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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: PixelPaul on January 16, 2014, 09:47:45 am

Title: Marquee backlight
Post by: PixelPaul on January 16, 2014, 09:47:45 am
Are there any special requirements that need to be considered when picking out a light for the marquee? Regular build, LED or fluorescent? Or am I overthinking this,a light is a light?
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: meyer980 on January 16, 2014, 10:04:42 am
I think it depends on what you're going for. Many original machines used fluorescent lights. But some minis used 4 or 5 little standard bulbs. I would think if they're spread out LEDs could work just fine too.
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: yotsuya on January 16, 2014, 10:06:27 am
I started by using cold cathode tubes, I've since graduated to fluorescent fixtures with natural light bulbs. Everything is nice and white and bright.
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: pbj on January 16, 2014, 11:00:09 am
I open up MS Word.  Set the background to yellow, and print off a page.  That is cut into strips and then shoved behind the light diffuser on a under cabinet florescent light fixture.  Looks convincing and it's like $10.

If I don't feel like running 110VAC lines in the cabinet, or it's one of these mini-bartop abominations we all love so much, I'll just use LED strips. 

Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: tron84 on January 16, 2014, 11:20:30 am
There are Randy's NovaMatrix LINX LED Marquee Light you could use.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83&products_id=307 (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83&products_id=307)
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: DeLuSioNal29 on January 16, 2014, 12:01:33 pm
These work great.  Under $10 with no tax and free shipping.  They plug right into the computer's power supply connector and they are super bright (comes with 2 tubes).
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDY3Mg==/z/a9oAAOxy77hSFUK8/$(KGrHqFHJEQFIHVOOH99BSFUK8FPTw~~60_3.JPG)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380401847045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/380401847045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

DeLuSioNaL29
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: eds1275 on January 16, 2014, 01:26:51 pm
I used white LED christmas lights. They are probably on sale right now if there's any left. I put them through some pegboard and mounted that up in the marquee area. I saw another cabinet on here do that a few years ago.
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: Unstupid on January 16, 2014, 01:42:14 pm
These work great.  Under $10 with no tax and free shipping.  They plug right into the computer's power supply connector and they are super bright (comes with 2 tubes).
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDY3Mg==/z/a9oAAOxy77hSFUK8/$(KGrHqFHJEQFIHVOOH99BSFUK8FPTw~~60_3.JPG)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380401847045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/380401847045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

DeLuSioNaL29

Not bright enough...   I used 2 of those CCFL tubes at 15" and replaced with 1 12" old school flourscent bulb.  Much brighter!
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: mgb on January 16, 2014, 04:11:15 pm
I use cheap fluorescent fixtures from Home Depot and I remove
the lense that covers the bulb.
I also use foil tape in the cabs light cavity for better reflection of light.
I can't find any reason to buy expensive led fixtures.
They don't enhance gameplay, do they?
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: yotsuya on January 16, 2014, 05:44:23 pm
I use cheap fluorescent fixtures from Home Depot and I remove
the lense that covers the bulb.
I also use foil tape in the cabs light cavity for better reflection of light.
I can't find any reason to buy expensive led fixtures.
They don't enhance gameplay, do they?

Ha HA! I do the same exact thing!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Marquee backlight
Post by: mgb on January 16, 2014, 05:58:12 pm
Great minds think alike.