posted
My church's lighted signs (which dad designed and ordered from Faces, Inc) were damaged in Ivan...they were going to go to a large sign co. for replacement...thinking they merely wanted to replace the old ones...I opened my mouth and said why not let ME do it...but...
They want LED signs...I know NOTHING about LED signs (a general contractor who attends this church will do all the install work).
Even if I only wind up advising them on these signs...I am curious about several issues...
(BTW...these will be rather large...at least 4'x8', probably more like 4'x16')
What are recommended/stay-away-from suppliers for LEDs?
They have expressed interest in RGB...is maintenance worse for RGB than monotone?
How often do components (lights?) need to be replaced?
The signs are several thousand feet away from the building...what are the ways and what is the BEST way to control the signs (buried cables, wireless, etc.)?
What other factors do I need to know about or consider in designing/consulting for this sign?
Currently we are talking to a company called Monstavision in New Zealand.
Thanks for ALL replies.
[ November 08, 2004, 10:56 AM: Message edited by: William Bass ]
-------------------- William Bass wjb71@bellsouth.net Northwest Florida Posts: 636 | From: Pensacola, FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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For RGB we are apparently talking in the $200,000 price range just for the LED units (4 units for 2 dbl-faced signs)...it's a descent-sized church...and insurance may be involved somehow due to Ivan damage.
The pastor has always been a fiscally responsible person. We financed only a little over a million on our 6 million dollar building (saved for many years) and we paid that off rather quickly.
They are not blinking at these prices. I personally think RGB is overkill, but I do see the utility of a monochrome LED board (the convenience of changing messages from the office). Go to monochrome and the price drops tremendously...it's like $50,000 - $60,000 for 4 units.
But I specifically want to know the PROBLEMS associated with LED; so, that I can advise my church more knowledgebly on the subject. With sales people everything is always perfect, if you know what I mean.
The initial cost is one thing, but the church is concerned about maintenance expenses that might come around all-too-frequently.
Of course, I realize that LED issues would be kind of an outer-fringe type topic at Letterville...it isn't something that most people here do a lot of...or at least I haven't heard it discussed frequently. But, all responses are appreciated.
-------------------- William Bass wjb71@bellsouth.net Northwest Florida Posts: 636 | From: Pensacola, FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Assuming the company building the controllers knows what they're doing and can build a system that wont toast the LED's prematurely.....
LED's have about a 100,000 hour service life, which means if they burn continuously for 24 hours a day, every day, they'll last 11 years. The fact they're going to be used intermittently (constantly changing messages) means there should be even longer life.
I can't help you on the LED signage specific questions, I build custom LED lighting for cars and trucks so my knowledge of LED's stems from that.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
Yes...for this reason I really want to them to use one of the large reputable sign cos. that do this sort of work routinely. Designing the sign...that's one thing, but building it (or even the contractor who is good but doesn't do this type of work routinely) is quite another.
It's good to hear that the 10 year life the sales people claim is a reality.
I don't know what a "controller" is...to show you what I don't know about LEDs.
Thanks for the info Mike.
-------------------- William Bass wjb71@bellsouth.net Northwest Florida Posts: 636 | From: Pensacola, FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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