Marquee lights

[rhoelsch]

Figure I can use just about any type of flourescent light for the marquee, but wanted to get feedback before I make a purchase...is there a specific wattage that works well?  Diffuser - needed or not necessary?  Any other caveats?  Also, I'm not quite ready enough to do the one-button power thing on my cab...any recommendations on a not-terribly-invasive way to turn the light on and off?  I've been looking for one that has a switch on the cord that I can just reach in the back of the cab, but haven't found one...

Thanks!

[Stingray]

No big deal to add an inline switch if that's what you're after.

-S

[Ken Layton]

JAMMA standards for commercial arcade video cabinets specify the use of one F15T8CW fluorescent light. So if you go to the hardware store just get one of those 'under-the-counter' fluorescent light fixtures as they use an F15T8CW bulb (plus they are on sale alot).

[hulkster]

Figure I can use just about any type of flourescent light for the marquee, but wanted to get feedback before I make a purchase...is there a specific wattage that works well?  Diffuser - needed or not necessary?  Any other caveats?  Also, I'm not quite ready enough to do the one-button power thing on my cab...any recommendations on a not-terribly-invasive way to turn the light on and off?  I've been looking for one that has a switch on the cord that I can just reach in the back of the cab, but haven't found one...

Thanks!

just get a surge protector (power strip) and plug everything into that.  if you have a computer monitor and stuff, everything will come on at the same time by flicking the switch on the power strip.  

[RandyT]

I used to try to keep the original lamp replaced in my arcade cabinet, but found that they burned out quickly, were not easy to find at a "home store" and when you could find one they were about $10 just for the tube.  

My take on Marquee lights is to use the cheapest thing that you feel comfortable won't burn your house down when left unattended.

Most small, under-the-counter style lights work great and usually cost only 7 or 8 dollars.  Mine's been going strong for about 1 1/2 years and on almost constantly during that time.

RandyT

[OSCAR]

I use 14/15W tubes in my cabs, and they light up a marquee very nicely without them looking blown out.  If you are buying an under-the- counter style all in one unit, make sure it has a slide switch to turn the light on.  Some of those style of flo lights have a pushbutton starter where you have to hold the button in for a second or two before the light turns on.

[RandyT]

I use 14/15W tubes in my cabs, and they light up a marquee very nicely without them looking blown out.  If you are buying an under-the- counter style all in one unit, make sure it has a slide switch to turn the light on.  Some of those style of flo lights have a pushbutton starter where you have to hold the button in for a second or two before the light turns on.

Do they actually still make those?  The last time I saw that style was on a 10 year old desk lamp.

The two (very) cheap fixtures I bought recently have normal switches.  One "slider" and one "rocker".

But yes, that's something to watch for just in case.

RandyT

[OSCAR]

I use 14/15W tubes in my cabs, and they light up a marquee very nicely without them looking blown out.  If you are buying an under-the- counter style all in one unit, make sure it has a slide switch to turn the light on.  Some of those style of flo lights have a pushbutton starter where you have to hold the button in for a second or two before the light turns on.

Do they actually still make those?  The last time I saw that style was on a 10 year old desk lamp.  

Sure do.  Every hardware store in my town carries them, including Home Depot.  In fact, I converted two of my original cabinets over to use them, too, so all my cabs use the same bulb.  Just keeps spare parts down to a minimum.  

The two (very) cheap fixtures I bought recently have normal switches.  One "slider" and one "rocker".

But yes, that's something to watch for just in case.

RandyT

Yeah, I got some of the push&hold style fixtures over a bench in my garage.  They work just fine, but would be a pain to use in a cabinet where you don't have access to the switch.

[RandyT]

Do they actually still make those?  The last time I saw that style was on a 10 year old desk lamp.  

Sure do.  Every hardware store in my town carries them, including Home Depot.  In fact, I converted two of my original cabinets over to use them, too, so all my cabs use the same bulb.  Just keeps spare parts down to a minimum.  

Heh.  I meant the old "push and hold" style.  I think I bought one of mine at the "depot" and they were the newer "normal" switch style.

RandyT

[OSCAR]

Ahh, I see.  I thought you were talking about the bulbs because I've heard people say before that they have had a hard time finding them.  I think Bob Roberts even has a page about converting games over to use 18" bulbs because he has trouble finding these, too.  However, apparently the Detroit area still has a large market for them because I can find them anywhere.  I can still get PBR at any party store around here, as well, so maybe we are just 10 years behind everyone else...