Dieter's
EZ10B Dekatron Spinner
last update (and finished): March-08-2009

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What is a Dekatron spinner?
A Dekatron spinner displays a spinning dot by using a vintage 'Dekatron' style glow-transfer counting tube.
The colour of the dot depends to the gas the tube is filled.
Neon filled tubes display a red-orange dot.
Argon and Hydrogen filled tubes display a purple dot.
The spinning frequency depends to the mains voltage the spinner is connected to and to the counting steps of the Dekatron.
If the spinner is connected 50Hz and the Dekatron is a 10-way counter like the EZ10A or EZ10B tubes, the dot spins with 5 turns per second.
If the spinner is connected to 60Hz the dot spins with 6 turns per second.

An animation of a Dekatron spinner (the colour differs from the EZ10A or EZ10B tube):

You can find more information about Dekatrons here on my Dekatron page.
You can find more information about the EZ10B Dekatrons here.



The main idea of this project was to develop a simple Dekatron spinner for EZ10B dekatron tubes.
I took my B12E Deaktron spinner circuit and modified it to this purpose..

After my modifications I came to this circuit:


The circuit works with 230-240VAC/50-60Hz and 115VAC/50-60Hz.
Here you see the layout of the circuit:

Here you see the finished board (not assembled):

The spinner assembled and with the EZ10B tube
The tube is mounted in pin receptacles, so it's no problem to replace it:

The bottom side of the board:

The following pictures show the tube spinning.
Of course, only one of the cathodes is glowing, but the shutter speed of the camera generates different pictures:

a normal shutter speed of the camera:

a normal shutter speed of the camera in darkened ambient:

a low shutter speed of the camera:

one cathode glowing only (rest position):

An animation of a spinning dekatron (neon filled, colour differs from the EZ10B of course):

You can download the connection-instructions here.

Attention!!!!
This circuit generates high voltage!!!

DANGER!!!!
Attention!!!! This circuit generates high voltage!!! Do never touch the circuit while it is connected to the AC line. Before you use the circuit mount it in a closed housing! I am not liable for any damages caused to someone’s health.
Dekatron Spinners produce high voltages that can be fatal.
I disclaim any responsibility for injury as a result of using this circuit!! 
All risks and damages, incidental or otherwise, arising from the use or misuse of this circuit are entirely the responsibility of the user. 
DANGER!!!! HIGH VOLTAGE DEVICE!!!!!!

The author assumes no liability for any incidental, consequential or other liability from the use of this information. All risks and damages, incidental or otherwise, arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein are entirely the responsibility of the user. Although careful precaution has been taken in the preparation of this material, the author assume no responsibility for omissions or errors. 

This Project is finished
Thanks for reading.

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