GGG's NovaMatrix marquee light

[PrizLucky]

I'm considering buying GGG's NovaMatrix marquee light.. it looks great, but I was wondering what people's experience with this has been?

Anybody using one in their cab?   I'm really wondering about how to power it... the description says it has a 6" power cord.. how do people go about extending the power cable to reach down to the power supply??

thanks

prizlucky

[SavannahLion]

Anybody using one in their cab?   I'm really wondering about how to power it... the description says it has a 6" power cord.. how do people go about extending the power cable to reach down to the power supply??

If you're using a PC power supply, there are all sorts of extensions available. Even if you don't find one of suitable length, it's pretty simple to get a length of wire of appropriate gauge and splice it in between the two connectors.

In cabs where the light is being replaced, the wiring is already in place. You just have to be keenly aware to switch the wires from the full 120V to the much lower 12V.

Randy's LCD and Andy's CCFL appear to be fantastic products. Don't let the short cord intimidate you.

[PrizLucky]

cool, thanks,  does it come with a PC Power-supply type molex connector on the end?   I suppose splicing in some wire wouldn't be too tough... good call.

[TheDriver]

Check this thread out:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=69374.0

It does not come with a molex, one 12v wire and one ground. You could put a molex on it if you wanted to though, and in answer to your question they are great.



Regards.

[TheDriver]

Another alternative is the new Cold-Cathode light from ultimarc.



Scroll to the bottom of the page.
http://ultimarc.com/controls.html

Regards.

[PrizLucky]

thanks guys!

and thanks TheDriver, for finding that thread.. I did a search on NovaMatrix before I posted and couldn't find it!

Randy does a good job in that thread of explaining how to wire it.  seems fairly do-able

[Will]

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

[RandyT]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49

While still allowing power to pass through to your drive, it will have fully insulated female connectors for tapping into the 12v and 5v power of a PC power supply drive connector, and will also include the male crimp connectors.  You'll just need to supply the wire between it and the light.

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

RandyT

[Avrus]

Check out my project log and you can see some pics of the light in action.  I turned off my flash so you could see just how bright it is.

[FrizzleFried]

One problem I see with both lighting solutions...TOO SHORT.  They are both approximately 12" long when they should be at least 20" long... especially for a 25" cab...

[RandyT]

One problem I see with both lighting solutions...TOO SHORT.  They are both approximately 12" long when they should be at least 20" long... especially for a 25" cab...

Just to be clear, the pictures I show are 1 unit in a 25" cabinet.  Light output tapers off a little on the sides, but due to the high intensity and wide output angle of the LEDs, distribution is quite good.

But if you want really bright, you can stagger two of them.  We have the jumper cables to facilitate this on-hand, but not currently on the store.

RandyT

[unclet]

I am looking to buy a 12" light but which can emit BLUE light.    Does this exist?

[tomsurfnj]

I just put a NovaMatrix LED light in my cab. I used some cat 5 inside wire. Stripped off one end to solder to the 6" pigtail coming from the light. Then I ran it down to my PC in my cab. Unhooked my case fan molex connector. Stuck in the stripped ends. Watching for ground and 12volts polarity. Reconnecting the molex and powering on. It worked as simple as that.

I also have had great results with multicolored flashing LEDs from www.superbrightleds.com (RL5-RGB-ACC). I did not have to use any resistors with the LEDs from them. I put one under my trackball and in each coin return. Soldered into cat 5 wire and inserted into molex connector.  

Just watch your polarity on your LEDs. Good luck.

[FrizzleFried]

I'd give my left butt-cheek for a lighting solution that you can ADJUST the intensity of!  My problem is that all my cabinets lights are TOO BRIGHT.  If I could get half the output of each i'd be happy...but EVEN distribution is key.

[AndyWarne]

One problem I see with both lighting solutions...TOO SHORT.  They are both approximately 12" long when they should be at least 20" long... especially for a 25" cab...

On our info page we do recommend you use two of ours. Shipping/packaging starts to get a bit tricky with any longer item. Its still an economical solution with two.
Andy

[Jeff AMN]

I'm thinking of using one of these to replace my dead fluorescent tube in my candy cab. Since these use different power than the old light, what would be the best/easiest method for powering it?

[RandyT]

I'm thinking of using one of these to replace my dead fluorescent tube in my candy cab. Since these use different power than the old light, what would be the best/easiest method for powering it?

If you've put in a PC, the easiest thing would be to select the newly added power splitter cable option to connect to one of your power supply's drive power cables and then just run some wires between the two.

If you have original game boards, you'll need to take a look at your power supply to see if a decent 12v DC (regulated) supply is available.  If so, then you are in luck.  Otherwise, you'll be in the market for a regulated 12v wall wart with at least 400ma output.  If you plan on running more than one NovaMatrix™, you'll need to multiply that 400ma by the number you use.

RandyT

[RandyT]

I'd give my left butt-cheek for a lighting solution that you can ADJUST the intensity of!  My problem is that all my cabinets lights are TOO BRIGHT.  If I could get half the output of each i'd be happy...but EVEN distribution is key.

So....connect a couple to an LED-Wiz and set the brightness to what ever you want    (anyone wishing to do this should use only 1 unit per output,  disconnect the USB 5v jumper and not connect the positive side of the power to the LED-Wiz..email for details.)

But in reality, if your current lights are too bright, you will probably find the NovaMatrix to be just the ticket in their normal state. 

RandyT

[Jeff AMN]

I have an original Neo Geo 4-slot board in there. I'll check to see if I have an available source when I get back. Thanks, Randy.

[SavannahLion]

Since we have the attention of both er... engineers. (What am I supposed to call them  )

Is there any ultraviolet impact from these lights?

[Will]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49

While still allowing power to pass through to your drive, it will have fully insulated female connectors for tapping into the 12v and 5v power of a PC power supply drive connector, and will also include the male crimp connectors.  You'll just need to supply the wire between it and the light.

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

RandyT

Be as defensive as you want randy,I made a mistake while wiring I'm not an expert with wiring power.Your product does not include a molex connector and or detailed instructions on how to wire it.Not to mention the fact that this item is sold for less at numerous different led sellers with about the same exact wiring setup and led strip.So for one you're item is overpriced comes with almost no instructions for wiring and if i do make a mistake I can be sure that there is no warranty on said product.So don't get all defensive I am entitled to my opinion of you're service and the product.I admitted in my email that I'm no expert with power and i made a mistake.Sorry if you don't get a glowing review from me but your product (instructions)and the actual product you are selling are not impressive.If you maybe includes instructions on wiring it to the power supply for non expert users like me i would be sitting here praising the product but instead you provide a two paragraph synopsis on how wonderful the product is with almost zero mention on how exactly to wire it.Sorry I'm not on the groovy game gear love fest train like most on this board.I only have 1 purchase with your company and it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I'm not going to candy coat it.Yes i made a mistake,yes i'm willing to take the loss,no i don't feel I am totally at fault because of the way this item is packaged.Hearing now how you're adding a molex option only makes me feel that I have a point and the product is not well put together.Thanks for the offer of 5.00 off on a new light but id just rather spend my money elsewhere at this point.If that means living without your products so be it.

I know just by looking at the ultimarc product that i wouldn't have difficulty powering it and if i did have issues with said product i could get amazing customer service from andy.

[Will]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49

While still allowing power to pass through to your drive, it will have fully insulated female connectors for tapping into the 12v and 5v power of a PC power supply drive connector, and will also include the male crimp connectors.  You'll just need to supply the wire between it and the light.

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

RandyT

Be as defensive as you want randy,I made a mistake while wiring I'm not an expert with wiring power.Your product does not include a molex connector and or detailed instructions on how to wire it.Not to mention the fact that this item is sold for less at numerous different led sellers with about the same exact wiring setup and led strip.So for one your item is overpriced comes with almost no instructions for wiring and if i do make a mistake I can be sure that there is no warranty on said product.So don't get all defensive I am entitled to my opinion of you're service and the product.I admitted in my email that I'm no expert with power and i made a mistake.Sorry if you don't get a glowing review from me but your product (instructions)and the actual product you are selling are not impressive.If you maybe includes instructions on wiring it to the power supply for non expert users like me i would be sitting here praising the product but instead you provide a two paragraph synopsis on how wonderful the product is with almost zero mention on how exactly to wire it.Sorry I'm not on the groovy game gear love fest train like most on this board.I only have 1 purchase with your company and it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I'm not going to candy coat it.Yes i made a mistake,yes i'm willing to take the loss,no i don't feel I am totally at fault because of the way this item is packaged.Hearing now how you're adding a molex option only makes me feel that I have a point and the product is not well put together.Thanks for the offer of 5.00 off on a new light but id just rather spend my money elsewhere at this point.If that means living without your products so be it.

I know just by looking at the ultimarc product that i wouldn't have difficulty powering it and if i did have issues with said product i could get amazing customer service from andy.

[leapinlew]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49

While still allowing power to pass through to your drive, it will have fully insulated female connectors for tapping into the 12v and 5v power of a PC power supply drive connector, and will also include the male crimp connectors.  You'll just need to supply the wire between it and the light.

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

RandyT

Be as defensive as you want randy,I made a mistake while wiring I'm not an expert with wiring power.Your product does not include a molex connector and or detailed instructions on how to wire it.Not to mention the fact that this item is sold for less at numerous different led sellers with about the same exact wiring setup and led strip.So for one you're item is overpriced comes with almost no instructions for wiring and if i do make a mistake I can be sure that there is no warranty on said product.So don't get all defensive I am entitled to my opinion of you're service and the product.I admitted in my email that I'm no expert with power and i made a mistake.Sorry if you don't get a glowing review from me but your product (instructions)and the actual product you are selling are not impressive.If you maybe includes instructions on wiring it to the power supply for non expert users like me i would be sitting here praising the product but instead you provide a two paragraph synopsis on how wonderful the product is with almost zero mention on how exactly to wire it.Sorry I'm not on the groovy game gear love fest train like most on this board.I only have 1 purchase with your company and it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and I'm not going to candy coat it.Yes i made a mistake,yes i'm willing to take the loss,no i don't feel I am totally at fault because of the way this item is packaged.Hearing now how you're adding a molex option only makes me feel that I have a point and the product is not well put together.Thanks for the offer of 5.00 off on a new light but id just rather spend my money elsewhere at this point.If that means living without your products so be it.

I know just by looking at the ultimarc product that i wouldn't have difficulty powering it and if i did have issues with said product i could get amazing customer service from andy.

...

[Fozzy The Bear]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49

While still allowing power to pass through to your drive, it will have fully insulated female connectors for tapping into the 12v and 5v power of a PC power supply drive connector, and will also include the male crimp connectors.  You'll just need to supply the wire between it and the light.

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

RandyT

Be as defensive as you want randy,I made a mistake while wiring I'm not an expert with wiring power.Your product does not include a molex connector and or detailed instructions on how to wire it.

Will !!!!  You're being a bit of a tit head!!! It's hardly Randy's fault if you shoved 110v into an LED strip and fried it.

As for there being no instructions as to what voltage you should connect it to, that's complete and utter rubbish!! Not only do all Randy's products come with instructions, but there are also full product descriptions on his web site. The page with the NovaMatrix on it tells you it runs on 12V no less than THREE Times! Try reading it!

"Features:
Incredibly Bright - Each unit includes 16 intensely high output, wide-angle, "cool white" LEDs.
Low Voltage - 12v operation means that the marquee light may be connected directly to your PC power supply for simple "auto-on" operation ."

"Specifications:
Electrical: 12v DC, 400ma
Mechanical: LED Spacing .65", output angle 110 degrees"

I think it was very generous of Randy to offer you five dollars against a replacement given that it was your own stupidity that caused the problem. It was also entirely unfair of you to come on here and make the initial comment that you did, because it was your own fault that you fried it.

Randy's customer service is as near perfect as you will get anywhere. Why should he lose money because some idiot doesn't read instructions.  Mmmmm! Perhaps I should connect my I-Pod directly to the mains supply and then see if Apple will honour the guarantee.

You can also stop complaining about the price.... Not only did you buy it at that price, but you've also been offered a $5 discount on a replacement that Randy has no obligation to offer you.  So stop whinging.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy the Bear)

[CheffoJeffo]

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

I'm sorry it did not work at 110v AC.  It wasn't designed for that.  I'm sure the CCFL version would not have been more impressive if so wired.

Be as defensive as you want randy,I made a mistake while wiring I'm not an expert with wiring power.

I don't think he was being defensive, rather was clarifying your somewhat misleading hit-and-run post. You said you had a bad experience -- RandyT explained why.

I know just by looking at the ultimarc product that i wouldn't have difficulty powering it and if i did have issues with said product i could get amazing customer service from andy.

Like you 'knew' that you should plug a strip of LEDs into a wall socket ?

 

[markrvp]

I know just by looking at the ultimarc product that i wouldn't have difficulty powering it and if i did have issues with said product i could get amazing customer service from andy.

Like you 'knew' that you should plug a strip of LEDs into a wall socket ?

 

ROFLMAO!!   

If I get a product without instructions, the first thing I do is a Google search.  I don't think it would have been too hard to find the right way to wire this thing.

We all make mistakes, Will, but blaming Randy for your own inexperience isn't the right way to go about it.  Remember, it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

I hope you didn't get any 12v exhaust fans for your cabinet.   They don't come with instructions either. 

[FrizzleFried]

Question for Will... you said:

Sorry if you don't get a glowing review from me but your product (instructions)and the actual product you are selling are not impressive.

Now...I can see how you have formed an opinion on the instructions (or lack there-of)...but how in the hell can  you have an opinion on the PRODUCT ITSELF when you INSTANTLY fried yours by hooking it up to 10x the voltage than is acceptable?!? 

I am a little confused...did the product WORK for a split second...long enough for you to say "...AND THE ACTUAL PRODUCT YOU ARE SELLING ARE NOT IMPRESSIVE" with any sort of validity?

[Will]

I think that i was clear about messing up and it being my fault and i made an honest stupid mistak).I thought at the time of wiring that i was wiring to 12v which it was not and i fried it.I was doing something i should not have done on my own and or should have asked for help which i did not.In my hastyness to finish one of my last items on my project i cut the power from the old marquee light halogen and wired it to the new led marquee light.Hence why I said i can deal with the loss.That is not my problem with this product.

"Features:
Incredibly Bright - Each unit includes 16 intensely high output, wide-angle, "cool white" LEDs.
Low Voltage - 12v operation means that the marquee light may be connected directly to your PC power supply for simple "auto-on" operation ."

This is what i read on the web page but honestly thought that this meant that connecting it to my power supply was an optional thing and that it still would come with a plug.Obviously silly but in all honesty I really just assumed a marquee light would be prewired sort of plug and play item and did not understand from the product description what i was getting into.In all honesty i think i was more enamored with the fact that it was good for the enviroment and would last along time than researching how to power it.

Fozzy the product instructions that come with it are very light on the part about how to wire to your pc power supply was really short and that is my complaint.Than to see randy is now adding a molex connector option shows me how im not alone in wanting ease of use.Had he had a diagram on how to wire it correctly or provided and or offered a molex connector option at the time of my purchase I would not be bitching at all.

You can call me a tithead or and idiot  for what i did(probably true) but I think my post has merit and is not some sort of revenge or scheme to hurt GGG.I clearly stated how the product could be improved in terms of installation for dummies like me.Possible somebody else will read this who is not a wiring power expert and decide on his own which product is right for them.If you look at the ultimarc product its as simple as pie for installing you undo a molex and connect one and bang power.In regards to my price complaint I admit it was after the fact I did some snooping around the net for "led strips" and did find similar for less I understand people need to make a profit and the price difference was not huge but clearly this led strip can be bought for less.

I bought the product and was dissatisfied with the provided instructions I never got to actually see it working so i cant comment on brightness or quality of leds.I think its laughable how there is now a molex connector option now two weeks after I had issues with installing it..Since you have not purchased this item fozzy, i dont think you have read the instructions, but it doesnt matter your an expert at all this god forbid someone makes a honest mistake.

ps Sorry for the double post.

[FrizzleFried]

YOU made the mistake...you said so yourself.  Why did that translate to you crapping all over this thread?  If RANDY made some sort of mistake,  I can see you posting here blasting him...but he didn't... YOU did.  How about you look up something in the encyclopedia called PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY because you're not exhibiting an ounce of it.  We're talking about $20 here anyway... TWENTY FRIGGIN' DOLLARS. 

I'll tell you what.  Give me your paypal address.  I will send you $20 just to shut the  up.  Deal?

[Will]

YOU made the mistake...you said so yourself.  Why did that translate to you crapping all over this thread?  If RANDY made some sort of mistake,  I can see you posting here blasting him...but he didn't... YOU did.  How about you look up something in the encyclopedia called PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY because you're not exhibiting an ounce of it.  We're talking about $20 here anyway... TWENTY FRIGGIN' DOLLARS. 

I'll tell you what.  Give me your paypal address.  I will send you $20 just to shut the ---fudgesicle--- up.  Deal?

No deal

I made a mistake does that mean i lose all rights to comment on the products contents?I thought about not posting this but somebody asked for experience with the product and all be it as lame is mine is it still is on topic.I realize most people here have had good experiences with ggg and for that reason i thought about not saying ---Cleveland steamer--- combined with how stupid i was in terms of not posting here for help first but my experience sucked with what came in the box and no i did not find the instructions to be sufficient for installing it correctly.I also see where he could improve the product and hey look guys he is

[FrizzleFried]

YOU made the mistake...you said so yourself.  Why did that translate to you crapping all over this thread?  If RANDY made some sort of mistake,  I can see you posting here blasting him...but he didn't... YOU did.  How about you look up something in the encyclopedia called PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY because you're not exhibiting an ounce of it.  We're talking about $20 here anyway... TWENTY FRIGGIN' DOLLARS. 

I'll tell you what.  Give me your paypal address.  I will send you $20 just to shut the ---fudgesicle--- up.  Deal?

No deal

I made a mistake does that mean i lose all rights to comment on the products contents?I thought about not posting this but somebody asked for experience with the product and all be it as lame is mine is it still is on topic.I realize most people here have had good experiences with ggg and for that reason i thought about not saying ---Cleveland steamer--- combined with how stupid i was in terms of not posting here for help first but my experience sucked with what came in the box and no i did not find the instructions to be sufficient for installing it correctly.I also see where he could improve the product and hey look guys he is

EDIT: HOLY CRAP!  You are 34 years old?  I thought I was dealing with a 16 year old, man.  GROW UP.  Jesus...

[Avrus]

No deal

I made a mistake does that mean i lose all rights to comment on the products contents?I thought about not posting this but somebody asked for experience with the product and all be it as lame is mine is it still is on topic.I realize most people here have had good experiences with ggg and for that reason i thought about not saying ---Cleveland steamer--- combined with how stupid i was in terms of not posting here for help first but my experience sucked with what came in the box and no i did not find the instructions to be sufficient for installing it correctly.I also see where he could improve the product and hey look guys he is

This topic is rapidly getting out of hand.

I think the problem people have (myself included) with your comments, is that your comments are based on mistakes.  Wiring a 12v DC LED light to 110v AC is a monumental mistake in the world of electricity.  It's akin to forcing a PCI-Express video card into a PCI slot and then blaming the video card manufacturer, or installing a jigsaw blade backwards and blaming Black and Decker.

You didn't have instructions, so instead of emailing Randy (he would have responded within an hour typically), reading the website, or taking 30 seconds on here (yes, 30 seconds) to find a detailed explanation and pictures on how to wire it, you jumped to conclusions.

I don't mean to beat on you, but if you don't know how to do something you should ask.  

At any point along my build if I didn't understand how to do something I used the oceans of resources available here to answer my question.

[Warborg]

No deal

I made a mistake does that mean i lose all rights to comment on the products contents?I thought about not posting this but somebody asked for experience with the product and all be it as lame is mine is it still is on topic.I realize most people here have had good experiences with ggg and for that reason i thought about not saying ---Cleveland steamer--- combined with how stupid i was in terms of not posting here for help first but my experience sucked with what came in the box and no i did not find the instructions to be sufficient for installing it correctly.I also see where he could improve the product and hey look guys he is

Of course you don't lose the right to comment, but expect to be blasted when your initial comments are misleading at best, and then even though you admit you screwed up the wiring you still point the finger at his product.  You state there was no wiring diagram...  Fine, I don't know what the instructions for the Novamatrix look like.  But I DO know that it does state over and over it's a 12v device, and if you don't know the difference between 12v and 110v (let alone the difference between AC and DC voltage), then you had no business trying to wire something to power in the first place!  I'm sorry, but you failed to educate yourself initially to even tackle a project like this, so I really think that should be the focus of your "blame"...

Also, you made an assumption as to where something should be spliced into POWER, and assumption is the mother of all F-ups...

[Spyridon]

Just my two cents on the product.  I have recently installed it and it looks great.  I acutally ended up throwing out the instructions prior to install so I just went onto their website and found what I needed in about two minutes.

The molex idea is great.  I'll get that on the next order as I ended up adding it myself anyway.

[Fozzy The Bear]

I think that i was clear about messing up and it being my fault and i made an honest stupid mistak).

No you bloody well didn't!!! You said:

I bought the GGG marquee light and did not have a good experience with it.Really wish i had waited for the ultimarc version.Just my opinion.

And that was the entirety of your hit and run insult to Randy and his products. Which is missleading in the extreme. Your bad experience was your fault NOT the fault of Randy or the product.

It took Randy pointing out that YOU had connected it to 110V to clarify that. Try and remember what Markrvp said: "Remember, it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

The instructions that came with it ALSO say it's a 12V device. If you don't know the difference between 12V DC and 110V AC then - then do us all a favour, and enjoy and electrifying experience while playing your cab 

Nuf Said!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[PrizLucky]

Give me 5 minutes before you place the order and there will be a Molex Splitter cable option for $3.49
...
...
...

thanks Randy! You are the MAN!  Order incoming.

too bad this thread got a bit OT.. I guess I was just trying to understand what I was getting myself into before buying, to make sure I didn't make any screwy mistakes!

[BobA]

From Wikipedia

According to the theory, there is a little bit of magic blue smoke in every integrated circuit, resistor, transistor, and all other electronic components and it is this smoke which makes the device work. The magic smoke is put in at the factory when the device is manufactured. High voltages or excessive current supposedly release the smoke. The humorous proof of the theory is that once the magic smoke has been released, the chip is lacking a key component and no longer works. The smoke thus served an essential part in the device's function. It is often noted that once let out, the magic smoke can no longer be put back in.

[headkaze]

From Wikipedia

According to the theory, there is a little bit of magic blue smoke in every integrated circuit, resistor, transistor, and all other electronic components and it is this smoke which makes the device work. The magic smoke is put in at the factory when the device is manufactured. High voltages or excessive current supposedly release the smoke. The humorous proof of the theory is that once the magic smoke has been released, the chip is lacking a key component and no longer works. The smoke thus served an essential part in the device's function. It is often noted that once let out, the magic smoke can no longer be put back in.

What magic smoke are you on? 

[SavannahLion]

From Wikipedia

According to the theory, there is a little bit of magic blue smoke in every integrated circuit, resistor, transistor, and all other electronic components and it is this smoke which makes the device work. The magic smoke is put in at the factory when the device is manufactured. High voltages or excessive current supposedly release the smoke. The humorous proof of the theory is that once the magic smoke has been released, the chip is lacking a key component and no longer works. The smoke thus served an essential part in the device's function. It is often noted that once let out, the magic smoke can no longer be put back in.

What magic smoke are you on? 

Same stuff as what this guy is on. It's pretty tasty stuff if I do say so myself.

[Donkey_Kong]

Is there anyway to make the Novamax marquee lights change colors with a ledwiz? I have a cool idea for a project but I'm kinda dumb when it comes to electronics. (I'll be one of the bright ones that fries it out, let alone make it change colors) 

I will be picking up a Ledwiz for my Electric Ice trackball and possibly some lighted buttons...just curious about doing something neat with the marquee light.