MESSAGE CENTER FAQs
Q. Is the Outdoor Message Center weatherproof?
A. Please note that the Outdoor Message Center is weather-resistant, not weatherproof. Several features reduce the effect of weather and increase the product’s longevity, including:
- There is a 9-inch metal overhang to protect the enclosure from the elements
- Weatherstripping is installed around the door
- Vent caps allow any moisture to escape
- The backing has a weather-resistant (self-healing) vinyl covering which is better than cork
- The Letterboard insert has a vinyl covering
Q. What is a Letterboard insert?
A. The letterboard insert is a vinyl covered board with grooves that allow plastic letters to be attached. It is inserted inside the enclosure space. If heat or moisture cause any deterioration over time, the insert is readily replaceable without any installation or repair work. Although most customers leave in the letterboard at all times, the insert can be removed to allow use of the tackboard for posters.
Q. What is a Magnetic insert?
A. The magnetic insert is somewhat like a magnetic chalk board. It is inserted inside the enclosure space. We offer 2 inch or 3 inch letters. Typically, we use white letters against a black board but we can do black letters against a white board. Paper can be attached via other magnets if desired. Since there are no grooves so you will need to align letters using a straight edge or you can curve the letters. These boards and letters are more expensive but typically last longer where orientation to the sun is more intense.
Q. What options are available for letterboard fonts and sizes?
A. The letterboard option comes with approximately 300 of 2″ letters (Note: there is currently no letter for “@”). Optional 3 inch letters can also be requested at an additional price. With 1/4 inch grooves, any commercially available letterboard letters will fit.
Q. What is the longevity of the letterboard?
A. The vinyl used on the letterboard and the plastic used for the letters can sometimes fail over time due to intense heat. The letterboard insert may need to be replaced after several years (order from us). In some cases, however, the magnetic insert and letters may need to be considered as an alternative since they seem to last better in the heat.
Q. Does LED lighting option require electricity, explain more.
A. Yes, it requires electricity within about 100 feet of the OMC. It uses Landscape lighting, so it is 12V and not 110V AC at the message center. The wiring can be buried in the ground without any tubes or you may optionally choose to put it inside tubing to be more confident that it is protected. We provide about 30 ft of landscape wiring that needs to connect to the supplied transformer. The transformer has a timer or light sensor for turning it on and off. This transformer is usually mounted on a wall or pressure treated wood post near the AC source. Sometimes an electrician may be needed to supply an AC outlet nearby.
Q. When are Extended Length posts needed?
A. The extended-length posts can help when people will normally walk up to the enclosure to view items such as maps and postings (we call this “pedestrian walk-up”). The extra few inches help so people do not need to stoop over. The most common use for the Outdoor Message Center is for people to view from a distance where the standard posts are best (we call this “vehicle viewing”). Customers often misunderstand an believe that Extended Posts are needed for distance viewing. Extended posts may be suitable when installing in very sandy soil or where the frost line is low.
Q. What is the logo option?
A. There is room for a small logo on the top panel for an added cost. We ask for the vector art graphics file (in EPS or AI format) but if you only have a JPG format, we can digitize it for a fee. These logos are usually done as “black & white” (white vinyl against the black background), sometimes referred to as a “silhouette”. In some cases, we can print color logos on a white oval vinyl. We will provide a proof that you will get to approve.
Q. What happens if the plexiglass door cracks?
A. Our newest supplier of enclosures has increased water resistance and so they use a strong adhesive tape to hold the plexiglass very tight. This has made replacing the glass a challenge. It is possible that a local sign shop may be an option. Or we have had customers send the whole enclosure back to the factory for replacement – in this case, they can often put in a Lexan panel which is almost unbreakable. A final option is to replace the whole door involving replacing rivets. There is a charge for these options. Panel cracking is not covered by our warranty.