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Cheap Lighting for Marquee
madfrog2000:
Thought I would add on to this topic.
I recently used a LED strip in my commando cab, Was pleased with the outcome for less than $2.50 (Free shipping).
Wired up to the 12V on the Arcade power supply.
led strip - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Waterproof-60cm-30-SMD-LED-Car-Van-Flexible-Neon-Grill-Strip-Light-Lamp-12V-New-/200925332823?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=500161637327&hash=item2ec8154557
Blueic5:
i ordered a 5m strip in the end for £4.20 on ebay including a power supply adapter, I assume once you cut the rest of the strip is pretty much useless is that right?
madfrog2000:
From my Experience Iv had some strips that show you where you're able to cut and solder new wires to.
Some you have to look closely and you can see the points (the ones with waterproof coating).
Also some have waterproof coating + a black paint like coating over the connections which you can scratch back and solder to.
Used these LED strips for Computer cases, Fish tanks and Arcade lighting.
Attached some photos of 2 types I have on me at the moment.
MaxAsh:
--- Quote from: Blueic5 on August 20, 2014, 04:59:13 am ---... I assume once you cut the rest of the strip is pretty much useless is that right?
--- End quote ---
Nope, you can use the rest of the strip. The design of these strips make them extremely useful. Assuming you got one of the standard strips, every (3) lights is technically a separate entity if you cut the strip properly. You could, in theory, create dozens of little 3-light strips from a larger 15m strip if you want. As long as you cut on the proper line, you can keep using the strip as much as you want. For one of my marquees, I measured off 24" or so, cut at the nearest cut point, wired it up to the 12V on the cabinet power supply, and boom lights. I then went on to use the remainder of the strip in other places on other cabinets without issue.
One small additional piece of advice. Test the lighting out, see how much you need, and what angle works best. If you got "bright white" rather than "cool white," you may find it too bright if aimed directly at the marquee (depends on your marquee material, preferences, etc). Just try different things, different lengths of strip, or even multiple strips inside the marquee if you want. I've seen people mount them inside of aluminum foil "boxes" to disperse light, aim them backwards to reduce brightness, even add dimmers and control features. You'll have plenty of options. Personally, I would wire it direct to a 12V source (either existing arcade power supply or 12V wire on your PC power supply, but adapters work okay too if you're setting up a power strip in the cabinet.
Good luck!
Blueic5:
ok yes they seem to be a standard strip I am planning to put a powerstrip in the cabinet once I work out what to buy smart power strip wise, ie if I turn the PC on the rest of the power comes on. Anyway I digress , I bought cool white and was planning to run a single 26" line stuck to some hardboard or something like that ( not sure if it matters what material you stick them too and if there is any fire risks associated with that) about 2" behind the marquee . I was trying to find on ebay what I needed to buy to essentially save me soldering another wire to a second strip so I just say clipped it on to the light strip and the other end clips to some wires if you see what I mean. I found something that looked to be for connecting 2 strips together but not quite what I was after so any suggestions?