KFC sign project - LED retrofit advice needed.

[j keith w]

I'm doing a They Live-inspired KFC sign for the shop, and can use some advice about lighting it.

First, it's around 7'x14' and will be wall-mounted. This is the sign:



I want to backlight it with pale blue LEDs that pulse with the stereo on the other end of the shop, so I have 2 primary issues:

• Getting adequate brightness without hotspots. I'm thinking of using the Superlighting 24v RGBW COB LED strips (or maybe these) around the inside perimeter, fitting inward and slanted toward the wall (which is white). The idea is that I'll mask off areas on the inside of the sign in opaque white vinyl to block the backlighting and create the alien image and text. I'm hoping that 3 strips will have enough output for this (594 max lumens per strip, but will be dimmer as I dial in the blue, I suspect). However, there is enough room for multiple rows if needed. Any practical experience would certainly be appreciated.
• Triggering the lights - the stereo speakers are on the opposite wall, 78 feet away. I'm thinking something wireless is the best idea here, so I don't have to crank the volume to make the lights react (as I would if the lights were triggered by a mic at the sign itself) Does such a device exist?

 

[acer66]

Got nothing to add besides cool project and that now I want to see that movie again.

Good luck.

 

[j keith w]

Thanks!

I’m working on the vinyl when no one’s looking. (I’m self-employed, but my boss is an a$$hole.)

 

[WildBill]

I got nothing really useful besides this is really cool and I can't wait to see the finished product. Plus now I want to steal the ideal on a smaller scale. Maybe a terminator deal with arnold and the terminator skull.

Worse case for the sound input a cheap intercom type device with the transmitter behind the stereo and the receiver stashed in the sign stuck to the light controller microphone.

You can also buy all types of light diffusing clear sheets if needed, or steal stuff of old fluorescent ceiling lights.

 

[cybrdyke]

GJ is probably not the right forum for your question, but ya never know....
I can tell you that using LED tape around the perimeter and hoping that it will back light that sign isn't going to work. You're just not gonna get enough illuminance for the reflectance off the wall to make it work, especially in RGB. You need a bunch of power to get light through those colors.
There are LED sheets that you could consider, but you're still going to have all kinds of mounting issues, wiring issues, control issues, etc. And they're pricey.
Cool project.
Good luck,
CD