good question
The incredible level of consistency is amazing! What a labor intensive process! The end results are beautiful and impressive!
this video is 3 years old and I see comments from 3 hours ago
legendary and very good videos never die, and this is absolut masterpiece . dobrá práca dalibor
Not sure what is cooler. The Nixie tubes or the mini spot welder. I need both in my life.
Thank you for this video and for keeping the art alive!
I purchased a PVElectronics clock featuring a Daliborfarny tub. The kit arrives tomorrow. I loved this video and can't wait to build it!
Despite being created by the U.S. based Burroughs Corporation in the 1960s, no one makes vacuum tubes better than the Russians. Thank you so much for keeping these wonders still alive.
Any evidence?
@@Mr11no1 You are right. Dalibor is czeck.
Type 'F' to pay respect to the failing nixie tube which doesn't display the '6' @37:26 o7
F
F
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Also, I wish I could buy it as is even if it is defective
F
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I don't always need more room to work, but when I do, I just go to my local castle....
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Meme lords out there
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I suspect this wasn't done for money. I think money was outweighed by curiosity passion and the tenacity of problem solving. And I'm simply amazed by the pursuit of near perfection for this one thing. Awesome achievement.
RUclips: let's put this video in recommended for everyone 3 years later
6th number of the top left nixie tube at 37:21 : IGHT IMMA HAD OUT...
Me: that gorgeous glow coming from those tubes are warming my heart...
Amazing work. I love people who keep alive ancient technologies, keep it up :)
i absolutely love nixie tubes, and the fact that they're being kept alive.
but with only expensive low scale production on the market, sadly they will never be for the average consumer, and that's a darn shame, and will probably lead to nixie tubes dying out again in the near future :/
that being said please don't take this as criticism, your making a great product and should ofcourse be paid for it.
Absolutely WOW.
P.S 37:26 first tube on the left-top, number "6" is not working ;)
No wonder they're so expensive. I had no idea of the tools and effort needed. Nice work! Very nice work...
"I moved to a local castle" - King Arthur
I hope these guys wear ear protection with that ultrasonic cleaner. You don't experience pain from them because the sound is above hearing level for most people, but they are VERY loud. I have one myself and I NEVER operate them without the protection on. You can get hearing loss from them and many people do not know this.
They are heavily insulated and don't cause hearing loss
Holy Crap, I'll never complain about the price of nixie tubes again. :)
Right at the beginning of the video, I thought "these tubes look rather 'new' (for the lack of a better word)...", seeing that you made them explains why. And makes it even more impressive.
37:26 the top left tube's #6 is dead
Thank you for not adding annoying music
Done:
1. Laboratory in local castle
2. European accent
3. Lots of unknown scientific equipment
To do
1. Hire an Igor
2. Laugh maniacally now and then
3. World domination.
LOL
Huge respect for sharing your manufacturing process!
I hope all types of glass-filled tubes will never die to cheap/nothing special transistors.
I used to wonder why these were so expensive. Now I wonder if the price is too low. 😉 Amazing work
Watched this three years ago and it's back in my recommendations.
Slow TV at its finest. Enjoyed every second. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia.
George Carter thank you George! Just editing another video ;-)
This is artisanship at its finest. As someone who likes to make things and is a bit of a geek.... this is stunning. I take my hat off to you sir
Now I understand why they are so expensive.
they shouldn’t be though they used to be mass produced and now just because one guy makes it its all expensive
@@Txlogancmanifacturing vs mass production. Do you copy?