12:24V - 180V Step Up transformer

Ive been searching in vain to find a cheap and simple device in the UK which will allow me to use a 12V-24V DC supply to output 180V DC to allow me to test my nixie tubes.

I dont trust myself to build one, id much rather purchase one at this stage. Can anyone recommend a source to find them, preferably in the UK.

This is the kind of thing im after (except I cant get a reply from these people): Nixie tubes tube DC-DC converter Power Supply

Thanks.

Spadez said:

Ive been searching in vain to find a cheap and simple device in the UK which will allow me to use a 12V-24V DC supply to output 180V DC to allow me to test my nixie tubes.

I dont trust myself to build one, id much rather purchase one at this stage. Can anyone recommend a source to find them, preferably in the UK.

This is the kind of thing im after (except I cant get a reply from these people): Nixie tubes tube DC-DC converter Power Supply

Thanks.

Click to expand...

hi S,
They are not cheap.
HITEK POWER|GMA12-200-PE|CONVERTER, DC/DC, 1.5W, +200V | Farnell United Kingdom

Great minds think alike?

I was just about to post the same link!

Unless you can find a second hand one for a few pounds, I dont think that this is such a good way to go.
What is wrong with a simple mains power supply, transformer, rectifier and capacitor?

JimB

I can do this, but im not particularity strong in the field of electronics, so I dont want to destroy my nixies, and id rather not kill myself either.

If there is a simple guide explaining how to make this transformer then I would be willing to give that a go instead. Ive had a search on the internet for "DIY mains DC transformer", but I couldnt find anything good enough to convince me to go that route.

I think im correct in saying that I would need a 4-3 ratio on the primary and secondary transformers respectively, and a bridge rectifier to convert the AC-DC, with a capacitor to smooth out the frequency and a resistor to limit the current. In terms of actually finding the correct components with the right values, im lost.

For a start, there's no such thing as a DC transformer, you need a DC-DC converter.

Here's a link to circuit designed to boost 12V to 180V for powering nixies.
https://www.desmith.net/NMdS/Electronics/NixiePSU.html

This article uses a MAX771 to drive the anodes of a Nixie clock.
**broken link removed**

All sorted! I was able to find a kit on ebay for £10 that sorts me out. Thank you for all your help and advice.