Anokimobi's solar-powered electroluminescent signs light up your eco-friendly bar crawls
By Tim Stevens 
posted May 15th 2009 10:55AM
posted May 15th 2009 10:55AM
Okay, so that solar-powered electroluminescent wallpaper never caught on, and neither did the EL sports jerseys that stood poised to make the most boring of events at least look exciting. But, this latest application of the tech seems bound to succeed -- if only because it caters to drinking establishments and their affinity for blinking lights. Anokimobi has released a sign that charges during the day, giving it power for up to 14 hours of light pollution at night. It's totally waterproof and can even be powered by an auxiliary power source should a cloudy spell interrupt a week of drunken debauchery. No prices are advertised, but we're sure the company would be happy to send you a quote.
I'll drink to that
That's all good, but most major cities don't allow blinking signs anymore. How long will the charge last being continuously lit? Esp when charged on a partly cloudy day?
First of all, the blinking lights part was added by Engadget. Clearly, anyone who uses these things has to obey local regulations. Second of all, I'm not even sure where that's illegal anyway. Plenty of blinking signs in SF. Lastly, the article clearly says that it can power up to 14 hours, with battery backup in case of cloudy days.
The website shows an ad with a blinking sign and clearly states: "Complex animations possible" and "Will animate for between 6 - 14 hours depending on model". It also says "provides between 6 and 14 hours of continuous illumination", which I overlooked before.
Every city I've installed electric signs in has regulations prohibiting blinking or animated signs. Most older signs are grandfathered in, so obviously blinking signs still exist. BTW, LED message boards do not fall into that category. I'm referring to neon and bulbs.
If all signs were like this, it could save a lot of money and help the environment.
http://jamesmsingleton.com
"...14 hours of light pollution at night." - Yaaaaaaay! ... Mmmm, wait...
How would you turn it off on a non-working day or if the place gets shut down or even bankruptcy? Throw a thick blanket over the sign?
I read the linked page and it says it has a timer and controls. So i'd guess you set the hours you want it on and maybe days not sure. It would also have an off switch like normal signs.
F*ing proxy blocking all the fun at work!!
Thanks, pball_inuyaha
And what about if you live in the Arctic Circle?
EL is far too dim for a sign like this. It is very power efficient, but it also doesn't put off much light. It also loses half its brightness in only a few hundred to thousand hours.
Hi,
In answer to a few of your comments.
1. This product has a timer so you can specify when you want the item on or off, or alternatively you can turn the item on or off manually at the touch of a button.
2. We have enabled this signage to stay on for long periods of time, so you can specify the item not to flash if you wish.
3. Lifespan of the EL panels is approx 2500 - 3000 hours.
Thx
Anokimobi
I've always wondered why bars need to have neon signs telling you what to drink... it's so tacky.
I think a simple bar sign in the front is all that is needed. There should be a lamp post outside the door anyway. Neon signs just look ridiculous.
Hmm,
according to their webpage 4000hrs lifespan, according to their posting here more like 2500-3000hrs. With an average 8-12hrs/day usage...
...this sign will need replacement within a year? Sounds like a very clever idea to me. LOL