Flickering Exit Sign

[Ashley R]

Hey Guys

 

Just wondering how would I create this effect?

 

I need to create a Exit Sign that flickers and can sometimes go to full output on command and what type of lamp to use in it?

 

and it has to be on a almost non existent budget.

 

I already own the exit sign caseing but the guts dosent work.

 

Thanks for your help

 

Ash

[Ynot]

Simple - retrofit the guts of the sign with a tungsten tubular lamp (d0mestic type) and run a flicker chase from your desk. OK, it won't give quite the same effect as a flickering fluoro tube, but how much of an issue that is will be up to you.

[adam2]

What is the light source ? Most use a small flourescent tube.

 

This can often be made to flicker by useing a worn out tube, though it depends a bit on the type of lamp, type of ballast, and type of starter.

 

Another approach is to use a small mains voltage incandescent lamp, in series with a starter intended for a flourescent lamp. A little experiment with different wattage lamps and different starters is required. The starter must be the traditional, and very cheap sort known as a glow starter, the modern electronic ones wont work.

For continous full light, simply provide another incandescent or flourescent lamp on a seperate circuit, and turned on when required.

 

The wireing is very simple, but since it involves mains voltage, proper care should be taken, and advice sought if in doubt.