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Nixie ·Nixie

GA12

Long-life side-viewing cold-cathode numerical indicator with ten digit-shaped cathodes and 30 mm characters. The manufacturer specifies more than 10,000 hours life when characters are switched at least every 24 hours.

Directly heatedCold cathodeCommon cathodeDissimilar
Sections
1
Base
B17A
Socket code
B17A
Base pins
17
Nominal heater
-

Description

GA12 is a long-life cold-cathode numerical indicator (Nixie) tube with ten cathodes shaped as digits 0–9. It has 30 mm side-viewed digits, a published maximum ignition voltage of 150 V, normal cathode current of 2.8 mA, and a recommended minimum supply of 250 V. The sheet states life expectancy exceeds 10,000 hours when characters are switched at least every 24 hours.

Socket description

17-contact large Nixie socket family

General specifications

Tube and section characteristics

Properties common to every published source and operating point.

Heater and base

Base
B17A
Socket code
B17A
Base pins
17
Nominal heater voltage
-
Nominal heater current
-
Parallel heater voltage
-
Parallel heater current
-
Series capable
No

B17A - Terminal pinout

Electrical assignments shared by every tube using this base designation.

No verified pinout is recorded for this base designation.

Section ratings

1 physical section, each with unique specifications.

Section 1

Nixie

X-ray radiationInterelectrode capacitances
Max cathode current
4 mA

Cold-cathode glow-display section. Published cathode-current maximum promoted when specified.

Source-dependent data

Operating conditions by source

Each block preserves the test conditions and published values from one reference. Values from different sources are intentionally kept separate.

Data set 01

1965 Nixie Cerberus

Published operating points and test conditions from this source.

SECTION 1

Nixie

Other

  • Digit Height

    30 mm

    Side viewing

  • Maximum Ignition Voltage

    150 V

    Published main characteristics

  • Minimum Cathode Current

    1 mA

    Published main characteristics

  • Maximum Cathode Current

    4 mA

    Published main characteristics

Characteristic

  • Normal Cathode Current

    2.8 mA

    Published main characteristics

  • Minimum Supply Voltage

    250 V

    Lower supply voltages are not recommended unless stabilized

  • Recommended Anode Resistor

    33 kOhm

    At listed minimum supply voltage

  • Off-Cathode Bias Voltage Minimum

    50 V

    Off cathodes

  • Off-Cathode Bias Voltage Maximum

    120 V

    Off cathodes

  • Life Expectancy

    10000 h

    Digits switched sequentially at intervals of no more than 24 h