imanut

Was wondering why NO ONE ever posts about products that they buy from Erik thru the Sign Syndicate? I mean the whole purpose of this site, and for many of the frequent responders is to offer, what I would call, valuable information to better the sign industry. For years it was all a hush-hush, secrets all over the place, society. Thru the SS, and previously the Neon List, many in the sign industry tried to offer up information, and suggestions to better the trade. Right? Then why do the purchasers from the SS NEVER offer up their critiques of the materials they buy. We all know that Erik tries his darndest to offer ONLY the best in product ----- and as such, I feel he deserves a bit in return ----------------- I recently purchased some of the USHIO brand led bulbs, specifically the BR40 and the BR38. I opted for the 3000K, because this project ---- well, it was to replace lighting in my new home in Tennessee. The previous owner has a little bit of everything for lights - including CCFL, T-8 fluorescents, etc. Having been here in this house for only a couple months, and already had to change a couple of the floods out --- time for a change. Yes, I know, USHIO isn't the cheapest bulb out there, cheaper ones on the internet from some little island somewhere ------ but, damn, are the USHIO bulbs really nice. The BR40 is 1250 lumens - far surpassing what was in the kitchen -- and yes, they are dimmable, which makes for sweet lighting for the wife!! Tried the darn thing in the master bath, which also has the can lighting, which I personally love ------ but the previous owner had shit CCFL bulbs. Wow, what a difference. Now I have to order more --------. Did I mention how incredible the dimming of these things are? For anyone wondering --- I've used USHIO bulbs in the past, loved them, and wanted to rely on them in my house --- not to mention their great quality and their great warranty which will probably never have to be used. So??? Hasn't anyone else ordered anything from Erik that could post a blip ----- good or bad. He offers up great trim cap that most don't sell - and more companies would use, IF the word got out what great stuff it is! He offers up several choices of LED's ---- of which I've used AXIOM before with outstanding results, and the newer NC Led, which I just got some of to try on a project. I love the color coding they use in the mold --- no more need to guess what color that damn things are!! And bright little suckers ---- smaller than AXIOM,, but we'll see how the quality of light holds up. And do we need to say more about the AXIOM power supplies that just keep on working ------? I've never had one burn out on me, or even one that failed under warranty. BUt, I have to say, I sure Manuel was still around to offer up new products and advice ------------- Great idea for the syndicate ------------ change your pricing structure so that the purchasers get a rebate IF they take the time to put up a critique of the product!!

Couldn't afford the poles and concrete - figured the weight would hold it in place. gn

Like a lot of things....it's not the knowing that there is a law, but more the question of whether it will be enforced. Obviously it has not been enforced.

You aren't holding your breath for a reply, are uou?

Amen to that! Just a computer drawn piece of crap, and throw out a cheap price, regardless. From the nationals to the mini sign companies - saales, client relations and actually talking to the client --- gone. And "learn about the industry"? Why, how dare you think that is needed!! These people would have to learn something ---------?

Brad - I'm still up for you putting a service truck down in the Monterey area!! gn

No hysterical laughter from here. Nice Clock. I would venture a guess that the way the trodes are wired together - probably done by a hack during the last 50 years or so. Hopefully you can still find a c/c transformer? You could probably try and use an electronic - but due to the proximity of the trodes - you might end up with capacitance issues. Back in those days there were no silicone boots - use those, looks like you'll have room - even if you have to cut them down somewhat for length. You won't be able to meet code doing that - but there is nothing you could do to make the clock up to code ---. Use the silicone boots, use a length of masters tubing and do your splices to the tranny, or elsewhere INSIDE of the tubing. Again - not quite up to code, but if the boots and sleeving are approved for HV, then it would work nicely for the splice. I've done it many times - again, not code, but will be mucho safer than what used to be done - as seen in the pics. Tape, secure, the sleeving in place to avoid shifting. Your nice little clock will last forever -- and you can sleep at night knowing that its okay. Oh yeah ---- wire the clock properly when you do the repair!! Put a bit of spacing between the neon and metal - using cork (if you can find any), or make some silicon wafers and put between the neon and metal. As for the clock motor, if it needs one ----- good luck. It might still work! gn

Those were the days ------- my dad did alot of animated signs in PHoenix before they were banned, and I got to service alot of those signs over the next 50 years or so. Some are still around, most were torn down for neighborhood changes, and many became a victim of abandonment.

the pay equality might not be such a bad thing? At least you could then make equal to what you pay your employees rather than paying them first and you get the peanuts left over? Just kidding............ gn

Mike - amazing? How can you suggest that when he used FMS tubing!! It was a forgone conclusion!! Glad you folks are still taking care of the neon world out there. Now if we just had more professionals like Eric doing the layouts and installs - all the while running for President - then the world would be a good and happy place again. gn

HEy, from that bottom picture, you've aged a bit running the SS.

That's funny in a sickening way. And he got exactly what was paid for.

Seriously? Did the modules just all clump together or what? Sorry, I don't have much pity for the owner.

I do suggest that if you to continue having these brain farts, that you at least make sure your health and life insurance premiums are current! Stay safe out there. If unsure... Call a professional!

https://viewing.nyc/gasper-and-son-a-documentary-about-one-of-the-last-remaining-neon-sign-makers-in-nyc/ This was posted on the neon-l list by Kenny Greenburg. The elder Gasper in video helped to train Kenny, one of our illustrious masters in the trade. You'll probably have to copy and paste the above to get to the link.

Your own workbench! Nice. You doing a tear out?

So, that means we will soon see some more pics of quality signs?? gn

A great neon video from one of our master neon folks -- http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a16070/neon-sign-glass-master-video/

I thought USA did a decent job of presenting themselves. And they do a great job of repping sign people. Their post was moved to a separate topic.

Well, depends. Brighter, yes, but less light spread over larger area. So, you might very well see lamps, and shadows between the lamps. There us a formula between lamp spacing and face distance.

A nice movie theater close to our new home.

I chuckle. All the time I was in Chicago sending resumes out I was either over qualified, or the company was hiring young and cheap. Last company I was at quoted out a bunch of collision repair. Quoted signs for formed faces because of cabinet depth, got vetoed down for flat faces. Customer hated seeing the lamps. Quoted letters on a raceway for wall that had had neon channel letters on corrugated metal. Needed to do something and paint to o cover all the holes. Got shot down because of the expense. Customer was pissed about about all the visible holes that would leak. Go figure. Soon after I was let go and a landscaper was hired to do the purchasing and estimating. Cheaper and dumber. So I chuckle at sign companies having that problem. Nothing that 30 years experience couldn't solve. Actually in the trade that is a big problem, that is getting bigger. From the P M's, to the so called fabricators to the installers, to the so called owners and managers.

Oh man, memories. I remember those, repairing them. Not many red ones at all. The close coils brought lots and lots of bugs, possibly from the good amount of corona?

Thanks Bob for the offer.... I will pass on it though.

You folks have fun... Will miss seeing everyone. We will be busy moving at that time. Get out of this over taxed wacky state.