Vacuum tubes was once the constructing blocks of computation and the drivers of screaming guitar amplifiers, however they’re uncommon at the moment — so uncommon that there are just about no producers producing new models. For those who store for vacuum tubes, most of what you’ll discover is both used or NOS (new outdated inventory). That has led to boutique vacuum tube manufacturing, however that could be a substantial endeavor. To make the method just a bit bit simpler, Nick Poole created this practice vacuum controller.

Because the title suggests, a vacuum tube requires a sealed chamber below vacuum. That vacuum is important to offer “clear” area between the anode and cathode, so electrons can movement freely. It’s virtually unattainable to attain an ideal vacuum, however vacuum tube producers attempt to get as shut as attainable to get the very best efficiency. Evacuating the tube earlier than sealing is a tough activity, which is why Poole wished a controller to streamline the method.

This requires two vacuum chambers: one for tough vacuum and one for laborious vacuum. The brand new tube connects to the evacuation port, which connects to these vacuum chambers by way of specialty valves. This controller, based mostly on an Arduino, wants to manage the operation of the vacuum pumps and valves. It additionally wants to watch the pressures/vacuum, drive gauges, and supply indicators. There’s a lot that may go unsuitable in a rush while you’re working with laborious vacuum, so the Arduino ensures that every step happens within the correct sequence so Poole can concentrate on forming the glass when he fabricates vacuum tubes.