AVS › AVS Forum › Home Entertainment & Theater Builder › Theater Room Items & Accessories › Another DIY poster/marquee light-box
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Another DIY poster/marquee light-box - Page 2

post #31 of 355
2/16/12 at 8:12am
Thread Starter 
Sorry; I meant say 12volt/3amp supply, my bad..
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #32 of 355
2/22/12 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 
An abbreviated teaser update (I intend to post a more complete summary - when I am finished):

With 3 strings of the intended 4




My fourth string was added temporarily for this proof photo (unfortunately it is temporary, because it is the warm color instead of bright white, need to place another order).

If you look closely you will see a faint border just inside the frame edges. This faint border is the outline of my "undersized/temporary" diffusor panel. These LED strips are really intense (as opposed to the rope style). Therefore; it will be necessary to add a cheap diffusor panel against the backside of the artwork
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 355
2/23/12 at 11:36am
What a cool idea! I would have never thought about adding something like this to my home theater. Def gunna have to seriously consider doing this. Thanks for the detailed tutorials!
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 355
2/23/12 at 12:11pm
Thread Starter 
Your most welcome. I hope to have it finished in two weeks (travelling for business next week)
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 355
2/23/12 at 2:14pm
Craig that looks great! I am jealous and envious all in one. If I only had the space for one/two of these.....great job.
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 355
2/23/12 at 4:50pm
Nice work. Three amps is a bit much, no?
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 355
2/23/12 at 6:46pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks HeyNow!

Looks like these strings are pulling about .5 amp each. (although I might just need to bring a better meter home from work, and double-check the total current draw)
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 355
2/23/12 at 6:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iusteve View Post

Craig that looks great! I am jealous and envious all in one. If I only had the space for one/two of these.....great job.

Good to see a hoosier friend checking in here (I know RT will come around, after he wakes from his movie-marathon-new-theater honeymoon). I am hoping the final 50% of the project (mitering and trim) goes as smooth as the first half..
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 355
2/24/12 at 8:05am
Did you post a link for these lights? Is the transformer 24 volts?
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 355
2/24/12 at 9:41am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeyNow^ View Post

Did you post a link for these lights? Is the transformer 24 volts?

The transformer is 12 volts
As for the LED strip lights, I ordered from this seller:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220750258465...84.m1439.l2649

The ebay seller's screen name is "pitalam".
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 355
2/24/12 at 11:40am
Says item was removed.
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 355
2/24/12 at 1:28pm
Thread Starter 
Randy,

I'll see if I can "re-find" these on ebay, and will post a fresh link...
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 355
2/24/12 at 5:12pm
Thanks Craig!
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 355
2/25/12 at 1:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

Randy,

I'll see if I can "re-find" these on ebay, and will post a fresh link...

Randy - Here's a fresh link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pure-White-5...item3364ebfff4

If by chance that has expired, the seller's ebay name is: pitalm
and the item description is:
Pure White 5M 300LED 3528 SMD Flexible LED Light Strip.

If all else fails shoot me a PM
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 355
2/25/12 at 2:23pm
My DIY Light boxes....The Light Boxes cost me under $50 each to build.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNaF1...layer_embedded
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 355
2/25/12 at 3:45pm
Thread Starter 
They turned out nice, very nice for the money! So you are up to 3 of them now?
Reply
Reply
post #47 of 355
2/26/12 at 9:18am
Thread Starter 
A bit more testing with posters.

OK with 4 strings of LEDs (1200 total); I decided to try a worst case test with a dark poster:


These next 2 photos are a comparison, first a single sided poster, notice it is a bit washed out:


And the equivalent of a double sided (actually 2 single-sided reproductions doubled up. I think 4 strings of LEDS will do the trick:
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 355
2/27/12 at 6:58am
Try to find a true double sided you like. They are generally not expensive unless you are trying to get the latest trendy movie and the colors are definitely sharper and brighter.
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 355
2/27/12 at 7:15am
An interesting source is emovieposter.com. This is an auction site, and on Sundays Bruce has bulk lot auctions. There are always lots of double sided material. For example this one closed yesterday and had 37 posters go for $41. It included an awards style Chicago:
http://auctions.emovieposter.com/Bid...n_uid1=2484054
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 355
2/27/12 at 8:28am
Great thread - was looking for a better way to build these as my last attempt worked OK, but changing out the posters was a nightmare. How thick can the diffusers be that will go into the Spotlight frames?
Reply
Reply
post #51 of 355
2/27/12 at 10:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by blipszyc View Post

Great thread - was looking for a better way to build these as my last attempt worked OK, but changing out the posters was a nightmare. How thick can the diffusers be that will go into the Spotlight frames?

The ridge that the inner layer fits in isn't that deep, so 2 layers of PETG and the poster almost fills the available depth. My guess is probably 3/16".

If you exceed that depth the frame can still be adjusted, but it becomes difficult to get everything to lay properly while the frame is on the wall.

OTOH, the spotlight website says the following:

Quote:


Frames can be cut to accommodate different thicknesses in backings, posters, and overlays. If what you are using is going to be thicker than .100 in. you just need to let us know. We can accommodate up to .5 in.(1/2in.) with our Standard Border and .250 (1/4in.) with our Wide Border.

For our Standard Border Classic Frames the thickness breakdown is as follows. .100 to .125 | .126 to .250 | .251 to .500

For our Wide Cinema Border: .100 to .125 | .126 to .250

so I guess they support up to 1/4 inch wide and 1/2 inch narrow. I would assume that the thickness adjustment is for the frame angle and not a change in the extrusion alignment.
Reply
Reply
post #52 of 355
2/27/12 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
I have just ordered a sheet of .06" acrylic white diffuser material. Will be using this in place of one of the spotlight PETG overlays. I should easily be within the .1" that this frame allows
Reply
Reply
post #53 of 355
2/27/12 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jayn_j View Post

An interesting source is emovieposter.com. This is an auction site, and on Sundays Bruce has bulk lot auctions. There are always lots of double sided material. For example this one closed yesterday and had 37 posters go for $41. It included an awards style Chicago:
http://auctions.emovieposter.com/Bid...n_uid1=2484054

Thanks - I"ll be checking this source out!
Reply
Reply
post #54 of 355
3/20/12 at 11:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

I am about to try and build an economical, low-profile, low power lighted display for use with movie posters or customized marquee artwork. I know at least one other AVS person is interested in the low-profile approach - so I thought I would post here, and see if others are interested in following along or contributing. For me low profile means less than 2.5" deep (preferably less than <2"). Why low profile?

1) This will be going in the 90 degree landing area of the stairway used to enter my theater area, and I want to preserve some "maneuvering" space in the landing.

2) I intend to use 12 volts to power this from my equipment room under the landing, and would rather not have to run 115volt into the landing area. So going with 12 volt LED "tapes" allows for a low profile.

I was hoping to go even less than 2", but it seems that one needs a minimum of 1.5" of space between the LED "plane" and the poster "plane" to get "defocussing" of the LED source for even illumination onto the poster.

As for cost: the most expensive components appear to be the sheets of acrylic in the desired ~27" x ~40" dimension (24" widths are common for lighting panels, but the costs appear to increase when you go to larger non-standard sizes). And one will need two sheets; one clear sheet for the front, and a 2nd sheet to act as a diffusor between the LEDs and the poster "plane".

I'll soon start sharing some photos of the different materials I am pursuing and experimenting with...

OK my first effort is finished and can be found here (pg 48. post #1438 and 1439)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...0#post21802850

You may recall my original goals were: "economical, low-profile, low power lighted display".

So how did I do with the goals
1) Economical >> I was hoping for $200.00. I ended up at about $270.00 The cost of getting a thick white acrylic diffusor panel was a bit of a surprise. There are numerous choices of diffusor material in dimensions of 24" x 48", However; for standard posters you need to be 27" wide, which seems to require a custom (expensive) order. I also could have saved another $30.00, If I would have gone without the oak trimmed frame. As an alternative; one could just go with a wide spotlight frame and skip the oak trim (I preferred the formal look with the Oak trim). I think with these changes and a little more time shopping this can be done for $200.

2) Low Profile >> Mine ended up being 2.5" thick. The extra 1/2" came from the profile of raised trim I chose to go with. If one were to go with a more contemporary look and simply use the wide spotlight frame (no wood trim) you will be at 2". If you are willing to dado a 1/2" off the back perimeter edges, cut a matching opening in your drywall and countersink the whole affair into your wall you would then be 1.5" proud of the wall surface.

3) Low power >> Even with 4 strings (1200 LEDs total), this is pulling right at 3 amps at 12 volts. I think this qualifies as success


If you have any questions ask away. If any questions are too price/supply sensitive; you might want to send me a PM.
Reply
Reply
post #55 of 355
3/21/12 at 9:16am
I have a couple questions for you:

1. You said that finding the acrylic in the right size was hard/expensive. Where did you end up finding it and how much did it end up costing you for the sheet? Did they cut it to your specifications?
*Edit: Is this the website you use? They appear to be ~ $55 + shipping per 27"x40" panel
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=347&

2. Are you powering the unit off of 110 or some kind of battery? Reason i ask is i am thinking about building 2 very similar units that will actually go into my theater and use insteon to control the lights coming on/off with my system and I see you also mentioned using 12 volts as if there is a battery somewhere.

3. Did you just use some cheap white material (particle board or something) for the back behind the LEDs?

4. Any other tips that you can give that didn't show up in this thread already?
Reply
Reply
post #56 of 355
3/21/12 at 9:34am
Nice job, cuzed2. I'm sure this thread will prove valuable for other members planning to tackle the same project on their own. I'm curious if you would do it again knowing the time and money that you spent, or if you'd just purchase an LED Poster Frame/Case or something similar the next time? Having remodeled and built things myself I know there's quite a bit of satisfaction in the fact that you can say "I made that", so I'm curious if you do it all over again.
Reply
Reply
post #57 of 355
3/21/12 at 1:33pm
Thread Starter 
DaDeuce,

A few answers below

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaDeuce View Post

I have a couple questions for you:

1. You said that finding the acrylic in the right size was hard/expensive. Where did you end up finding it and how much did it end up costing you for the sheet? Did they cut it to your specifications?
*Edit: Is this the website you use? They appear to be ~ $55 + shipping per 27"x40" panel
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=347&

I ordered from this site
http://www.acrylite-shop.com/US/us/cutter.htm?$product=o5xxd6hw7og~p&comeFrom=detail
In case the link does not work; ACRYLITE (Evonik Industries), I ordered "Satin Ice", p.n. WD008 DF, .06" thick, they cut it to size. If I recall it was about $43.00 shipped
2. Are you powering the unit off of 110 or some kind of battery? Reason i ask is i am thinking about building 2 very similar units that will actually go into my theater and use insteon to control the lights coming on/off with my system and I see you also mentioned using 12 volts as if there is a battery somewhere.
I am powering mine via 12v, 3 amp switching supply from the equipment space that is underneath my stairs landing. The 3 amp supply appears to be right at capacity because it runs a bit warm, I am changing over to a 5 amp supply.

3. Did you just use some cheap white material (particle board or something) for the back behind the LEDs?
I used 1/8' melamine (glossy white finish on one side), cost was about $12 for a 4x8 sheet. Would have preferred 1/4' thick, but my local HD was out.

4. Any other tips that you can give that didn't show up in this thread already?

I think that covers it..., again you might want to fore-go the fancy wood surround I used, and just go with the wider spotlight frame for a more contemporary look instead
Reply
Reply
post #58 of 355
3/21/12 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
DaDeuce,

When ordering acrylic for the diffusor; a few points are key:

- 1/16" thick (.06") seems to work very well with the spotlight frame clamping system

- Make sure you go with white (as in white all the way thru), a matte or textured finish does not seem to be that important.
Reply
Reply
post #59 of 355
3/21/12 at 1:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenLerch View Post

Nice job, cuzed2. I'm sure this thread will prove valuable for other members planning to tackle the same project on their own. I'm curious if you would do it again knowing the time and money that you spent, or if you'd just purchase an LED Poster Frame/Case or something similar the next time? Having remodeled and built things myself I know there's quite a bit of satisfaction in the fact that you can say "I made that", so I'm curious if you do it all over again.

Ken - Thanks!!

Now that my entire theater is largely finished - I had some time on my hands and was looking for a challenge, and something unique. So for me yes I would do it again, as I probably saved ~$200 for a comparable look and quality? However; if I had other tasks competing for my time - maybe not. I guess that was clear as mud
Reply
Reply
post #60 of 355
3/21/12 at 2:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cuzed2 View Post

DaDeuce,

When ordering acrylic for the diffusor; a few points are key:

- 1/16" thick (.06") seems to work very well with the spotlight frame clamping system

- Make sure you go with white (as in white all the way thru), a matte or textured finish does not seem to be that important.

Thanks for the quick response! As you said I'm not going to be adding any wood trim on the outside, but I might attempt to make my box flush with the edges of the wide boarder spotlight frame! I'm planning on ordering my materials in the next couple days and hope to have this knocked out by the beginning of April!
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Home Entertainment & Theater Builder › Theater Room Items & Accessories › Another DIY poster/marquee light-box