| Ad-Tech's system is designed to accommodate the physical constraints of a typical installation. We have a methodology that makes lifting, mounting and installation a manageable task. Whenever possible, Ad-Tech systems are shipped fully assembled, tested, and ready for mounting. We are a system integrator, offering custom design, engineering, and fabrication capabilities. We believe that we can substantially reduce the overall project costs by offering custom installation and mounting systems. For several of our customers we have designed custom mounting clip systems to accommodate their specific cost installation methodology. We provide detailed shop drawings with tolerances prior to fabrication to insure a proper fit. | |
| General Installation Guidelines | |
| The sign must be mounted on a straight level surface that does not have front to back tilt. The mount cannot sag from the weight of the sign. The closer the support structure is to perfect, the better the sign will operate. The lower beam support structure should hold a 1/8" per 30' tolerance. For proper support of the upper and lower beam we require a support within 5' of the ends and no more that 10' between supports depending upon the size of the sign. Other configurations are possible. Consult Ad-Tech for any structural modifications that may be required. |
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| The mounting structure needs to support the steel "C" channel in the back of the drive train for front service systems or the front of the drive train for rear service systems. The sign requires proper service access to the service side of the drive train unit and side beam where the motor and controller are located. The top beam may need to be accessed to change a louver pivot. Please consider service access before designing your installation method. | |
| The signs require some type of back panel. The back is required to prevent sunlight from shining through the gaps in the louvers making the graphics hard to read and to reduce wind load on the louvers. Large signs over 12' tall must have a back for proper operation. Typical billboard installations use the existing billboard face itself, often painted solid black, as the back panel. We also provide other back panel options. | |
| A typical sign requires single phase 120 VAC at 5 Amperes electrical service with a proper electrical ground. This is exclusive of the power required to operation the sign lighting. Typically the motor is located in the lower right corner of the sign and the electrical boxes are located just above the motor. We have several types of control box configurations to accommodate service access. Some require mounting of a separate control box adjacent to a catwalk area. | |
| All signs must be square for proper operation. A measurement of the cross-distance from adjacent corners must be taken before the connecting bolts are tightened. This helps assure that the sign is square. | |
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| Installation of Pre-Assembled Signs | |
| Most signs under 10' tall are shipped fully assembled with louvers and lifting bolts installed. The control box is mounted on the back of the sign or in one of the vertical side beams unless otherwise noted. The motor, gears, and controller are usually mounted inside the base and side frames. The sign can be mounted directly to a wall. A sign ready for installation can be lifted with the bolts provided and installed. When electricity is connected to the controller the sign should begin operation. Depending upon the location of the installation and availability of special trailers we have shipped 12' by 26' signs fully assembled ready for installation directly from the trailer. | |
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Gwinnett Civic Center, an example of additional structural support for a 10'-6" x 36" sign, mounted between two pylons. |
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Rice University, 4'-6" x 16" fully assembled sign with graphics installed. |
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Indiana University, 10'-6" x 32' sign fully assembled and loaded on a truck in our factory. |
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| Installation of Un-Assembled Signs | |
| Signs that cannot be shipped fully assembled because of their overall size will be shipped with the drive train in one piece with the lower side frames attached (making a "U" shape). Drive trains are usually manufactured in one section for signs under 40' in length. Depending upon the installation location and shipping constraints we have manufactured 50' long drive trains in one section. We typically manufacture signs over 40' long with one splice in the drive train. Consideration needs to be given to the location of the splice. At the splice we add 2" to the bottom and 2" to the back of the drive train cabinet. | |
| Vertical side beams are bolted to the short vertical beams that are mounted to the drive train. The top frame is than bolted to the vertical side beams. We provide corner angle supports that are pre-drilled to insure the square ness of the frame. We also provide vertical supports that run from the drive train to the top frame. These supports are to insure proper spacing between the two frames. Sometimes after installation these are removed. Before tightening the bolts the sign must be squared. | |
| Smaller signs can be assembled on the ground and lifted into place. Larger signs will require a spreader bar to be lifted. Also large signs should be installed without the louvers installed. Some signs can have several thousand pounds of louvers. | |
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10'-6" x 36' Multi-Image Sign being installed with one lift. |
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Detroit Tigers lower drive frame with trim and preinstalled light fixtures. |
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14' x 48' Multi-Image Sign. Installers are bolting the side sections in place. |
