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[quote user="Mark R."] Something Chris didn't elaborate on with you is the fact that while these signs WILL operate at a higher than rated voltage - it will cause them to deteriorate at a faster rate. These sign don't have a near infinite life span like an LED. When I spoke with Chris about this some time ago, I was actually surprised that their life span was so limited .... something like 1000 hours at the rated 4.5 volts. Running at peak voltage of around 6 volts, their life expectancy diminished to around 700 hours Mark. <div style="clear:both;"></div> [/quote] Thanks, Mark As often, what seem like simple little topics end up teaching me more and more about the weird and wonderful world of electronics. I understand what you say.  In my limited knowledge, isn't it the case that although there is excess voltage available from the unregulated adapter, the sign will only draw what it requires.  So maybe no difference in hours because of that?  But I did read in an article about regulated vs unregulated adapters that "unregulated DC power adapters have a fairly significant AC "ripple voltage" component (known as noise)" that can cause various erratic problems of some components.  Maybe this shortens the life. In any case it seems prudent to use a regulated adapter, so I will.  Thanks.
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