Help needed (pretty random request) - Building GO HOGS - LED sign on a roof

[arkana]

Hello everyone,

First post here. Glad this forum exists, any professional feedback would be much appreciated.

I am trying to build a better Go Hogs sign on my roof (see attached pic). It was visible from across town and pretty cool. Previously we used PVC, and outdoor LED lights strung together. It worked well enough but I'm hoping to go bigger and brighter this time, plus add some effects.

I would like to find some red LED strip lighting that is really bright. I was hoping to find some two inch wide red LED strip lights that could be strung together and extended as far as I need. The 'letters' this time will be metal and about 10 feet high by 5 feet wide, permanently attached to the roof. I'd run the lights down them to create the Go Hogs outline at night...Previously I used the outdoor LEDS (basically Christmas lights) and ran them multiple times up and down the PVC (attached with zip ties). I was hoping to find some 2" wide strips of lights to do this instead.

And then to make things more complicated (and more awesome ha). I would like to find a way to program the lights to flash. So it would be a solid GO HOGS outline, but I could toggle a switch, ideally via wifi and my cell phone, from anywhere I can get internet, to flash 'Go' 'Hogs' and then 'Go' again. This way if the Hogs win, I can I get it to flash 'Go Hogs Go' for the night after the win (god willing we'll win a few games this year ha).

I have no idea how to make this flashing work, and not sure what LED lights I would need to buy to make this happen. I have to imagine the technology is out there though. Any help would be amazing. Thanks in advance!

 

[DPG]

Your neighbours must love you ??

Welcome to the forum by the way!

 

[arkana]

Haha, thanks! Fortunately on a few acres...most people love it...

 

[littlespark]

Is it Washington?

No clue myself, just did a Google search.


My friend made his own out of metal for the letters, and just used a static white LED rope light….. but not as big as yours.

 

[buzzlightyear]

My friend made his own out of metal for the letters, and just used a static white LED rope light….. but not as big as yours.

 

[freddo]

Have one made by a neon sign maker. Neon always looks awesome.

 

[Dartlec]

Can't help much on the LED side - though it may end up being easier to run several of a standard LED strip together to get the width you want, with them all powered at one end by a suitable driver.

As for switching, that should be relatively easy using a smart relay - something like the Shelly 2.5 will switch two circuits each of up to 2.3kW so you could use a smart routine to arrange the flashing for each word.

Some smart lights do come with a 'flash' command built in I believe, so there may be something similar with LED strips too, though that might end up requiring a specialist supplier and hence up the cost somewhat.

I imagine your local codes might have requirements too as to how it is installed safely...

 

[Avo Mk8]

I would like to find some red LED strip lighting that is really bright.

Try Googling 'Neon LED strip'
No doubt these people could help you with the automation, if you have the budget?: LED Neon Flex - Dot-Free, Flexible Linear Lighting - https://www.ledneonflex.com/
Chinese equivalents available!

 

[arkana]

Can't help much on the LED side - though it may end up being easier to run several of a standard LED strip together to get the width you want, with them all powered at one end by a suitable driver.

As for switching, that should be relatively easy using a smart relay - something like the Shelly 2.5 will switch two circuits each of up to 2.3kW so you could use a smart routine to arrange the flashing for each word.

Some smart lights do come with a 'flash' command built in I believe, so there may be something similar with LED strips too, though that might end up requiring a specialist supplier and hence up the cost somewhat.

I imagine your local codes might have requirements too as to how it is installed safely...

Awesome, thanks! I will investigate this...what safety concerns are you thinking if I use Neon LED's? No fire risk is there ? :/.

 

[arkana]

Try Googling 'Neon LED strip'
No doubt these people could help you with the automation, if you have the budget?: LED Neon Flex - Dot-Free, Flexible Linear Lighting - https://www.ledneonflex.com/
Chinese equivalents available!

Thanks! I hadn't thought of Neon before reading here...That looks great, assuming I can string enough together to still get the flashing...More to figure out but really helpful. Thanks!

 

[arkana]

Can't help much on the LED side - though it may end up being easier to run several of a standard LED strip together to get the width you want, with them all powered at one end by a suitable driver.

As for switching, that should be relatively easy using a smart relay - something like the Shelly 2.5 will switch two circuits each of up to 2.3kW so you could use a smart routine to arrange the flashing for each word.

Some smart lights do come with a 'flash' command built in I believe, so there may be something similar with LED strips too, though that might end up requiring a specialist supplier and hence up the cost somewhat.

I imagine your local codes might have requirements too as to how it is installed safely...

I looked into this some more...Most of the Neon led's have the regular 'type a' electric plug...

So I would need a relay like this then?

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-Power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or WiFi, Relay Shield : Electronics

Amazon.com: Iot Relay - Enclosed High-Power Power Relay for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PIC or WiFi, Relay Shield : Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[Dartlec]

Awesome, thanks! I will investigate this...what safety concerns are you thinking if I use Neon LED's? No fire risk is there ? :/.

LEDS are low voltage, so there are no real safety issues - just that your local state may have specific codes on how electrics have to be installed, which should be followed.

NEONs may be different, though if they come with a plug that makes things simpler - though again there may be local requirements for how they are protected if they are supplying external appliances, etc.

The relay you've linked is the sort of thing that could work - as long as your NEON loads are within the specification.

The one you linked specifically isn't clear but might need wiring to a control box - it may be simpler to look for one that you can control with wifi or similar, unless you are happy to get into Arduino/Pi programming...

A simple smart plug may do what you need, if it can be installed safely in a suitable enclosure etc, but again you'd need to watch the maximum load that they can switch.

I would choose the LED or NEON strips you plan to use first to determine the power you will need - then use that to select a suitable smart relay or plug...