Frequently Asked Questions What is the definition of EL? An electroluminescent lamp is essentially a capacitor structure with phosphor dielectric sandwiched between the electrodes. One of the electrode layers is transparent in order to allow light to escape. The phosphor emits light when an inverter is used to apply voltage across the electrodes and generate a changing field within the phosphor layer. What are some of the applications where TeslaVision Animated EL is most effective? Attention grabbing, colorful, animated point-of-sale materials Backlit signs Illuminated and animated posters Trade show booths Window displays Clothing, hats, jewelry Badges and buttons Safety items How bright is EL signage? Brightness is specified based on the application, typically anywhere from 200 to 800 Lux. Operation in direct sunlight is not recommended, but EL signage is bright enough to make a significant impact on a brightly-lit showroom or trade show floor, for example, while a lower lux value would apply to signage intended for use in a more dimly-lit bar or restaurant. The voltage and frequency of the current applied determines the brightness of an EL lamp. Higher voltages will produce higher brightness but the trade-off is that some lifespan will be sacrificed in the process. What powers EL signage? An EL sign gets its power from an inverter unit. An inverter is an alternating current converter, which typically will generate 60-115 VAC at 50-2000Hz. What determines the animation? The animation is initially determined by manipulating electronic graphic files via computer animation software. Once the animation sequence is approved, a controller unit is designed and programmed based on the computer model to deliver the proper voltage and frequency to each component of the animation within the EL graphic, with the proper timing sequence. The controller unit is located on the EL panel itself and the inverter unit is connected to the controller via a cable. How much power does EL lamps consume? EL typically will consume less than 0.25mA-amp at 115VAC per square cm What is the maximum sheet size for animated EL signage? 3’ x 6’ is the maximum size that we currently produce. What determines the brightness and the color of the light? The brightness and the color of the light depend upon the chemical composition and dye supplementation of the phosphor. Do EL lamps emit UV radiation? There is no detectable emission of ultra-violet light during the EL operation. Is the EL lamp sensitive to UV radiation? Certain EL colors do not have added dyes, but it is important to note that some supplemental dyes are UV sensitive and will eventually start to fade if exposed to sunlight. Spot UV filters or inks must be used to protect the EL light if it is used in a display window with direct sun exposure. It is important to specify to the factory that the EL will be used in direct sunlight, as the application of protective film will affect production and costs. How long do EL lamps last? Unlike incandescent or fluorescent lamps, EL lights do not fail abruptly. Instead the brightness will gradually decrease over long periods of use. It is difficult to quantify the exact life span, as humidity, initial brightness, type of inverter used all have an effect. Under ideal conditions, the useful life is approximately 20,000 hours. Are there ways to increase the lifespan of an EL panel? Avoid high humidity and high heat during operation of an EL panel. This will increase its useful lifespan. Certain dyes in the phosphor material are sensitive to UV, therefore, when using in applications where exposure to sunlight is possible, it is recommended that a UV-blocking film laminate be used. Additionally, animated/flashing panels last longer than “always on” configurations. When an EL light is utilized in the flashing mode, its working lifespan is doubled. If, for example, the EL light is sequenced by a 5-way sequencer, each light is on only once every five cycles, thereby extending the lifespan five-fold. Over time the brightness of the light will gradually decay as the efficiency of the phosphorescence declines. The presence of moisture accelerates this decline. In order to protect against the detrimental effects of moisture, the phosphors are microencapsulated and the entire structure is film laminated. Film laminating also provides durability, protecting the image and circuit structure. Additionally, keeping moisture out also maintains the capacitance of the lamp, which provides higher brightness. Operating the lamp at lower temperatures at voltages in the range of 80-120 VAC @ 400Hz provides the best useful lifespan. EL Technology Definition: The EL lamp is essentially a capacitor structure with phosphor dielectric sandwiched between the electrodes, one of which is transparent to allow light to escape. The application of a voltage through an inverter across the electrodes generates a changing electric field within the phosphor, which causes the phosphor to emit light.   The lifetime: The lifetime of the EL varies depending on the activated voltage and frequency. When used as POS advertisement the lifetime of the EL will be somewhat shorter than the EL backlight used for electronic instruments because a relatively high voltage and frequency (normally 800 Hz and 110V) is needed to reach this higher brightness. For these product frequencies, EL signage products can have a lifetime of about 20,000 to 30,000 hours. In the EL business sector people normally define the lifetime of the EL based on a frequency of 400Hz and a voltage of AC100V.That is when the EL was first commercially used as backlight for aircraft and electronic instruments. Our EL is activated with a frequency of 400Hz and a voltage of AC100V and has a lifetime of more than 20,000 hours.  Animations we can do: Sequential animation is the feature of EL signs. We can produce: Fixed lighting, Flashing/ fixed lighting exchangeable, Dimmer (fade) lighting, Dimmer (fade) /fixed lighting exchangeable, Motion Animation/fixed lighting, Animation plus dimmer (fade) lighting. Batteries to be use: Actually batteries are only suitable for small size signs and it is hard to say how long a battery can last for a sign. There are many kinds of batteries with different currency like Car batteries, Lithium batteries, and alkaline batteries. When an inverter input is DC12V, the power consumption of the EL sign is 1mA per square centimeter and when an inverter input is DC6V, the power consumption of the EL sign is 2mA per square centimeter. An EL sign of 500 square centimeter using 8 AA batteries (DC12V) of 500mA, the batteries can last one hour and if using 4 AA batteries (DC6V) of 500mA, the batteries can last half an hour and if using a car battery of DC12V and 20A, the battery can last 40 hours. This is if the EL sign is always ON. If signs are flashing, battery life time will be longer. Usually for small sign under the 8.25"X11.75", we can use battery to power it, however, it also depends on the artwork and animation design. The lighting area is just approximate 20% of the whole size and could be powered by 4 AA batteries for 12 hours (depending on the battery's quality). How flexible is the EL lamp? How far can it bend and continue to function? Can it be rolled into a ball and continue to function? Can it be crushed under weight and continue to function? EL can be rolled, bent and crushed and will normally continue to function, of course sharp objects must be avoided. One of the unique features of EL is its flexibility. The substrate is a polyester film coated with an ITO transparent conductor and several layers of material, which allow for a much higher bend factor.   EL Technical Information SIGN MATERIAL Multi-laminate construction SIZES & SHAPES Any shape up to 36" x 72" of animated area Custom shapes available VIEWING ANGLE Better than 160 Degrees BRIGHTNESS Min 100 cd.m2 LIFE 20,000 hours + (Life is increased if sign is animated or cycled) WEIGHT A typical display with size of 6" x 12" weights ~10 oz SAFETY No Ultraviolet Radiation emitted INDOOR/OUTDOOR Can be operated in both environment OPERATING TEMP - 30C to + 70C STORAGE TEMP - 40C to + 85C HUMIDITY RANGE 5% to 95% Humidity OPEARTING CURRENT Maximum to 0. 25 mA/cm2 OPERATING POWER Low power consumption Approx 5-10 watts - "OPEN" sign POWER RESOURCES DC 1.5V to 24V and or AC110/220V POWER INVERTER Different power configurations to optimize sign parameters SUPPLY VOLTAGE AC60V to AC 220V SUPPLY FREQUENCY 1.5KHz sine Wave at AC 100Vrms APPROVALS Solid State switching power supply (UL Listed) WARRANTY TeslaVision guarantees our products against defects and will replace any product for up to six months providing the product has been used in the manner in which it was designed.