Imlost21 1 Posted September 22, 2011 I have a friend that is opening and old restaurant. We would like to use the original light box that is 100 in wide and 53 in tall, tapered on ends to 38 in. it has all of original sockets for the chasing lights but needs to be rewired and a new control box. there are 40 bulbs that used to zip around the whole sign, we are trying to keep it as retro as possible. I am also having a problem finding the acrylic larger than 48x96. If anyone knows where we can find these materials, your help would be greatly appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rodh2 16 Posted September 22, 2011 If the old relay controller is still in tack, You might be able to rebuild it. If not you can build one of these circuits and size the transistors or relays properly to handle the proper amperage for your light load. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-ContextMenu&rlz=1I7ADBF_en&q=light%20chaser%20circuits%20relay%20logic&biw=1264&bih=849&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us%3AIE-ContextMenu&rlz=1I7ADBF_en&source=hp&q=light+chaser+diagram&pbx=1&oq=light+chaser&aq=1p&aqi=p-p2g2&aql=1&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=0l0l1l334l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=65172413619ff571&biw=1264&bih=849 https://homepages.westminster.org.uk/electronics/Fifth%20Form/undst_chaser.htm http://wild-bohemian...cs/chr-info.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roxanneupnorth 106 Posted September 22, 2011 Best to hire a qualified electrical with all the proper licences and permits to check over the cabinet...Often is is cheaper to scrap an old sign than retrofit it....Sometimes you can spend a lot of money on the retrofit and never get it approved by local inspectors... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deth502 39 Posted September 23, 2011 most fo the "vintage" chasing lights were made with a motor rotating a contact arm with a disc of contacts that it hits as it rotates, lighting each light in sequence. a very inefficient, high maintenance, and frankly, not very safe method of construction. your best bet would be to NOT keep it as retro as possible, and refit everything with modern components. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites