What is the blue dot in my nixie tube?

A nixie tube is a type of display device that uses a special type of gas-discharge tube to display numerals or other information. These tubes were commonly used in electronic devices during the 1950s and 1960s, before the widespread adoption of LCD and LED displays.

One interesting feature of nixie tubes is the blue dots that appear around the numerals when the tube is turned on. These blue dots, also known as "Marquee effects," are caused by the ionization of the gas inside the tube. When a high voltage is applied to the electrodes inside the tube, the gas inside becomes ionized and begins to glow, creating the distinctive blue dots around the numerals.

These blue dots are a striking visual feature of nixie tubes, and many people enjoy using them in their electronic projects for their aesthetic appeal. In addition to their aesthetic value, the blue dots also serve a practical purpose. The ionization of the gas inside the tube helps to evenly distribute the electric current, ensuring that the numerals are clearly visible and not distorted.

Nixie tubes are no longer widely used in modern electronics, but they have gained a cult following among electronics enthusiasts and vintage technology collectors. Many people enjoy using nixie tubes in their projects, both for their unique appearance and for their historical significance.

In conclusion, the blue dots that appear around the numerals in nixie tubes are a distinctive and visually appealing feature of these vintage display devices. These dots are caused by the ionization of the gas inside the tube, and they serve both an aesthetic and a practical purpose. Despite their obsolescence, nixie tubes continue to be popular among electronics enthusiasts and vintage technology collectors.