in fact, just bail out if the sign needs no entity

minor re-factor as needed for that
don't store entities statically, let the LBM generate them.

this works around Minetest's reload-positioning inaccuracy at very large
positive or negative X/Z coords (tested -18000/+18000 at all four corners,
both new signs and after reboot)

api.lua

@@ -15,11 +15,21 @@ signs_lib.standard_vscale = 1
 signs_lib.standard_lspace = 1
 signs_lib.standard_fsize = 15
 signs_lib.standard_xoffs = 4
-signs_lib.standard_yoffs = 2
+signs_lib.standard_yoffs = 0
 signs_lib.standard_cpl = 35
 
-signs_lib.standard_wood_groups =  {choppy = 2, flammable = 2, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3}
-signs_lib.standard_steel_groups = {cracky = 2, oddly_breakable_by_hand = 3} 
+signs_lib.standard_wood_groups = table.copy(minetest.registered_items["default:sign_wall_wood"].groups)
+signs_lib.standard_wood_groups.sign = 1
+signs_lib.standard_wood_groups.attached_node = nil
+
+signs_lib.standard_steel_groups = table.copy(minetest.registered_items["default:sign_wall_steel"].groups)
+signs_lib.standard_steel_groups.sign = 1
+signs_lib.standard_steel_groups.attached_node = nil
+
+signs_lib.standard_wood_sign_sounds  = table.copy(minetest.registered_items["default:sign_wall_wood"].sounds)
+signs_lib.standard_steel_sign_sounds = table.copy(minetest.registered_items["default:sign_wall_steel"].sounds)
+
+signs_lib.default_text_scale = {x=10, y=10}
 
 signs_lib.standard_yaw = {
 	0,
@@ -75,7 +85,57 @@ signs_lib.rotate_walldir = {
 -- Initialize character texture cache
 local ctexcache = {}
 
-signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate = function(pos, node, user, mode)
+-- entity handling
+
+minetest.register_entity("signs_lib:text", {
+	collisionbox = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
+	visual = "mesh",
+	mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity.obj",
+	textures = {},
+	static_save = false
+})
+
+function signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
+	local objects = minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)
+	for _, v in ipairs(objects) do
+		v:remove()
+	end
+end
+
+function signs_lib.spawn_entity(pos, texture)
+	local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
+	local def = minetest.registered_items[node.name]
+	if not def or not def.entity_info or not def.entity_info.yaw[node.param2 + 1] then return end
+
+	local text_scale = (node and node.text_scale) or signs_lib.default_text_scale
+	local objects = minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)
+	local obj
+
+	if #objects > 0 then
+		obj = objects[1]
+	else
+		obj = minetest.add_entity(pos, "signs_lib:text")
+	end
+
+	obj:setyaw(def.entity_info.yaw[node.param2 + 1])
+
+	if not texture then
+		obj:set_properties({
+			mesh = def.entity_info.mesh,
+			visual_size = text_scale,
+		})
+	else
+		obj:set_properties({
+			mesh = def.entity_info.mesh,
+			visual_size = text_scale,
+			textures={texture},
+		})
+	end
+end
+
+-- rotation
+
+function signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate(pos, node, user, mode)
 	if not signs_lib.can_modify(pos, user) then return false end
 
 	if mode ~= screwdriver.ROTATE_FACE or string.match(node.name, "_onpole") then
@@ -85,17 +145,12 @@ signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate = function(pos, node, user, mode)
 	local newparam2 = signs_lib.rotate_walldir[node.param2] or 0
 
 	minetest.swap_node(pos, { name = node.name, param2 = newparam2 })
-	for _, v in ipairs(minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)) do
-		local e = v:get_luaentity()
-		if e and e.name == "signs_lib:text" then
-			v:remove()
-		end
-	end
+	signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
 	signs_lib.update_sign(pos)
 	return true
 end
 
-signs_lib.facedir_rotate = function(pos, node, user, mode)
+function signs_lib.facedir_rotate(pos, node, user, mode)
 	if not signs_lib.can_modify(pos, user) then return false end
 
 	if mode ~= screwdriver.ROTATE_FACE or string.match(node.name, "_onpole") then
@@ -105,18 +160,11 @@ signs_lib.facedir_rotate = function(pos, node, user, mode)
 	local newparam2 = signs_lib.rotate_facedir[node.param2] or 0
 
 	minetest.swap_node(pos, { name = node.name, param2 = newparam2 })
-	for _, v in ipairs(minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)) do
-		local e = v:get_luaentity()
-		if e and e.name == "signs_lib:text" then
-			v:remove()
-		end
-	end
+	signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
 	signs_lib.update_sign(pos)
 	return true
 end
 
-local DEFAULT_TEXT_SCALE = {x=10, y=10}
-
 -- infinite stacks
 
 if not minetest.settings:get_bool("creative_mode") then
@@ -227,15 +275,6 @@ local fences_with_sign = { }
 
 -- some local helper functions
 
-local function split_lines_and_words(text)
-	if not text then return end
-	local lines = { }
-	for _, line in ipairs(text:split("\n")) do
-		table.insert(lines, line:split(" "))
-	end
-	return lines
-end
-
 local math_max = math.max
 
 local function fill_line(x, y, w, c, font_size, colorbgw)
@@ -380,6 +419,7 @@ end
 local function make_sign_texture(lines, pos)
 	local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
 	local def = minetest.registered_items[node.name]
+	if not def or not def.entity_info then return end
 
 	local font_size
 	local line_width
@@ -414,26 +454,55 @@ local function make_sign_texture(lines, pos)
 	return table.concat(texture, "")
 end
 
-local function set_obj_text(obj, text, x, pos)
-	local split = split_lines_and_words
-	local text_ansi = Utf8ToAnsi(text)
-	local n = minetest.registered_nodes[minetest.get_node(pos).name]
-	local text_scale = (n and n.text_scale) or DEFAULT_TEXT_SCALE
-	local texture = make_sign_texture(split(text_ansi), pos)
-	obj:set_properties({
-		textures={texture},
-		visual_size = text_scale,
-	})
+function signs_lib.split_lines_and_words(text)
+	if not text then return end
+	local lines = { }
+	for _, line in ipairs(text:split("\n")) do
+		table.insert(lines, line:split(" "))
+	end
+	return lines
 end
 
-signs_lib.construct_sign = function(pos)
-	local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
-	meta:set_string(
-		"formspec",
-		"size[6,4]"..
+function signs_lib.set_obj_text(pos, text)
+	local split = signs_lib.split_lines_and_words
+	local text_ansi = Utf8ToAnsi(text)
+	local n = minetest.registered_nodes[minetest.get_node(pos).name]
+	signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
+	signs_lib.spawn_entity(pos, make_sign_texture(split(text_ansi), pos))
+end
+
+local function make_widefont_nodename(name)
+	if string.find(name, "_widefont") then return name end
+	if string.find(name, "_onpole")  then
+		return string.gsub(name, "_onpole", "_widefont_onpole")
+	elseif string.find(name, "_hanging") then
+		return string.gsub(name, "_hanging", "_widefont_hanging")
+	else
+		return name.."_widefont"
+	end
+end
+
+function signs_lib.construct_sign(pos)
+	local form = "size[6,4]"..
 		"textarea[0,-0.3;6.5,3;text;;${text}]"..
-		"button_exit[2,3.4;2,1;ok;"..S("Write").."]"..
-		"background[-0.5,-0.5;7,5;signs_lib_sign_bg.jpg]")
+		"background[-0.5,-0.5;7,5;signs_lib_sign_bg.jpg]"
+	local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
+	local wname = make_widefont_nodename(node.name)
+
+	if minetest.registered_items[wname] then
+		local state = "off"
+		if string.find(node.name, "widefont") then state = "on" end
+		form = form.."label[1,3.4;Use wide font]"..
+			"image_button[1.1,3.7;1,0.6;signs_lib_switch_"..
+			state..".png;"..
+			state..";;;false;signs_lib_switch_interm.png]"..
+			"button_exit[3,3.4;2,1;ok;"..S("Write").."]"
+	else
+		form = form.."button_exit[2,3.4;2,1;ok;"..S("Write").."]"
+	end
+
+	local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
+	meta:set_string("formspec", form)
 	local i = meta:get_string("infotext")
 	if i == "" then -- it wasn't even set, so set it.
 		meta:set_string("infotext", "")
@@ -441,18 +510,12 @@ signs_lib.construct_sign = function(pos)
 end
 
 function signs_lib.destruct_sign(pos)
-	local objects = minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)
-	for _, v in ipairs(objects) do
-		local e = v:get_luaentity()
-		if e and e.name == "signs_lib:text" then
-			v:remove()
-		end
-	end
+	signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
 end
 
 local function make_infotext(text)
 	text = trim_input(text)
-	local lines = split_lines_and_words(text) or {}
+	local lines = signs_lib.split_lines_and_words(text) or {}
 	local lines2 = { }
 	for _, line in ipairs(lines) do
 		table.insert(lines2, (table.concat(line, " "):gsub("#[0-9a-fA-F]", ""):gsub("##", "#")))
@@ -467,50 +530,45 @@ function signs_lib.update_sign(pos, fields)
 	text = trim_input(text)
 
 	local owner = meta:get_string("owner")
-	ownstr = ""
+	local ownstr = ""
 	if owner ~= "" then ownstr = S("Locked sign, owned by @1\n", owner) end
 
 	meta:set_string("text", text)
 	meta:set_string("infotext", ownstr..make_infotext(text).." ")
-
-	local objects = minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)
-	local found
-	for _, v in ipairs(objects) do
-		local e = v:get_luaentity()
-		if e and e.name == "signs_lib:text" then
-			if found then
-				v:remove()
-			else
-				set_obj_text(v, text, nil, pos)
-				found = true
-			end
-		end
-	end
-	if found then
-		return
-	end
-
-	-- if there is no entity
-	local signnode = minetest.get_node(pos)
-	local signname = signnode.name
-	local def = minetest.registered_items[signname]
-	if not def.entity_info or not def.entity_info.yaw[signnode.param2 + 1] then return end
-	local obj = minetest.add_entity(pos, "signs_lib:text")
-
-	obj:setyaw(def.entity_info.yaw[signnode.param2 + 1])
-	obj:set_properties({
-		mesh = def.entity_info.mesh,
-	})
+	signs_lib.set_obj_text(pos, text)
 end
 
 function signs_lib.receive_fields(pos, formname, fields, sender)
-	if fields and fields.text and fields.ok and signs_lib.can_modify(pos, sender) then
+
+	if not fields or not signs_lib.can_modify(pos, sender) then return end
+
+	if fields.text and fields.ok then
 		minetest.log("action", S("@1 wrote \"@2\" to sign at @3",
 			(sender:get_player_name() or ""),
 			fields.text:gsub('\\', '\\\\'):gsub("\n", "\\n"),
 			minetest.pos_to_string(pos)
 		))
 		signs_lib.update_sign(pos, fields)
+	elseif fields.on or fields.off then
+		local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
+		local newname
+
+		if fields.on and string.find(node.name, "widefont") then
+			newname = string.gsub(node.name, "_widefont", "")
+		elseif fields.off and not string.find(node.name, "widefont") then
+			newname = make_widefont_nodename(node.name)
+		end
+		if newname then
+			minetest.log("action", S("@1 flipped the wide-font switch to \"@2\" at @3",
+				(sender:get_player_name() or ""),
+				(fields.on and "off" or "on"),
+				minetest.pos_to_string(pos)
+			))
+
+			minetest.swap_node(pos, {name = newname, param2 = node.param2})
+			signs_lib.construct_sign(pos)
+			signs_lib.update_sign(pos, fields)
+		end
 	end
 end
 
@@ -534,34 +592,10 @@ function signs_lib.can_modify(pos, player)
 	return false
 end
 
-local signs_text_on_activate = function(self)
-	local pos = self.object:getpos()
-	local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
-	local signnode = minetest.get_node(pos)
-	local signname = signnode.name
-	local def = minetest.registered_items[signname]
-	local text = meta:get_string("text")
-	if text and def and def.entity_info then
-		text = trim_input(text)
-		set_obj_text(self.object, text, nil, pos)
-		self.object:set_properties({
-			mesh = def.entity_info.mesh,
-		})
-	end
-end
-
-minetest.register_entity("signs_lib:text", {
-	collisionbox = { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
-	visual = "mesh",
-	mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity.obj",
-	textures = {},
-	on_activate = signs_text_on_activate,
-})
-
 -- make selection boxes
 -- sizex/sizey specified in inches because that's what MUTCD uses.
 
-function signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(sizex, sizey, onpole, xoffs, yoffs, zoffs, fdir)
+function signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(sizex, sizey, foo, xoffs, yoffs, zoffs, is_facedir)
 
 	local tx = (sizex * 0.0254 ) / 2
 	local ty = (sizey * 0.0254 ) / 2
@@ -569,22 +603,7 @@ function signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(sizex, sizey, onpole, xoffs, yoffs, zoff
 	local yo = yoffs and yoffs * 0.0254 or 0
 	local zo = zoffs and zoffs * 0.0254 or 0
 
-	if onpole == "_onpole" then
-		if not fdir then
-			return {
-				type = "wallmounted",
-				wall_side =   { -0.5 - 0.3125 + zo, -ty + yo, -tx + xo, -0.4375 - 0.3125 + zo, ty + yo , tx + xo },
-				wall_top =    {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 },
-				wall_bottom = {-0.5, -0.5, -0.5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 },
-			}
-		else
-			return {
-				type = "fixed",
-				fixed = { -tx + xo, -ty + yo, 0.5 + 0.3125 + zo, tx + xo, ty + yo, 0.4375 + 0.3125 + zo }
-			}
-		end
-	else
-		if not fdir then
+	if not is_facedir then
 		return {
 			type = "wallmounted",
 			wall_side =   { -0.5 + zo, -ty + yo, -tx + xo, -0.4375 + zo, ty + yo, tx + xo },
@@ -597,7 +616,6 @@ function signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(sizex, sizey, onpole, xoffs, yoffs, zoff
 			fixed = { -tx + xo, -ty + yo, 0.5 + zo, tx + xo, ty + yo, 0.4375 + zo}
 		}
 	end
-	end
 end
 
 function signs_lib.check_for_pole(pos, pointed_thing)
@@ -605,33 +623,44 @@ function signs_lib.check_for_pole(pos, pointed_thing)
 	local pnode = minetest.get_node(ppos)
 	local pdef = minetest.registered_items[pnode.name]
 
-	print(dump(pos))
-	print(dump(ppos))
-
 	if (signs_lib.allowed_poles[pnode.name]
 		  or (pdef and pdef.drawtype == "fencelike")
 		  or string.find(pnode.name, "default:fence_")
 		  or string.find(pnode.name, "_post")
 		  or string.find(pnode.name, "fencepost")
+		  or string.find(pnode.name, "streets:streetlamp_basic_top")
 		  or (pnode.name == "streets:bigpole" and pnode.param2 < 4)
 		  or (pnode.name == "streets:bigpole" and pnode.param2 > 19 and pnode.param2 < 24)
 		)
 	  and
 		(pos.x ~= ppos.x or pos.z ~= ppos.z) then
-		print("signs_lib.check_for_pole returned true")
+		return true
+	end
+end
+
+function signs_lib.check_for_ceiling(pointed_thing)
+	if pointed_thing.above.x == pointed_thing.under.x
+	  and pointed_thing.above.z == pointed_thing.under.z
+	  and pointed_thing.above.y < pointed_thing.under.y then
 		return true
 	end
 end
 
 function signs_lib.after_place_node(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing, locked)
+	local playername = placer:get_player_name()
+	local def = minetest.registered_items[itemstack:get_name()]
+
 	local ppos = minetest.get_pointed_thing_position(pointed_thing)
 	local pnode = minetest.get_node(ppos)
 	local pdef = minetest.registered_items[pnode.name]
-	local playername = placer:get_player_name()
 
-	if signs_lib.check_for_pole(pos, pointed_thing) then
+	if (def.allow_onpole ~= false) and signs_lib.check_for_pole(pos, pointed_thing) then
 		local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
 		minetest.swap_node(pos, {name = itemstack:get_name().."_onpole", param2 = node.param2})
+	elseif def.allow_hanging and signs_lib.check_for_ceiling(pointed_thing) then
+		local newparam2 = minetest.dir_to_facedir(placer:get_look_dir())
+		local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
+		minetest.swap_node(pos, {name = itemstack:get_name().."_hanging", param2 = newparam2})
 	end
 	if locked then
 		local meta = minetest.get_meta(pos)
@@ -644,6 +673,193 @@ function signs_lib.register_fence_with_sign()
 	minetest.log("warning", "[signs_lib] ".."Attempt to call no longer used function signs_lib.register_fence_with_sign()")
 end
 
+local function register_sign(name, rdef)
+	local def = table.copy(rdef)
+
+	if rdef.entity_info == "standard" then
+		def.entity_info = {
+			mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity.obj",
+			yaw = signs_lib.wallmounted_yaw
+		}
+	elseif rdef.entity_info then
+		def.entity_info = rdef.entity_info
+	end
+
+	def.after_place_node = rdef.after_place_node or signs_lib.after_place_node
+
+	if rdef.entity_info then
+		def.on_rightclick       = rdef.on_rightclick       or signs_lib.construct_sign
+		def.on_construct        = rdef.on_construct        or signs_lib.construct_sign
+		def.on_destruct         = rdef.on_destruct         or signs_lib.destruct_sign
+		def.on_receive_fields   = rdef.on_receive_fields   or signs_lib.receive_fields
+		def.on_punch            = rdef.on_punch            or signs_lib.update_sign
+		def.number_of_lines     = rdef.number_of_lines     or signs_lib.standard_lines
+		def.horiz_scaling       = rdef.horiz_scaling       or signs_lib.standard_hscale
+		def.vert_scaling        = rdef.vert_scaling        or signs_lib.standard_vscale
+		def.line_spacing        = rdef.line_spacing        or signs_lib.standard_lspace
+		def.font_size           = rdef.font_size           or signs_lib.standard_fsize
+		def.x_offset            = rdef.x_offset            or signs_lib.standard_xoffs
+		def.y_offset            = rdef.y_offset            or signs_lib.standard_yoffs
+		def.chars_per_line      = rdef.chars_per_line      or signs_lib.standard_cpl
+		def.default_color       = rdef.default_color       or "0"
+		if rdef.locked and not rdef.after_place_node then
+			def.after_place_node = function(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing)
+				signs_lib.after_place_node(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing, true)
+			end
+		end
+	end
+
+	def.paramtype           = rdef.paramtype           or "light"
+	def.drawtype            = rdef.drawtype            or "mesh"
+	def.mesh                = rdef.mesh                or "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign.obj"
+	def.wield_image         = rdef.wield_image         or def.inventory_image
+	def.drop                = rdef.drop                or name
+	def.sounds              = rdef.sounds              or signs_lib.standard_wood_sign_sounds
+	def.on_rotate           = rdef.on_rotate           or signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate
+	def.paramtype2          = rdef.paramtype2          or "wallmounted"
+
+	if rdef.on_rotate then
+		def.on_rotate = rdef.on_rotate
+	elseif rdef.drawtype == "wallmounted" then
+		def.on_rotate = signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate
+	else
+		def.on_rotate = signs_lib.facedir_rotate
+	end
+
+	if rdef.groups then
+		def.groups = rdef.groups
+	else
+		def.groups = signs_lib.standard_wood_groups
+	end
+
+	local cbox = signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(35, 25, allow_onpole)
+
+	def.selection_box = rdef.selection_box or cbox
+	def.node_box      = table.copy(rdef.node_box or rdef.selection_box or cbox)
+
+	if def.sunlight_propagates ~= false then
+		def.sunlight_propagates = true
+	end
+
+	minetest.register_node(":"..name, def)
+	table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, name)
+
+	if rdef.allow_onpole ~= false then
+
+		local opdef = table.copy(def)
+
+		local offset = 0.3125
+		if opdef.uses_slim_pole_mount then
+			offset = 0.35
+		end
+
+		opdef.selection_box = rdef.onpole_selection_box or opdef.selection_box
+		opdef.node_box = rdef.onpole_node_box or opdef.selection_box
+
+		if opdef.paramtype2 == "wallmounted" then
+			opdef.node_box.wall_side[1] = def.node_box.wall_side[1] - offset
+			opdef.node_box.wall_side[4] = def.node_box.wall_side[4] - offset
+
+			opdef.selection_box.wall_side[1] = def.selection_box.wall_side[1] - offset
+			opdef.selection_box.wall_side[4] = def.selection_box.wall_side[4] - offset
+		else
+			opdef.node_box.fixed[3] = def.node_box.fixed[3] + offset
+			opdef.node_box.fixed[6] = def.node_box.fixed[6] + offset
+
+			opdef.selection_box.fixed[3] = def.selection_box.fixed[3] + offset
+			opdef.selection_box.fixed[6] = def.selection_box.fixed[6] + offset
+		end
+
+		opdef.groups.not_in_creative_inventory = 1
+		opdef.tiles[3] = "signs_lib_pole_mount.png"
+		opdef.mesh = string.gsub(opdef.mesh, ".obj$", "_onpole.obj")
+		opdef.on_rotate = nil
+
+
+		if opdef.entity_info then
+			opdef.entity_info.mesh = string.gsub(opdef.entity_info.mesh, ".obj$", "_onpole.obj")
+		end
+		minetest.register_node(":"..name.."_onpole", opdef)
+		table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, name.."_onpole")
+	end
+
+	if rdef.allow_hanging then
+
+		local hdef = table.copy(def)
+		hdef.paramtype2 = "facedir"
+
+		local hcbox = signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(35, 32, false, 0, 3, -18.5, true)
+
+		hdef.selection_box = rdef.hanging_selection_box or hcbox
+		hdef.node_box = rdef.hanging_node_box or rdef.hanging_selection_box or hcbox
+
+		hdef.groups.not_in_creative_inventory = 1
+		hdef.tiles[3] = "signs_lib_hangers.png"
+		hdef.mesh = string.gsub(string.gsub(hdef.mesh, "_facedir.obj", ".obj"), ".obj$", "_hanging.obj")
+		hdef.on_rotate = nil
+
+		if hdef.entity_info then
+			hdef.entity_info.mesh = string.gsub(string.gsub(hdef.entity_info.mesh, "_facedir.obj", ".obj"), ".obj$", "_hanging.obj")
+			hdef.entity_info.yaw = signs_lib.standard_yaw
+		end
+
+		minetest.register_node(":"..name.."_hanging", hdef)
+		table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, name.."_hanging")
+	end
+end
+
+--[[
+The main sign registration function
+===================================
+
+Example minimal recommended def for writable signs:
+
+signs_lib.register_sign("foo:my_cool_sign", {
+	description = "Wooden cool sign",
+	inventory_image = "signs_lib_sign_cool_inv.png",
+	tiles = {
+		"signs_lib_sign_cool.png",
+		"signs_lib_sign_cool_edges.png"
+	},
+	number_of_lines = 2,
+	horiz_scaling = 0.8,
+	vert_scaling = 1,
+	line_spacing = 9,
+	font_size = 31,
+	x_offset = 7,
+	y_offset = 4,
+	chars_per_line = 40,
+	entity_info = "standard"
+})
+
+* default def assumes a wallmounted sign with on-pole being allowed.
+
+*For signs that can't support onpole, include in the def:
+	allow_onpole = false,
+
+* "standard" entity info implies the standard wood/steel sign model, in
+  wallmounted mode.  For facedir signs using the standard model, use:
+
+	entity_info = {
+		mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity.obj",
+		yaw = signs_lib.standard_yaw
+	},
+
+]]--
+
+function signs_lib.register_sign(name, rdef)
+	register_sign(name, rdef)
+
+	if rdef.allow_widefont then
+
+		wdef = table.copy(minetest.registered_items[name])
+		wdef.groups.not_in_creative_inventory = 1
+		wdef.horiz_scaling = wdef.horiz_scaling / 2
+
+		register_sign(name.."_widefont", wdef)
+	end
+end
+
 -- restore signs' text after /clearobjects and the like, the next time
 -- a block is reloaded by the server.
 
@@ -678,12 +894,7 @@ minetest.register_lbm({
 			local oldfence =  signs_lib.old_fenceposts[node.name]
 			local newsign =   signs_lib.old_fenceposts_replacement_signs[node.name]
 
-			for _, v in ipairs(minetest.get_objects_inside_radius(pos, 0.5)) do
-				local e = v:get_luaentity()
-				if e and e.name == "signs_lib:text" then
-					v:remove()
-				end
-			end
+			signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
 
 			local oldmeta = minetest.get_meta(pos):to_table()
 			minetest.set_node(pos, {name = oldfence})
@@ -694,3 +905,66 @@ minetest.register_lbm({
 		end
 	end
 })
+
+signs_lib.block_list = {}
+signs_lib.totalblocks = 0
+
+-- Maintain a list of currently-loaded blocks
+minetest.register_lbm({
+	nodenames = {"group:sign"},
+	name = "signs_lib:update_block_list",
+	label = "Update list of loaded blocks, log only those with signs",
+	run_at_every_load = true,
+	action = function(pos, node)
+		-- yeah, yeah... I know I'm hashing a block pos, but it's still just a set of coords
+		local hash = minetest.hash_node_position(vector.floor(vector.divide(pos, core.MAP_BLOCKSIZE)))
+		if not signs_lib.block_list[hash] then
+			signs_lib.block_list[hash] = true
+			signs_lib.totalblocks = signs_lib.totalblocks + 1
+		end
+	end
+})
+
+minetest.register_chatcommand("regen_signs", {
+	params = "",
+	privs = {server = true},
+	description = "Skims through all currently-loaded sign-bearing mapblocks, clears away any entities within each sign's node space, and regenerates their text entities, if any.",
+	func = function(player_name, params)
+		local allsigns = {}
+		local totalsigns = 0
+		for b in pairs(signs_lib.block_list) do
+			local blockpos = minetest.get_position_from_hash(b)
+			local pos1 = vector.multiply(blockpos, core.MAP_BLOCKSIZE)
+			local pos2 = vector.add(pos1, core.MAP_BLOCKSIZE - 1)
+			if minetest.get_node_or_nil(vector.add(pos1, core.MAP_BLOCKSIZE/2)) then
+				local signs_in_block = minetest.find_nodes_in_area(pos1, pos2, {"group:sign"})
+				allsigns[#allsigns + 1] = signs_in_block
+				totalsigns = totalsigns + #signs_in_block
+			else
+				signs_lib.block_list[b] = nil -- if the block is no longer loaded, remove it from the table
+				signs_lib.totalblocks = signs_lib.totalblocks - 1
+			end
+		end
+		if signs_lib.totalblocks < 0 then signs_lib.totalblocks = 0 end
+		if totalsigns == 0 then
+			minetest.chat_send_player(player_name, "There are no signs in the currently-loaded terrain.")
+			signs_lib.block_list = {}
+			return
+		end
+
+		minetest.chat_send_player(player_name, "Found a total of "..totalsigns.." sign nodes across "..signs_lib.totalblocks.." blocks.")
+		minetest.chat_send_player(player_name, "Regenerating sign entities...")
+
+		for _, b in pairs(allsigns) do
+			for _, pos in ipairs(b) do
+				signs_lib.delete_objects(pos)
+				local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
+				local def = minetest.registered_items[node.name]
+				if def and def.entity_info then
+					signs_lib.update_sign(pos)
+				end
+			end
+		end
+		minetest.chat_send_player(player_name, "Finished.")
+	end
+})

models/signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity.obj

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # Blender v2.79 (sub 0) OBJ File: 'basic_signs wooden sign.blend'
 # www.blender.org
 o text_entity_Plane
-v 0.406250 -0.281250 0.429688
-v -0.406250 -0.281250 0.429688
-v 0.406250 0.281250 0.429688
-v -0.406250 0.281250 0.429688
+v 0.406250 -0.281250 0.425781
+v -0.406250 -0.281250 0.425781
+v 0.406250 0.281250 0.425781
+v -0.406250 0.281250 0.425781
 vt 0.000000 0.000000
 vt 1.000000 0.000000
 vt 1.000000 1.000000

models/signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity_hanging.obj

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+# Blender v2.79 (sub 0) OBJ File: 'basic_signs wooden hanging sign.blend'
+# www.blender.org
+o Plane
+v 0.406250 -0.281250 -0.042969
+v -0.406250 -0.281250 -0.042969
+v 0.406250 0.281250 -0.042969
+v -0.406250 0.281250 -0.042969
+vt 0.000000 0.000000
+vt 1.000000 0.000000
+vt 1.000000 1.000000
+vt 0.000000 1.000000
+vn 0.0000 -0.0000 -1.0000
+g Plane_Plane_None
+s off
+f 1/1/1 2/2/1 4/3/1 3/4/1

models/signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity_onpole.obj

@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 # Blender v2.79 (sub 0) OBJ File: 'basic_signs wooden sign.blend'
 # www.blender.org
 o text_entity.001_Plane
-v 0.406250 -0.281250 0.742188
-v -0.406250 -0.281250 0.742188
-v 0.406250 0.281250 0.742188
-v -0.406250 0.281250 0.742188
+v 0.406250 -0.281250 0.738281
+v -0.406250 -0.281250 0.738281
+v 0.406250 0.281250 0.738281
+v -0.406250 0.281250 0.738281
 vt 0.000000 0.000000
 vt 1.000000 0.000000
 vt 1.000000 1.000000

models/signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_hanging.obj

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Blender v2.79 (sub 0) OBJ File: 'basic_signs wooden hanging sign.blend'
+# www.blender.org
+o Cube
+v 0.437500 -0.312500 0.031250
+v 0.437500 -0.312500 -0.031250
+v 0.437500 0.312500 0.031250
+v 0.437500 0.312500 -0.031250
+v -0.437500 -0.312500 0.031250
+v -0.437500 -0.312500 -0.031250
+v -0.437500 0.312500 0.031250
+v -0.437500 0.312500 -0.031250
+v 0.437500 -0.312500 0.031250
+v 0.437500 -0.312500 -0.031250
+v 0.437500 0.312500 0.031250
+v 0.437500 0.312500 -0.031250
+v -0.437500 -0.312500 0.031250
+v -0.437500 -0.312500 -0.031250
+v -0.437500 0.312500 0.031250
+v -0.437500 0.312500 -0.031250
+v 0.500000 0.312500 -0.000000
+v 0.500000 0.500000 0.000000
+v -0.500000 0.312500 -0.000000
+v -0.500000 0.500000 0.000000
+vt 0.468750 0.812500
+vt 0.031250 0.812500
+vt 0.031250 0.187500
+vt 0.468750 0.187500
+vt 0.531250 0.812500
+vt 0.968750 0.812500
+vt 0.968750 0.187500
+vt 0.531250 0.187500
+vt 0.234375 0.000000
+vt 0.234375 1.000000
+vt 0.015625 1.000000
+vt 0.015625 -0.000000
+vt 0.609375 -0.000000
+vt 0.609375 1.000000
+vt 0.390625 1.000000
+vt 0.390625 -0.000000
+vt 0.765625 0.000000
+vt 0.765625 1.000000
+vt 1.000000 0.812500
+vt 1.000000 1.000000
+vt 0.000000 1.000000
+vt -0.000000 0.812500
+vn 0.0000 0.0000 -1.0000
+vn 0.0000 -0.0000 1.0000
+vn 0.0000 -1.0000 0.0000
+vn 0.0000 1.0000 0.0000
+vn 1.0000 -0.0000 0.0000
+vn -1.0000 -0.0000 0.0000
+g Cube_Cube_front-back
+s off
+f 8/1/1 4/2/1 2/3/1 6/4/1
+f 3/5/2 7/6/2 5/7/2 1/8/2
+g Cube_Cube_edges
+f 13/9/3 14/10/3 10/11/3 9/12/3
+f 11/13/4 12/14/4 16/15/4 15/16/4
+f 11/13/5 9/17/5 10/18/5 12/14/5
+f 13/9/6 15/16/6 16/15/6 14/10/6
+g Cube_Cube_hangers
+f 19/19/1 20/20/1 18/21/1 17/22/1

standard_signs.lua

@@ -1,105 +1,40 @@
 -- Definitions for standard minetest_game wooden and steel wall signs
 
-for _, onpole in ipairs({"", "_onpole"}) do
-
-	local nci = nil
-	local on_rotate = signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate
-	local pole_mount_tex = nil
-
-	if onpole == "_onpole" then
-		nci = 1
-		on_rotate = nil
-		pole_mount_tex = "signs_lib_pole_mount.png" -- the metal straps on back, if needed
-	end
-
-	local wood_groups =  table.copy(signs_lib.standard_wood_groups)
-	wood_groups.not_in_creative_inventory = nci
-	local steel_groups =  table.copy(signs_lib.standard_steel_groups)
-	steel_groups.not_in_creative_inventory = nci
-
-	cbox = signs_lib.make_selection_boxes(35, 25, onpole)
-
-	minetest.register_node(":default:sign_wall_wood"..onpole, {
+signs_lib.register_sign("default:sign_wall_wood", {
 	description = "Wooden wall sign",
-		paramtype = "light",
-		sunlight_propagates = true,
-		paramtype2 = "wallmounted",
-		drawtype = "mesh",
-		node_box = cbox,
-		selection_box = cbox,
-		mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign"..onpole..".obj",
+	inventory_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_wooden_inv.png",
 	tiles = {
 		"signs_lib_sign_wall_wooden.png",
 		"signs_lib_sign_wall_wooden_edges.png",
-			pole_mount_tex
 	},
-		inventory_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_wooden_inv.png",
-		wield_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_wooden_inv.png",
-		groups = wood_groups,
-		default_color = "0",
-		on_rightclick = signs_lib.construct_sign,
-		on_construct = signs_lib.construct_sign,
-		on_destruct = signs_lib.destruct_sign,
-		on_receive_fields = signs_lib.receive_fields,
-		on_punch = signs_lib.update_sign,
-		on_rotate = signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate,
-		number_of_lines = signs_lib.standard_lines,
-		horiz_scaling = signs_lib.standard_hscale,
-		vert_scaling = signs_lib.standard_vscale,
-		line_spacing = signs_lib.standard_lspace,
-		font_size = signs_lib.standard_fsize,
-		x_offset = signs_lib.standard_xoffs,
-		y_offset = signs_lib.standard_yoffs,
-		chars_per_line = signs_lib.standard_cpl,
-		entity_info = {
-			mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity"..onpole..".obj",
-			yaw = signs_lib.wallmounted_yaw
-		},
-		drop = "default:sign_wall_wood"
-	})
-	table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, "default:sign_wall_wood"..onpole)
+	entity_info = "standard",
+	allow_hanging = true,
+	allow_widefont = true
+})
 
-	minetest.register_node(":default:sign_wall_steel"..onpole, {
+signs_lib.register_sign("default:sign_wall_steel", {
 	description = "Steel wall sign",
-		paramtype = "light",
-		sunlight_propagates = true,
-		paramtype2 = "wallmounted",
-		drawtype = "mesh",
-		node_box = cbox,
-		selection_box = cbox,
-		mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign"..onpole..".obj",
+	inventory_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_steel_inv.png",
 	tiles = {
 		"signs_lib_sign_wall_steel.png",
 		"signs_lib_sign_wall_steel_edges.png",
-			pole_mount_tex
 	},
-		inventory_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_steel_inv.png",
-		wield_image = "signs_lib_sign_wall_steel_inv.png",
-		groups = wood_groups,
-		default_color = "0",
-		on_rightclick = signs_lib.construct_sign,
-		on_construct = signs_lib.construct_sign,
-		on_destruct = signs_lib.destruct_sign,
-		after_place_node = function(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing)
-			signs_lib.after_place_node(pos, placer, itemstack, pointed_thing, true)
-		end,
-		on_receive_fields = signs_lib.receive_fields,
-		on_punch = signs_lib.update_sign,
-		can_dig = signs_lib.can_modify,
-		on_rotate = signs_lib.wallmounted_rotate,
-		number_of_lines = signs_lib.standard_lines,
-		horiz_scaling = signs_lib.standard_hscale,
-		vert_scaling = signs_lib.standard_vscale,
-		line_spacing = signs_lib.standard_lspace,
-		font_size = signs_lib.standard_fsize,
-		x_offset = signs_lib.standard_xoffs,
-		y_offset = signs_lib.standard_yoffs,
-		chars_per_line = signs_lib.standard_cpl,
-		entity_info = {
-			mesh = "signs_lib_standard_wall_sign_entity"..onpole..".obj",
-			yaw = signs_lib.wallmounted_yaw
-		},
-		drop = "default:sign_wall_steel"
-	})
-	table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, "default:sign_wall_steel"..onpole)
-end
+	groups = signs_lib.standard_steel_groups,
+	sounds = signs_lib.standard_steel_sign_sounds,
+	locked = true,
+	entity_info = "standard",
+	allow_hanging = true,
+	allow_widefont = true
+})
+
+minetest.register_alias("signs:sign_hanging", "default:sign_wall_wood_hanging")
+minetest.register_alias("basic_signs:hanging_sign", "default:sign_wall_wood_hanging")
+
+table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, "signs:sign_hanging")
+table.insert(signs_lib.lbm_restore_nodes, "basic_signs:hanging_sign")
+
+-- insert the old wood sign-on-fencepost into signs_lib's conversion LBM
+
+table.insert(signs_lib.old_fenceposts_with_signs, "signs:sign_post")
+signs_lib.old_fenceposts["signs:sign_post"] = "default:fence_wood"
+signs_lib.old_fenceposts_replacement_signs["signs:sign_post"] = "default:sign_wall_wood_onpole"