I already had some contact with Chris and still hardly looking for the B7971
Smart Sockets - at least PCB's, PIC's but much better complete kits, of course.

I need about 6 to 8 boards.

Where they are still to get?

I tried to reach Onno (http://www.tromop.eu/cms/index.php/smartsockets) but did
not get an answer the last days.

Thanks a lot and best regards
Ralf

http://www.tayloredge.com/storefront/1386_B7971SmartSocket/index.html

$1.50, shipping included.

jt



--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "ralflampe" <ralflampe@...> wrote:
>
> I already had some contact with Chris and still hardly looking for the B7971
Smart Sockets - at least PCB's, PIC's but much better complete kits, of course.
>
> I need about 6 to 8 boards.
>
> Where they are still to get?
>
> I tried to reach Onno (http://www.tromop.eu/cms/index.php/smartsockets) but
did not get an answer the last days.
>
> Thanks a lot and best regards
> Ralf
>

I have added a parts kit option by popular demand:
http://www.tayloredge.com/storefront/1386_B7971SmartSocket/index.html

jt

> >
> > I already had some contact with Chris and still hardly looking for the B7971
Smart Sockets - at least PCB's, PIC's but much better complete kits, of course.
> >
> > I need about 6 to 8 boards.
> >
> > Where they are still to get?
> >
> > I tried to reach Onno (http://www.tromop.eu/cms/index.php/smartsockets) but
did not get an answer the last days.
> >
> > Thanks a lot and best regards
> > Ralf
> >
>

Hello Group,

I am happy to announce that the Smartsockets for the ZM1350 Nixie
Varisymbol (Telefunken) are available from stock now.

We supply

tubes ZM 1350
the Smartsocket PCB, modified and improved, see below for
modification
the PIC programmed with the software.

All info, pricing etc. on our site:

www.askjanfirst.com/r5.htm

right below the scopeclock chapter.

BTW Scopeclocks: we got plenty of new CRTs, green and blue from 5 to
18 cm (2"-7") They also make a splendid project with high WAF.

What is WAF ? Well, it means "W"ife "A"cceptance "F"actor ;-)

We supply worldwide with more than 15 years of experience, well we
were even in the business before e**y


The board has been modified with the really (!) much appreciated help
of Guus and Chris. The connectors are at the sides left and right so
the boards can be hooked next to each other in a line with small wire
ends.



Have a nice day

Jan




Mit freundlichen Gruessen---best regards----cordialement

Dipl.-Ing. Jan Philipp Wuesten

Frag'Jan zuerst - Ask Jan First GmbH & Co. KG
Preiler Ring 10 ; D- 25774 Lehe, Germany
Phone: +49-4882-6054551  Fax  : +49-4882-6054552
<http://www.die-wuestens.de> (Deutsch, English, Francais)
mail to <FJZ@...>  or <FJZ@...>
HR A4788 PI, Vertretung: Wüsten Verw.GmbH, HR B 6295 PI
Registergericht Pinneberg. GF: Jan Wüsten
**************************************************
Aktuelle Info: Abonnieren Sie unseren Newsletter
Stay updated: Subscribe to our newsletter:
Restez en ligne: Abonnez-vous à notre courriel de nouvelles:

Info: <http://www.wuesten.net/news.htm>
**************************************************

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "Jan Wuesten" <fjz@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Group,
>
> I am happy to announce that the Smartsockets for the ZM1350 Nixie
> Varisymbol (Telefunken) are available from stock now.
>
>
> www.askjanfirst.com/r5.htm
>
> right below the scopeclock chapter.


I'm also currently working on a new Smartsocket driver with programmable
features and a built in real time clock to support the Smartsocket range.

Hopefully I should have something useable soon.

The IV-17/IV-4 sockets are fully programmed with the exception of the anode
supply code. The driver pic also generates the PWM for the SMPS  section and I
need to do more work on the control algorithm to make it stable.

If anyone would like a sneak preview of the IV-17/IV-4 version and you are not
too concerned that it doesn't have it's own B+ supply, (if you can supply it
with about 30V it should work(, then let me know and I'll see if I can get a
schematic drawn up soon. I have yet to optimise the choice of pic, but the
hardware consists of a PIC and an HV5812, as well as  a couple of transistors to
switch the decimal points.

Chris

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the smartsockets
group.

   File        : /_Operating intructions, support files and
projects/SSFontManager.exe
   Uploaded by : ralflampe <ralflampe@...>
   Description : Smartsockets Font Manager for editing and testing of user fonts.

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smartsockets/files/_Operating%20intructions%2C%20s\
upport%20files%20and%20projects/SSFontManager.exe

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/forms/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

ralflampe <ralflampe@...>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the smartsockets
group.

   File        : /_Operating intructions, support files and
projects/SSFontManager.ZIP
   Uploaded by : ralflampe <ralflampe@...>
   Description : Smartsockets Font Manager for editing and testing of user fonts.

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smartsockets/files/_Operating%20intructions%2C%20s\
upport%20files%20and%20projects/SSFontManager.ZIP

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/forms/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

ralflampe <ralflampe@...>

I have just completed a 4 letter word clock using John Smout's pic.  It works
well but is noisy especially when all segments are on during a transition.  I
read an earlier entry from Chris about possibly adding pull-mid resistors to the
smart socket.  Has any tried this and gotten any results? I could cage the tubes
in plastic but would prefer not to.

Thanks

Chuck

On 15 Dec 2009, at 18:42, ckeiser10 wrote:

> I have just completed a 4 letter word clock using John Smout's pic.
> It works well but is noisy especially when all segments are on
> during a transition. I read an earlier entry from Chris about
> possibly adding pull-mid resistors to the smart socket. Has any
> tried this and gotten any results? I could cage the tubes in
> plastic but would prefer not to.
>
> Thanks
>
> Chuck
>
Charles,

My tubes sing too when doing a fade or transition, it's the
transition frequency we hear. I am not sure there is much we can do
about this. Would a pull-mid help much?

John S

There is the possibility that pull-mids could help, because even though a fade
is created  by switching rapidly between two digit cathodes, each individual
cathode is being switched between 0V and HV+ during that time. A pull mid will
reduce the total switched potential by holding the cathode at a lower off state
voltage than if no pull mid were used.
It is certainly worth trying as an option.

The noise,as far as I can tell, is a result of the small amount of movement 
which each cathode exhibits, when it is switched, as a result of electrostatic
forces. The cathodes are not fixed rigidly, or clamped, to their supports and
the sml amoint of fitting tolerance allows them to move slightly.

Chris

   Has any tried this and gotten any results? I could cage the tubes in plastic
but would prefer not to.
>
> Thanks
>
> Chuck
>

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "fixitsan2" <fixitsan@...> wrote:

Sounds really good and yes, I would like to get a peek at that. I'd like to get
a peek at the code so maybe I could figure out how to do that part :). Those
tubes will look real nice when you get them lit up.

Dennis

>
> I'm also currently working on a new Smartsocket driver with programmable
features and a built in real time clock to support the Smartsocket range.
>
> Hopefully I should have something useable soon.
>
> The IV-17/IV-4 sockets are fully programmed with the exception of the anode
supply code. The driver pic also generates the PWM for the SMPS  section and I
need to do more work on the control algorithm to make it stable.
>
> If anyone would like a sneak preview of the IV-17/IV-4 version and you are not
too concerned that it doesn't have it's own B+ supply, (if you can supply it
with about 30V it should work(, then let me know and I'll see if I can get a
schematic drawn up soon. I have yet to optimise the choice of pic, but the
hardware consists of a PIC and an HV5812, as well as  a couple of transistors to
switch the decimal points.
>
> Chris
>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the smartsockets
group.

   File        : /IV-17 Smartsocket/IV17GROUP.hex
   Uploaded by : fixitsan2 <fixitsan@...>
   Description : Hex file for 16f4620. Does not implement decimal points and does
not enumerate in an array. Can only be used as an array of 4 tubes

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smartsockets/files/IV-17%20Smartsocket/IV17GROUP.h\
ex

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/forms/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

fixitsan2 <fixitsan@...>

>
> Chris, I have a 30v supply already built and would love to have a go
> at building a prototype of your circuit, once you get the schematic
> together.
>
> Regards,
>
> John S
>

John, there is now a PNG of the schematic and the hex file ready to flash onto a
18f4620.

Some limitations exist in this version, firstly, the decimal points are not
connected and secondly, the tubes do not enumerate themselves and assume
themsleves to be numbered 1 to 4. Therefore this prototype can only be used as a
display of four tubes only.

I would appreciate some evaluation of the transition effects. I have added
several new effects and will need to document them. Yoiu select them by
transmitting ascii 0 through 9, and then A,B,C,D,E etc....

There is a PWM output on pin 17 which is switching an SMPS (not on the
schematic) which is available for anyone to try out. It is currently allowing me
to generate 40Vdc.

You had probably better also add the usual capacitors at the pic power supply
pins, a 0.1uF and a 100uF ought to be enough.

more documentation and hopefully a better schematic will follow soon.

Chris

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the smartsockets
group.

   File        : /IV-17 Smartsocket/iv-17.png
   Uploaded by : fixitsan2 <fixitsan@...>
   Description : Schematic

You can access this file at the URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smartsockets/files/IV-17%20Smartsocket/iv-17.png

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit:
http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/groups/original/members/forms/general.htmlfiles

Regards,

fixitsan2 <fixitsan@...>

> John, there is now a PNG of the schematic and the hex file ready to
> flash onto a 18f4620.
>

Not sure I'll be able to order these until after Xmas now. Just for
the record, is this PIc supported by the PICKIT2. If not I am going
to be a bit stuffed to program the 18f4620.

I have a PCD already etched with four paralleled IV-4s, so that's a
good start.

John S

Just for
> the record, is this PIc supported by the PICKIT2. If not I am going
> to be a bit stuffed to program the 18f4620.
>
> I have a PCD already etched with four paralleled IV-4s, so that's a
> good start.
>
> John S
>

Yes, I am also using a Pickit2 and haven't encountered any problem

The pcb sounds great !

Cheers
Chris

> >
>
> Yes, I am also using a Pickit2 and haven't encountered any problem
>
> The pcb sounds great !
>
> Cheers
> Chris
>

If anyone is prototyping this code at the moment be ware that I have had to make
some changes already.

I think I will need to change the code for all smartsockets, because the choice
of the 18F4620 in this project came about because it has a 40MHz oscillator
(10MHz plus a X4 PLL) which extends the startup time by at least 2mS. This means
that it does not work with other smartsockets because the automatic enumeration
routine takes place imediately after power is applied. All code will need to be
changed on all devices to allow for this slow starting device, or the IV-17/IV-4
version will have to be used only with other identical devices and therefore it
would be impossible to mix display types in one array.

Maybe it isn't such a problem and perhaps nobody cares to mix ZM1350's with
B7971's and IV-17's, but I would like to standardise the protocol across the
range of devices. Who knows what other devices can join the lineup in the future
?

This is the first multiplexed smartsocket and I can see the possibility to
multiplex other devices using the same code.

Once I have the devices enumerating properly I will re release the code for this
project. It really just needs the HV stabilising, but in free running mode it
makes a steady 45V reliably. I would like to add some control over the voltage
output, which will require the addition of some feedback and closed loop control
system.

Chris
Chris

John Taylor at Taylor Edge Electronics stocks the parts needed to build the
SmartSockets that are the easiest way to drive B7971 tubes.

http://www.tayloredge.com/storefront/1386_B7971SmartSocket/index.html

Keep in mind however, that the Smartsockets do NOT include an inbuilt "clock
program".   They are designed to receive a message from a serial port (a
computer or standalone Microprocessor) and display that.   Without some form of
control, they dont do anything by themselves.

Its very easy to write a simple program to drive the Smartsockets from your PC's
serial port, or if you want them Standalone, to use something like an Arduino to
drive them.

Chris/Fixitsan (the designer of the Smartsockets) is working on a standalone
smartsocket driver, or one of these days I might get around to knocking up some
basic Arduino code to drive them if people want it..  I'm working on other
SmartNixie projects at the moment, but if enough people make some noise at me, I
might switch to doing some SS driver code as a break from the current project
for a while.

regards

Brett

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, Brett Paulin <yahoogroups@...> wrote:

> Chris/Fixitsan (the designer of the Smartsockets) is working on a standalone
smartsocket driver, or one of these days I might get around to knocking up some
basic Arduino code to drive them if people want it..  I'm working on other
SmartNixie projects at the moment, but if enough people make some noise at me, I
might switch to doing some SS driver code as a break from the current project
for a while.
>
> regards
>
> Brett
>

Hi Brett, yes it is pretty easy to make something to drive the sockets, and I
welcome any projects for inclusion in the files section from anyone willing to
share their work.

The driver I am working on has been postponed while I work on the IV-17
smartsocket, and I've made some progress here so I hope to get the smartsocket
driver off the ground soon. I've already experimented with creating a scripting
language which would allow anyone to write their own display routines in a non
complex pseudo language using Windows notepad, or other ascii text editor. Then
it could be saved  onto an SD card and then plugged into the array of
smartsockets. Eventually I would like to make this something which just plugs
into a USB port whenever changes need to be made. An onboard RTC is going to be
included.

Chris

Happy new year first of all !

I've had some quality time with my  PC recently and worked through the problems
with the enumeration routine for this version of smartsocket. The issue was that
the 18F4620 oscillator (10MHz Xtal & X4 pll) took several milliseconds longer
than a 16F690 oscillator (Internal osc at 4MHz) to become stable. This meant
that the existing 16F690 enumeration routine happens too quickly for the
slowcoach 18f4620, and therefore it would be impossible to mix the IV-17 display
with any other type of display technology (Neon, LED) if they are 16F690 based.

For this reason I have introduced a protocol for the enumeration routine which
so far seems to ensure that the essential steps of the enumeration process take
place at precise times.

This protocol has been tested with the new ZM1350 Smartsocket and some modified
code and it appears to work as expected.

Existing 16F690 based smartsockets can continue to be used with other 16F690
based devices, but I intend to release a custom code for each type of
smartsocket which will implement this new protocol, which then guarantees
compatibility between all smartsocket types now and in the future.

The protocol is not complex, but I decided it would be better to specify time
windows for each step of the process rather than try to tweak each new module to
suit existing ones.
The simple protocol is as follows....

t=0 when power is applied to the modules
(t is in milliseconds)

t=0
...Reset device, intialise USART, Data may be transmitted
t=5
...Clear RX buffers, reset any errors, Data must not be transmitted
t=7
...Transmit '171'
t=9

Pause 3mS, and read rcreg

I think most microcontrollers ought to be able to get up to speed within 5mS of
power being applied and reach the first proper milestone at t=5mS, so if anyone
wished to port the smartsocket concept to a different hardware platform it
should be simple and straightforward

As for the power supply, I am generating 44V from a single 5V but without any
closed loop feedback, simply using the pwm module. Power consumption will
probably be in the region of 2W for a 4 tube module when shunting the heaters
through a resistor.

The code in the files section is fully enumerating and working code for the 4
digit IV-17 & IV-4 tubes. I wouldn't recommend doing anything other than make up
the circuit on prototype board because I expect to switch to a PIC with fewer
pins soon.

Chris

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "fixitsan2" <fixitsan@...> wrote:
>
Eventually I would like to make this something which just plugs into a USB port
whenever changes need to be made. An onboard RTC is going to be included.
>
> Chris
>

Sweet.  Patiently waiting...

I bought an Arduino (Duemilanove) starter pack to play with, but so far I have
been keeping busy planning an analog 3 meter clock using just ICs- no
microcontroller.  One version uses a CMOS binary clock circuit -> 3 DACs with
adjustable precision voltage reference -> op-amp buffer/driver output.

Regards,
Vince

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, michail1@... wrote:
>
> I thought that there was already a board available which was setup
> basically to replace the FLW Four Letter Word... ...but would rather > have a
clock with cycling a date a few second of the minute and/or
> maybe words.
>
> But, need/want it self contained.  No computer necessary (RTC)
>

As Chris and Brett have replied, one is "in the works".  What you are wanting is
about what I was in search of:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smartsockets/message/307

Note that Quixotic Nixotic "whoop_john" (John S.) has a four letter word project
at:
http://www.clock-it.net/smartsockets/

He can provide a pre-programmed PIC and an EEPROM at a very reasonable price. 
You could have a functioning four letter word until such time as the fancier
6-digit time/date/message driver is available.

Vince

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "v_f_d" <v_f_d@...> wrote:

>
> I bought an Arduino (Duemilanove) starter pack to play with, but so far I have
been keeping busy planning an analog 3 meter clock using just ICs- no
microcontroller.  One version uses a CMOS binary clock circuit -> 3 DACs with
adjustable precision voltage reference -> op-amp buffer/driver output.
>

I'm not very familiar with DACs, and wonder how you convert and transmit data
between the CMOS clock and the DAC input ? I guess there must be DACs with a
full assortment of serial interfaces these days ?

Something I forgot to add earlier, is a note to PICKIT2 owners who haven't yet
discovered the inbuilt 3 channel digital analyser and graphical display, hidden
in the tools menu. It cut my dev time this morning down to a few minutes as I
tweaked my code and watched the data show in the analyser, much like it would on
an oscilloscope, to make sure the right step occurred at the right time. It is a
very useful tool.

Chris

On 18 Jan 2010, at 18:56, michail1@... wrote:

>  Hello,
>
> I thought that there was already a board available which was setup
> basically to replace the FLW Four Letter Word setup since it
> appears he hasn't shipped in years.

I have made a simple microcontroller and serial memory pair that
seems to be quite popular. It replaces the FLW in the sense that it
has about every four letter word in the English language and
abbreviations and acronyms too. It has all the rude words also, but
there is a setting to switch these on or off to suit your prurience
level.

My chips alternate between showing the date and random words and do
this in various ways. There is more information on my website at:
http://www.clock-it.net/smartsockets/index.html
http://www.clock-it.net/smartsockets/what_it_does.html

Regards,

John S

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "fixitsan2" <fixitsan@...> wrote:
>
> ...and wonder how you convert and transmit data between the CMOS clock and the
DAC input ? I guess there must be DACs with a full assortment of serial
interfaces these days ?
>
> Chris
>

True, there are "fancy" serial input DACs.  However, as best I can tell, the
first and most plentiful through the years are parallel input.  The 8-bit ones
seem to be suited for this use- just feed them the binary output from each clock
section (hours/minutes/seconds) and they output a varying voltage in response to
the binary "word" [number].  Essentially, they are a ladder resistor network
with elements switched in by a high on one (or more) of the inputs.

See:
http://www.ikalogic.com/dac08.php

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electronic/dac.html#c4

Maybe I should add that by "CMOS clock" I mean a clock circuit of CMOS chips as
here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barnoid/337592097/

--- In smartsockets@yahoogroups.com, "v_f_d" <v_f_d@...> wrote:
>
>
> Maybe I should add that by "CMOS clock" I mean a clock circuit of CMOS chips
as here:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/barnoid/337592097/
>


Thanks for clearing that up. It all looks interesting.

Chris