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PCBs for signmakers
- Thread starter ch53177
- Start date
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
On the more nefarious side of things, I think of polychlorinated biphenyls and how it relates to disposing of said materials from ballasts used in old signage.
On the productive side of things, I think of printed circuit boards like those used in digital displays.
Using well-known initials or acronyms in a lesser-known manner can be a double-edged sword that often changes with time.
Back in my day, the Pontiac Trans Am was a jaw dropper. But now, anything remotely associated with trans will draw backlash.
When it comes to your business name, go carefully. You'll soon regret having to explain who/what you are all the time.
JB
On the productive side of things, I think of printed circuit boards like those used in digital displays.
Using well-known initials or acronyms in a lesser-known manner can be a double-edged sword that often changes with time.
Back in my day, the Pontiac Trans Am was a jaw dropper. But now, anything remotely associated with trans will draw backlash.
When it comes to your business name, go carefully. You'll soon regret having to explain who/what you are all the time.
JB
Smoke_Jaguar
Man who touches printers inappropriately.
We have a guy in house who designs custom circuit boards and have done some weird backlighting stuff. So, I just think that.
Thanks a lot for your reply! Yes, I agree, a business name is so tricky with terms evolving into who knows what.
We are selling custom LED PCBs to illuminate channel letters and cabinets, but if sign industry folks don't immediately think of circuit boards when hearing the name, we are not on the good track..
Thanks for your reply! that's what I am hoping people think of - circuit boards, LEDs = > hopefully a replacement to using modules or strip when building letters or cabinets.
James Burke
Being a grandpa is more fun than working
Well then, there's nothing saying you can't have fun with a name.
I suggest "Current Pathways".
JB
JBurton
Signtologist
Great name, aside from not immediately being recognizable as to what industry that serve, solved with a fine logo. Though its worth pointing out that GE's led line is Current by GE, may not be wise to disturb the sleeping giant...
Would this be like a custom PCB that goes inside channel letters? Or like a flexible type product?
Agreed though, PCB reminds me of scrapping old ballasts, tossing newer ones in a separate pile of the ones missing a label indicating 'contains no pcb's'
Yes, it's exactly that, a custom PCB already populated with LEDs that would go inside channel letters to replace the need of sticking modules inside.
Oh no, I think we are going for a different name then.. i'm hesitant about calling it Light Board instead of PCB.
JBurton
Signtologist
Got to ask, is this an affordable option comparatively speaking?
Aside from the speed of assembly, what other benefits would this have?
What options are there for failures in the field? Replace the whole board, or resolder new leds onto it?
I'd love to see a new product brought to market, and don't mean to discourage your new venture, but there are a lot of hurdles to overcome considering the convenience of having a bag of modules on hand, ready to go for whatever shaped letter your customer asks for next.
I could see this becoming viable if you can make a CNC routable 4x8 sheet, that can be cut and utilized into any shape, without a need for 'sealing' or soldering, therefore providing a nearly uniform layout without spending time counting out modules to stick in a letter, but that sounds like a pipe dream...
Thank you so much for this! It's very helpful people in the industry to question the product.
So, is it an affordable option? It's exactly what I am trying to figure out, I am unaware of the total cost of illuminating a letter (parts & labor) and also of how much people are willing to pay for flawless illumination in their letters. There is no question, the end result using PCB vs modules is much better - but is that sellable? Or is price and an acceptable quality the determining factor?
What other benefits would it have?
1. Uniform light guaranteed without any hot spots or dark areas, even with time.
2. Possibility to illuminate letters from 1" deep up to 8" deep.
3. Possibility to illuminate stroke as thin as 3/8"
4. 5 year warranty
5. As you mention - speed of assembly & very few labor costs.
If there is a problem with the PCB board, we send a new one for reinstall (it should take max 5 days to arrive).
We could definitely sell this product in a sheet that can be routed in-house to fit any shape. The down-side to that, would be having to solder the connectors for the wire of each letter. With the finished PCB product, you just order the letters you need, and it comes ready to assemble and light, with whatever wire you require.
bob
It's better to have two hands than one glove.
What did I think when I first encountered PCB? "ARRRGHHH!! Yet Another acronym that could mean most anything! GAHHH!!". When creating sign text or a logo, ideally which would have no text, try real hard not to include acronyms. Especially acronyms are chameleons and that can mean most anything, like 'PCB'.
Johnny Best
Active Member
PCBs for sign makers sounds like a drugs to make you enjoy yourself.
“Take a PCB with a beer and breeze thru that installation in a stress free mood.”
“Take a PCB with a beer and breeze thru that installation in a stress free mood.”