Abstract: A battery-operated rotating sign employs a mechanically efficient speed-reducing mechanism and a power controller to reduce power consumption and, hence, increase battery life. The device is particularly suited to a ceiling-mounted, vertically-suspended rotating sign. A resilient power transmission strand extends from the vertical shaft of the motor to the sign which hangs from the bottom end of the strand. The power controller includes electrical circuitry having a timer which cycles between "on" and "off" periods. During the "on" period, the rapidly turning motor shaft winds up the resilient strand; and during the "off" period, the energy stored in the strand is released to the sign which turns slowly at the opposite end of the strand. Additional energy savings are provided by a photodetector circuit which disconnects the battery at night when operation of the sign is not desired.