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Terms For Manual Changeable Signs

By 26th September 2025fresh news

Terms For Manual Changeable Signs

Now we shall explains all the Terms For Manual Changeable Signs to somebody who may be new to this concept.

1. Marquee Signs

  • Definition (manual context): Traditionally the big theatre-style sign with tracks and plastic letters.

  • Look: Large, framed, often lit with bulbs or fluorescent backlighting.

  • Typical use: Theaters, schools, churches, and older businesses.

  • Key trait: Showy and eye-catching, meant to grab attention from a distance.

2. Readerboards

  • Definition: A very broad, catch-all term for any sign that allows changing the copy so “readers” see updated messages.

  • Manual version: Uses tracks and plastic letters.

  • Typical use: Schools, gas stations, motels, restaurants.

  • Key trait: More utilitarian than “marquee” — meant for practical announcements.

3. Readergraphs

  • Definition: An older synonym for “readerboard.” In most sign industry glossaries, “readergraph” = “readerboard.”

  • Manual version: Same as a readerboard — tracks with letters.

  • Key trait: Outdated term, but still found in older zoning codes and sign ordinances.

Terms For Manual Changeable Signs

4. Letterboards

  • Definition: Refers specifically to the manual system with grooves or tracks into which individual plastic letters are placed.

  • Look: Usually simpler, sometimes indoors (menus, directories, community centers) as well as outdoors.

  • Key trait: Emphasis on the letters themselves, not the overall display.

Differences in Terms For Manual Changeable Signs

  • Marquee → Big, showy, classic theater-style version of a changeable sign.

  • Readerboard → The general umbrella term; most common industry word.

  • Readergraph → Just an older synonym for readerboard.

  • Letterboard → Refers specifically to the manual track-and-letter system.

In practice, all four terms often overlap — the main difference is style, age of the terminology, and setting.

Advantages of Manual Changeable Signs vs. Electronic Ones

Even though digital signs are more flexible, manual signs still have some unique strengths:

  1. Lower Cost

    • Cheaper to purchase and install (no electronics, no LEDs).

    • No ongoing software/hardware updates.

  2. Lower Maintenance

    • No circuitry, screens, or power supply to break down.

    • If a letter cracks, you just replace that letter.

  3. No Electricity Required

    • Useful in places where running power is expensive or impractical.

    • Always visible (with daylight); can be lit with simple floodlights at night.

  4. Durability

    • Manual letter tracks can last decades with minimal care.

    • Stand up better in harsh climates where electronics may fail.

  5. Simplicity

    • No learning curve, software, or remote programming.

    • Anyone can walk up and change the letters.

  6. Regulatory Benefits

    • Some towns/cities restrict or ban electronic message centers.

    • Manual signs are often allowed where LEDs are not.

In short:

  • Manual signs (marquees, readerboards, readergraphs, letterboards) are affordable, reliable, and often the only option in places where electronic ones aren’t allowed.

  • They trade speed and flexibility for durability, simplicity, and lower cost.