Marquee backlight

[PixelPaul]

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?

[meyer980]

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.

[yotsuya]

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.

[pbj]

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. 

[tron84]

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

[DeLuSioNal29]

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://www.ebay.com/itm/380401847045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

DeLuSioNaL29

[eds1275]

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.

[Unstupid]

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://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!

[mgb]

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?

[yotsuya]

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! 

[mgb]

Great minds think alike.