off the wall project

[Don P.]

"Jani Tiainen" <jani.tiainen at keypro.fi>
wrote:
> >(snip)...The box was constructed with
> > individual compartments with lightbulbs for each
> > segment. The drive system used was identical to
> what
> > would be used to operate seven segment LED digit
> > displays but in place of the LEDs it used relays
> with
> > low voltage switching to operate 110V AC powered
> > lightbulbs.
> 
> Well, this is pretty good alternative, altough
> ordinary lightbulbs tend to
> wear out in fast speed switching. 

Hmm... I seem to recall just the opposite. That is why
they are (were) used in Vegas etc. for so long for
animated signing.
 
>Better results can be obtained by using eg. 
>halogenlights that are much more resistant to
> temperature changes and can handle more short time
on/off cycles.

Is this true? If I understand the differences, the
high voltage startup is similar to the problem that
early flourescents had. Certainly the high operating
temps can be a major problem. From my expriance the
halogens can be a major problem if subjected to minor
abuse. Oh, and if you have a limited budget the cost
of a few hundred bulbs at $.25(-) is a significant
difference from $2.50(+). The halogens are, however,
much brighter. Which, of coarse is the problem with
LEDS. 
So... If one can create an ideal situation where a
dark corner is available, the projection system is the
cheapest solution for an easy, mininimum commitment
and maintenance (unless major bucks) arrangement. You
might even get some support to buy a new display by
selling some SPAM. At least, it might shame the others
to do something besides sitting on the...bleachers.

Don   


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