In kit form, get yourself an Arduino shield that can power and control a dekatron. The board contains a special switching supply, that can generate the 400+ volts needed to power a dekatron from 5V USB power. Tests show reliable operation with input voltages just over 3.5V, on the "5V rail". This shield is intended to be plugged into an Arduino Uno, and "sketches" can be written to control it, in the Arduino environment. A few "sketches" (which are Arduino's term for programs), are available for download at the instruction page, for free.
Also, because it has an on board switching supply, its much safer, than many of the 'direct' AC powered circuits seen on the Web. It still generates 400V, so it will still bite you, if you're not careful. Still, much safer than other circuits.
Kits sold August 25, 2017, and later will be AD01A (revision A). Electrically identical, with a few cosmetic changes.
Included on this shield, is an A101 socket, Its made up of the board and Molex 0.093" socket pins. It fits the Russian A101 dekatron (not included). It also fits the A102 and A103, though I strong recommend against using these later two types.
Here is a video, of the dohickie in operation:Shield Sketch Video.
Here's a link to all the instructions you need to build this kit, once you receive it: Arduino Dekatron Shield Kit.
This shield needs an Arduino Uno to function. The Sketches are uploaded to the Uno's ATmega328 microcontroller. Once uploaded, that sketch remains burned in, until another sketch is uploaded, and overwrites it. The last sketch uploaded, remains, even when powered off. That means the Uno, will start running that sketch again, when powered up again. Power can come over either the USB connector (+5V), or the DC power jack of the Uno (7VDC minimum).
Actually you can possess just one Arduino Uno, and use it for uploading and development only. Since the actual Sketch (in machine code form) resides in the ATmega328, all you need to do is get extra ATmega328s, with the "bootloader" pre-programmed in them. Then plug one into the Uno. Progam it (upload the Sketch), and use just that chip for your project. More on that here.
Dekatrons are to be acquired separately, by the buyer. There are many sources available, both on eBay, and elsewhere online. An A101 on the on-board socket can be used, or the connector J1, can be used to hook up an external dekatron, of your choosing. This is all shown in the instructions at the given link.
Dekatrons are remarkable tubes. They were used from 1950 to late 1960's. They are the tube equivalent of decade counter ICs, but performed this function in a unique and elegant way. Read more about dekatrons here: Dekatron Stuff.
Board measures 2.7in x 2.1in (69 x 53mm). The same footprint of an Arduino Uno, including mounting holes.
All kits are sorted and stored, in individual anti-static bags. They are shipped that way to the customer. Only a few are listed, but I have parts & boards for many more.
It's a "KIT" !!! That means you get a bare board, and parts. You must solder it together ! That's what KIT means !
Shipping Weight: 5 oz
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