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Author Topic: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........  (Read 1389 times)

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Numbski

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    • Numbski
Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« on: January 15, 2007, 04:13:54 pm »
Okay, don't laugh too hard here.  I'm trying to make my cab as energy efficient as I can.  Tube monitor notwithstanding, of course. :D

The fan on my CPS2 board and on the CPU of my P4 mainboard are both getting potentiometers to slow them down a touch and quiet them (I'll monitor temperatures).  The main aggrivation right now isn't even the fans though: it's the marquee light!  When I first turn it on, it buzzes like mad.  If I leave it on for a good long while, it quiets down, but it takes forever.

I saw that Happ sold an led bulb that fits a standard fluroscent fitting, but yikes is that thing ever expensive!  Are there any other options?  Can I get led lights locally, and do they buzz quite as bad?  I'm in the Midwest, USA, so Home Depot and Lowes, along with Radio Shack (yuck!) are options.


Update: Just that that I'd point out that I've tried using weather stripping to dampen the vibrations of the light housing with no luck. :(  Also looking to replace my sanwa JLF's with Sanwa FLASH joysticks, but those aren't made anymore.  Who knew microswitch clicking was so annoying when you're trying to be quiet? :P  Maybe I can insulate the control panel to dampen the clicking too....
« Last Edit: January 15, 2007, 04:17:00 pm by Numbski »
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ark_ader

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Re: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2007, 04:39:16 pm »
Cold Cathode hooked via your 12v rail off your PC.  Nice and quiet and quite bright.
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Numbski

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Re: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2007, 06:35:38 pm »
Funny you say that.  I have a blue one here I picked up on clearance from CompUSA a few years ago.  It's powered off of USB (could probably hack the cable up) and has the option of pulsing to audio which might be kinda neat.  Need to look up what kind of power that would be though.  I tend to think +5V, but to be honest I'm not sure.
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Fozzy The Bear

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Re: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2007, 08:18:09 pm »
Quote from: Numbski on January 15, 2007, 06:35:38 pm
Funny you say that.  I have a blue one here I picked up on clearance from CompUSA a few years ago.  It's powered off of USB (could probably hack the cable up) and has the option of pulsing to audio which might be kinda neat.  Need to look up what kind of power that would be though.  I tend to think +5V, but to be honest I'm not sure.

If it's running off the USB then it is 5V DC.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)
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somunny

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Re: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2007, 10:19:41 pm »
How old is the fixture?  Sounds like it may have a bad ballast.  You might be able to replace it.
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Kevin Mullins

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Re: Marquee Light - Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2007, 11:25:31 pm »
Quote from: somunny on January 15, 2007, 10:19:41 pm
Sounds like it may have a bad ballast.  You might be able to replace it.

I'd have to agree.... a flourescent light fixture shouldn't "buzz" like that unless the ballast is having a hard time.
You can get one for like $5.00 at Lowes or Home Depot.
Shoot.... for about $15.00 you could replace the ballast, the bulb, and the starter.
(or buy a new fixture)
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