Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Ninten-doh on March 26, 2006, 11:39:39 pm
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I'm torn on whether I should use a cheapo 18" under cabinet fluorecent light for my marquee like this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNDER-CABINET-LIGHT-FIXTURE-13-NIP-MODEL-16028_W0QQitemZ4450440278QQcategoryZ3201QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Or the more expensive kind that has an auto-shut off if it gets too hot. Am I being paranoid in wanting the auto-shut off?
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The fluorescent unit in my cabinet came from wal-mart and cost $7. I've been using it for about 2 years now. I think it's higher quality than the one that was originally in the cabinet when I bought it, to tell you the truth.
I really don't think it gets hot enough to warrant getting one with an auto-shutoff.
I also picked up (but haven't installed) a more expensive direct wire fluorescent unit that has a metal casing instead of plastic and is actually grounded (3 wires vs 2). I think that ran me $25 at Home Depot.
If you're concerned about heat, you might want to consider using 12v cold-cathode lighting instead. You can then power your marquee and coin door lights off of the same circuit (assuming you use 12v coin door lighting). Cold cathode lighting kits are commonly sold for computer cases and I've seen white light kits sold for under $10.
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The el cheapo will be fine. I used the 18" GE undercabinet light, took off the plastic light cover, installed with the light bulb facing up and have had mine installed and running 24/7 for almost 2 years now. Marquee is enclosed and never had any overheating problem. Plus if you use a power strip and leave the GE light switch in the on position, it will come right back on when you restore power.
Go to your local HQ or Home Depot though, you can pick this up for around $10 or less locally. I see no point in you paying for shipping etc. buying on ebay, just wasting money you will need somewhere else. Good luck! ARCADIAC!
My cab: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=17788.0