[cruiserfied]

So i "aquired" this sign that I've had my eyes on for a while.



It is opaque and i think it used to light up. Like something above a display case or similar. I want to build a frame to mount it to and get it lit up in all its glory again for the shed at the new place.

Thought about LED strip lighting but i dont want a bunch of bright spots that you can see. Also thought LED across top and bottom but concerned it wouldnt get an even coverage across the sign.

I could go fluro, im guessing if it was lit previously that would be how, as long as  the length was correct for standard size tubes but could be a fair bit of work and a bulky frame.

Any suggestions.

[Phil №❶]

Buy LED "flouro" tubes. As the plastic is translucent white, the effect of flouro's behind the sign should be quite even. I would build a frame to contain the sign, then build the rear with the flouros mounted and powered, then place the lit section behind the sign and draw the rear backwards until the light appears even. At that distance, you build a frame to mount the rear onto. I'm guessing that distance would be about 100mm, but just a guess.

[Dazzler]

Looks like it is at least 60cm long, so LED "flouro" style globes like these should do the job. Get the White, not the warm white...

T8 G13 8W 72 LED 3014 SMD 60cm White Fluorescent Light Lamp Tube AC90 240V 6500K | eBay

See this thread about me converting some standard Fluoro fittings to suit these...

Wish I lived closer I could have made you a light box to suit! 

RE: T8 LED Tubes (globes) - Got the Doubles working!

[AlanHo]

If it really is opaque then back lighting will not work because opaque means that it cannot transmit light.

However - if it is translucent, then that is another matter.

[Phil №❶]

 

[cruiserfied]

If it really is opaque then back lighting will not work because opaque means that it cannot transmit light.

However - if it is translucent, then that is another matter.

Yep wrong word.

Im just a wrench monkey not a Mensa member lol

[cruiserfied]

Thanks Phil & Dazz. I hadnt seen the LED fluro's. Same concern of possibly being bulky though.

[Dazzler]

Thanks Phil & Dazz. I hadnt seen the LED fluro's. Same concern of possibly being bulky though.

Maybe you could adapt something like this (a bit more compact) 

[Phil №❶]

Something like what, exactly. 

[eye30]

Rusty will do you a stand to show it off from his off cuts

[Dazzler]

Something like what, exactly. 

Whoops, forgot to post the link and I can't find it now... 

Basically a T2 slimline fluro light fitting with its own switch We use these in our bathrooms above  the mirror. Not LED but run cool and throw an even light.

[cruiserfied]

Thanks for the ideas guys. Ill post up once i get started.

[rustynutz]

Rusty will do you a stand to show it off from his off cuts

About the only off cuts I have are from my toenails! 

[Phil №❶]

Where's Rick. He has plenty of off cuts 

[ibrokeit]

I think Phil №❶ and Dazzler have already covered most points... however there is one more factor that might be help/hinder (and is related to distance of light source behind sign/even spread of light)...

Diffusion of light from, or very near the source, esp. when talking about LEDs fluro replacement.   Traditional (and CF) bulbs have to be frosted to emit visible (to humans) light and frosting helps diffuse light in any event - so a strip of LEDs with a frosted cover very near them, or an LED fluro bulb with frosted 'glass', will help bounce the light around more (though heat maybe an issue - probably less so for LED fluro as that should have been taken into account in design.  The other thing that can help diffuse light (or focus it depending on design) is lenses - either as bulb covers (or possibly part of the 'glass' itself for LED fluros - not sure if that exists).

[Phil №❶]

AFAIK, the led flouro's look identical to a std flouro, ie with a white covering over the leds so you can't see individual ones.

I bought 2 18 months ago and I'm stuffed if I can find them. I am cleaning up the shed & house, so they'll turn up eventually.

[ibrokeit]

AFAIK, the led flouro's look identical to a std flouro, ie with a white covering over the leds so you can't see individual ones.

I bought 2 18 months ago and I'm stuffed if I can find them. I am cleaning up the shed & house, so they'll turn up eventually.

Don't you love when that happens - I am sure a I have some kapton (polimide) tape around here... can I find it?!?

[Dazzler]

And I have a little Bluetooth remote for our Sony TV, somewhere!

[cruiserfied]

I put my sanity down about 9 yrs ago, havn't seen it since. Funny, was about the same time i met the missus.