Blog – Versatile LED Sign Modules

LED low-profile lights can be used for more than just channel letters. Think accent lighting and minimal space.

Back in the very late 90’s and the early part of the 21st century, LED products were in a very primitive stage. We had such a thing as a LED light bulb, but it was extremely directional and didn’t have a glass or plastic covering or anything in the way of optics. The absence of a lens cover was primarily due to dealing with heat dissipation. We sold quite a number of what we referred to as bare “LED Clusters”. These simple assemblies were provided on a circuit board with the appropriate resistors to regulate the LEDs in the circuit. LED clusters were used for many general purposes, including those wanting to experiment with designing their own LED light fixtures. It never ceases to amaze me how long we’ve come in a very short 16 years. We also had a primitive form of flexible LED strip. Designed with 5mm LEDs, this strip was bendable, but not to the degree that smaller, more compact SMD LEDs allow. This product could conceivably be used in an indoor sign but wasn’t waterproof. Also, the directional properties of the 5mm LEDs made it more difficult to work with.

As LED technology began to take hold in the market, engineers concerned themselves with developing LED solutions for the most energy consuming lighting in the current market. Traditional sign lighting is just one of those. Hot, energy gobbling neon was soon to become a thing of the past.

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It wasn’t long before the Channel Letter LED Module was designed. The form of the original LED sign modules wasn’t very different from what we have today with the exception of more powerful and more compact LEDs. Constructed in either a square or linear form, these individual modules have wire in between to allow bends and curves. And because they are compact and each segment is wired, the soon replaced the original LED Clusters as well. These versatile LED modules are available in white or RGB. Solid colours are available as well. However, we suggest using an RGB module if you want a solid red, blue or green. You simply wire only the lead for the colour you want and eliminate the colour controller. If you’d like to change the colour later on, all you need to do is hook up the other leads and put the colour controller back into the equation. The LED modules are ultra thin, making them ideal for accent lighting where you have severe space limitations. So when you have a lighting design challenge, think outside the lines and think LED modules. Is there something we can help with? Our technical sales reps are here to help. Give us a call at 775-841-4490 or send an email to [email protected]. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

By: Mary Wecker