What is a Dekatron you may be asking yourself? Well, back in the good ole infancy of computing, counting (and displaying!) numbers wasn’t as straightforward as it is today. Numerous technologies burgeoned through the 1950’s and ’60’s to aid in counting numbers and processing calculations. One of these technologies was the Dekatron, or glow-transfer counting tube. The name Dekatron was a brand name used by Ericsson Telephones Limited (ETL) of Beeston in Nottingham (UK). These functioned as both counting devices and displays and came in a variety of configurations. These included counting in base 5, 10 and 12, register tubes as well as selector varieties that made dividing by n possible and hence usage in calculators and early computers. The Dekatron tube comprises a central anode encircled by a set of cathodes whereby a correct sequence of pulses can propel (or transfer) a neon (or other gas discharge) from one cathode to the next. They typically operated at pretty high voltages in the range of 450V DC. Depending on the type of gases used in the tube, counting frequencies from several Hz to 1MHz were possible. Probably one of the most ‘famous’ examples of the use of these devices in computing was the Harwell computer.
The All-Toob Dekatron Spinner kit allows you to enjoy a little piece of computing history in all its warm neon glory. In homage to the days of old, the spinner uses vacuum tubes as rectifiers and also a neon trigger tube (Z700U) to stay as true to the technology of the day as is feasible with cost constraints in mind! In fact this design could have been built in the 1950’s as all the electronic components would have been available. This has been married to some more modern case components as the laser cut acrylic and 3D printed mounts in the case are very much of this decade.
If you want to see what’s involved in the making of the kit, then please download the manual here..If you want a pre-built kit, then that is also possible. The kit can be supplied with either a used or NOS GC10B dekatron. Both are tested, the only difference is that a used GC10B will have a little wear and some darkening of the viewing glass. The color of the 3D printed parts can also be changed upon request (standard is Black).
Price for kit of parts:
- With a used GC10B dekatron – $139
- With a NOS GC10B dekatron – $149
Please note that all sales in CA are subject to sales tax. Shipping charges also apply. If you want custom engraving on the front plate, that can be accommodated for no extra charge.
