"Tune Radio" signs

[Wayne J]

We have to let people know how to hear the music..... How do you do it?

What size is your sign? How do you light it? When is it lit up? Where did you put it?

8)

[teberle]

I have a backlit sign. It is 18x24 in size. It is basically a box made of 2x4 with an 1/8" groove cut into the sides for the Lexan to slide into. I printed the letters using the largest font that would fit on the sign. I then taped the printed letters behind the lexan and added tape to the front. I then traced the letters onto the tape and using an exacto knife I cut the outside of the tape away leaving only the letters. I then purchased Red Krylon plastic spray paint and painted the lexan. Once this was dried I removed the tape to leave the letters. I then lightly painted the backside of the lexan with white to add the glow. I made a strand of C7 bulbs about 5 and lined the inside of the sign with foil and foil tape to aid in the reflection.

The sign is then lit up from the start of the show to the end and it is in the front corner of the yard.

Thats about it.

[Wayne J]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/MERC460/smileys/Bump.gif

[Ronp]

My sign
http://www.putfile.com/ronpottle/images/30921

[Macrosill]

I made a sign from clear plexi and cased it in wood. I placed 2 compact fluorescent 13 watt bulbs in there and it was bright. It is about 18" x 24". For Halloween I had the sign up near the house and many people did not see it. So when Christmas came around I placed the sign about 5 feet from the road way, no one was able to miss it except this one guy I was talking to. He came up the side street, I live on a corner, and was telling me how cool the lights were. After about 15 minutes talking to him I realized he did not have his radio on. I asked him how he like the music and he replied "What music?". I told him to tune the radio to 88.5 FM and then he could not believe how much better the display was. LOL.

[hutchijw]

For the most part, I've done almost the same as Terberle. I printed out the letters with size 320 font and the numbers 250ish. I put them under a 18x24" piece of plexiglass and traced them on with a sharpie marker. I then took blue painters tap and covered all the areas where the was writting and then took a utility knif and cut around the letters. I left the tap on where the letters are suppose to be. I then took red spray paint and put on about 4 coats on the front. I then carefully peeled off the tape to reveal my lettering and #'s. I then LIGHTLY sprayed white spray paint on the back of the plexiglass where the letters are so it gives them a white color when they are lit up. As for the lights in the box, I just used a set of 50 mini's and stapled them in. Here's the box I made

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=62

Instructions can be viewed at christmasdisplays.net in the video section.

As for placement, Im not sure yet but it will be lit up from 5 till 10pm

[BillAd]

Wayne,

I snapped a few pictures of the sign I made last year. The dimensions in inches are 14 x 23 x 3 1/2: This first picture shows the sign on a simple stand that I stick in the ground. The stand is made from 3/8 threaded rod from Home Depot that I brazed together:

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=67

The second picture shows the inside of the sign. There are 10 clear c7 bulbs with the sides and back lined with aluminum foil. On the left side is a Belkin transmitter and on the right is a transformer for the Belkin. The signal for the Belkin is from the bottom. By locating the Belin in the sign helps to get the transmitter close to the cars for better reception. Note if you use this same approach make sure the depth of the sign will accommodate the transformer you intend to use:

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=65

This third picture shows the sign with the back on. The two disks are for ventilation and are aluminum house eve vents. The sign when lit gets only slightly warm so there are no worries about over heating or a fire. Also shown is the antenna for the Belkin which I made from a 30 inch piece of brass rod from a hobby store. The radio reception is clear for about 400 feet. Originally I tried to trim the antenna for the best reception but eventually gave up because I could not hear any difference.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=66

This next picture shows a close up of the front of the sign. The letters are cut out of a thin plastic sheet that I spray painted black. The sheet with the letters is sandwiched between clear plexi on the outside (the cheapest stuff you can get at Home Depot), and a piece of opaque plastic cut from a 2 by 4 sheet of plastic used to cover florescent lights in suspended ceilings. Again go with the cheap stuff. Note the rope lights are recessed in a channel so their light does not shine on the portion of the sign with the letters which would wash things out a bit. The channel is simple to make: three pieces of 3/4 pine sandwhiched together (glue and nail) with the center piece about 3/4 shorter than the others.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=64

This last picture is a close up of the sign. The illumination level for the letters in this picture does not seem to be consistent. This must be the angle of the camera because when viewed in person there is very little difference across the entire sign.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/album_pic.php?pic_id=63


Just a few additional comments: I made the sign so the bottom piece of wood can be removed. This exposes the space between the two sheets of rigid plastic so that the sheet with the letters can be changed if needed. The signal for the Belkin is sent through 2 conductor speaker wire with a ¼ headphone plug in the end. The bottom of the sign has a ¼ headphone jack that is recessed. I hope this helps.

Bill

[Wayne J]

WOW! Bill, I really like that sign!

[BillAd]

Thanks Wayne. The caution about the transformer has a small story behind it. I did not want the sign to be too bulky so I kept the debt quite narrow. However at the time I did not measure the transformer I intended to use and eventually found it did not fit in the space available. Thus began a frantic search for a replacement. I checked all of the spares I have collected over the years and nothing was small enough. Eventually I checked the kitchen junk drawer. While sorting though the drawer I tossed out the "real" junk and did find a perfect transformer. An amazing find. I quickly cut off the plug and mounted it inside the sign case. This is the exact transformer you can see in the picture.... wish I had a few more because it is that perfect.

Some hours later while reading the paper my wife said "Bill did you throw out my cell phone charger that was in the junk drawer"? Well 25 years of marriage has taught me it is best in these types of situations to respond promptly and honestly. So without hesitation I replied "no, I would never throw out a transformer" and went back to reading. I am honest, but not stupid. So unless she begins reading this forum this will remain our little secret.

Bill

[lytnin]

I knew I had a picture of mine somewhere.

A simple sheet of coroplast with some holes. Done in a bit of a rush, but did the job nicely and survived right through the display.

Cheers

[Macrosill]

Bill,
That is an amazing sign. One of the best "Tune To" signs I have seen to date. Kudos to you!

[Wayne J]

I got my sign done today. I learned not to use silver paint. I just barely misted it on and then used some scotch brite pads to blend it, then misted some white over that. The silver looks like black. :( It will look good during the day though, so not so bad. I'm not redoing it this year, but might next year.

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3389/sign1fg6.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sign1fg6.jpg)

[Jeff Millard]

Here's yer sign...

[cmurray]

My invisible sign.
Can only be seen in the dark during the show.
Used a sheet of white ceiling tile Lucite. Makes it disappear during the day.

My lite box still is in the process of being resized but had to see how the panel turned out.

JOel

[Macrosill]

Interesting design. Can you explain, in further detail, how you created the invisible-ness?

[klanger]

Interesting design. Can you explain, in further detail, how you created the invisible-ness?

With invisible paint.lol
Sorry couldn't help myself

[cmurray]

I started with a sheet of textured white Lucite.
The 2 x 4 sheets that are placed in ceiling lites. Only $5 a sheet.
I chose the white textured panel because it would give maximum diffusion to the lite source in the box elininating any brite spots in the finished panel.

The letters were sized and printed using the office copy of M$ Publisher.

Letters were cut out of common legal size paper and sprayed with a tack adhesive and applied to the smooth back side in reverse.

Next lots if plastic paint, ie Krylon Fusion.
Yellow was the lightest color so I laid down 5 coats for a thick base.

Next a lot of layers of red and burgundy in a blotchy pattern. When that was not getting dark enough I hit it with a little spare navy to create the real dark spots.

Let it all dry then peel off the letters and spay the bottom yellow coats again then hit it with a little red to make it extra gruesome.

Just got the idea to use a white undercoat for Christmas.
If that bottom layer is thick enough and consistent all the back coats can not be seen in daylight. Until you add the back lighting.

The town may tolerate my lighting but they were not too happy with my sign.
So the ornery stubborn side of me decided to make a sign that clearly was not a sign 99% of the time.
Plan A is to only light it for 15 seconds between songs.

Joel

[xmus]

Mine isn't as fancy as the ones already posted, but what the heck.

http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=618

I would like to upgrade to stickers without the white outline, but now you guys are pushing me in a whole new direction..... dark paint.... nice...
I'll try this approach.

[xmus]

Wayne,
This next picture shows a close up of the front of the sign. The letters are cut out of a thin plastic sheet that I spray painted black. The sheet with the letters is sandwiched between clear plexi on the outside (the cheapest stuff you can get at Home Depot), and a piece of opaque plastic cut from a 2 by 4 sheet of plastic used to cover florescent lights in suspended ceilings. Again go with the cheap stuff. Note the rope lights are recessed in a channel so their light does not shine on the portion of the sign with the letters which would wash things out a bit. The channel is simple to make: three pieces of 3/4 pine sandwhiched together (glue and nail) with the center piece about 3/4 shorter than the others.
Bill

Bill that is a fantastic looking sign..... nice welding and woodwork, and electronics!

So the letters you cut out of thin plastic sheet (like transparencies for a printer?). Or do you mean really then Plexi? So the plastic was as large as the sign, and you just cut out the letters.... paint it black... That seems in some ways, simpler than the many-step method others are using.... except you would then need to sandwich it... But the lettering would be much easier.

I can't decide if i want to use this method, or the "blue painters tape" method....

[xmus]

... tack adhesive ...

Sweet sign, but what do you mean by tack adhesive?
Rubber cement? Can I go purchase "Tack adhesive" by name?
Thanks,
Dave

[cmurray]

... tack adhesive ...

Sweet sign, but what do you mean by tack adhesive?
Rummer cement? Can I go purchase "Tack adhesive" by name?
Thanks,
Dave
Look in spray construction adhesives for bonding drywall or foamboard and such.

Most will say spay and apply immediately for a permanent bond. BUT some will say if you apply to one surface only let dry for five minutes the piece can be repositioned.

You could also look in a craft store in the scrapbooking or photo album section.

JOel

[BillAd]

Dave,

Yes the letters were spray painted on very thin plastic. The material I used is scrap taken from a plotter and is not very stiff, hence the need to sandwich the material between the plexi and florescent lighting material. With this design it is easy and cheap to change the words or numbers if needed.

You are correct the plastic is the full size of the sign.

Bill

[xmus]

Dave,

Yes the letters were spray painted on very thin plastic. The material I used is scrap taken from a plotter and is not very stiff, hence the need to sandwich the material between the plexi and florescent lighting material. With this design it is easy and cheap to change the words or numbers if needed.

You are correct the plastic is the full size of the sign.

Bill

so then you just cut it out with an razor.. pretty easy cutting then, thin material....

I might try to do this tonight or tomorrow..

[xmus]

Check this idea out: Print out on paper "TUNE TO 101.3 FM" in font size 350. Put large blue painters tape (3" width i think) on the _back_ of the paper behind each letter. Cut out each letter by looking at the front of the paper. Peel individual letters of blue tape off back of completely cut out characters... Place tape on white plastic. Paint (trying it now... seems promising, the blue tape comes off the paper pretty good usually).

[xmus]

Check this idea out: Print out on paper "TUNE TO 101.3 FM" in font size 350. Put large blue painters tape (3" width i think) on the _back_ of the paper behind each letter. Cut out each letter by looking at the front of the paper. Peel individual letters of blue tape off back of completely cut out characters... Place tape on white plastic. Paint (trying it now... seems promising, the blue tape comes off the paper pretty good usually).

That didn't work, after all the handling, the blue tape doesn't want to come off. Now I'm trying printing on transparencies with the same method as above, then the same cut out method... that aught to work! ?

[Mudsculpter]

Check this idea out: Print out on paper "TUNE TO 101.3 FM" in font size 350. Put large blue painters tape (3" width i think) on the _back_ of the paper behind each letter. Cut out each letter by looking at the front of the paper. Peel individual letters of blue tape off back of completely cut out characters... Place tape on white plastic. Paint (trying it now... seems promising, the blue tape comes off the paper pretty good usually).

That didn't work, after all the handling, the blue tape doesn't want to come off. Now I'm trying printing on transparencies with the same method as above, then the same cut out method... that aught to work! ?


They sell full sheet "peel and stick" inkjet paper.

[xmus]

They sell full sheet "peel and stick" inkjet paper.

But you would need to print the letters flipped over.... I tried figuring that out in word, and i couldn't... anyone know the trick? When i made homemade PCB's, the iron on PCB method required a flipped print, but the PCB software did it for you I think.

[Dan Ross]

If you draw the letter using word art you can flip it horizontally. Plus using word art you can print out in block letters.

[Mudsculpter]

you might need to use a graghics program (photoshop elements or the like) that has text capabilities. then you could flip the whole thing and print it backwards.

[Mudsculpter]

Inkscape is a free open source graphics program that you could use. Pretty powerful for a freebee

http://www.inkscape.org/download/?lang=en

[Dan Ross]

If all else fails you could use microsoft paint.

[Wayne J]

:idea:
Most printers will do the 'mirror' image. Just look in the printers preferrences when you print. :wink:

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5218/screenhunter008ex3.jpg

[xmus]

Thanks for the info. Too late though :) I'm apply coats of paint to the back of the sign now! I'm amazed at how thin a "heavy" coat of black paint is. It only prevents maybe 15% of the light from coming through. I see many coats of paint in my future :)

By the way, the print onto transparency, blue painting tape on back, worked great.

[ErnieHorning]

[quote=Mudsculpter]But you would need to print the letters flipped over.... I tried figuring that out in word, and i couldn't... anyone know the trick?
Try Print, click Properties, select Layout tab, click Advanced button, and see if you have a mirror selection in the drivers list; I do.

[xmus]

Alright, this was taken on my cell phone (best camera i own at the moment, but my new camera was ordered today)

This looks MUCH nicer. Thanks to everyone for the ideas and support.

I would add... i tried the red paint trick, but it looked terrible, so i just put more black on and called it good.

Tip to others: The bumpy white surface wasn't ideal, even though i pressed the tape down hard and even, a little paint got under the edges... when i removed the tape, the edges of the letters were not smooth. I had to scrape with a razor for 20 minutes around the inside of all letters... the results is great... but if you used smooth plexi you might not have this problem...

[xmus]

My camera is horrible, but I've got this great happy hippy family psychedelic vibe going (I have 15 C7's back there now, with every color i own). It is AWESOME this picture totally does not do it justice.

[xmus]

new camera arrived.

[robots4joey]

OHH! It so pretty!!!! <Tear>

I'm makin' one!

[BillAd]

Nice sign, I like the colors, might need to enhance mine.

[xmus]

I could scream, there is some high powered pirate station on 101.3 now. I have to redo my sign. Seriously, it is strange weird music, with big gaps between songs, and strange things, no ID. It sucks to be me. I can hear it all over town, it has a little static, but it is Stereo usually (pops in and out).
I think it is coming from the east, when i went down this west facing slope, it faded out completely.

I wondered why the range on my FM transmitter took a big dive this week....

I'm going to slice off the top 1/2 of the sign with a razor, and just redo the numbers on the bottom if possible.

Geee ain't this fun?

EDIT
One more point, I previously had the power on my FM-25B set to 1/2 and it sounded nice, now I have it at 100% and I have some hummmmmm. Not good. I have to change frequencies to get the thing back down to 1/2 power and have a nicer sound (and better range).

[Elmo2resc]

Here is my sign. I had it printed on back-lite film for about $15.00 a side out of TN.

[xmus]

Nice! What is "TN"?

[Elmo2resc]

The State..
Here is thier web site...they had a 2 day turn around..

http://www.yourcustomposter.com/

Fell free to ask me any other questions, Jerome

[pyrojunky]

Hello all...
I'm new to all of this digital and computer stuff (but learning...evil laugh snicker snicker), but I have a couple of tips and ideas that may help some ya'll out there that are paintng your sign.

Another option for the masking film is available at art supply stores, it is called frisket film, it kinda resembles tracing paper. you draw out what you want on it then peel it off of the backing paper and stick in place (I find it easiest to start it then lay down a corner on the surface to be masked and peel the paper from underneath it and stick it down as you go, as this helps eleminate bubles and wrinkles). Then carefully with a sharp exacto blade cut out your pattern and remove the excess.

You might also try clear contact paper using the above method.

When it comes time to actually lay on the paint, after you have masked off the areas that you do not want painted, if you have base coated your sign, apply a coat of the base color over the masked area before you put on your final color. This will seep into and under the areas that have not sealed well. If you are not base coating the area first (say applying black then white of the area masked) you can use clear spray first then your color. The clear will act as a base coat to help prevent the color from bleeding under the mask.

Just be sure to use paints that are compatable with each other and follow the drying time for the paint as you could end up with the paint giving you a krinkle finish.

Hope this helps...
Kenny

[Walden]

<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid212.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/Snookao/The%20Making%20Of%20Walden%20Lights/P1010213.flv"></embed>

Made it in about an hour with strands that are messed up and some dont work. It is a type of foam board that i poked guide holes in and punched the lights the rest of the way.

[TERBObob]

My sign that I made has the words :

BROADCAST
ON
107.7 FM ( of course , substitute your channel here )

rather than TUNE TO ...

( gotsta remember folks .... all people , although good , might not get the hint of TUNE TO - they might say " tune what to ?" )
Ask me how I know ? :lol:

[biffklg]

ok, how do you know?

[TERBObob]

LOL....
because I actually had someone ask that VERY same question ...
( and that person just so happened to work/do for the local high school newspaper - lol )

"tune what ? "

[kmc123]

I ordered my "Tune To" lettering from www.vinzdecals.com - I have used them for many of my HPR projects, and they are great - Never had a problem.

I have a picture of the letters on http://kevincook.net/Hobbies/Electronics/Lights/FM%20Transmitter/index.htm all the way at the bottom.

I plan on putting more pictures up soon - It's been a busy time for me!

[Brad M]

I made mine the same as mentioned above, using 3" x 1" with a notch for the styrene light panel, (smooth side out). I used re-stickable sticker paper and printed the font and size lettering I wanted, then stuck whole sheet on the styrene. I used a razor to cut the letters out, spray painted the front, then removed the excess sticker paper. I also found the logo i wanted and printed that on a window cling. I then covered the window cling with a sheet of self adhesive laminate to protect the window cling.

[fkostyun]

Brad - your sign looks good- have you considered creating a how-to on the DIY Wiki?

[Slush]

This is my 2' x 4' light that is for a "grid ceiling" I used tape to block out the squares to spell out - "Listen to the Lights 105.1 FM"

This summer I will be building a better box to put it in. I basicly just mounted it to a pole - and when it rained I had to put a plastic over it.

[Brad M]

Brad - your sign looks good- have you considered creating a how-to on the DIY Wiki?

I guess I could. I made the sign this year (first year with FM transmitter) so I just kind of slapped it together. I'm sure I can write out the instruction.

Is there a format for that type of post?

[wbuehler]

I like the sign kmc123
I was just wondering were I could get some lettering from for another project.

Thanks for the link.

Bill

[kmc123]

Sure thing!
I see your in NC as well - check out my post in the events area - I'd love to get a bunch of us together!

[omzig]

Hey Kevin, how easy is it to get those decals off that you used on your sign? And, how much did they cost?

[kmc123]

They peel right off, and were less than 20 bucks.

I've used that same company for many projects, and they are pretty good!

[omzig]

It looks great! How do you plan to backlight it?

[kmc123]

Hey Omzig - Thanks!
I'm going to build a small wooden box and put 6 or 9 C9 bulbs and reflective foil inside.

It keeps getting pushed down to the bottom of the priorities pile :)

[jstlucas]

Here is my sign. I had it printed on back-lite film for about $15.00 a side out of TN.

They're advertising $6/sq ft with 4 sq ft minimum. How'd you get it so cheap? Were the prices lower last year or were they running a special? Nice quality.

[Elmo2resc]

I believe they raised thier prices. I don't know if they had a special though at the time of my purchase. I will try to find the bill statement to see what they charged me per foot. I believe my sign is 18x20 or 18x24. I will measure it tommorrow when I get home. Even at 6 bucks a square foot 2 sides would only be 36 dollars for an 18x24. Jerome


Ok, I checked my invoice. It was a 17x24 sign. It was $17 a side for a total of $34. After the math it comes to $6 a square foot. So it looks like the price hasn't changed. By the way, the material is also water proof. Jerome