Ten years ago, the sign industry went through a major conversion cycle in which light-emitting diodes (LEDs) displaced neon as the incumbent technology for illuminating channel letters. Given the relatively high costs of neon, its power requirements, its ongoing service needs and the risk of breakage, the benefits of switching to solid-state, longer-lasting, energy-efficient LEDs were compelling.
十年前，标识行业经历了一个重要的转换周期，在那一时期，LED取代了氖灯，成为用于发光字现有的照明技术。鉴于霓虹灯相对较高的成本、功率方面的要求、持续的服务需求，以及破损风险，持久、节能的LED照明更能收服人心。
As existing signs were converted, the process varied, from (a) removing just the neon lighting itself and applying LED modules within the letters on-site to (b) pulling the letters down completely and replacing or refacing them in a sign shop to (c) replacing the sign outright with a new set of letters.
随着LED标识的兴起，在这个转换过程中，发生了明显的变化：（a）移除了霓虹照明，并应用LED模组；（b）标识制造商替换业务 （ c）新的发光字技术彻底替换旧标识。
The choice of approach depended on the location, the size of the sign and other factors. So, a variety of approaches were taken. With larger signs where the letters could not be pulled down cost-effectively, routed sub-panels were often prepopulated with LEDs and then inserted into each letter on-site, to help minimize installation time and costs.
另外，标识的安装方式发生变化，选择何种安装方式取决于标识的位置、大小和其他因素。因此，在较大的标识中，不能经济有效地取下字母，面板通常需要预先填充好LED，然后在现场插入每个字母，减少安装时间和成本。
Today, the sign industry is in the early stages of a second wave of the conversion cycle, where T12 high-output (HO) fluorescent lamps in sign cabinets are being replaced with LEDs. In fact, there are already a vast number of systems available in the marketplace for retrofitting single- and double-faced sign cabinets of any depth.
今天，标识行业正处于转换周期第二波的阶段，灯箱中的T12高输出（HO）荧光灯正在被LED取代。事实上，市场上已有大量系统专门用于改造任何深度、单面或双面的标识。
A different equation
一个不同的等式
Compared to channel letters, retrofitting a cabinet sign is a bit of a different equation. For one thing, the underlying fluorescent illumination source is already much less expensive, lasts longer and is much more efficient than neon. Other than smaller wall signs, cabinets are larger than letters, which may make them impractical or even impossible to take down, suggesting the need for on-site work.
与发光字相比，灯箱的安装有所不同。一方面，底层的荧光照明源要便宜很多，持续时间更长，效率比霓虹灯高。除了一些小的墙面标识以外，灯箱比发光字要复杂，它们不可能随意取下来，需要专业人员进行操作。
Fortunately, sign cabinets use fixed-length T12 HO lamps. The spacing of these lamps lends itself to the easy installation of low-cost LED products that also take advantage of fixed units of measurement.
幸运的是，灯箱一般使用固定长度的T12 HO灯，这些灯的间距非常适合低成本的LED产品，该产品也利用了固定的测量单位。
Early ‘carpet’ or ‘ladder’ LED systems for sign cabinets were primarily developed for newly constructed signs. While they were relatively fast and easy to install at a sign shop, they proved cumbersome in the field, especially for installers working from a bucket truck. As a result, many signmakers opted instead to simply adhere LED modules to an extrusion and then fix it inside the cabinet.
用于灯箱的早期LED系统主要是为新建标识开发。虽然它们的安装相对快速，且易于在标牌店安装，但是，对于使用铲斗工作的安装人员而言，是有点困难的，因此，许多标识制造商选择将LED模组简单地固定在挤出机上，然后将其固定在灯箱内部。
The relamping approach
更换方法
More recently, retrofits have been migrating toward systems where LEDs can fit directly into double-recessed T12 sockets. These systems typically come in two varieties.
现在，LED可以直接安装到双凹T12插座的系统,这种系统通常有两种类型。
The first is a self-ballasted LED tube. The power supply is contained inside the LED tube, so the existing ballast is bypassed. The socket is still used to supply primary power.
第一种类型是自镇流LED管，电源包含在LED管内，该插座仍然作为主电源。
The second variety is a preassembled ‘stick’ with (a) LEDs that fit directly into the socket and/or (b) an extrusion carrying the LEDs with an end cap that mates to the socket.
第二种是预装配的灯条，LED能直接安装在插座中，带有与插座配合端盖的挤压件。
As both of these varieties offer the benefit of using the socket as a holder for the LED system, they enable the undertaking of a T12-to-LED retrofit installation that is very similar to a simple relamping.
两个品种都提供了将插座用作LED系统支架的好处，它们可以承担T12的安装，这与简单的换向装置非常相似。
The first option offers the benefit of no extra wiring. Self-ballasted LED tubes typically integrate low-cost power drivers, however, which can be problematic given the lack of a heat sink (i.e. a passive heat exchanger, which transfers and dissipates the heat away from the device) and the types of components used. The second option does require additional wiring, but uses an external, commercial-grade power supply, which increases the system’s reliability.
此外，另一个好处是无需额外布线。自镇流LED管通常能够集成低成本功率驱动器，但是，由于缺乏散热器（即无交换器），热量会从设备中转移并散发出去。第二种方案需要额外的布线，但是，使用外部商用级电源，能增加系统的可靠性。
It is worth keeping in mind any power supply, due to its complexity and number of components, is much more likely than an LED to fail. So, maintenance is easier if they are kept separate.
值得一提的是，任何电源由于其复杂性和组件数量的原因，比LED更容易发生故障，因此，如果保持分离，维护起来会更加有效。
Given these factors, the preassembled LED sticks are becoming the preferred option for retrofitting cabinet signs previously illuminated by T12 fluorescent lamps.
鉴于这些因素，预装配的LED支架正在成为替换T12荧光灯的首选方案。
“Many signmakers want a simple solution, where retrofitting is just like relamping,” says Daryl Foreman, vice-president (VP) of sales for Principal LED. “LED sticks are available in any standard lamp length, with both single- and double-sided versions.”
Principal LED公司的副总Daryl Foreman说：“许多标识制造商都想通过一个简单的解决方案为客户服务，而LED技术的发展就像重新塑造了一种新的标识一样，可用于任何标准灯具的长度，包括单面和双面标识。”
Moreover, these systems can be customized to meet any specific requirements in terms of depth, length, colour temperature and beam pattern, overcoming earlier limitations.
此外，这些系统可以根据深度、长度、色温和光束模式进行个性化定制，以满足客户特定要求，这也说明了LED技术确实能克服之前的问题。
Planning for success
规划成功
Regardless of which particular system is selected for a retrofit, it is important for the installation process to be cost-effective and seamless. With this in mind, there are a few factors to consider beforehand to help make sure the project is successful.
无论选择哪种特定的系统进行改造，安装过程的成本效益和无缝性都很重要。考虑到这一点，需要事先考虑几个因素以确保项目的成功。
First, due diligence must be taken to determine the exact dimensions, depth and face material of the sign that is to be retrofitted, as this information will affect the choice of the right product. When choosing an LED system that will be plugged into the existing sockets, for example, signmakers should check the distance from the LEDs to the sign face will allow for even lighting, based on the spacing of those sockets.
首先，必须进行各项信息的审查，以确定待改型标识的尺寸、深度和面部材料，所有信息都将会影响产品的选择。例如，当选择插入现有插座的LED系统时，标识制造商应检查LED与标牌表面之间的距离，以便根据这些插座的间距进行均匀照明。
Deeper sign cabinets may require a more specifically directional LED system, like those that provide a 120-degree Lambertian (i.e. ideally diffused) beam pattern. Shallower cabinets, meanwhile, may need an LED system with specialized batwing-type optics, which are designed to spread the light more laterally.
较复杂的灯箱可能需要定向的LED系统，像那些能提供120度朗伯（即理想扩散）光束模式的系统，与此同时，较简单的灯箱可能需要一个配备专用蝙蝠翼型光学器件的LED系统，该系统的设计为横向散布光线。
Most LED suppliers provide depth and on-centre spacing charts. These recommend the maximum spacing between the LEDs’ centres for a given depth of sign cabinet.
大多数LED供应商提供深度和中心间距图表,来指定灯箱中LED之间的间距。
Many LED manufacturers also provide layout and estimating services, which can help recommend the right option based on the sign and the site survey. There are online product selector tools with layout capabilities, allowing signmakers to plan how they can best populate a cabinet with LEDs.
许多LED制造商也提供布局和评估服务，为客户推荐正确的选项。一些在线产品选择工具具有布局功能，能帮助客户如何使用LED灯箱。
Accommodating face changes
适应面部变化
It is also important to keep in mind the total depth includes not just the sign cabinet’s own extrusion profile, but also the depth of the sign face. Formed faces, especially, will increase the overall depth noticeably.
需要注意的是，总深度不仅包括灯箱自身的挤压轮廓，还包括标识面部的深度，形成的面孔尤其会显着整体深度的增加。
There have been situations where a sign retrofit involves changing from a formed face to a flat one, leading to lighting problems. In these cases, the LEDs may need to be placed on closer centres than suggested by the original socket spacing. Many vendors offer special brackets to accommodate these changes. Ultra-wide optics are often a better option for accommodating a shallower profile, however, because they allow the existing sockets to still be used and they help keep costs down by not having to add any extra material.
有些情况下，标识的安装改造包括面部从成型面改为平面面，以及照明问题，LED可能需要放置在比原始插座间距更近的中心位置。许多供应商开始提供特殊的应用来适应这些变化，例如，超宽光学器件通常能容纳更浅型材，它们允许使用现有的插座，而不需要添加任何额外的材料来降低成本。
Another concern is how to optimize LED illumination in a larger sign with a flexible face material. When the wind blows, the flex face can easily be pushed off-centre, leading to spottiness and striping in the lighting. It may be impossible to optimize the placement of the LEDs inside the cabinet to avoid this problem, so instead, a better option is to tie a clear nylon line across the sign to hold the face flat.
另一个问题是如何使用柔性面材来优化大尺寸LED照明的效果。当有风吹动时，柔性表面可以很容易地偏离中心，导致照明中出现斑点和条纹。为了避免这种问题，LED内部的布置可能无法优化，最好的方式是在标识上绑一根透明的尼龙线以保持表面平整。
The tools for the job
涉及的工具
Another important consideration before undertaking a T12-to-LED retrofit is putting together all the required materials in advance of the on-site installation, including tools, wire and wire nuts.
在进行LED安装的改造时，另一个要考虑的因素是，在现场安装之前，将所有必需的材料汇总在一起，包括工具、电线和螺母。
Some of the aforementioned LED ‘sticks’ come preassembled with wire whips, making it easier to tie them with enough wire back to the power supply. These certainly save time on-site.
一些LED灯条预先装配了电线，使它们更容易连接到电源。
When using a ladder or carpet system, on the other hand, where some assembly will be required, it is a good idea to do as much of this work as possible in the shop, before going on-site. Assembly is always easier in the shop than on a truck or out in the elements.
另一方面，在需要一些组件的情况下，尽可能多地做这项工作，在商店里装配总是比在卡实际现场或意外的情况下完成地容易。
For smaller, single-sided signs, signmakers may well prefer to install separate ‘peel and stick’ LED modules on the back of the existing cabinet, rather than use a preassembled system. In these cases, it is still important to have designed the layout in advance, based on the sign’s dimensions and face material. And choosing higher-power modules, especially those with wide optics, will be beneficial in reducing the sheer amount of on-site peeling and sticking.
对于较小的单面标牌，标识制造商可能更愿意在现有机柜的背面安装单独的LED模组，而不是使用预装系统。在这些情况下，根据标识的尺寸和面部材质，预先设计布局，选择功率更高的模组，特别是宽光学元件的模组，将有助于减少现场剥落的数量。
“There are now simple LED solutions for single-face cabinets that can light a 6 x 6-m (20 x 20-ft) surface from a depth of 150 mm (5.9 in.) with just one 6-W module,” says Carlos Vilanova, owner of Global-Lux, an LED system provider based in Boucherville, Que.
现在，单面灯箱可以使用简单的LED解决方案，只需一个6W的模组即可从150毫米（5.9英寸）的深度点亮一个6×6米（20×20英尺）的表面。
Another tip before installing any peel-and-stick LED modules is to make sure the surface is free of debris and has been cleaned with a non-oil-based solution. It is also a good idea to attach the LEDs mechanically or with a minimum of silicon to the back of the sign, wherever possible.
安装任何LED模组之前，要掌握的一个技巧是，确保标识表面没有碎屑，并且已经使用非油基溶液进行清洁过。另外，将LED连接在标识背面，附加少量的硅，也是一个不错的安装方式。
Calculating value
价值计算
Many LED vendors can also equip signmakers with the tools to help sell retrofit jobs to their customers. The more understanding there is of the value a conversion can bring, the better the chance of closing the sale.
许多LED供应商配备工具来帮助客户完成安装与改造的工作，转换带来的价值越多，业务闭合的机会就越小。
In addition to outlining some of the obvious benefits of LEDs, it is a good idea to calculate the overall return on investment (ROI). Online tools allow users to input the number of LEDs, the hours of illumination per day and local electricity prices, then produce a summary of the relevant energy and maintenance savings. They can also help when determining the markup of material costs.
除了概述LED一些显而易见的好处之外，计算总体投资回报非常必要。在线工具能计算出用户输入LED的数量、每天的照明时间和当地电价，同时还可以标记材料的成本，汇总相关的能源和维护成本。
There are many fluorescent lamps still illuminating sign cabinets today, which represent a major opportunity to maximize the use of existing assets. And it is certainly more profitable to dedicate service teams to installing entire LED retrofits rather than simply relamping signs with more fluorescent bulbs.
今天，仍有许多荧光灯仍然作为灯箱的照明源，这是现有资产使用多的一个重要机会。 将服务专门应用到LED的改造上，而不是简单地用更多的荧光灯泡来作为主照明，这样才会更有利可图。
|
