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AlphaNET™ - Alpha-American Programmable Signs

1. R amp D J01 roe 1 To create a modem connection device open Site Manager b selecting either the Site Manager button from the AlphaNET bar or Programs gt AlphaNET gt Site Manager from the Start menu AlphaNET VERSON G J Alpha Web Updates EE alphaNET Bar amp Communications Manager Accessories Diagnostics IaH Microsoft Office O Adobe Photoshop 7 0 i Message Editor A AlphaNET Training 13 On Line Manual Winzip as wake activePDF Preview Animations d Programs fn AlphaNET H Site Manager E Documents r i amp Settings gt ez Search 8 2 Help Run 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 2 Salad Edit gt Connection Device Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager loj x File Edit Messages View Help Connection Device ca A 43 Counter File Alt C z futomods File Alt U Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Select 4l Gtr Deselect All Gtrl Switch Pane F6 Preferences Alt P Set Password GjAdministration amp Production a Create new or edit existing connection device Ui 3 When the Connection Device Editor window appears select Add Then select Modem on Com 1 from the list followed by OK If you have a modem on a different communications port choose the modem on that port
2. Characters are options that change the appearance of text in a message For example normal sized text called Seven Row Normal is seven rows of LEDs high but some signs allow you to create text 15 or 16 rows high with the 15 16 Row Normal option In this example we will create a message that displays airline fares NOTE Some characters are not available on some signs For a list of what is available see Appendix C Character fonts and colors available on signs on page 131 Example 2 How to display airline fares In this example the Roll mode 15 16 Row Normal text and the New Line option are used to display airline prices for several cities Just like Example 1 this setup has a variety of uses such as announcements and anniversaries A single message will be used to create large text on two line Signs and normal text 12 Select File gt New to open a new message 13 Tren select Modes gt Roll gt In 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha4 Fie Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help OD tmd SIA FP PDD e Flash Hold Interlock Rotate Scroll Slide Snow Sparkle Spray Starburst Switch Twinkle Wipe Cycle Color Clock Explode lol Message will roll in From both sides to form message Line 1 Col 1 NUM 14 When the following window appears select Top and then OK LS 8 62 t Fill Middle Cancel Top i Bottom i Left i Right
3. j__Engineering o 04 obb L 05 Bre 06 07 6 Continuing from the previous step select Add from the Connection Device Editor window Then select Local Wired Com 2 from the list followed by OK Default Connection Device Modem on Com 1 Available Connection Devices Remove Modem on Com 1 Add Connection Device Add Connection Device Device X Select the connection device or connection devices to add Ethernet Adapter Cancel Local wired Com 1 Local wired Com 2 Local wired Com 3 Local wired Com 4 Modem on Com 1 Modem on Com 2 Modem on Com 3 Modem on Com 4 x 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 15 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 7 To finish setting up a local connection you have to create a local site using Site Manager To see an example of this see Creating the Lobby Engineering and Manufacturing sites a wired example on page 28 BAUD RATE LIMIT A Converter Box III with a serial number greater than AF00004525 for example AF00004526 AF00004527 and SO on has a minimum baud rate of 2400 Baud rates of 300 or 1200 will not be accepted even though these rates are shown in Connection Device Editor 16 Once you select
4. select Selected Addresses and then use the Address to Add to List drop down menus to specify the address of the sign on which you want information Then click Add Repeat for each Sign address Note that the addresses must be added in Remove All Remove ie hexadecimal OF Cancel Click OK when done 4 Reference 121 Diagnostics Table 31 Diagnostics Menu item Description Use the drop down menus to set the COM port baud rate and data format for a serial or wireless connection Serial Settings p 2 Click here if you 7 want AlohaNET Com Port Serial Wireless to determine this BaudRate a information for you Data Format EN Auto Detect OF Cancel Complete the information for the transmitting modem for a modem connection Com Port Connected to Modem Baud Aate Data Format Communi cations Dialing Prefi Initialization String Humber to Oial Timeout in Seconds 20 Configuration String at amp HORAT amp B1 amp N Be Oe WO Configure bodem OF Cancel Fill in the IP Address and Port information for a TCP IP connection xi IP Address Port P TC P P Ping IP Address OK Cancel Actions Connect to Modem Connects Diagnostics to the receiving modem in your sign Disconnect Modem Disconnects Diagnostics from the receiving modem in your sign 122 4 Reference Diagnostics et aston Actions 4 Reference Read
5. Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages view Help Ogml am B8 PHB s F Sites Groups Message Name flood msw GjAdministration Production Ready Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help E l mE AmE AE ERREEN AEAN Sites Groups Message Name Engineering C3 Manufacturing Shipping GjAdministration Production Quits Site Manager 4 Reference 115 Site Manager Table 29 Site Manager Menu item Description Ways to connect a sign to a PC that is running AlphaNET 3 0 software There are four types of connection devices direct cable local modem remote wireless and Local Area Network LAN Connection Device For more information see Step 1 Creating or changing the connection devices on page 11 sets up from 1 to 5 numerical counters which can be used in messages or to trigger the display of other messages Counter File The counter in this message counts up to 50 days then restarts from 0 For more information see How to edit a counter file on page 73 One or more files can be created so that a message can cycle through a customized list of selected modes Automode Table defaultaut X Mode Order Ok i Cancel Automode File ance Add Delete If you have a message selected from the message list then all messages in the Select All list are selected The same applies to sites
6. Cancel 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D W eel SH FIPRP PPP i Birthdayse AB Tom White Patty smith Bob Evans Ready lLine 3 Col 34 44 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing 10 Nex click Alpha 7120C to view your message View simulate your message to see exactly how it will appear on a sign You can see how fonts colors and graphics will appear on a sign and also how much text will appear on a line If text appears in white this means it is too long to fit on the display If possible break the text into smaller segments Alpha 7120C For example these pictures show Alpha 7120C how the message you just created would appear on a one line Alpha 215C sign Alpha 215C Alpha 215C 11 Save this message by selecting File gt Save and then clicking OK ee hl irc oy AlphaNET 36 57 Cia C Gifs c FA Make sure the file is saved to this folder O3 C Samples 39 C Skins C40 Name the Example 1 message Alphat msw Lise File name Japhalmsw Save as type AlphaNET Keg maw Cancel Z 3 Creating and sending messages 45 Basic message editing Using characters to change the look of a message By selecting Top we have made an error that will Show up later The purpose of this is to demonstrate a common mistake and how to correct it 46
7. ctw E c Network Site Editor l x Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 03 05 f None f Single Beep Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Counters cos C dlphaNE TSengineer ctw Automode T able E Automaode File Nore fa Tune File Memory Tune File Nove V Extended Memory Duration Repeat ok Cancel Apply Help A Select OK 3 Creating and sending messages How to use real time data in a message How to use real time data in a message String Variables ActiveX real time data The AlphaNET 3 0 software CD ROM contains examples on using the Alpha String Update Control Data from external sources for example Microsoft Excel Access and Visual Basic software can be displayed on Alpha signs by using two features included in AlphaNET 3 0 software e String variables e Alpha String Update Control an ActiveX component A variable in the AlphaNET 3 0 software represents real time data that can change for example temperature or production rates date or time Variables can be put into messages The value of a variable can be changed using the Alpha String Update Control Because this is an ActiveX control it can be used witha variety of ActiveX compatible applications such as Microsoft Excel Access and Visual Basic software NOTE Besid
8. i This message only This message and any remaining messages in this site This and any other message in this and all remaing sites abot Inserts a minute hour or day counter in a message For more information see counter How to edit a counter file on page 73 Inserts bitmapped BMP format images into a message For more information Graphic i w see Creating a graphic on page 58 i Inserts images into a message in GIF format For more information see Gif i i Creating a GIF on page 69 l Displays a number of bitmapped image files on a sign which gives the illusion of Flick s B 11 5 1 7 movement For more information see Creating a flick on page 63 Message Inserts an entire message into the current message you are editing 4 Reference 109 Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Capture a peri After highlighting some text in a message select Capture to store the text in one Snippet 2 of 5 snippets This is a handy way to avoid retyping commonly used text When Snippet Snippet 3 you need to use that text simply place the cursor in the message where you want it to appear and then click the snippet that holds that text to paste it Snippet 4 Snippet 5 Checking Toolbar displays these icons File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D Skt SESH
9. Reference Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description New Opens a new message window Open Opens an existing message file Close Closes the message window Save Saves a message Save AS saves the current message under a different name Print Prints a message Print Preview Previews a message in print form Print Setup Change printers page size and so on Simulate Previews a message in display form sends a message to either every site or some sites This sends a message to every site File x Transmit Options Transmit R eae Sites EZA This sends a message to only those sites that have been specified in Message Editor See R amp D setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window on page 22 1 File name 1 Ai o A list of recent message file names which can be selected and opened 4 File name 4 Exit Quits Message Editor Undo If highlighted reverses the last action performed Cut Deletes selected text or graphics from a message and places it on the clipboard Copy Copies selected text or graphics from a message and places it on the clipboard Baers Places text or graphics on the clipboard at the current cursor position in a message Edit Find Find Again Down Locates a word or phrase in a message Find Again Up Replace Replaces text in a message with text of your choice Spell Check Verifies the
10. e E Engineering alphal msw Alwa Engineering CaLobby B flood msw Alwa Manufacturing GRD G Sales Shipping Site Editor l x site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Engineering SN F Full Colon AGE Capable Compatibility Alpha 1 0 E295 Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device Local Wired Com 2 Phone Humber Eap Eode W Enable eror checking 3 Creating and sending messages 93 How to edit a counter file If you want to delete a counter file from a sign click Counter File click None and then click OK 94 Next select Sign Info and attach the counter file you just created to the Engineering site Site Editor E j Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 03 05 f None f Single Beep Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Counters Counter File None Aubomoade Table E Aubomade File None fo Tune File Memon Tune File None V Extended Memory Duration Repeat Cancel Apply Help After clicking Counter File select the counter file you just edited in this case engineer ctw Then select OK Sl engineer ctw c alphanet Cancel fc shipping ctw E gt AlphaNET target ctw c25 None E 26 Cy 2 izj E 29 List files of type Drives Counter files
11. Select Hours because we want counter 3 to count in units of hours Days 92 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file Table 25 Counter Example 3 Counter 3 setup Enter 0 because we want counter 3 to start at 0 hours and then count up to 100 Counter Values emer 200 j Enter 7 because we want counter 3 to count up 1 nc hour at a time 1 2 3 and so on Check Two This means that one message will One Five appear on the sign after counter 3 has reached its target value Start Counter In this example Always is selected because we Run Time want counter 3 running continuously since we do not need our counter running on On Weekends weekends leave this unchecked This box is checked because we want our counter to count down continuously If this box was not checked counter 3 would count up to 100 just once Auto Reload 6 Next select Target Files For Target File 1 select Browse and then select the file you created called target2 msw Counter Setup engineer ctw l xj Counter 1 Counter 2 Counter 3 Counter 4 Counter 5 Target Files Target File 1 E MAphaNET target2 msw Target File 2 Browse 7 fter selecting the target file click OK Then double click the Engineering site to access the Site Editor window Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Og l ame 8 AM EO F Sites f Groups hd N Star Double click
12. 14 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file Example 1 Using a counter in a message In this example we will end up with a message on the Shipping sign that counts down from 60 minutes over and over again NOTE The Shipping sign can still display other messages 1 Open Message Editor and create a new message if AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal loj x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Daeh Oel 6 AF P PPP De alpha Ready Line 1 Col 1 NM 4 Zi Aad a counter to the message by selecting Options gt Counter and then Counter 1 Then after the counter icon type a space followed by minutes before next shipment i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Dae Ged Ba w e Te PP P Date Temperature F Speed a Mew Line Mew Page Animation F String Ticker Symbol Variable Graphic Counter 2 Flick Counter 3 Gif Counter 4 Message Counter 5 if AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help E alphat Inserts safety counter 1 into messes minutes before next shipment 3 Creating and sending messages 19 How to edit a counter file 3 Save this counter message as countshp msw I Save as type AlphaNET Meg maw Cancel Mi 4 fter saving the message close Message Editor Open Site Manager and
13. After 50 days the counter included in the top message which counts up from 0 to 50 is set up to display the target message below 4 NOTE The software necessary to use a counter file is included in the standard Alpha firmware for signs and allows you m to program a counter file from your computer However the standard Alpha firmware does not allow you to LLQOQO i FEE program a counter file using an infrared remote control QEOKsa left COODOa O00000 DD EE 3 Creating and sending messages 13 How to edit a counter file Three examples of how to use counter files In these examples we discuss three basic ways of using counters on signs a S rie of signs Manufacturing shipping Engineering gineerino i 03 g 06 Be o MEUM 07 oping 00 _Engineering f 05 an Wg ton i i ave W AN NU e Example 1 Using a counter in a message on the Shipping sign Counter 1 will be used to show a message that counts down hours e Example 2 Using a counter in a message and displaying a target file message on the Manufacturing signs Counter 2 will be used to show a message that counts up days and display a target message when it reaches 50 e Example 3 Using a counter to display a target message on the Engineering signs Counter 2 will be used from Example 2
14. Connection Device Editon n Default Connection Device Add Edit Available Connection Devices Ix Remove Rename Make Default Custom sire Add Connection Device x These default devices make j Select th tion devi i your jen Ned Genesee easier because they are the most ere TE i eme apler common methods of connecting Local Wired Com 1 Local Wired Com 2 Signs to your PC Local wired Com 3 Local Wired Com 4 Modem on Com 1 Modem on Com 2 Modem on Com 3 Modem on Com 4 x 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 13 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 4 To finish setting up a modem connection you have to create a modem site using Site Manager To see an example of this see Creating the R amp D site a modem example on page 21 BAUD RATE LIMITS A Converter Box III with a serial number greater than AF00004525 for example AF00004526 AF00004527 and SO on has a minimum baud rate of 2400 Baud rates of 300 or 1200 will not be accepted even though these rates are shown in Connection Device Editor 14 Once you select OK the following window appears Default Connection Device Add Edit Available Connection Devices x Remove Modem on Com 1 Rename Make Default Custom OF RITE r you want to change any of the modem settings make sure Modem on Com 1 is highlighted as above and then select E
15. Hold Holds message for several seconds Interlock Alternating rows of dots enter from each end of a sign and interlock a message into the center of the sign Roll Rolls the previous message off the sign while rolling the new message on Rotate Rotates a message from the right to the left horizontally across a sign Scroll Moves a message up one line at a time The previous message is pushed up Slide A message moves onto the sign from right to left one character at a time Snow The new message snows over and erases the current message Sparkle The new message sparkles onto the sign over the current message Spray A message sprays across the sign from right to left one character at a time Starburst Random starbursts explode a message onto a sign Alternating characters of a message slide off a sign in different directions first Switch character slides up the next down and so on New characters appear in the same manner Twinkle A message appears with a twinkling effect Wipe The new message is wiped over the current message 106 4 Reference Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Cycle Color Cascades colors through the message from the bottom up Wipes information on and off the sign as if a second hand were sweeping Clock around it Rolls information from the center of the sign and out in all four directions
16. Memory sending to an AlphaPremiere 9000 or AlphaEclipse Sign 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 33 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 25 In this example nothing needs to be changed on the Group Info tab Site Editor x e Photocell Enabled Soe kepoeoe Se OTT Tessas Ae Win Wi ime Dim GR Time rr E A a 34 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 27 Select OK and the following appears Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Oj x File Edit Messages View Help Os asanla NE Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time The new Shipping site will appear in this part of the window Shipping Ready ALL MESSAGES 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 39 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Step 3 Creating or changing the groups A group is a collection of one or more sites In our imaginary company there are two groups Administration and Production Groups are a convenient method of organizing sites into categories so that messages can easily be sent to multiple sites For example in our imaginary company we might have a message intended for just the R amp D site or just the Sales and Lobby sites However many times we will wan
17. Repeat OK Cancel Apply Help A Select OK 3 Creating and sending messages 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file 11 Aad the message that contains counter 2 to the Manufacturing site Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager a oj x File Edit Messages View Help Omg aQme S8 DAG Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Ci Engineering flood msw Always GjAdministration GS Production Ready ALL MESSAGES Add Messages E x Look in aj AlphaNET amp cf select the message E eT that contains EA alphaz msw counter 2 EEDA countman msw E countshp msi E Flood nsw A target msw Click Open aaa File name countman msw Files of type AlphaNET Mag maw Cancel 2 151 x File Edit Messages View Help mE SE AE SERRE IERRA Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time B flood msw Always countman msw Always Engineering Gai Shipping The message you added appears here after any previously selected messages The order in which the messages appear is the order in which they are sent to a sign GjAdministration Production NOTE If you want the new message at the start of the list select the top existing message and then click TEN B nsert Message instead off add message 89 How to edit a counter file If you are pr
18. Site Description A Site Hame Sales _ Full Color AGE Capable B Compatibility Alpha 1 0 E295 bmi C W Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device Ethernet Adapter IF Address f 932 67 12 189 Cap Code M Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help Ell Calor Check this box when using an AlphaEclipse PureColor 3600 Series display sign full color not RGB monochrome Also select A pha 3 0 under Capable Sk Compatibility Use as an Editor See R amp D setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info transmit site window on page 22 Compatibility specify the 4 node Internet Protocol address for this Sign See your network administrator if you do not know IP Address this address See the Networking Alpha Signs manual pn 9700 0112 for information about assigning an address to an ethernet adapter Check this if you want the software to verify that a sign Enable error received messages sent to it When this option is on checking errors will be recorded in the error log of Communications Manager Connection Because the Sales sign is connected by an Alpha Device Ethernet Adapter select Ethernet Adapter 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 20 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 11 Next enter information on the Sign Info tab Table 10 Sales setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign In
19. Typically this method is used when the signs you want to send messages to are not in the same building or city as your PC In this type of connection a modem is attached to your PC and another modem is attached to one or more signs at the other location At the times you specify messages are transmitted to the signs when the PC modem calls the sign s modem e Wireless connection indoor signs In this setup a transmitter is attached to the PC running AlphaNET 3 0 software and each sign is equipped with a wireless receiver This allows text and graphics to be sent wirelessly to the signs Note that AlphaEclipse signs use a pair of transceivers for 2 way communication Setup in AlphaNET uses a wired connection device e Local Area Network LAN connection This option allows you to connect one or more signs to a LAN using Alpha Ethernet Adapters There is no maximum to the number of Alpha Ethernet Adapters that can be used with AlphaNET 3 0 software 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 11 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 12 Setting up a modem remote connection In our imaginary company the following signs are connected by modem t jo Id Transmitting modem the Steps below show you how to program this modem LJ 00000000000 Converter Box Ill
20. available in your drop down cee Icon Style menus Save and reopen your messages to change the appearance of l existing icons Select how you want the icons Pictures in your messages to appear C Text as pictures or as text Tab Setting wone e e Type the number of spaces to insert for a tab setting A new color selection box is available for the AlphaEclipse Purecolor 3600 series sign full color not monochrome In Message Editor see Characters gt Color gt RGB Basic colors This color selection box also appears when you select Characters gt Shadow in Message Editor to allow you to pick the shadow color of the characters E E E E Define Custom Colors gt gt cancal_ New modes Two new modes are available with this version of AlphaNET Clock mode and Explode mode Clock mode is a wipe mode that updates information as if a second hand were sweeping around the sign Explode mode is a roll mode that moves information from the center of the sign and outward in all four directions at once Both modes are available in Message Editor under the Modes drop down menu yi New line positions Two new line positions are available in Message Editor Left and Right which left or right justify your message Line Position These line positions are only available with the Fil C Middle Pt ones Cmca AlphaEclipse PureColor 3600 series sign i Left i Right Tooltips Tooltips are now available
21. www adaptivedisplays com currently this can only be used with AlphaEclipse signs Receiver Receiver ALPHA sign ALPHA sign ae CW Transmitter ALPHA sign P software Local Area Network LAN In this configuration one or more signs are connected to an Ethernet network PC with AlphaNET software Ethernet TCP IP SE L h_ S e_ aasS C ALPHA sign ALPHA sign ALPHA sign TE e w Modular network adapters 1 Connecting your PC to a sign Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites How to install AlphaNET 3 0 software How to install AlphaNET 1 Before starting the software installation check to see if there p is a README file Look at this file before installing the software because it may contain late breaking information About the Installation You will be able to choose additional applications to install Adobe Acrobat Reader and Paint shop Pro Simply click the appropriate yes or no response when the prompt to do so appears You will also be able to choose whether you want to install the AlphaNET computer based training If so it will appear in your Start gt Programs menu A Site Wizard will be available to you to help you set up your first Site It will not appear until you have restarted your computer after the installation Simply click the
22. 1 0 and Alpha 2 0 protocols select A pha 2 0 Also if a site includes signs which use different protocols some of the AlphaNET 3 0 software features may not work Different sites should be created for signs with different protocols 22 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 4 fter selecting New Site the Site Editor window appears Table 7 R amp D setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Compatibility Full Colo AGE Capable Alpha 2 0 W Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device Modem on Com 1 Phone Number 555 1 23d Lap Lode W Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help Full Color Capable Use as an Editor transmit site Compatibility Connection Device Enable error checking Check this box when using an AlphaEclipse PureColor 3600 Series display sign full color not monochrome Also select Alpha 3 0 under Compatibility When this is checked the signs in the current site in this case the two R amp D signs receive messages sent from Message Editor For example if a message Is sent from Message Editor with Selected Sites chosen see below then both the R amp D signs receive that message x Cancel All Sites Select this in Message Fditor This option is useful when you are
23. 42 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing Using modes to change the look of a message Modes are special effects that change the way a message appears on a sign For example the Rotate mode moves a message from right to left across a sign In this example you will create a message that displays employee birthdays NOTE Some modes are not available on some signs For a list of what modes are available see Appendix B Modes available on signs on page 129 Example 1 How to display employee birthdays In this example the Ho d and Rotate modes are used to display employee birthdays This setup has a variety of uses such as announcements and anniversaries In the Hold mode the top line remains fixed while the names go by In the Rotate mode the names move from right to left on the bottom line see Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill on page 133 6 To create Example 1 close the previous message but don t save it Next open a new message Then select Modes gt Hold 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alphali File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D ce 15 x Automode Flash Place the cursor over an SJB ZIP PPPE icon and click the right mouse button to see a short description of the icon at the bottom of the Message Editor window For example E Click the Pe button Vie You ca
24. All Ctrl Switch Pane Fe Preferences Alt P Lait Set Password 3 Creating and sending messages 91 How to edit a counter file 4 Next either open an existing counter file like the default file shown below or type a new file name like engineer ctw omen O O O O hm 2 x ct Es Jat 92 93 Gifs 2 __ Samples Look in E AlphaNeT ee gt File name fengineectw 00 Files of type Counter Files ctw o Cancel E 5 When the Counter Setup window appears select the Counter 3 tab and enter the values shown below Table 25 Counter Example 3 Counter 3 setup Counter Setup engineer cly xX A Counter 4 Counter 5 Target Files Counter 1 Counter 2 Counter 3 B i Counter On Increment Hours Decrement Counter Values Target Files Counter Run Time Start One Start Time I Two Always Target l Three fi Ou r Stop Time Inc Value Four oF li Five D OnWeekends W Auto Reload Cancel Apply Help E Counter 1 5 Select the Counter 3 tab This is where a message is assigned to a target file One to five messages can be displayed on a Target Files sign when counter 3 reaches its target value The largest file runs indefinitely Send a new message to delete it Make sure this box is checked for this example Increment In this example select ncrement because we B Decrement want counter 3 to count up not down Minutes Hours
25. EP E alphal A Days without an accident 3 Save this counter message as countman msw and close the message Save As ki xX Save in GaphaNET e Dee a1 g2 33 Gifs Samples Skins p File name eourtmari ris Save as type AlphaNET Mag rev Cancel 3 Creating and sending messages 83 How to edit a counter file 84 4 Next create the target message the message that will appear when counter 2 reaches 50 days Then save this message as targetl msw 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha3 O x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Dae t Se SG6 AFIPPPPP E alpha3 Another 50 days without an accident Save the target message as farget msw Ready Save ir GlalphaNET jt ce Ez 31 92 93 Gifs Samples Skins f File name Jtargett mw Save az type AlphaNET Meg meu Cancel A 5 Ciose Message Editor Open Site Manager and select Edit gt Counter File Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Connection Device Alt D Counter File Alt C Automode File Alt U Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time alphal msw Always Select All Ctrl flood msw Always Deselect All Ctrl Switch Pane F6 Preferences Alt P Set Password GAdministration amp Production p ee ee gt ALL MESSAGES 7 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a cou
26. F P PUPP Toolbar Status Bar Ready lim t cht T Checking Status Bar displays informative text on this line T A Las Vegas 985 View Chicago 199 When Codes is checked New York 235 the modes characters and options icons will appear in a message Codes e checked only text will appear in a message Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 110 4 Reference Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Cascade Tile These are standard Windows software methods of arranging windows and icons on the screen Window Arrange Icons 1 Aloha 1 These are the names of the message windows you have opened Select a p window to make it the current window 4 Reference 111 Site Manager Site Manager Site Manager is used to set up devices sites and groups Devices are methods of communicating with signs For example a modem is a device because it talks to a sign through signals sent over a telephone line Sites and groups are terms used to describe how messages are sent to signs You create sites and groups to make sending messages to multiple signs flexible and easy For more information see Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups on page 9 x Status Bar File Edit Messages Ba New Site Ctri N Connection Device At D IE Addi Gtr on Open Site brea Counter File alk Insert
27. Line Position 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing 15 Because we want large text select Characters gt 15 16 Row Normal Then type Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha4 File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help ET 15 16 Row 15 16 Ro w Normal 15 16 Row Fancy Ten Row Seven Row Normal Seven Row Fancy Five Row Condensed Custom Color Normal Wide Double Wide Flashing Double High True Descenders Fixed Width Shadow Characters will be 15 or 16 rows tall in a block style Normal icon Ctrl R Ctrl Ctrl B Ctrl L Ctrl D Ctrl T Ctrl F Ctrl H Line 1 Col 2 INUM 4 i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphad File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Da h sselSas PPppepl 2 alpha bT Al Las Vegas 65 Chicago 199 New York 235 16 Let s see how the message looks so far First let s try a one line sign Simulate your message and change the sign to a 215C If you do not remember how to do this see step 3 The message should look like this 17 3 Creating and sending messages since a one line sign like the 215C cannot display the 75 16 Row Normal characters the sign displays Seven Row Normal instead But this is what we wanted Change the sign to a 4120C a two line sign If you do not remember how to do this see step 3 This is how it sh
28. List e Select Single Beep Three Beeps or Custom Tone create your own tone if you want the signs in the address list to beep each time these signs receive a new message e Select Tune File if you want the signs in the address list to play a short melody each time these signs receive a new message Only available on an AlphaPremiere 9000 Sign Tone on Receipt The addresses of all the signs in this particular site in this case 01 and 02 for the R amp D site R 01 Address List Addresses of R amp Dsigns See NOTE at the end of this example A long sequence of sign addresses can be entered using a comma For example the address list Choose an automode table if desired Compatibility on the Site Info tab must be Alpha 2 0 or Alpha 3 0 for Automode Automode Table to be available File See How to create and use a custom automode sequence on page 99 for more information Signs in the address list can play a tune file each time they receive a message To do this select Jone on Receipt Tune File gt Tune File Then browse and select one of the pre programmed tune files Only available on an AlphaPremiere 9000 sign In seconds the length of time each beep will sound The number of times the beep or series of beeps will Repeat ana Used for large file transmissions such as when sending Extended l Memory graphics to a display si
29. Right arrow graphic icon Left arrow graphic icon 10 Simulate your message to see what it looks like This is how the message looks on the two line Alpha 4120C sign This is how the message looks on the eao ee E ie neae NOTE Graphics that are 24 rows high should be displayed and simulated on 3 line signs or greater and not on one or two line signs where the graphics will appear garbled 62 3 Creating and sending messages How to use graphics in messages Creating a flick NOTE The Flick option will only work with AlphaVision and Series 7000 signs However see Another way to create a flick on page 68 if you want to create an animation on another type of sign A flick is a series of bitmap images that are shown one after the other which gives the illusion of movement on a sign The Flick option is used to put a movie in a message and is made up of individual bitmapped images that you must create You will need a program to create and edit bitmapped images Image editing software specifically Paint Shop Pro version 5 03 is included with AlphaNET 3 0 software however any image editing program can be used The image editing program used in the following example is version 5 03 of Paint Shop Pro If you are using a different version of this application the steps outlined in this manual can still be used See Paint Shop Pro a bitmapped image editor on page 141 Exam
30. Rulers ToolBars Tai al O vom eacearrssboceanng Zoom in x10 Increase the apparent size by 10x SN Where can you get a copy of Paint Shop Pro e JASC Software Inc PO Box 44997 Eden Prairie MN 55344 612 930 9171 9 am to 5 pm USA Central Time e World Wide Web http www jasc com 141 Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs 142 5 Appendices
31. Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 03 05 None f Single Beep Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Duration 2 fo Counters To revert back to the default automode setting Automode Table click Automode File click Fie io None and then click OK ime Repeat Tune File Memor Tune File None V Extended Memory OF Cancel Apply Help open File name a Messages sent to this C Saprhane f n Canc site will now use this eck custom automode default aut B ALPHANET E 25 Eg 26 E 27 Go 29 List files of type Drives Automade files aut E Network Site Editor E k Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Tone on Receipt f None f Single Beep f Three Beeps f Tune File f Custom Tone Duration 2 fa Sign Addresses Address List Counters Counter File EAlphaNET engineer cs Automode T able Automode File Nove Tune File Memon Tune File Nove V Extended Memory Cancel Apply Help Repeat A Select OK 3 Creating and sending messages 101 How to create and use a custom automode sequence 102 3 Creating and sending messages 4 Reference Reference 103 Message Editor 05 Message Editor Message Editor is used to create messages for signs Text graphics and animations or flicks can be used in messages See Chap
32. Sign Communications Protocol AAE I E CE EO SERIEA and graphics to Alpha signs j j TM 9708 8099 How to Install AlphaNET 3 0 Software ee eae eae E er software and use the Site Wizard 2 1 Connecting your PC to a sign Types of sign connections Types of sign connections An overview of the methods of connecting signs is presented on the following pages For more detailed information see the Networking Alpha Signs manual pn 9700 0112 Cable network In this type of network one or more signs are connected with RS485 cabling to a PC running AlphaNET software Modular network adapter ALPHA sign ALPHA sign K Ai Boks BERPA 4 ir Converter Box En 3 PC with AlphaNET software Modem network In this configuration modems are used to connect one or more signs to a PC running AlphaNET software Modular network adapter EF SSS Ga ALPHA sign En ae Converter box ALPHA sign L BATEN m Modem PC with AlphaNET software 1 Connecting your PC to a sign 3 Types of sign connections Wireless network Using the following technologies listed below AlphaNET 3 0 software can send messages to Alpha signs on wireless networks e Reach Wireless www reachwireless com e Waveware Technologies www wirelessmessaging com e Metrocall DirectView http www metrocall com directview e Adaptive Wireless Solution
33. Stop Day Time New Group Alt N Open Group Al O 23 fter selecting New Site the Site Editor window appears Table 13 Shipping setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window Site Editor eee x site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Shipping ae Full Color AGE Capable Compatibility Alpha 1 0 E295 W Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device WaveWare Pager Wireless Com 1 us Phone Humber Cap Code jan O2000 T Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help Check this box when using an AlphaEclipse Full Color RGB PureColor 3600 Series display sign full color not Capability monochrome Also select Alpha 3 0 under Compatibility Compatibility Select WaveWare Pager Wireless Com 1 Note that Connection with a wireless connection to an AlphaEclipse Device configured with transceivers use a Local Wired connection device Complete this according to your specific pager Cap Code receiver Consult your pager receiver documentation for details Use as an Editor transmit site See Sales setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info Eg window on page 25 32 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 24 Next enter information on the Sign Info tab Table 14 Shipping setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info
34. Vegas 65 Chicago 199 New York 235 xl BP ALPHA2 MSW Pl Es a a AB 4 Las Vegas 65 Chicago 199 New York 235 xl If you do not select one of these four positions an Alp automatically display your message using the Autom Fill ine position ha sign will ode mode and the How the message appears on a 2 line sign When you use the Fill line position the sign will try to fill both lines with the message Types of signs 5 Appendices Signs are categorized by number of lines of text e Single line BetaBrite 215R amp 215C 220 300 series 400 series Big Dot These signs are of varying lengths but are always 7 dots high e Two line 4000 series These signs are of varying lengths but are always 16 dots high e Three line 7000 series and multiple line full matrix AlphaVision These signs are of varying heights and widths e Miultiple line character matrix AlphaVision Director e These signs are of varying heights and widths but have character 133 Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill 134 blocks with spaces between Single line signs BetaBrite 215R amp 215C 220 300 series 400 series Big On a single line sign all characters line up at the bottom of the sign and work their way up as many dots as the font supports For example Exception conditions e If the sign receives a font that is
35. as Running Animal which shows a horse running across the sign use the gif files provided or pull an image from another source such as the Internet Animation Graphic Flick and Gif are in the Options menu i AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha1 q aD x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help DW y Ss Be Time Alph i Cherry Bomb me Alphal Temperature gt 1 i i Don t Drink amp Drive Speed gt Fi k New Line LEWAT ist Pans No Smoking Animation b Running Animal String Slot Machine Ticker Symbol Variable Counter gt Graphic Flick Gif Message Thank You Turbo Car Welcome 21 Col 1 Ai Creating a graphic Before you actually start drawing make sure you understand how a bitmapped image is displayed on a sign See Graphics must be bitmapped to a sign s columns and rows on page 140 You will need a program to create and edit bitmapped images Image editing software specifically Paint Shop Pro version 5 03 is included with AlphaNET 3 0 software however any image editing program can be used The image editing program used in the following example is version 5 03 of Paint Shop Pro If you are using a different version of this application the steps outlined in this manual can still be used See Paint Shop Pro a bitmapped image editor on page 141 Example 3 How to use a graphic in a message In this example arrow bitma
36. at Explode once 15 16 Row Normal lO OW rany The height of text in rows For example Seven Row Normal or Fancy text is 7 Ten Row Characters For more information see Using characters to change the look of a message on page 46 NOTE Some characters may not be available on a Sign See Appendix C Character fonts and colors available on Signs on page 131 Seven Row Normal Seven Row Fancy rows tall on a sign see Text comes in four basic sizes on page 139 Five Row Allows selection of 15 16 Row Ten Row Seven Row or Five Rowin a Condensed condensed format Allows selection of 15 16 Row Ten Row Seven Row or Five Rowin a Custom customized format Custom fonts must be installed in the sign s memory outside of AlohaNET 3 0 software Allows selection of multiple colors if you have a multicolor sign If no color is Color Selected then autocolor is set In this case the available colors are randomly displayed Normal The default setting for characters Wide Text is displayed in bold characters Double Wide Text is displayed in very bold characters Flashing Allows individual or many characters to flash on and off Double High Doubles the selected character height eee When checked the lower or descender part of letters such as j g and q are displayed on a sign When checked each character takes up a fixed width like typewriter text Fix
37. at the click of a button If you chose the appropriate box in the installation process the AlphaNET bar will appear automatically when you log into your PC nil Microsoft Office fm Programs b dy T Documents gt Winzip B Accessories D Adobe Photoshop 7 0 amp settings is sid tae Alpha Web Updates CR seach Aon EE alphaNeT Bar Q a ae Communications Manager a Md 7 Diagnostics 5a Run Message Editor amp Log Off kglaserbrown 7 di 5 Preview Animations ap Shut Down a Site Manager 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites How to change a sign s Serial address How to change a Sign s serial address What is a serial address About Address 00 If more than one sign will be connected to a connection device modem wireless or local connection then give each sign a unique address such as 07 02 03 and so on Otherwise sending a message to the sign with address 00 will also send the message to a other connected signs MA IAWU An Alpha sign has a feature which allows a unique number or serial address address for short to be assigned to the sign This address permits you to send messages to an individual sign on a network All Alpha signs leave the factory with a default address of 00 However another address such as 01 02 03 and so on can be given to a sign Addresses for signs should be assigned
38. atrl 1 a Automode Fie Ak U Replies Etrin New Group Alt N Schedule Gbr 5 Bpen Group Alba Select All ctrl Edit Ctrl E Elect eer ane Deselect All trit Ba spich Fane F Transmit Alt T Preferences lt P Exit Set Password View g Toolbar Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager x File Edit Messages View Help mE AmE AE SIRERE ARAR Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering Ga Lobby 3 Manufacturing I R amp D Sales Shipping Toolbar _ __ GjAdministration Gj Production Status Bar k u 112 4 Reference Site Manager Table 29 Site Manager Wen tem iii Creates a new site using four tabs of setup information e Site Info see Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups on page 9 site Editor site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Engineering K F Full Colon AGE Capable Compatibility Alpha TO E295 Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device Local Wired Com 2 Phone Humber ap Eode Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help Fil l e Sign Info see Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites lie New Site and groups on page 9 Site Editor xX Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Re
39. displaying a target file message In this example we will end up with a message on the Manufacturing signs that keeps track of the number of days without an accident Also when 50 days is reached a message appears on the Manufacturing signs that reads Another 50 days without an accident this is called a target message NOTE The Manufacturing signs can still display other messages After 50 days the counter included in the top message which counts up from 0 to 50 is set up to display the target message below 1 Open Message Editor and create a new message o x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Ded 848 F Pp Bp RE A Ready linet Cki ff 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file 2 Inthe message window type Days without an accident and a space Then add a counter to the message by selecting Options gt Counter gt Counter 2 i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help DO W Bs le Time Date E alphai Temperature Days without an ace Speed Mew Line New Page Animation String Ticker Symbol Variable Counter Counter 1 Graphic Counter 2 Flick Counter 3 Gif Counter 4 Message Counter 5 Inserts safety counter 2 into messeg i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Dad BE S HF PRPPP
40. larger than the sign can display it will size it down e 7 high normal characters are substituted for any 15 high normal characters e 7 high fancy characters are substituted for any 15 high fancy characters and so on e Ifa graphic is received that is taller than the display can show the top seven rows are displayed e Ifa graphic is received that is wider than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e Ifa graphic is received that is smaller than seven dots tall it will be displayed from the bottom of the sign up similar to the 5 dot character set shown above e Ifa character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used e Iftop bottom or fill positions are received middle is used Two line signs 4000 series On a double line sign the Top position is defined as the top 7 dots of the sign and operates in the same manner as a one line sign See exception conditions for a single line 7 row sign Bottom position The Bottom position is defined as the bottom 7 dots of the sign and is treated as a one line sign See exception conditions for a for a single line 7 row sign Middle position The Middle position is treated as though it were one line of 16 dots Each line of text presented on that line is prescanned to determine the largest piece of text or graphic object to be displayed The line of text is then vertically centered based on the largest object For ex
41. less than 0169 to create characters For example you can use A t and 0168 to create the letter but Alt and 0169 A tand 0170 and so on will not create the correct characters and should therefore not be used 3 Creating and sending messages 53 How to send a message to a Sign How to send a message to a sign What happens when messages are sent to a sign Messages are sent to signs using either Message Editor or Site Manager One message at a time is sent from Message Editor and it erases all other messages in the sign s memory This one message then plays over and over More than one message at a time can be sent from Site Manager and they erase all other messages in the sign s memory These new messages are then displayed one after the other When a single message is sent with Message Editor Be ANNIVI MSW OF x i Anniversary On Wednesday Oct 25 Jane celebrates her 15th anniversary with us Happy anniversary Jane After creating a message in Message Editor Select EI send the message to one or more sites Each message packet sent includes the date and time from the sending PC The clock inside the sign will be updated even if the message doesn t include the date or time 1 message repeated ANNIV1 MSW 54 When more than one message is sent with Site Manager BP ANNIVI MSW _ Oy x EK iaai BP EDI MSW ioje D S 15th a H ALPHA3 MSW l
42. me x Mode to add or move Add p interlock 3 Creating and sending messages 99 How to create and use a custom automode sequence 4 To add another mode to our custom automode sequence click Add again Then select another mode and click OK Automode Table default aut x Mode Order OK Interlock Cancel Add Delete hove Add or Move Mode Mode to add or move z 7 Before mode Rennes Interlock Automode Table default aub x Mode Order Ok Cancel NOTE The order of the modes can be changed using Move Modes can also be added or deleted using Add and Delete Using a custom Automode sequence 1 Using Site Editor double click the site that is to have the custom automode Select the Site Info tab and choose Alpha 2 0 for Compatibility site Editor site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Engineering S F Full Color AGE Capable Compatibility Alpha 2 0 Z Use as an Editor tranemit site Network Configuration Connection Device Local Wired Com 2 Phone Humber fap Lode Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help 100 3 Creating and sending messages How to create and use a custom automode sequence 2 Select the Sign Info tab Then click Automode File and select a custom automode file Site Editor q Fa Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced
43. select Edit gt Counter File 10 x File Edit Messages view Help EFT Connection Device Alt D Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Counter File Alt C Site Automode File Alt U alphal msw Always Select All Ctrl flood msw Always Deselect All Ctrl Switch Pane F6 Preferences Alt P Set Password GjaAdministration Production e E gt ALL MESSAGES Z 5 Next either open an existing counter file like the default file shown below or type a new file name such as shipping ctw Open a Look ir E AphaNET e c Ee File name fault ctw Files of type Counter Files ctw nal Cancel A 16 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file 6 When the Counter Setup window appears select the Counter 1 tab Then type in the values as shown below Table 23 Counter Example 1 Counter 1 setup Counter Setup shipping ctw X Counter 4 Counter 5 Target Files Counter 1 Counter 2 Counter 3 M Counter On Increment Minutes f Decrement Counter Values Target Files Counter Run Time Stark i f One Start Time Two Always Target l Three o MF Stop Time Dec Value ore Five O On Wweekends W Auto Reload Cancel Apply Help Counter 1 5 Select Counter 7 tab This is where a message is assigned to a target Target Files file One to five messages can be displayed on a sig
44. sites hold down the Ctr key while clicking Wh once on the name of the group een Select a group the sites in the group appear you just chose in this step The folder icon for that group will close and all other sites will be listed Ready 6 The Production group is created almost exactly like the Administration group However the Production group is made up of the Engineering Manufacturing and Shipping sites After adding the Production group this window appears File Edit Messages View Help mE AeA A RETENAR Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering Manufacturing E Shipping GAdministration Production 38 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Creating and sending messages 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing Basic message editing Because AlphaNET 3 0 software allows you an infinite number of ways to create a message for a sign it is not possible to show every one In the following pages however examples of basic and advanced message editing are presented First the basics Using Message Editor to create your message 1 Atter installing the AlphaNET 3 0 software on your PC open Message Editor Then open a window for a new message le Microsoft Office Fen Accessories F E Alpha web Updates K Adobe Photoshop 7 0 AphahET Bar Select Start gt
45. testing to see what a message looks like before sending it to many signs Alpha 1 0 EZ95 If all of your signs use the EZ95 protocol FZ KEY For the EZII protocol or Infrared Loader Incandescent If all the signs on this site are either a 790i 430i 440i or 460i Alpha 2 0 Includes features for the AlphaPremiere and AlphaEclipse series signs Alpha 3 0 Includes features for the AlphaEclipse PureColor 3600 Series sign Sites in List Selected Sites Because both R amp D signs are connected by a modem select Modem on Com 1 Enter the phone number the PC modem should dial Include 9 to dial out if necessary Check for the software to verify that a sign received messages sent to it When this option is on errors will be recorded in the error log of Communications Manager 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 5 N ext enter information on the Sign Info tab Table 8 R amp D setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info window Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt i None Single Beep Three Beeps Counters C l f Tune File Counter File None ier Aubomode Table Duration 2 D Automade File None Repeat fo Tune File Menor E Tune File None J Extended Memory Cancel Apply Help Address
46. 00 ea 98 3 Creating and sending messages How to create and use a custom automode sequence How to create and use a custom automode sequence The message mode called Automode is the default mode used if no other mode is selected in a message It displays the message with all the other modes provided with AlphaNET 3 0 software For descriptions of the modes see Appendix B Modes available on signs on page 129 A custom automode sequence can be created for each sign site You can set what modes automode will use by doing the following Creating or editing an Automode sequence 1 In Site Manager choose Edit gt Automode File Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Ca Connection Device Alk D Sit Counter File Alk C z UF a tomode File mT Message Name Start Day f Time i flood msw Always Select All Ctrl alpha2 msw Always Deselect All Ctrl Switch Pane Fe Preferences Alt F Set Password 2 Accept the name of default aut for the file choose an existing file if there is one or type in a different name for a new file to use Then click Open Ee ll Look in E AlphaNET e et 91 j92 C93 Cl Gifs 9 Samples Skins File name default aut Files of type Automode Files aut Cancel Z 3 Click Add Then select the Interlock gt OK to add the Interlock mode to our custom automode sequence Cancel
47. 004526 AF00004527 and so on has a minimum baud rate of 2400 Baud rates of 300 or 1200 will not be accepted even though these rates are shown in Connection Device Editor Alpha signs can receive at baud rates between 1200 Baud Rate and 9600 baud Only AlphaPremiere signs can use the 38400 baud setting Pager Header Pager Trailer Use these for your specific transmitter G Packet Size Consult your transmitter documentation for details SH Packet Delay js re eae ner wilh a serla Use E2 for 7 data bits even parity 2 stop bits pea ha a as Data Format Use 8N7 for 8 data bits no parity 1 stop bit Crean The 7E2 setting is compatible with most signs 18 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Setting up a Local Area Network LAN connection For more detailed information see the Networking Alpha Signs manual pn 9700 0112 In our imaginary company there are two signs that use a LAN connection In this example messages are sent to these signs using an Alpha Ethernet Adapter which is connected to a LAN L The number to the right of each sign is its serial 9 address 12 Continuing from the previous step select Add from the Connection Device Editor window Then select Ethernet Adapter from the list followed b
48. 95 Create a message with a string variable using Message Editor uccsccccenccirerirerrrrrerenn 96 Update the sting variable using the ACtiveX control 0 00 cee cccceecccsseecesseeeesseeceseesecsseesesnesereneess 97 How to create and use a custom AUTOMOCE SEQUENCE cccccccccessscccceccsscceeeecccsueeeeeceeseeeeesseeeseeeeeseeeenneatenes 99 Creating or editing an Automode SEQUENCE ccccscccccsscsccesssseesesseesssseesessseessseeeseseueeesenessseesesseesasnes 99 USING a CUSTOM AUTOMOGE Sequence cccscscssesssccssscssenssccsscssssensusecsenecssueseuassacceuseneuseneusenentsvenesens 100 4 AA VG cere sec E E T cio ee ee eee ease erectus 103 VICSSAGU EGO AAE E E EE E E E ane 104 Oe ll ON PPE E E a E AE EPE EE EE E EE E E E 112 C mmu ni ations ManagGr stswininnatneainnibacsacatadanictdvawhtansthineddacrad tran badediiiauiawnenieetatunalitdtanmaritminieentiiedinaatshaintens 118 DETE ALES E E EEN EIEE A E A E E A A E AA A A A E E A 120 D Appendices orocsscsr cere ecperen pte cte ote eae teas neawionlaceenncewebaieiecermieaieluenmatinns ole teinssatumnaiocluewanies 127 Appendix A Macintosh computer setup u ccc cccscssescssecsseessseesseneecsnsesensesaueusseesssseesseeeseseenennensanss 127 Appendix B Modes available On SIQNS ccsscccccscsssessesecsssscscessscseusssousesssuesusecuanseusenenseneusenesssonneneuseneas 129 Appendix C Character fonts and colors available ON SIQMS c c
49. ASI TO 5 5A CUI tesaecscieac sabre ca vcvatastosu nahin ouset artetaltseyatues E 40 Using Message Editor to create your MESSAGG ccsccccccssceecssseeeecesstececcseeecessaeeececseeeeeeseeeeeessanesensas 40 Using modes to change the look Of a message cecscccecessscecessseeeceessececsaeeeceesaneeeccueeecessaeeesersneeeeaas 43 Using characters to change the look Of a MESSAGE cccccesccceessseecesseeceeessetececssteeecesseeecerseeeeseeseeeeenaas 46 USING international CNAVACLENS criiintidieieicaniinenoiiaenna niiina eiiie ia ia aaiae 51 HOW to send a MESSAGE to a SIgn eeeccccessccecessseccesseeeceessaeeecccseteccesaueesecsueeeeceateseesstessesaeeesesseeesersaneesessnees 54 What happens when messages are sent to a S gn cecscccccessseccessseeecesseeeeecsseeeeecssueeecssueesesssaeeeeessnees 54 Sending messages from Message Eqitor cc cess cceescsssssssccessseeessseeessseeecsseeussneueseseeeussseessseusesseesesnes 55 Sending messages from Site Manager cc ccc sscssessssesesssesessseeessscesessseesssseeessceueuscsneusaseueseessesesesesanes 56 The difference between all messages and COMMON MESSAGEG ccscccccecssscceccsseeeesssseeeeersneeeesas 57 How to use graphics in messages ccccccsssesessecssvessscnesssscuserssssessescuneesencesevecsaceeuaucuaeusaueneusecuenessuveneevenuanens 58 CN O G areara a e E EET E O E ER 58 Creating a TICK cecccccccccssccsceceeeeesseecsueccssecessecessuecsa
50. AlphaNET version 3 0 Compatible with Windows 95 98 NT ME 2000 amp Macintosh PowerPCs m Microsoft Office g Winzip im Programs gt ia Accessories j mi A Adobe Photoshop 7 0 ae cy Documents Fo AlphaNET Training 7 amp Settings gt SS activePDF a aed LS AlphaNer b Alpha Web Updates EE AlphaNET Bar Help ge Communications Manager 5 Ly Diagnostics gi AL id Message Editor T On Line Manual Log Off kglaserbrown ap TED i Site Manager E Preview Animations User Manual For the most recent updates go to http www adaptivedisplays com support alphanet ADAPTIVE 1996 2003 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Form No 9708 8081G Revision date 04 04 2003 Manual Map Connecting your PC to a sign This chapter explains the basics of connecting your personal computer to a sign Installing AlphaNET 3 0 and setting up sites This chapter shows you how to install the AlphaNET 3 0 software on your personal computer Also a step by step tutorial explains the basics of creating sites using Site Manager Creating and sending messages This chapter explains how to create and send messages with Message Editor as well as how to include graphics and animation in your messages Reference This chapter contains quick reference summaries of Message Editor Site Manager Communications Manager and Diagnostics in the AlphaNET 3 0 so
51. Appendix B Modes available on signs Modes are special effects used to change the way a message appears on a sign and are used in Message Editor Aubormode Flash Hold Interlock Roll Rotate F Scroll e Open Message Editor and click Snow the Modes drop down menu Sparkle Spray Starburst Switch Twinkle Wipe H Cycle Color Available only on the AlphaEclipse oh PureColor 3600 Series sign Explode ey a e gt Cycle Color In Out vertical felele e o ojojo o ojoj Samad fraia le fel o ojojo Condense In Out horizontal In Out horizontal In Out vertical 200 Series 220C 300 Series 420C 4000 Series 7000 Series Big Dot AlphaVision Full Matrix AlohaVision Char Matrix 901 430i 440i 460i Solar BetaBrite 1 o ejoj ojoj o ojojojo o ojo Autom ojej ojojoj ojojoj oj o o ojo tw Director er eee ee eee eee i Aphatciese e elelele ele ele elelelelelelelelelelelele T hd hl oR ORO Tif the Slide mode is selected for either the 220C or 420C sign the Cycle Color mode will be used instead The same applies to the Spray mode for the 420C sign only jefe e ejoj oj jo sie ode 7 se ee eee eee cc l i A a A A A 5 Appendices 129 Appendix B Modes available on signs Table 3 Mode descriptions This is th
52. Basis displays these icons Message Name Start Day Toolbar Status Bar GAdministration Production Checking Status Bar displays informative text on this line gt 4 Reference 117 Communications Manager Communications Manager 118 Communications Manager keeps track of messages you send to signs and reports on transmission errors When a message is transmitted it goes through Communications Manager before going to a sign File Alte Remove Alt A View Log Alt L Eror Log Alt E Set Options Alt S Exit AlphaNET Communications Manager File Help Present Job List Job Site Phone Humber Active Job Job Bytes Sent File Complete File Size Elapsed Time Status Idle 4 Reference Communications Manager Table 30 Communications Manager n UUO E you to see the status of messages being transmitted to a site Site Name B Phone Number COM Fort Baud Rate Data Bits Parity IP Addres View IP Port Estimated Send Time O10 File Hame File Size contig tbl BIRTHDAY EZT Peno Removes selected messages from the job list When this is done the removed messages do not appear View Log Shows all items sent each day and creates a log file for each day s items Shows the message error log which is a list of failed message transmissions Use Resubmitto resend a failed transmission Details to see the details of a particular File transmission and
53. Close to close your GIF file 13 Next open Message Editor and create a new message if AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet Yiew Window Help Ded BBiIG AFIP PRP P alphai Ready line 1 Col 1 Num 4 14 Select Modes gt Hold using the Fill line position 3 Creating and sending messages T1 How to use graphics in messages H Alpha 7120 72 15 Select Option gt Gif Then select your GIF file and click OK An icon representing the Hold mode and one representing the GIF will appear in your message i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphai 3 x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Dahl BRE S6HF PPPPE Enn cx Ready Line 1 Colt 2 Z 16 Simulate your message to see what it looks like 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file How to edit a counter file What is a counter file A counter file sets up from 1 to 5 numerical counters counter 1 through counter 5 which can be used for either or both of the following Display information in minutes hours or days on a sign 0 x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D W S O G AF PRPPPP F A minutes before next shipment A counter can be placed inside a message This one is counting down from 60 minutes Display special messages target files on a sign after a set amount of time has passed
54. Delete to remove a job Thu Jan 09 Error Log P 3 7 7 Sun Jan 19 i i Delete Close E Use to enable or disable saving the log file You can also set how many days of log files will be saved This is useful is you have limited disk space Also a 24 hour time format 00 00 to 23 59 instead of using AM or PM can be set for all signs When this is checked all signs will display the time in I Log Enabled 24 hour format for example M LimitLogtoi Days 13 00 instead of 1 00 PM Set Options Time Format Enable 24 hour clock Quits Communications Manager 4 Reference 119 Diagnostics A diagnostics Diagnostics allows you to test the functions of a single Alpha sign or a network of Alpha signs Diagnostics can transmit messages or beeps to a sign receive specific information serial address firmware version time temperature and so on from a sign set specific information date time temperature and so on on a sign reset a sign clear a sign s memory Diagnostics can only be launched through the Start menu Start gt Programs gt AlphaNET gt Diagnostics Any changes you make within the Diagnostics application will be saved and appear the next time you open it For the best diagnostic result perform one Diagnostics function at a time A log file which contains a record of each function Diagnostics is asked to perform is automatically created and stored in the same directo
55. Dim AR Time E a a 20 Select OK and the following appears Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager The new Lobby site will appear in this aw all part of the window along with the gt Giobby Message Name Start Day Time StopDay Time other sites you created eti 30 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 21 The Engineering and Manufacturing sites are created just like the Lobby site However make sure that addresses of the Engineering and Manufacturing signs are set as follows nineerina 01 gineering 02 Addresses of Engineering signs Bm 03 Addresses of Manufacturing signs Manufacturing o NOTE To set the address of a sign see How to change a sign s serial address on page 7 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 31 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Creating the Shipping site a wireless example 22 The last site we have to create is Shipping which is a wireless site Select File gt New Site Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager oix Fie Edit Messages View Help New Ste Ctri N z ETER F Open Site Gh1 G Message Name Start Day Time
56. E Nex select the message The message can be edited scheduled by day date and time or transmitted immediately iol xi a w O A Sites Groups _ Start Day Time Stop Day Time flogd msw Always Engineering Ea Lobby C3 Manufacturing CoR amp D a Shipping GjAdministration amp a Production Select to set the day date and time when the message will start and stop on the Sales signs or select to edit the message in Message Editor before sending it or select g to transmit the message immediately to all the signs in the Sales site Ready 56 SEA ALL MESSAGES 3 Creating and sending messages How to send a message to a Sign The difference between all messages and common messages When you select a single site all the messages attached added to the site will appear in the Site Manager window However when you select more than one site only the messages that are common to both will appear Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Oj x File Edit Messages View Help Og lae B ARAB sL F 2 Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time alphal msw Always flood msw Always 3 Manufacturing CoR amp D Sales Shipping When the Engineering site is selected all the messages attached to the site appear GjAdministration G Production Ready C laut messaces Site
57. E EEA Eo E BEES Eee _ eae EEEEEEEE BRR RRR RRR BRR ERE RRR HTML 993333 Palette index 55 Color A 153 6 51 6 51 3 Creating and sending messages 65 How to use graphics in messages 5 Then draw the first bitmap image The first bitmap in this flick will show a ship entering from the left Side of the sign 66 Even though up to 100 bitmaps can be in a flick keep in mind that a sign s memory capacity is limited So experiment first with Small flicks on a sign gt p Fie Di View jasp Doba Lipi gidoi Maka Dpue window Hale OSHS titr YS aaa e Oo Fy oP PNA Ree OO Pa Pe ae 120 Ma Me ABE Egte fter you are finished drawing the first bitmap save it and all the other flick bitmaps in a folder named ship Name this first bitmap ship00 bmp and save it as a BMP file NOTE The name of each bitmap in a flick is important The first bitmap s name must end with 00 such as ship00 bmp The second bitmaps s name must end with 01 such as ship01 bmp The third bitmap s name must end with 02 such as ship02 bmp and so on Up to 100 bitmaps can be in a flick and must be numbered 00 to 99 such as ship00 bmp through ship99 bmp save all the flick bitmaps in the Special folder you created Save Ir AppleFilelnfo File name ship00 bmp Save as type Windows or OS 2 Bitmap brp Cancel Help Options 3 Creating
58. Information from Sign Configure Sign List of Text Dot String Files List of Quick Flicks GIFs Serial Error Status D Memon Capacity Counter Information Date Time D Memon Dump f Current Computer Date Other Date Jrarn cic py f Set Sign Time f Curent Computer lime C Other Time 24hr format hh mm Change Sign Address Current Address fo fo O00 Desired Address fo fo O00 Status Displays the information you can request from a sign Requested Information Sign Size Register Test Mode Register Serial Address Register Serial Data Register Other Options Register DIP Switch and Memory Size Register Dim Time Outdoor Signe Only Dimming Register Outdoor Signs Only External Temperature Outdoor Signs Only Internal Temperature Outdoor Signe Only Temperature Log Outdoor Signs Only Select Address Send Cancel Allows you to set specific information on a sign Outdoor Signs Only Set Dim Times Dim OFF Time El Dim On Time 12 00 AM Set Dimming Level Brightness Level e Fhotocell Enabled Set Temperature Offset Non Solars Offset p H Set Temperature Offset Solars Temperature select the information you want Diagnostics to retrieve by clicking the appropriate boxes and then select the sign addresses When finished click Send Select Address Send Stop Close Complete the appr
59. OC oF TAC or 4000 Series 160C or R 200C oF ACTA 7080C 80 X 24 7120C 120 x 24 7000 Series 7160C 160 x 24 7200C 200 x 24 J Outdoor displays olar series phaEclipso io eree e AlphaPremiere Series 9160C or R NOTE Sign names ending in C such as 4120C have color capabilities Sign names ending in R such as 4120P can display in red only 138 5 Appendices Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs IC SIZES Text comes in four bas i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edt Modes Sarees The Characters menu contains a list of available text sizes such as 15 16 Row Normal and Ten Row and options such as Wide and Flashing T o oo onl on J a ol mo D o aa uo ke ie e oe e e a A G O S S y y Seven Aow Fanc g True Descenders 15 16 Row Fane Ten Row y Seven Row Normal Five Row Condensed Double wide Flashing Double Hi Fired width Custom t Normal Wide The default Text sizes are selected from the Characters menu text size is Seven Row Normal Other text options can also b selected here and Five Row These are also available in compressed form Customized variations can be installed into the sign s firmware and accessed in the software The four basic text sizes are 15 16 Row Normal and Fancy Ten Below are examples of how the message Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 woul
60. OK the following window appears Connection Device Editor Default Connection Device Add Edit Available Connection Devices x Remove Local Wired Com 2 Modem on Com 1 Rename Make Default Custom ree OF r you want to change any of the local settings make sure Local Wired Com 2 is highlighted as above and then select Edit Use the following window to change the settings and then select OK Table 4 Local setup General Settings Data Fomat 7E2 gt Baud Rate 9600 gt Modem Settings Wireless Settings Moder Pager Header e o Fager Trailer COM Fort wireless C TEFAF IF Fort Dialing Frefis Modern Init String Facket Size Facket Delay A COM Port Select the port on your PC that is cabled to your sign s Use E2 for 7 data bits even parity 2 stop bits Data tornai Use 6N7 for 8 data bits no parity 1 stop bit The 7E2 setting is compatible with most signs but 8N1 must be used with an AlphaEclipse 3500 Series A sign Alpha signs can receive at baud rates between 1200 and Baud Rate 9600 baud Only AlphaPremiere and AlphaEclipse signs can use the 38400 baud setting 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Setting up a wireless transmitter connection In our imaginary company there is just one sign that uses a wireless About Address 00 con
61. Programs gt AlphaNET gt Message Editor J D AlphaNET Training g Communications Manager or click the Message Editor button on the AlphaNET achvePDE Ei Diagnostics b acl ar Pleat i m ARRIT H Message Editor E i yal On Line Manual E Preview Animations Settings a Site Manager Alp il Search j Help 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Rum File View Help Ded gt t BRIS F P PPP P Windows 200 Professional Log OFF kglaserbrown Shut Gown Then click 3 to create a new Ready E Num 4 message window i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal mje x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet view Window Help Dad G BF PPRPPP alpha1 Ready Line 1 Col 1 Num 4 40 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing 2 Type The first message in the window AlphaNeT Message Editor aiphat aT File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Da h sselSas PoPppe pl E alphal The first messagel Ready Line 1 Col 18 NM 4 3 Use File gt Simulate to view what the message will look like on a sign or click the Simulate button on the toolbar Click here to view what i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal your message will look File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help like on a sign StS StH FP PP PPP e E alphat il joj x a The first message Ready Line 1 Col 18 MM g Right click on the simulator and clic
62. T Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Da Oe S AFIP PPP EP eon 4 Type Today s sales total ioix Fie Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet wiew Window Help Dad t e S AF PPPPeE F ioi xi Today s sales total 96 3 Creating and sending messages How to use real time data in a message 5 Select Options gt String to insert a string variable into the message 2 0 x i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal Fie Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help DSM sie Te Date Temperature Today s sales total Speed New Line New Page Animation String Ticker Symbol Variable Counter Graphic Fecha Gif Message The string label value is determined by Insert String what you selected in step 2 For example if you selected Strings 1 9 then type a number from 1 to 9 i AlphaNeET Message Editor Alphal Ioj x File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Cae e tee S AF P PPP P E alphal Today s sales totaNy The string variable icon Update the string variable using the ActiveX control 6 Use the Alpha String Update Control the ActiveX component of AlphaNET 3 0 software to update the message s string variable Following is a description of the available methods and properties of this ActiveX control 3 Creating and sending messages 97 How to
63. age editing program can be used The image editing program used in the following example is version 5 03 of Paint Shop Pro If you are using a different version of this application the steps outlined in this manual can still be used See Paint Shop Pro a bitmapped image editor on page 141 1 Using your Internet browser log onto the Adaptive Micro Systems Web site at http www adaptivedisplays com sample htm 2 n the upper right hand corner of Adaptive s main page right click on the Tell a Friend graphic and select Save Picture As Right click on this graphic and select Save Picture As 3 Save the file as a GIF file to your C Program Files Adaptive Micro Systems AlphaNET directory 4 Onte AlphaNET bar click the Paint Shop Pro Animation button or select Start gt Programs gt Paint Shop Pro gt Animation Shop F VERSION F 5 Select File gt Open and select your GIF file Then click Open Change any colors in the GIF file if they are incompatible with your sign Note that if black or white is used in a GIF or BMP file the sign thinks you want it to turn off those particular LEDs Try using a different color 3 Creating and sending messages 69 How to use graphics in messages 70 7 Select Edit gt Resize Animation and resize the file to your sign s specifications Make sure the Maintain aspect ratio box is checked and then click OK Pixel Size Width E x Heigh
64. ame the graphic rarrow bmp E Graphics Save in ram Ezi Falette bmp E PSP bmp E PSPMainScr bmp JER arrow bmp Ei Smalin bmp E Bigw in bmp FA Hewlmage bmp File name Rarrow bmp Save Save as type Windows or OS 2 Bitmap bmp Cancel Help Options pe 6 Create the other arrow shown below using steps 2 through 4 and save it as larrow bmp El Image13 16 1 Layer lo Ts Next open Message Editor Then select File gt New 3 AlphaNET Message Editor File view Help Ded SRIS H FIP PPP PF Ready es es T 3 Creating and sending messages 61 How to use graphics in messages 8 Select Modes gt Hold using the Middle line position Then select Options gt Graphic When the Select Graphic window appears choose the rarrow bmp right arrow file you just created Look in AlphaNe T e amp ef EE For graphics any mode EE can be used For flicks the 126 Cy Claf Hold mode must be used 27 LJ38 C Samples 128 BEE C Skins For either graphics or 133 Larrow bmp flicks the mode selected Ee must use the Middle line position File name Forme Files of type Bitmap bmp Cancel Zi 9 An icon representing the graphic will appear Type News after it Put a space before and after News Finally put the left arrow bitmap larrow bmp after News This is what you should now see Alpha _ Oy x Hold mode middle
65. ample if you have a line of text which has mostly 5 high characters but has one 10 high character the line is viewed as a 10 row high line and since this is a 16 row sign that leaves 6 extra rows 3 blank rows on the top and 3 blank rows on the bottom All text and objects are then lined up to this new virtual bottom the 13th line and treated the same as in a single line sign 5 Appendices Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Exception conditions e If the sign receives a font that is larger than the sign can display it will size it down On this sign in the middle position the only characters that are too large are characters using the double high control code This control code is ignored e Ifagraphic is received that is taller than the display can show the top sixteen rows are displayed e Ifa graphic is received that is wider than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e Ifa character set is not established in the message 16 high normal characters are used Fill position On a 4000 series sign the Fill position indicates that you want to use no more than 7 high characters and that you want to fit as much text on the screen as you can When in this mode the sign views itself as having two lines of 7 high characters and no means of handling a character set larger than 7 high If a graphic is selected at most seven rows of that graphic w
66. and groups Deselect All The opposite of Select All There are three panes in the Site Manager window see below Selecting Switch Pane moves from the current pane to another pane Message pane Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help O k alama sites Groups Start Day G Engineering Ea Lobby Switch Pane Ca Manufacturing GIRD G Sales Ea Shipping Site pane Administration E Production Group pane Allows you to save run times for recently added messages Set Password Allows you to password protect Site Manager 116 4 Reference Site Manager Table 29 Site Manager Menu item Description Add Adds a message to the end of the current message list Insert Inserts a message above the message that is currently selected Replace Replaces the message currently selected with another message of your choice Sets the times when a message appears on a Sign Message Scheduling Start Day Time In this example Monday 10 50 AM Cancel the message p a Ma will display every Monday Stop from 10 50 a m Bey to 12 00 p m Monday Ee 2262003 TZA aM Messages Schedule Note Sites that have Compatibility on the Site Info tab set to Alpha 2 0 can schedule messages using dates Select Date for the start day to activate a calendar Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Checking Toolbar Q Ge
67. and sending messages How to use graphics in messages 7 Create the other bitmaps in the flick Each bitmap file must end with a consecutive number 00 01 02 and so on and each bitmap must be saved as a BMP file in a special folder for the flick ship in this case The completed flick of 11 bitmaps shows a ship crossing the screen When the ship is about mid screen a submarine periscope appears in front of the ship The periscope disappears as the ship passes above it but pops up again behind the ship looks around then goes under water ship00 bmp ship01 bmp ship02 bmp ship03 bmp ship04 omp ship05 bmp ship06 bmp ship07 bmp ship08 bmp ship09 bmp ship10 bmp 3 Creating and sending messages 67 How to use graphics in messages Another way to create a flick Though the Flick option will only work with AlphaVision and Series 7000 signs there is another way to create the illusion of motion on a sign The Graphic option can be used to place one graphic after another in a message Use the Hold mode with the Middle line seston and seed File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help No Hold option in Dok tO S BFIPERPE S front of the graphics AE E Alpha This is necessary in i BEJ x z order to turn off the Automode feature so that the graphics will display correctly oj x Ready Line 1 Col 6 4 ship00 bmp throu
68. appropriate response when the prompt to do so appears For more information on the Site Wizard or on installing AlphaNET 3 0 see How to install AlphaNET 3 0 software pn 9708 8099 Right click anywhere in this area of the AlphaNET bar and select Change Skinto choose a different color for the bar 3 0 software Start Microsoft Windows software and be sure to have all other applications closed Insert the AlphaNET 3 0 software CD ROM into your CD drive The installation process will start automatically If installation does not start automatically you can either e Select Start gt Run Next type d setup using the correct letter for your CD drive if not d Finally select OK Hew Office Document cee Open Office Document EJ winzip l a Programs a Documents E Settings 3J Find amp Help eM Aun Type the name of a program folder or document and Windows will open it for you Oper Ja setup Z r Y Y Y a i gt by Shut Down Cancel Browse e Or using Windows Explorer double click Setup exe in your CD ROM drive folder Fonow the instructions when the installation program prompts you for a response When the installation program is complete AlphaNET appears in your Start menu If you select the AlphaNET bar you will have access to Message Editor Site Manager Communications Manager Paint Shop Pro and Paint Shop Pro Animation
69. at 0 days and then count up to 50 Counter Values Enter a0 Enter 7 because we want counter 2 to count up 1 Inc day at a time 1 2 3 and so on Check One This means that one message will One Five appear on the sign after counter 2 has reached its target value Start Counter Run Time pa Weekends since we do not need our counter running on weekends leave this unchecked This box is checked because we want our counter to count continuously If this box was not checked counter 2 would count up to 50 just once In this example A ways is selected because we want counter 2 running continuously Auto Reload 8 Next select the Target Files tab and for Target File 1 select Browse and then the file you created target1 msw Counter Setup Farget ctw X Counter 1 Counter 2 Counter 3 Counter 4 Counter 5 Target Files Target File 1 C AlphaNET targetT msw Target File 2 Browse Target File 3 Browse Target File 4 Browse Target File 5 Browse OF Cancel Apply Help 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file 9 fter selecting the target file click Open and then OK to close the Counter Setup window Then double click the Manufacturing site to access the Site Editor window Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager GiAdministration amp Production Double click Manufacturing Manufacturing D Full Color AGE Capable A
70. base32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Oj xi File Edit Messages View Help mE imu AE SECRE RENAE AR Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering B flood msw Always CjLobb Manufacturing CaSales a Shipping Also when the Manufacturing site is selected all the amn aAa messages attached to the site appear Ready C lait messaces gt Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Oj x File Edit Messages View Help Ogiam Bi AR AO7 F 2 Sites Groups Message Name Ej flood msw Start Day Time Stop Day Time Always Ea Shipping However when both sites are selected then only the messages that are common to both sites will appear GjAdministration Gj Production LS COMMON MESSAGES eR 3 Creating and sending messages 57 How to use graphics in messages How to use graphics in messages The Animation Graphic Flick and Gif options allow you to include Example graphic files are small pictures in messages Use the Graphic option to display single included with AlphaNET bitmapped images and the Animation Flick or Gif option to display 3 0 software multiple images like a movie Note that not all signs display animations Look in the Samples folder installed on your computer For the Graphic Flick and Gif options you can create the images yourself use the animations provided such
71. ccccsscccsseccsseecsseeecsseecesseeeeeseseersesertaeens 131 Appendix D Display Options available ON SIQNS ssessessseeseessesesrresrrserrrsrrssrrrsrrrnsrrrsrrrnsrrrnsrrrerrrnerrrerrrnrns 132 Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill 0s n0nnn0nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnn 133 Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed ON SIQNS ccccccessscecsssseeecesnececesseeeceesneeeessaneeeesates 138 viii Connecting your PC to a sign 1 Connecting your PC to a sign PC hardware and software requirements PC hardware and software requirements Minimum hardware and software requirements e Windows 95 98 XT NT Workstation ME or 2000 software e Processor requirements appropriate to selected operating system e 16 MB RAM e 10 MB of hard disk space e CD drive e RS232 serial port or LAN access e Works with Alpha displays Other hardware requirements Additional hardware such as connectors and cabling is also required and depends on the type of sign and connection you will be using Macintosh hardware and software requirements See Appendix A Macintosh computer setup on page 127 for details Related documentation The following documentation may be useful with this manual ree amanane enon 9700 0112 Networking Alpha Signs Explains the various types of sign networking the various types of sign networking options available 9708 8061 Alpha
72. ceipt Address List 03 05 f None f Single Beep f Three Beeps Counters l f Tune File Counter File C Alphalle T vengineer ctw f Custom Tone Duration 2 Aubomode File Hane Repeat fo Tune File Memon Tune File J M Extended Memory a Cancel Apply Help Automode File and Tune File are available only if Compatibility on the Site Info tab is set to Alpha 2 0 4 Reference 113 Site Manager Table 29 Site Manager Menu item Description e Group Info see Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups on page 9 Site Editor Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Group Setup Available Groups Joined Groups Administration Production Join Group This shows that the Manufacturing Site is part of the Production group anoei any He e Advanced see Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups on page 9 Offsets allows you to Delayed Send Options Dimming Options correct for time zoneand permits you to delay allows you to dim a temperature differences transmitting sign s LEDs by a File New Site For example if you are messages to a sign specified percentage at continued sending messages from This is useful if you a specific time This the Central Standard are using a modem to Option can only be used Time zone to a sign send messages late at with AlphaEclipse and located in the Ea
73. d appear on a two line 4120C or 4120R sign in all four basic text sizes except Ten Row 15 16 Row Normal Seven Row Normal and Fancy J Row Characters are 15 or 16 rows high and about 9 columns wide Seven Row Normal OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOO OO0000 Characters are 7 rows high and about 6 columns wide Characters are 5 rows high and about 5 columns wide 139 5 Appendices Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs Graphics must be bitmapped to a sign s columns and rows Before you create a bitmap image for a sign you must first know the display area of that sign See Columns and rows make up a sign on page 138 The columns and rows that make up a sign s display area also represent the maximum pixel size of an image that can be put on the sign For example a 4120C or 4130R sign has a total display area of 120 columns x 16 rows This means that the largest image a 4120C could display would be 120 pixels long x 16 pixels high A graphic may be too big for some signs Because signs vary in size make sure the images you create can fit on all your signs Though this 32 x 16 pixel bitmap fits easily on a two line 4120C sign only the top part appears on a one line 215C sign A graphic may be the wrong color for some signs Only sign names ending in C have color capabilities such as the 4120C Sign names ending in R like the 4120R can only disp
74. dit Use the following window to change the settings and then select OK Table 3 Modem setup Modem on Com 1 General Settings Wireless Settings COM Port com I Modem Pager Header Data Format 7E2 D Wireless Pager Trailer Baud Fate 3600 F TEFAF IF Fort 20m Modem Settings Dialing Frefis Facket Size Modem Init String Facket Delap Check this box B COM Port Select the port on your PC that connects to your modem Use E2 for 7 data bits even parity 2 stop bits Daa Fonmat Use 8N7 for 8 data bits no parity 1 stop bit The 7E2 setting is compatible with most signs but 6 7 must be used with an AlphaEclipse 3500 sign Alpha signs can receive at baud rates between 1200 and Baud Rate 9600 baud Only AlphaPremiere signs can use the 38400 baud setting If you must dial a number such as 9 for your modem to reach an outside phone line enter the number here Leave blank with an AlphaEclipse 3500 sign Modem Init Consult your modem documentation Leave blank with an string AlphaEclipse 3500 sign Dialing Prefix 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Setting up a cable local connection In our imaginary company the following signs are connected by a local connection Direct cable comnection local Converter Box III
75. e TED EE cer nE elutee fo alo PmenEEPE NER Pr NP FIL Shows available characters in the selected font Keystroke Spacebar 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing Imagine you want to add the letter a to your message First set Fontto Terminal Second click the letter 2 4 Character Map Oe x Font Terminal Characters to copy Close PPREERE KD VPREBEEPPBPEGEKEPE RLMNOPORSTUUNRWZIEKOAL ic Lm fn fo pla Pee fe ule eb eei e le CURES CER PERRRRECROR ORO RWCENRE ae MARE bess b gt SEATA H inh BSP CE Ee PEE Ee EIE n e Pe LE De EE r e E eerie lo deleo fla letele n Eee ENE RPL NP ERT Shows available characters in the selected font Keystroke Alt 01 32 B L jM 2 Third note the keystroke You must hold A t and type _ A 0132 to create the international character 2 Return to Message Editor Add the a character to the message by typing 0732 while holding down the Alt key on your keyboard 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Deh t e 48 F P P PP W alphai 4 This is a test Finally to make sure you have actually created the character you want simulate the message Alpha 4120C Ale You cannot use characters created by holding down the Ctrl key and typing the combination For example you will not be able to use the character because it is created by using Ctrl and 2 Also you can only use Alt with numbers
76. e The centerline is never placed lower than 8 rows from the bottom of the sign This ensures that there is always room for one line of 7 dot high characters on the top or bottom including one blank row Once its position is established the centerline remains fixed at that position until a Fill or Middle position command is received All subsequent top or bottom position commands use the amount of space set by the position of the centerline You cannot change the position of the centerline with a second top bottom command For example BF Alphal ile x Message ton Holacolor Green Five Row HELLO Bottom Holdlots of text about hasically 4 Centerline gt Middle position The Middle position is treated as though it were one line as many dots high as the sign is tall Each line of text presented on that line is prescanned to determine the largest piece of text or graphic object to be 136 5 Appendices Fill position Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill displayed The line of text is then vertically centered based on that largest object For example if you have a line of text which has mostly 5 high characters but has one 10 high character the line is viewed as a 10 row high line Assuming this is a 24 row sign that would leave 14 extra rows 7 blank rows on the top and 7 blank rows on the bottom All text and objects are then lined up to this new virt
77. e default mode which actually consists of using all other modes available OU to each sign If no other mode is selected the message will appear in automode All characters flash off and on from the point of Flash mode until the point where Flash another mode is selected if any Hold Holds the message or specified text in a fixed place for several seconds Alternating rows of dots enter from each direction on a sign and interlock to form uence the message in the center of the sign Rolls the characters in the message in their entirety onto the sign in the desired direction You can choose to roll up down left right in or out Rotates a message from right to left across the sign without stopping For certain malate Signs text can be condensed or standard Moves the message one line at a time from the bottom to top of the sign The scroll previous line is pushed off the sign The message moves onto the sign from one direction to the other one character at Slide a time The dots of each character in the message fall randomly onto the sign as if it is Snow i snowing The message sparkles onto the sign by randomly filling the letters of the message Sparkle at the start of the message display only The message is sprayed onto and across the sign left to right column by column apra and character by character Starburst Random starbursts explode over and around letters of the message on the sign Alternat
78. e number of times the beep or series of beeps will Repeat Sound Used for large file transmissions such as when sending Extended graphics to a display sign Must be selected when Memory sending to an AlphaPremiere 9000 or AlphaEclipse sign 26 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 12 In this example nothing needs to be changed on the Group Info tab Site Editor mx V Photocell Enabled BGhtness 2 Dim Wa time Din OFF hime The new Sales site will appear in this part of the window along with the gt R amp D site 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 21 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Creating the Lobby Engineering and Manufacturing sites a wired example 15 fter creating the Sales site we ll create the Local sites First we ll create the two lobby signs Select File gt New Site Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Rife x File Edit Messages View Help New Site Ctrl AMES F F Open Site Ctri 0 ji Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time New Group Alt Open Group Alt O 16 fter selecting New Site the Site Editor window appears Table 11 Lobby setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window Site Editor eee x site Into Si
79. e of sign Address List __ Addresses of Lobby signs addresses can be entered using a See NOTE at the end of hyphen this example For example the address list C Counter File See How to edit a counter file on page 73 5 6 8 9 could also be entered Choose an automode table if desired Compatibility on the Site Info tab must be Alpha 2 0 or Alpha 3 0 for Automode Automode Table to be available File as 5 9 See How to create and use a custom automode sequence on page 99 for more information Signs in the address list can play a tune file each time they receive a message To do this select Tone on Tune File Receipt gt Tune File Then browse and select one of the pre programmed tune files Only available on an AlphaPremiere 9000 sign F Duration In seconds the In seconds the length of time each beep will sound of time each beep will sound a ete number of times the beep or series of beeps will Repeat saan Used for large file transmissions such as when sending Extended graphics to a display sign Must be selected when Memory sending to an AlphaPremiere 9000 or AlphaEclipse Signs 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 29 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 18 In this example nothing needs to be changed on the Group Info tab Site Editor Photocell Enabled Soke e Se OTT TM EES Ae Win Wi ime
80. e two signs in the R amp D site see Schematic of the tutorial company on page 10 One of these signs must be given an address of 01 and the other sign an address of 02 see How to change a sign s serial address on page 7 2 To create the R amp D site open Site Manager if it is not already opened Fi AlphaNET Fanny DE VERSION G E N V g Eml H Microsoft Office r g Winzip Accessories j Programs 16 Adobe Photoshop 7 0 Documents r i AlphaNET Training E Alpha Web Updates E US activePDF Fd Eh sets t EE alphaNeT Bar AlphaNET t ap Communications Manager if b X eae E Diagnostics x Help H Message Editor a 1 On Line Manual E Preview Animations amp Log Off kglaserbrown Site Manager s n Shut Down 3 Select File gt New Site iol xi File Edit Messages View Help New Site Ctrl h Open Site Gtr O Start Day Time Stop Day Time Message Name New Group Alt Open Group AlE O ReEMGVvE Del ansmit AlE T 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 21 Be careful when you check Use as an Editor transmit site for more than one site Whenever you transmit Jo Selected Sites in Message Editor the message will go to all sites designated as a transmit site This means you may have messages going to signs you did not intend to use If you have signs networked together that use both the Alpha
81. ed Width i E a l l Otherwise text is displayed proportionally with varying widths Shadow Allows selection of the shadow color for the message characters 4 Reference 107 Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Inserts the time into a message Time NOTE The time is based on the time stored in your computer If your computer s clock is incorrect then the time displayed on a sign will also be incorrect Inserts the date into a message A number of formats are available x Date Format f MDO C DOMM C l C DOMM MM DO Yr cma Date MM DoAY C DO MM iY Options some options may not be available on a sign See Appendix D Display Options available on signs on page 132 C DD Mhirr MMMM DO yy E MM DE Day of Week Sample 3 26 03 Inserts the current temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius into a message P EKALUNG NOTE This option is only available on the 790i Solar and AlphaEclipse outdoor signs The Speed menu item displays 5 speeds and a Wo Hold option Each speed determines how fast messages are displayed on a sign and then replaced by the next message Speed speed 1 is the slowest and Speed 5 is the fastest Use No Hold if you want your messages displayed as quickly as possible Forces a line break Use New Line in place of a carriage return when you want New Line text to appear on a new line New Page Acts a
82. er sites that have been specially selected as Use as an Fditor transmit site See R amp D setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window on page 22 in Chapter 2 Ready Line 1 Col 55 Transmit xj Transmit Options i To All Sites panes To Selected Sites 3 Creating and sending messages 55 How to send a message to a Sign Sending messages from Site Manager 1 To select more than one Site first hold down the Ctr key on your keyboard then click the sites 3 Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages Yiew Help Before sending a message you must create at least one site using Site Manager See Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups in Chapter 2 you have not already done so add your message to the site or sites to which you want the message sent Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help O x mE n AE HAAG amp F Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering a Lobby C3 Manufacturing GI R amp D Fe Sales CaShipping Select to add a message to the Sales site GjAdministration Gi Production 2 x Look ir AlphaNe T amp et Es Ready 15 Flood ris af Gifs 36 Samples 39 Skins 40 E Alphal msw E Alphaz msw File name o O O Files of type Alpha ET Mag mew hi Cancel
83. es using the Alpha String Update Control you can also write your own application to update variables For more information see the Alpha Sign Communications Protocol manual Real time data example Create sign memory configurations using Site Manager 3 Creating and sending messages e In Site Manager double click the site for the sign which will use string variables Then click the Advanced tab aio x File Edit Messages View Help mi na AE B D ARG F Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time flood msw Always Engineering CiLobby 3 Manufacturing CaR amp D GiAdministration Site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced Production Offsets Delayed Send Options Dimming Options Time Zone Use Send Times I Photocell Enabled poo After fizo Abd Brightness 23 En Temperature Dim En Time Dim OFF Time a Before fizo AM Never gt Read 3 i t Memon Configuration Assign Fixed Memory Partitions Keyboard File Size fi 0 D Strings A Z I Configure as ticker site Hl Strings wet 3 mon Strings 1 9 Configuration Cancel Apply Help 95 How to use real time data in a message 2 Create a sign memory configuration by checking either e Assign Fixed Memory Partitions Check this to assign your own sign memory configuration in the Configuration box For detailed information see
84. ew Line option after each city and amount pair To do this use the Options menu 10 x 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha2 msw File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help e P P D SW Swe We ate Temperature ge New Line kT New Page 4nimation gt A String Las Vegas Ticker Symbol Chicago 199 Variable New York 235 Counter gt Graphic licker Gif Message line 3 Col 15 NM 4 me x 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha2 msw Fie Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet wiew Winflow Help D W S BBElIEG BFIPPERPPP 2 alpha2 msw kT A Las Vegas 85 These are New Line icons Chicago 199 New York 235 lol x Ready Line 7 Col 14 INUM 4 25 Simulate the message to see how New Lines affect the message format This is what you should see The New Line option formats the text correctly 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing Using international characters International characters such as the in r sum are available in French German Italian Spanish and Croatian Additional characters are also available Check the Character Map accessory to see if contains the character you want NOTE These instructions are for a Windows 95 operating system menu selections and screens may be different in other versions of Windows Follow this procedure to use interna
85. ext click R amp D and then Include Site to add the R amp D site to the Administration group You can also double click the sites to include them Add the Sales and Lobby sites to the Administration group in the same way Group Editor gy x Group Hame Administration Use the Ctrl key to select multiple All Sites Sites in this group Sites i i Manufacturing Also you can double click a site i i i ales to include it However to exclude Shipping a site you must select it in the right column and then click Remove Site Include Site Remove Site 4 When you are finished adding the Sales and Lobby sites select OK and the following appears Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager lo x Fie Edit Messages view Help Om ame B ARARG S F Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering Lobby Groups like Administration will appear in this area Ready 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 3 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 5 To see the sites that belong to a single group just click on that group The folder for the group will open and only the sites in that group will be listed Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages view Help Oms am B ARRGS F 2 Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time To return to seeing all
86. f type Drives Counter files ctw BE c Network Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 0 0 i None f Single Beep Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Counters E CAALFHANE T shipping ctw Automode T able E Automaode File Nove fo Tune File Memon Tune File Nove V Extended Memory Duration Repeat OF Cancel Apply Help Select OK 79 How to edit a counter file 80 9 Aad the message that contains counter 1 to the Shipping site Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help jow iae RB POMOeFie sites Groups Message Name Start Day f Ti G Engineering Ea Lobby G Manufacturing mea E Production Select Shipping Then click Ey Ready 21 xi Look in Sy AlphaNET ck select the message 157 7 countshp msw that contains counter Gifs EI Flood msw CI Samples 1 countshp msw Skins 1 Alphal msw E alphaz msw CI ick OK File name Files of type AlphaNET Msg msw 7 Cancel Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Og ame B ARB s F Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop C Engineering E countshp msw Always CjLobby Cj Manufacturing CoR amp D The message you added appears here after any previously selected messages The order in which the mes
87. fo window Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 01 02 None f Single Beep oie Three Beeps C Tune File Counter File ore Evetann fare Aubomode T able Duration D gt Automode File ee SSS Repeat Tune File Memory E an Tune File ore I Extended Memory H Cancel Apply Help Tone on See R amp D setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info Receipt window on page 23 The addresses of the Sales signs are01 and 02 ale 01 Addresses of the Sales A long sequence of sign Address List signs addresses can be entered using a See NOTE at the end of hyphen 02 yp this example For example the address list e Counter File See How to edit a counter file on page 73 9 6 7 8 9 could also be entered Choose an automode table if desired Compatibility on as 5 9 the Site Info tab must be Alpha 2 0 or Alpha 3 0 for Automode Automode Table to be available File See How to create and use a custom automode sequence on page 99 for more information Signs in the address list can play a tune file each time they receive a message To do this select Tone on Tune File Receipt gt Tune File Then browse and select one of the pre programmed tune files Only available on an AlphaPremiere 9000 sign F Duration In seconds the length of time each beep will sound Th
88. ftware NOTE Due to continuing product innovation specifications in this document are subject to change without notice Copyright 1996 2003 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc All rights reserved The distinctive appearance of this product is a Trade Dress of Adaptive Micro Systems Inc The following are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems Adaptive Alpha AlphaNET plus AlohaNET AlphaEclipse AlphaPremiere Alphaticker AlphaVision AlphaVision InfoTracker Automode BetaBrite BetaBrite Director BetaBrite Messaging Software Big Dot PPD Smart Alec Solar and TimeNet are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Visit us at our Internet World Wide Web site http www adaptivedisplays com or email us at sales adaptivedisplays com What s new in AlphaNET version 3 0 software Password protection Site Manager and Message Editor can now be password protected Select Set Password from the Edit drop down menu x pl a a seria in ae Old Password When changing the password you must ASSWOTG line then press r amp v Cancel first type the password to be changed in Type the same password in the Verify New Password the Old Password line box and click OK Menu customization You can customize the options appearing in the drop down menus in Message Editor by selecting Edit gt Customize x The type of sign selected Show menu items for determines the options gt __ IERIE i Cancel
89. gh ship05 bmp 68 3 Creating and sending messages Creating a GIF If you are not using Paint Shop Pro don t worry Most editing programs create images in a manner similar to Paint Shop Pro However if you are not using Paint Shop Pro make sure that your software has a zoom feature to increase the size of the bitmap being edited Be careful what color you use The color red will work on all signs For more information see A graphic may be the wrong color for some Signs on page 140 How to use graphics in messages NOTE The GIF option will only work with the 7000 series 9000 series AlphaVision full matrix and AlphaEclipse signs If a different sign is used Extended Memory must be checked on the Sign Info tab of Site Editor in order for this feature to work A GIF contains multiple images in one file that simulate animation such as a hummingbird hovering above a flower The GIF option is used to put moving animation in messages and you can use the GIF files provided or create your own see the example below Note that GIF files are available on Adaptive s Web site at http www ams i com Pages eif htm free and formatted You will need a program to create and edit your GIF images Image editing software specifically Paint Shop Pro version 5 03 is included with AlphaNET 3 0 software See a Paint Shop Pro manual for more information on how to use that software However any im
90. gn Must be selected when sending to an AlphaPremiere 9000 or AlphaEclipse sign 5 6 7 8 9 could also be entered as 5 9 e r 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 23 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 6 In this example nothing needs to be changed on the Group Info tab Site Editor f n this example nothing needs to be changed on the Advanced tab 4 Photocell Enabled engntness ss Winn Wi ime Bim GFP Time L E E E Sites like the new R amp D site gt you just created will appear in this part of the window 24 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Creating the Sales site a LAN example 9 fter making the R amp D site we ll create the Sales site which consists of two signs see Schematic of the tutorial company on page 10 First select File gt New Site Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager oj x File Edit Messages View Help New Site Ctrl N Ep E3 d Open 5i Gtri O pen Site Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time New Group Alt N Open Group Al O 10 fter selecting New Site the Site Editor window appears Table 9 Sales setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info window mm ES site Into Sign Info Group Info Advanced
91. gn Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Lobby a Full Color AGE Capable B Compatibility Alpha 1 0 E295 C Network Configuration E p Connection Device Local Wired Com 2 Phone Humber ap Ende M Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help Check this box when using an AlphaEclipse Full Color RGB PureColor 3600 Series display sign full color not Capable monochrome Also select A pha 3 0 under Compatibility Compatibilit See Sales setup 1 of 4 Site Editor Site Info Device Enable error checking am e Use as an Editor C frente a 28 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 17 Next enter information on the Sign Info tab Table 12 Lobby setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info window Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt f None f Single Beep f Three Beeps Counters C l i Tune File gt Counter File None eee Aubomode Table Duration A 0 Automode File None Repeat Tune File Memor E gt Tune File None i Extended Memory Cancel Apply Help Tone on See Sales setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info Receipt window on page 26 Address List Change the addresses of the Lobby signs to 04 and 05 04 l A long sequenc
92. his tutorial we ll set up sites and groups for an imaginary company pictured below The table shows how signs are assigned in this company na e n Wess a a iin V Table 1 Overview of the tutorial company on se tsis eomection Devise Sales e LAN 2 Administration Lobby e local A sign is connected to a PC running AlphaNET 3 0 software by a direct cable local connection by a modem remote connection or by a wireless transmitter 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 9 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Groups Sites Connection Devices Signs The number on the right of each sign is its address 10 R amp D T L Transmitting modem Converter Box III A amp D Table 2 Schematic of the tutorial company Administration Alpha Ethernet Adapters 01 02 Engineering Production Direct cable connection Lacal Converter Box III 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 A Manufacturing Shipp
93. ill be displayed If the last piece of text to be displayed towards the end of the message is only one line of text the sign will place 4 blank rows of dots at the top and the bottom of the text in order to center the last line of text vertically If the sign is operating on the top row the bottom of that row is assumed to be the 7 row of dots All text is started from there and worked up 5 row characters will use rows 3 7 while 7 row characters will use rows 1 7 If the sign is operating on the bottom row it works its way up from row 16 5 row characters will use rows 12 16 while 7 row characters will use rows 10 16 Exception conditions e Ifthe sign receives top bottom or fill modes and also a font that is larger than 7 high it will size it down 7 high normal characters are substituted for any 15 high normal characters 7 high fancy characters are substituted for any 15 high fancy characters received and so on e Ifa graphic is received that is taller than 7 rows high 15 high for the Middle position the top 7 rows top 15 for the Middle position are displayed e Ifa graphic is received that is longer than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e Ifa character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used Triple line 7000 series and AlphaVision Full Matrix Top Bottom These two positions work together There is an imaginary line be
94. in all components of AlphaNET 3 0 Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager loj x File Edit Messages wiew Help O wa Ua ma aa Me A Tooltip appears when you place the mouse over an icon in any component of Message Name start Day f Time stop Day Time T i B alphal msw Always AlphaNET A B flood msw o C3 Manufacturing E alpha msw Always GIRD Contents Mantal MaN secre e E tansuiacetsunieuae east deen sadauaues a rA ji What s new in AlphaNET version 3 0 software ccccceeeceeeeeceeeseceeensaeeensaeeenas V Pe Wr 87 OE e 0 ea AE E A EE A E E EEEE A E V MENU CUSTOMIZALIOIN siesrucesinstesectucrse canceusncenissadssbeidentenseegecesasmeedraauetstieensite ietomtattauianneatedehieminaemcbelasteninaetachevien V Cr SEC O accra sete cca Sna E SAE AAEE E AAE V NOW MOUS enan A EE EEEE EOE V NEWID DO MONS eraan aE E T E E EA vi TOOLID eea E ET E A S E N vi 1 Connecting your PC to a SION ieeiccvtcoadodcnedenedacspcvswnencdetwienadenenesaisersewsueseteneudeemges 1 PC hardware and software requirements ccc ccccceccecsseescccseeesessseeeeseseeeesessesueecseueaseseseuesssueesasaeeeseseeeenes 2 Minimum hardware and software requirements ccccccccccccssscseecccssseeececcesseeeeeeeeesueeeesesseeeeeesesseeeeeeens 2 Other hardware requirements cccccccccceeccscseceecsseessscseeseeeseeeecceceesuecseeeeuseceeueseseesasesceeeuesseneuessseseeeseas 2 Macin
95. ing a a WTI lt lt AAAA AAA esters PES A ae He On Wireless transmitter Wireless receiver Address 00 should be used with care because sending a message to a sign with address 00 can also send the message to allthe signs on a given device For example if a sign with an address of 72 was also connected to a wireless receiver then whenever a message was sent to sign 00 sign 72 would also receive it Rule of Thumb If you have more than one sign on a device such as modem local or wireless then assign each sign a unique address To change a sign s address see Changing a Sign s serial address on page 8 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Step 1 Creating or changing the connection devices A connection device is a way to connect a sign to a PC that is running AlphaNET 3 0 software See chapter 1 for instructions on how to connect signs For more detailed information on networking signs see the Networking Alpha Signs manual pn 9700 0112 The basic devices or types of networks are e Cable local connection This method uses cables RS485 to connect signs to a network and messages one or all sign are sent over this cabling A local connection works best when all the signs are in one building e Modem remote connection
96. ing characters of the message slide onto the sign from different directions In other words the first character slides up the next down and so on For some signs instead of alternating characters switching one half of the message on the sign slides up while the other half of the message slides down Switch The message appears in its entirety in a twinkling effect with lights flickering off UG and on for the duration of the message display The message is wiped onto the sign in the direction specified filling in each of the Wipe characters row by row or column by column It looks as if it is washing over the old message You can choose to roll up down left right in or out Cycle Color Colors cascade through the message from the bottom up The message is wiped off and then on the display as if a Second hand were Clock Sweeping around it The message rolls from the center of a display outward in all four directions at Explode once 130 5 Appendices Appendix C Character fonts and colors available on signs Appendix C Character fonts and colors available on signs AlphaNET 3 0 software allows you to change the character shapes and colors that are used in messages The Characters option and colors are used in Message Editor 15 16 Row Normal Open Message Editor and click the TR a Characters drop down menu Ten Row S a eS The Condensed and Custom characters Seven Row Fancy Five Row allow selectio
97. ippet View Window Help i D W e amp PRP ewe P Roll gt in icon has changed to ee al A the middle indicating the new alphas line position A Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Ready lline 2 Coli fE E 48 3 Creating and sending messages Basic message editing 21 Save your message and name it Alpha2 msw However keep using the message for the following steps 22 Now we will try displaying a city name and dollar amount on a Using a carriage return sign at the same time might seem like the logical way to format lines of text Try deleting the comma and space between each city and amount in a message but it does pair Then place a carriage return after each like this not work Fie Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D W t BREIGIHFIFPPPRPPPE F x ET jei f We will correct this later with the New Line option A Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Line 5S Col 1 A Carriage return has been placed after each line of text 23 Next simulate the message to see how carriage returns affect the message format This is what you should see Carriage returns do not lines The New Line option must y be used instead 3 Creating and sending messages 49 Basic message editing 50 24 To format the text so that Las Vegas 85 and Chicago 199 and New York 235 all appear on separate lines add the N
98. k Change Display to choose a different sign to emulate The type of display you select appears on the title bar NOTE The type of sign on which your message is being simulated appears on the title bar of the window in this case an Alpha 7120C To change it right click anywhere on the simulated message and select Change Display 3 Creating and sending messages 41 Basic message editing 4 Aad the current date to your message First close the window in which your message is being simulated Then select Options gt Date in Message Editor i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View window Help De kl amp 2s we Time Pp pl 5 Date E Alphal Temperature The first message Speed New Line New Page Animation String Ticker Symbol Variable Counter Graphic Flick Gif Message ine 1 Col 18 Insert Date E x Date Format x MM DDAY C EMMY C DUMMA MM DD Y C MM DD rr C DD MM rr Cancel __ Cancel C DD Mh irr C MMMM DO ity C MM DD Y C Day of Week In the nsert Date Sample a date icon will appear at the end of the message i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Da h t selSasg erPpepl E alphal The first S TSS Ready Line 1 Col 19 NM 4 5 Then view your message again using the Simulate button HEt Alpha 7120C
99. k Stop when you want to stop the transmission 4 Reference Diagnostics Bet aston Allows you to send a message to one or more signs or to continually send a series of messages to one or more signs xj Send Message to Selected Addresses C Continuous Transmit Enter Message To Send Connection Test Broadcast Message Tranemitsion Settings Time Interval Between Number of Packets Packets in Seconds 2 to Transmit fi Select Address Send Cancel Set up the broadcast message and then the transmission settings and then select the Sign addresses When finished click Send Deletes all text and DOTS files from a sign Choose the sign addresses in the Select Clear Memory Addresses window that appears and click OK l Restarts a sign Choose the sign addresses in the Select Addresses window that Reset Sign l appears and click OK Actions Identifies a sign Network Query i C Quen up to Highest Address Network Query Currently Selected OF Cancel Choose whether you want to check all addresses or up to the highest address and then click OK Bee Sends three short beeps to a sign Choose the sign addresses in the Select Addresses p window that appears and click OK Indicates whether any LEDs have burned out in a sign Lamp Test C Green Lamp Test How many Rows on your sign 24 How many Columns on your sign Select Address Send Cancel Set the appropriate information and then select the sign addresses Whe
100. lay red 4120C a multi color Sign o koy The entire graphic sign appears in red a 140 5 Appendices Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs Paint Shop Pro a bitmapped image editor Paint Shop Pro has many functions including a zoom feature which can magnify small images 5 Appendices Paint Shop Pro is included with the AlphaNET software for a limited time see below However other programs can be used to create and edit images At a minimum the program you use should have a zoom feature which allows you to magnify the image you are editing because images used on signs are typically 32 x 32 pixels or less in size That s very small While there are many great commercial programs available you may not need all their features or want to pay the price for them Paint Shop Pro is a shareware bitmap image editor program JASC the makers of Paint Shop Pro allow you to use it free for 30 days After that you will have to purchase it This manual uses version 5 of Paint Shop Pro You may have an earlier version Paint Shop Pro has many features including a zoom lt Paint Shop Pro Imagel Mim Image Colors Layers Selections Masks Capture Window Help kb Full Screen Edit Shift 4 IB FI h Full Screen Preview Shift Ctrl 4 IZ m pil Normal Viewing 1 1 Ctrl Alt N Zoom Out Shift Ctrl Alt G Image Information Grid
101. lpha 1 0 EZ95 l Local Wired Com 2 bd anane Number Pap ligde E 3 Creating and sending messages 87 How to edit a counter file If you want to delete a counter file from a sign click Counter File click None and then click OK 88 10 Next select the Sign Info tab and attach the counter file you just created to the Manufacturing site site Editor Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt f None f Single Beep f Three Beeps f Tune File f Custom Tone Duration 2 fa Address List Counters Counter File None Aubomode Table Aubomede File None Tune File Memon Tune File Nove V Extended Memory Cancel Apply Help Repeat After clicking Counter File select the counter file you just edited in this case target ctw Then select OK target ctw File name Folders Ok Jtarget ctw c alphanet oa Cancel fe cs E gt AlphaNET 0 25 None E 26 Cy 2 Cy 28 List files of type Drives Counter files ctw HBE c Network Site Editor E xj Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List 06 OF f None f Single Beep Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Counters E C dlphaNE TStarget ctw Automode Table Duration E Automode File Nore fa Tune File Memory Tune File None V Extended Memory
102. n PureColor 3600 Series sign Counter Graphic Flick Gi Messag Options Sign Time Temperature Speed New Page Ticker Symbol Variable Graphic see NOTE Gif see NOTE Flick see NOTE oe ee ee Pee ee ee ei Os ee ee rel te eoe ee jeje ele fete mai e lejeje Jejeje niphavision rrai 9 edee eree 430i 440i 460i e jelelele jojojoj o C eS ree ete 2 re Se ee ere ee Oe ee eee eee eS eee ee ee el TA Je See ie ee 2 eee 2 12 saree eel eee S fe eS eS NOTE A graphic gif or flick must be designed for the resolution of the sign For example a 4120C sign has a resolution of 120 columns by 16 rows Therefore in order to fit on a 4120C an image can be no greater than 120 x 16 pixels in size 132 5 Appendices Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Appendix E Understanding message line positions Line Position Top Middle Bottom Fill Line position refers to where a message is displayed on a sign the top middle bottom or fill Line position is available with most modes such as Hold Snow or Sparkle An example of line position follows How the message appears in the Editor H ALPHA2 MSW ME E a ap 4 Las Vegas 855 Chicago 199 New York 235 El B ALPHA2 MSW Iofs AB a Las Vegas 65 Chicago 199 New York 235 El B ALPHAZ MSW iofs AB i Las
103. n also switch between using pictures and using text descriptions for the icons by selecting Edit gt Customize and changing the icon style 3 Creating and sending messages Hold Interlock Roll gt Rotate d Scroll Slide Snow Sparkle Spray Starburst Switch Twinkle Wipe b Cycle Color Clock Explode Line 1 Col 1 NUM 4 When the following window appears select Top and then OK i lt lt i Line Position is where a Line Position K message appears on a Sign C Fill Middle ae see Appendix E Top Bottom ices Understanding message line Left Right positions Top Middle Bottom Fill on page 133 for more details 43 Basic message editing 8 The icon for Hold will appear in the message window This little marker indicates See cee Snippet View Window Help that the text following this Daeh t elG6liQFivpereppl e icon will appear on the top line of a display Ready lines Chi o N N 9 Type Birthdays Then select Modes gt Rotate gt Standard gt Bottom Click OK and then type Tom White Patty Smith Bob Evan Select Rotate gt Standard Modes Sutomode Flash ess Hold and the Bottom line position aes Rotate Rotate x Rall Rotate J Standard Line Position ave Condensed C Fil Slide Snow Top Bottom Sparkle C Let Right Spray Starburst Switch Twinkle Wipe Cycle Color Clock Explode 0 Middle
104. n finished click Send Results a Information about an action Diagnostics performs is logged here 4 Reference 125 Diagnostics 126 4 Reference Appendices Appendix A Macintosh computer setup The following E describe how to use a Macintosh computer running Virtual PC with AlphaNET 3 0 software Required software and hardware Table 1 Required software a 12 Macintosh G4 computer 1 Available from MacWarehouse 800 255 6227 Virtual PC for Macintosh This emulates Windows 98 ME and 2000 software 5 Appendices 127 Appendix A Macintosh computer setup Single sign connection Table 2 Single sign connection TotheDINg Macintosh G4 modem running Virtual PC port and AlphaNET software a This can be either an Alpha 200 300 4000 or 7000 series AlphaVision Big Dot BetaBrite Director Solar or PPD Personal Priority Display sign 1088 8625 25 foot 6 conductor RS232 data cable 1088 8627 50 foot 6 conductor RS232 data cable e 4370 0001C 25 pin sub D to 6 pos RJ11 adapter DB25 to DIN8 hardware handshake modem cable Supra Corporation 800 121 8712 part 33 2025 PL Multiple sign connection Since there are a number of ways to network signs see the Networking Alpha Signs manual pn 9700 0112 128 5 Appendices Appendix B Modes available on signs
105. n of 15 16 Row Ten Row Condensed q Seven Row or Five row in condensed or F BE customized format To use them custom S fonts must be installed in the sign s i TM w Normal CtritR memory outside of the AlphaNET 3 0 Wide Ctrl ft Double Wide Ctrl 6 SoTtware Flashing Chrl L Double High Ctrl D True Descenders Ckrl T N E Available only on the AlphaEclipse Shadow Ctrl H PureColor 3600 Series sign oe i Ss LL cc i s b gt lt b N 15 16 Row Normal 15 16 Row Fancy Color see NOTE Double Height 200 Series 220C 300 Series 420C 4000 Series 7000 Series Big Dot AlpnaVision full matrix AlphaVision character matrix 7901 430i 440i 460i Solar BetaBrite ce ee e e e e e e m e e e e e e e e e eTe mono Telefe felelelereleleielelere NOTE Sign names ending in C such as 4120C have color capabilities Sign names ending in R such as 4120R can display in red only 5 Appendices 131 Appendix D Display Options available on signs Appendix D Display Options available on signs Options is a Message Editor menu composed of special features such as animation and is used by AlphaNET 3 0 software to enhance the way a message appears on a sign ue Open Message Editor and click Dake 3 Tempere the Options drop down menu Speed Mew Line Mew Pag Animation AN T Not available on an AlphaEclipse Wee
106. n when counter 1 reaches its target value No target files are used in this example Make sure this box is checked for this example Increment In this example select Decrement because we Decrement want counter 1 to count down not up Minutes Hours Days Enter 60 because we want counter 1 to start at 60 Start minutes and then count down to 0 Counter Dee Enter 7 because we want counter 1 to count down 1 minute at a time 60 59 58 and so on This is where you would select which target file One messages to display when counter 1 reaches its Five target value No target files are used in this example so none are checked Select Minutes because we want counter 1 to count in units of minutes Counter In this example Always is selected because we Run want counter 1 running continuously Since Time Always is selected Stop Time is not available 3 Creating and sending messages 1 How to edit a counter file Table 23 Counter Example 1 Counter 1 setup since we do not need our counter running on weekends this is unchecked On Weekends This box is checked because we want our counter to count down continuously If this box was not checked counter 1 would count down from 60 to 0 just once Auto Reload 7 Select OK after entering the setup information Double click the Shipping site to open the Site Editor window Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help jo
107. nection In this example messages are sent to the sign using a wireless If you have multiple signs transmitter which is attached to a PC networked together it s a good idea to give each sign a unique address like 07 02 03 and so on This allows you to send messages to individual signs However when you send a message to serial address 00 Bereet the message is broadcast to all E signs on your network even if each sign has a unique serial Shipping 00 address 9 Continuing from the previous step select Add from the Connection Device Editor window Select WaveWare Pager Wireless Com 1 from the list followed by OK To change a sign s address see Changing a sign s serial address on page 8 Ix Default Connection Device Add Modem on Com 1 Edit Available Connection Devices Remove Local Wired Com 2 Why can we choose Wireless on Wodeman Loni Rename COM1 when we already set up a Modem on COM1 Make Default Custom Site Manager assumes that you x might have an AB switch Select th tion dewi attached to both a modem and a a e ert wireless transmitter Or perhaps Local wired Com 3 Cancel sire i Local Wired Com 4 you unplug one device and plug Madem on Com 1 in the other based on your Medien cone l Modem on Com 4 needs Wavelare Pager Wireless Com 1 WavelWare Pager Wireless Com 2 Wavelware Pager Wireless Com 3 Z 10 Once you selec
108. nging the connection devices seesesierserrerrssrrerrrsrrrsrresrrirrrerrrnrrrerrrerreens 11 Setting up a modem remote connection snenssnnsnnsenaenneninninsnnenrnninsnnnnrnnrnnrnnrnnnrnnrnnnnnnrnnrnnnennnne 12 Setting up a cable local connection esnsenseneennennsnnnnnannnsnisnnnnnnsnrnnnnsrnnnnnsrnnnnnrnnnrnnnnnnnnnnnnrnnrennnae 15 Setting up a wireless transmitter connection ssessessssesrresrrnerrrnsrrnerrrsrrrrnrrrnnrrnnrrrnsrrrnerrnnsrnnsernnerrae 17 Setting up a Local Area Network LAN connection esnesneennennennnnnnnnnnnnnnrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnenrnnsennnas 19 Step 2 Creating or changing the sit S usssssessesressiresrrsrrssrnsrersrrurrnsrnnnrrurnnnnrunrrnntnnntnnrnnnrnnrnnnnnernnena 21 Creating the R amp D Site a modem example 0 0 0 cccccceecccsseccessecesesesesesseecseeecsauescaueseseeceneeesees 21 Creating the Sales Site a LAN example cece ccs ecseesscssssssesssseessseessseessseessseessseeessesessneeseess 25 Creating the Lobby Engineering and Manufacturing sites a wired example eccess 26 Creating the Shipping site a wireless CXAMPIE cccccccsccccsccceseeecsseecesseesecueeceseseesseesersneeeeaees 32 Step 3 Creating or CHANGING the QrOUPS c cc cceescccsscccsseceessseecesseeccsseeceseeccsuescseesesstesesueseesnesesnesenss 36 vii 3 Creating and sending MESSAGES cccececeeeneeecueeeeaeeeeueeenueeeeueueeusueeuuneeuaes 39 P
109. nter file 6 Next either open an existing counter file or type a new file name such as target ctw and click Open O m 91 32 193 1 Gifs 9 Samples Skins Look in E AlphaNeT ef gt File name Jtarget ctw Files of type Counter Files ctw Cancel E la When the Counter Setup window appears select the Counter 2 tab and enter the values shown below Table 24 Counter Example 2 Counter 2 setup Counter Setup target cly J X Counter 4 Counter 5 Target Files Counter 1 Counter 2 Counter 3 M Counter On Increment Days Decrement Counter Yalues i Counter Run Time Stark Start Time Always F T t ace Three a0 Stop Time l Four Inc Value Five l On Weekends W Auto Reload Counter 1 5 Select the Counter 2 tab This is where a message is assigned to a target file One to five messages can be displayed on a Target Files sign when counter 2 reaches its target value The largest file runs indefinitely Send a new message to delete it Make sure this box is checked for this example Increment In this example select ncrement because we want Decrement counter 2 to count up not down Minutes Hours Days select Days because we want counter 2 to count in units of days 3 Creating and sending messages 89 How to edit a counter file 86 Table 24 Counter Example 2 Counter 2 setup Enter 0 because we want counter 2 to start
110. of x Jane f Today is b T aj birthday gt lt A Fel Las Vegas 85 Lasag 199 Eper York 235 4 After creating messages in Message Editor and then saving them open Site Manager Select the sites to which you want to add messages then click B Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Fie Edit Messages View Help a wa lUl amalga ites f Groups Message Name Start Day Time alphal msw Always gt Lobby alpha2 msw Always Then select to send the messages E Manutacturing 3 messages repeated pead i ANNIV1 MSW BIRTH1 MSW CUSTOM MSW 3 Creating and sending messages How to send a message to a Sign Sending messages from Message Editor 1 Before sending a message you must create at least one site using Site Manager See Step by step tutorial in setting up connection Generally only send devices sites and groups in Chapter 2 messages from Message Editor when e testing to see how a message looks or e there is only one sign p Nex create your message in Message Editor When you are finished send it to one or more sites i AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Cab sSeBe S AF PP PPE to transmit the MESSage All meetings today are cancelled due to flood damage Click Ls e To All Sites every site you have created in Site Manager or e To Selected Sites only those Site Manag
111. ompted to reset a Sign counter select Yes to reset the counter to its start value Otherwise select No to leave the Sign s current value intact 90 12 Finally in order to display the message you just added it must be transmitted to the Manufacturing signs To do this select the Manufacturing site and then the Transmit icon Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager gs fel x File Edit Messages View Help Og lame SERRE RENAE Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time Engineering B flood msw Always obby countman msw Always Gai Shipping jAdministration amp a Production Ready ALL MESSAGES ZA select Manufacturing because this is the only site to which we want messages sent zz Click the Transmit icon t Transmit X Transmit Options Aue Click Selected Sites Cancel and then OK Sites in List Selected Sites All the messages will be sent to the Manufacturing site Signs After 50 days the counter included in the top message which counts up from 0 to 50 will display the target message below 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file Example 3 Using a counter to display just a target message In this example we will use one of the five counters in this case counter 3 to display the message Another 100 hours of safe operation When This example is nearly identical counte
112. opriate information and then select the sign addresses When finished click Send Use the Status area to view a log of the connection Click Stop when you want to stop the transmission before its completion 123 Diagnostics et aston Configure Sign Advanced Actions Continuous Read Temperature 124 Allows you to set additional specific information on a sign Configure Sign Advanced Set Other Options Column Size Clear Memory on Power Up fho IT Master Slave Set Serial Address Demo Message T Address 0 0 Color Mone Currently Selected OU IR Ore Master R5455 Echo Initiate Test Mode ee Olt Test Mode Fun Normally Set Sign Serial Data Format Sign Baud Rate D ata Autobaud Format Driver Height C Reset to DIF Configuration Re enables DIF Switches Select Address Send Close Complete the information you want Diagnostics to set and then select the sign addresses When finished click Send Allows you to continually check a sign s internal or external temperature Continuous Read Temperature External Temperature How Often to Read Temperature jis Seconds Results Select Address Start Stop Exit select which temperature Diagnostics should check then use the drop down menu to choose how often Finally select the sign addresses When finished click Start Use the Results area to view a log of the temperatures Clic
113. ould look Why doesn t the large text appear on the two line 4120C sign like we wanted Because in a previous step we selected the Top instead of the Middle or Fill line position To make the large 15 76 Row Normal text appear correctly the line position must be changed to Middle Line Position Fill i Top Left OF x Cancel i Middle i Bottom i Right 47 Basic message editing 18 To make the large 15 16 Row characters appear correctly on a two line sign start by deleting the Roll gt In icon from the message i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphad File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Daeb sS eBe S AFPPRPP El ET To delete the Roll In icon place the cursor to the right of the icon and press the BackSpace key on your keyboard A Las Vegas 65 Chicago 199 New York 235 19 Next without moving the cursor in the message select Modes gt Roll gt In as you did before When the following window appears select the Middle line position Roll In xj Cancel Line Position Fill Middle i Top i Bottom i Left i Right 20 Simulate the message using a two line sign like the 4120C If you do not remember how to do this see step 3 The 15 16 Row Normal text should now appear correctly Your message text should look like this l a AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha4 Notice th at this marker on the File Edit Modes Characters Options Sn
114. p images are created to demonstrate the Graphic option The two arrow bitmaps we will make are 7 rows or pixels high This means the arrows can be used on one line as 58 3 Creating and sending messages How to use graphics in messages Ms Select Start gt Programs gt Paint Shop Pro 5 to open Paint Shop Pro Paint Shop Pro File Edit View Capture Help jO hS t 28 98 c ein a h e If you are not using Paint Shop Pro software don t worry Most bitmap image editing programs create images in a manner similar to Paint Shop Pro However if you are not using Paint Shop Pro consider using software that has a zoom feature so you Can increase the size of the bitmap for ease of editing ON gt er S SEQUN SA SRE Oe For Help press F1 Image None 7 2 Nex select File gt New When the New Image window appears make the width and height of the new bitmap 16 x 7 NOTE Width and Height define the size of the bitmap in pixels 16 pixels wide x 7 pixels tall These numbers also correspond to a sign s columns and rows 16 columns wide x 7 rows tall Hew Image Image dimensions width i E z Height F z Resolution 72 000 a z Pixels finch Image characteristics Background color Foreground Color Image type 256 Colors 8 Bit kemon Required 1 1 KBytes Cancel Help Pixels r Because a maximum of 8 colors can be used on We a
115. pixels wide x 24 pixels high These numbers correspond to the 7120C s columns and rows 120 columns wide x 24 rows tall We re using 120 x 24 for width and height because this is the total display area of an Alpha 7120C sign New Image Image dimensions width i 20 z Height 24 Resolution 72 000 Image characteristics Background color Foreground Color Image type 206 Colors 8 Bit Pitels imch Memory Required 3 8 KBytes Cancel Help 3 Creating and sending messages How to use graphics in messages 3 A very small window will appear Use the zoom tool to click in the window to increase its size esd Use the zoom feature to increase the size of the small window to make editing the graphic much easier et Image5 16 1 Background 4 Select a color for your graphic from the blended palette on the right hand side of your screen You can also double click the foreground or background rectangle underneath the blended palette to choose a color from a sectioned palette Be careful what color you use The color red will work on all signs Select Color From Palette Sort order Palette Order TTT TIT TIIT TIT II IT For more information see A graphic may be the wrong color for some Signs on page 140 Cancel vrececioneq 9S SRSRRRRRRRREE te i esectiored SS R O O E oe palette gt eee eos EER
116. ple 4 How to use a flick in a message In this example we will create a ship that sails across an Alpha 7120C sign A flick is made up of many bitmap files that are played one after the other Each bitmap file in a flick must fill the total display area of the sign it is displayed on This means that a flick is usually designed for one sign In this example each bitmap is 120 x 24 pixels because we are playing the flick ona 7120C sign whose total display area is 120 columns x 24 rows 3 Creating and sending messages 63 How to use graphics in messages 64 If you are not using Paint Shop Pro don t worry Most bitmap editing programs create images in a manner similar to Paint Shop Pro However if you are not using Paint Shop Pro make sure that your software has a zoom feature to increase the size of the bitmap being edited Because a maximum of 8 colors can be used on Signs select 16 colors instead of 256 I Select Start gt Programs gt Paint Shop Pro 5 to open Paint Shop Pro Paint Shop Pro Iof x File Edit View Capture Help D k Bw e g e cal wl O Pee VQ SERN DIS e a fe For Help press F1 Image None 4 2 Nex select File gt New When the New Image window appears make the width and height of the bitmap 120 x24 pixels Each graphic in the flick for the Alpha 7120C sign must be this size NOTE Width and Height define the size of the bitmap in pixels 120
117. r 3 reaches 100 hours the message will appear on all the signs in to Example 2 the Engineering site This site was created in the previous section How to change a sign s serial address on page 7 In Example 2 the counter was displayed as well as a target message NOTE The Engineering signs can still display other messages In Example 3 only the target message will be displayed The counter will just count 1 Open Message Editor and create a new message i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help OSH SOS AF PDP PP De re 2 Next create the target message the message that will appear when counter 3 reaches 100 hours Then save this message as target2 msw i AlphaNET Message Editor Alphal F ioj x File Edt Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D W O G AF PRPPPP F ioi Another 100 hours of safe operation 2 x save the target message as gt me arget2 me target2 Msw save as type AlphaNET Msg mew Cancel l y 3 fter saving the target message close Message Editor Open Site Manager and select Edit gt Counter File Sitebase3 dat AlphaNET Site Manager File Edit Messages View Help Ta Connection Device Alt D Site Counter File Alk C aoma Ere Alt u Message Name Start Day f Time B alphal msw Always Select All Ctrl flood msw Always Deselect
118. re using 7 because this is the height of a single line of normal text on a sign signs select 16 colors instead of 256 in your bitmap editing program 3 Creating and sending messages 59 How to use graphics in messages 3 A very small window will appear Use the zoom tool to click in the window to increase its size to 16 1 Use the zoom feature to increase the size of the small window until the window says 16 1 At 16 1 editing the graphic is much easier Ea Image5 16 1 Background esd Biel Es 4 Select a color for your graphic from the blended palette on the right hand side of your screen You can also double click the foreground or background rectangle underneath the blended palette to choose a color from a sectioned palette Be careful what color you use The color red will work on all signs Black is understood as turn off LEDs For more information see A graphic may be the wrong color for some Signs on page 140 The sectioned palette _____ 60 Select Color From Palette Sort order Palette Order ET a NN EERE EEA Eo E BEES Eee _ eae EEEEEEEE BRR RRR RRR BRR ERE RRR Palette index 55 Color A 153 6 51 6 51 HTML 993333 Cancel Help 3 Creating and sending messages How to use graphics in messages 5 Then draw the right arrow and save it as a BMP bitmap named rarrow bmp Ea Image 1 16 1 Layer of x N
119. ry as the software itself Allows you to Communications C TCP IP E Diagnostics version 3 0 1143 i O x Actions Connect to Modem Broadcast Message Disconnect Modem Clear Memory Read Information from Sign C Reset Sign f Configure Sign Network Query f Configure Sign Advanced Beep f Continuous Read Temperature Lamp Test change the settings of a specific communication method Settings Results windows appear for the chosen communication method when this button is clicked or when a specific Communications method is clicked 120 Setup Allows you to Disconnected select change the Settings of the action selected Closes the Diagnostics View Log Cancel Exit i sclication Reads Connected when you are connected to the modem Otherwise reads Disconnected Allows you to view l i Cancels an action Diagnostics logs 4 Reference Diagnostics Each action in Diagnostics requires that you select the address of the signs on which you want information To do this click the Select Address button when it appears Select Addresses E a It is generally better and 9 LS much faster to retrieve C Selected Addresses information when you specify the address of a particular sign or signs rather than choosing all addresses Address to Add to List Address o T Add Address List
120. s a page break Preset animations that can be displayed on most signs For example selecting Animation Cherry Bomb displays a firecracker with a burning fuse When the fuse burns down the bomb explodes l Inserts a text string in a message See How to use real time data in a message String on page 95 Ticker Symbol Inserts stock market symbols into a message Future use 108 4 Reference Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Options continued NOTE Some options may not be available on a Sign see Appendix D Display Options available on signs on page 132 Variable A variable does not stand for anything specific until a message is transmitted For example if you run a food shop which features a daily special then a variable is an easy way to change your special First a variable called Today s special is placed at the start of a message Insert ariable xX Variable Hame Today s special Cancel Next a second variable called Special price is placed at the end of the message x Variable Name Special price ka Cancel The message looks like this E 13 on sale for a Finally each time the message is transmitted you will be prompted to enter text for both variables Fill In ariable Lobby xX Replace Today s special with Chil Context transmit 64 fe special iz on sale for Where to Replace
121. sages appear is the order in which they are sent to a sign Sanninieiratban NOTE If you want the new message at the start of the Production list select the top existing message and then click Insert Message instead oT add message E Ready ALL MESSAGES 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file 10 Finally in order to display the message you just added to the Shipping sign the message must be transmitted To do this select the Shipping site and then the transmit icon Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager Ioj x File Edit Messages View Help Os an S AAHBIF 2 Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time countshp msw Always G Engineering CiLobby C3 Manufacturing CoaR amp D GijAdministration amp Production Ready ALL MESSAGES 2 Select Shipping because this is the only site to which we want messages sent Click the Transmit icon xl Transmit Options TOK OF Click Selected Sites amp All Sites Erea and then OK Sites in List If you are prompted to reset a Sign counter select Yes to reset the counter to its start value it Selected Sites Otherwise select No to leave the sign s current value intact All the messages will be sent to the Shipping site sign 3 Creating and sending messages 81l How to edit a counter file Example 2 Using a counter in a message and
122. ss Baud Rate seo W TCP IP Modem Settings Wireless Settings Modem Pager Header e Fager Trailer e COM Fort IF Fort Dialing Frefis Facket Size Moder Init String f0 2 Packet Delay A TCP IP This must be checked B IP Port The default setting is 3001 for Alpha Ethernet Adapters 15 Finaly choose one of the devices as a default and then select Make Default Select Yes at the prompt Then since we are finished adding devices in this example select OK Connection Device Editor Default Connection Device Add Modem on Com 1 Edit Available Connection Devices Ethernet Adapter Local Wired Com 2 Modem on Com 1 WavelWare Pager Wireless Com 1 x Before selecting OK choose one of these devices and then select Make Default Remove Rename Make Default vile Custom 20 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Step 2 Creating or changing the sites Before creating the sites there must be a device for each site Since we did this is step 1 we can continue These are the sites we have to make for our imaginary company Notice that many of them are just departments within the company Sites signs typically are named by location Aone o nmn R amp D Sales Lobby Engineering Manufacturing Shipping Creating the R amp D site a modem example 1 There ar
123. stern night to take Solar outdoor signs Time zone which is 1 advantage of lower However the hour ahead you would phone rates brightness percentage enter an offset of 01 00 cannot be used with a Solar sign Site Editor y x i ol Sign Info Group Info 9 Advapced Delayed Send Options Dimming Options Time Zone Use Send Times i Photocell Enabled 06 00 After fizo Abd Brightress 2 5o Temperature Dim En Tine Dim OFF Time Before izon AM Never gt Memon Configuration Assign Fisted Memory Partitions Keyboard File Size fi 0 D Strings A Z I Configure as ticker site D Strings a 2 D Strings 1 9 onfiguratiory Cancel Apply Help Memory Configuration see How to use real time data in a message on page 95 114 4 Reference Table 29 Site Manager Site Manager Menu item Description Open Site Opens an existing site Neral Creates a new group For more information see Step 3 Creating or changing P the groups on page 36 Open Group Opens an existing group Deletes selected sites groups or messages sends messages to one or more sites Transmit xl Cancel Transmits all messages to every site _ AlSites Transmit Options Sites in List i Selected Sites Transmits all the messages to the Sites that are highlighted File Transmit Transmits all the messages to only the sites listed here
124. t 24 Percentage of Original Width 100 4 x Height fio Actual Print Size Width fp 944 Height 0 333 Resolution 72 Resize Type Smart size v Pixels inch M Maintain aspect ratio of 2 833333 to1 Cancel Help 8 Select File gt Save Then click the Customize button on the Animation Quality Versus Output Size window that appears NOTE This window appears when you save a file for the first time and then when changes are made to it However the settings you enter will become the default settings until you close Paint Shop Pro Animation 9 On the Colors tab make sure the settings are as follows Customize Optimization Settings Colors Optimizations Number of Colors 256 colors Create palette by Optimized Octree Optimized Median Cut Standard palette Greater than 256 colors Browser palette Custom palette ETOWSE Reduce colors by Ordered Dithering Eror Diffusion Cancel Help 3 Creating and sending messages How to use graphics in messages 10 On the Optimizations tab uncheck all the boxes and click OK Customize Optimization Settings Colors Optimizations I Bemove Non Visible Animation Elements Write Minimal Frames Map Identical Pixels To Transparent Sllov per frame palettes Cancel Help 11 Click the Next button to cycle through the remaining windows 12 Select File gt
125. t OK the following window appears Default Connection Device Add Modem on Com 1 Edit Available Connection Devices Ix To finish establishing a wireless connection you have to create a wireless site using Site Manager Remove pe ene e iesnaat esta Oo Local Wired Com 2 Modem on Com 1 Rename WavelWare Pager Wireless Com 1 Make Default To see an example of this see Creating the Shipping site a wireless example on page 32 Custom OF 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 17 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 11 r you want to change any of the wireless settings make sure Waveware Pager Wireless Com 1 is highlighted as above and then select Edit Use the following window to change the settings and then select OK Table 5 Wireless setup WaveWare Pager Wireless Com 1 General Settings Wireless Settings B com Port com m D Men Pager Header O0 AZICAP CODE J00 C Data Format 7E2 M wireless Fager Trailer D Baud Rate a00 O TCPAF Poso IF Fort por Modem Settings Dialing Pres o Facket Size Modem Init String fo Packet Delay Do not check for a wireless connection Check Wireless if you are sending messages to signs Wireless using a transmitter attached to your PC COM Port Select the port on your PC that connects to your modem or transmitter BAUD RATE LIMIT AF00
126. t a message to go to the R amp D and the Sales and the Lobby sites This is where groups come in A group is a method of sending messages to several sites om J ea Administration Production R amp D Sales Lobby Engineering Manufacturing Shipping L To create the Administration group open Site Manager if it is not already opened r AiphaNET F s 3 amp Yew ZAR Ja S Bs Microsoft Office b g Winzip 3 Accessories d Programs gt 6 Adobe Photoshop 7 0 j Alpha Web Updates AlphaNET Training gt ap i pnaNET Bar PUn aii activePDF 4 icati a Communications Manager in Settings gt Aphaner Diagnostics y a S E H Message Editor 8 i ya On Line Manual al Preview Animations g Run Site Manager amp Log Off kglaserbrown uy Shut Down Sitebase32 dat AlphaNET Site Manager oO x File Edit Messages View Help mE Aime AE B H MED Sites Groups Message Name Start Day Time Stop Day Time These are the sites ree C3 Manufacturin created in the areo previous examples shipping 36 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 2 Select File gt New Group The following appears Group Editor l xj All Sites Sites in this group Cancel Include Site Remove Site ii For Group Name type Administration N
127. t of the sign front and top views 3 es the button on the remote control PROG TEXT FILE A will appear on the sign 4 Next press the lt button until SET ADDRESS appears BACK 9 Press the D gt button until ADDRESS 00 appears The sign ADV Address Note may have an address other than 00 Normally a sign s address is a decimal number from 00 to 99 Set the sign s address by pressing any of the number keys For However if you need more example to enter an address of 15 press the GD button and then addresses a hexadecimal number from 00 to FF 0 to 255 the C5 baton can be used as an address For eet Vala vs Finally press the button two times to set the sign s new address 6 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups What are sites and groups Sites and groups are terms used by AlphaNET 3 0 software to describe how messages are sent to signs You create sites and groups to make sending messages to multiple signs flexible and easy A site in AlphaNET 3 0 software is a collection of one or more signs and a group is made up of one or more sites To help you better understand a tutorial is presented below In this tutorial a complex example is created in a series of easy to understand steps Overview of the tutorial In t
128. ter 3 for detailed instructions on using Message Editor File Edit Modes 7 j Ctrl N Undo Ckrl F Aubomode Open Ceres lt 7 ae Flash g Close Zui Soe Hald gave Ctrl 5 Topy Ceres Interlock ERE ea Faste trl Rall Find Rotate F Print Ctrl P mj ERN Find Again Down F Scroll meet Find Again Up Shift F3 Slide ia Ke Replace F4 SNO E Simulate Ctrl E a e Sparkle Transmit Alt T gt Spray Customize Fid starburst 1 barget2 msw Switch Set Password 2 kargetl ms Twinkle 3 countman mish Wipe 4 countshp msw Cycle Color Clock Exit Explode a AlphaNeT Message Editor Alphal File Edt Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help Toolbar gt O z Hli iGHFiPRPPP P This is a Sample message Status Bar Ready line 1 Col 26 P Characters Options Snippet View Window 15 16 Row Normal Time Capture brl 4 Toolbar Cascade 15 16 Row Fancy Date Status Bar Tile oa ad seas Temperature b Snippet i Albi enema a a a Arrange Icons v Seven Row Normal odes Seas OAY Speed Shipper 2 AliFz v 1 Alphal Five Row New Line Snippet Ali 3 Condensed Justo PaE Snippet 4 Alt 4 Custom Animati OTRA Snippet 5 Alts Color String Ticker Symbol v Normal Ctrl R Variabl Wide Ctrl W apache Double Wide Ctrl B Counter Flashing Ctrl L graphic Double High Ctrl D Flick True Descenders Ctrl T Gif Fixed Width Ctrl F Message Shadow Ctrl H 104 4
129. text in a message Is spelled correctly 4 Reference 105 Message Editor Table 28 Message Editor Menu Item Description Edit continued Customize sets the availability of Message Editor drop down menu options whether text or pictures will appear for modes characters and options and the number of space to insert for a tab setting x Cancel The type of sign selected here dictates the gt ME options available in the drop down menus Show menu tems for Icon Style Save and reopen your messages to change the appearance of existing Icons f Pictures i Text Tab Setting Set Password Allows you to password protect Message Editor Type a password in the New Password and Verify lines then gy Pi click OK Old Password E l New Password l Cancel Verity You will be prompted for this password the next time you open Message Editor Modes For more information see Using modes to change the look of a message on page 43 NOTE Some modes may not be available on a sign See Appendix B Modes available on signs on page 129 Automode The default mode If no other mode is selected a message will appear in automode Automode cycles through a list of all other modes The list of modes and their sequence in the automode cycle can be customized as needed Flash Flashes message
130. the Memory Configuration examples in Appendix G Protocol Examples of the Alpha Sign Communications Protocol manual e Strings A Z Strings a z Strings 1 9 Check one two or all three of these to create a sign memory configuration in the Configuration box For example checking Strings A Z would set up 26 string files names A through Z These files could then be used by the Alpha String Update Control Checking Strings a z would set up an additional 26 strings and checking Strings 1 9 would add another 9 strings Site Editor q xj Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Offsets Delayed Send Options Dimming Options Time one Use Send Times M Photocell Enabled Jo0 00 After fizo Ah Brightress Sl E Temperature Dim En Time Dim OFF Time Before 1200 AM Check Assign Fixed Memory Partitions mA Never ii Memon Configuration or Assign Fixed Memory Partitions Keyboard File Size fic IY Strings A Z 7 Configure as ticker site Check one two or all of these T Stings a z I Strings 1 9 Configuration ae LODS000006 6LOOS00000C6 LOOSO00000 6 LOOS00000E BLO0S Cancel Apply Help Create a message with a string variable using Message Editor 3 In Message Editor create anew message by selecting File gt New i AlphaNE
131. tional characters N Files or Folders pa On The Microsoft Network E 0 i 3 b S File Edit View Options Help Mame amp Location Date Modified Advanced Named fedtorini OOOO se Look in g Browse Mew Search W Include subfolders CAWIN DOW S TEB Configuration Settings 2 pouble click the file to open it p 3 Creating and sending messages 5 Basic message editing 52 WindowPos 681068 6655 6596 0445 Haximized 6 Recent File List File1 C MFWVALPHA1 HSW File2 C MFW SAMPLES ALPHA1 MSY Type the following line exactly as shown DefaultFont Terminal Editor Notepad File Edit Search Help Settings Icons 1 WindowPos 68166 6655 6590 044S Haximized 6 DefaultFont Terminal Recent File List DES Edit Search Help Save As Page Setup 3 AlphaNET Message Editor Alpha5 File Edit Modes Characters Options Snippet View Window Help D kWt SBE SGSl B FIP PPPE F Ck i This is a test From the Windows Start menu select Programs gt Accessories gt Character Map or Program gt Accessories gt System Tools gt Character Map aP Character Map Bil Es Font Terminal Characters to copy Close teeke PEF E VPLPPEBEPBPEEKEPE CABCDEFCKIVKLMNOPORisiruuMRwZicNih Fabe Re Reni aki mnppers eke utuhia 2 cule la falala le le fe l la fa la fa fa l fe Elo fa Ta f llo la le EERIE aM R REP Pee kN amaaa Pe be PEPE oe 2 BS E
132. tosh hardware and software requirements cccccccccccscecessseeecceeeeeceseeeeeceseeeeeseueeesesseuesseseeeeeeennneess 2 Pre ALCO C UI Na MO ieai a ET E E EEE 2 Types of sign connections ccceccceseccecsseeeecesseeecessaeeecesaeeeccssueesecsseeesecsueescessueececsueeecessueesessueeesersaneseensneeeensas 3 GAIA GT VV ON trent awe E T T E E E E E A AA TT E E E A unmeratite 3 Modem TV ON FG reirinta sixvnriierri penei EE Ea testeawcteweieintaenecttevsanasdeaneceneaniannnetcaeneneds 3 EE E N O O E E EE EE EE E AN E OE AEEA O 4 POG AOL NEIWOTK LAN sirsiiosincesesinnyina en eeen T aa tases eea aaia e see ATEA EE AER EEEO 4 2 Installing AlphaNET 3 0 software and setting up SiteS cccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 0 How to install AlohaNET 3 0 software eccceccccsssecccessseeecesseeececsseeeeecsseeeeeesseeeeesaeeececsaeeesessaeeseersatessensneeess 6 How to Change a sign s serial AAAIOSS cccccsscssccsscssccsssceusesssnessencusenscsecceuesueneessuacuauessucneuseneusereusenensenuenensas T WY Pele e eE a aE E e e E A E E A EENE A A E AIN T Changing a sign S serial address case cscnsanecansiddenstessdunianeensnduvednanacadduinedsuted eiotaniaeueinsddctsimierduitadedenndeayodanenin 8 Step by step tutorial in setting up Connection devices sites and groups sccssscssceeererrieerrirrrenn 9 VV el Al SI 0 MUNG orasini iie aE 9 P AETA e 1 EN PE cancel PE R tau A T E E T N EA ET 9 Step 1 Creating or cha
133. tween the top half and the bottom half of the display We will call this line the centerline In the example below the centerline is between the Hello and the lots of text about basically The centerline divides what is used 5 Appendices 135 Appendix E Understanding message line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill on the sign for top position commands from what is used for bottom Centerline 4 Establishing the position of the centerline The centerline position is typically established by the first top command received and the rest of the space is used for the bottom If the bottom command comes first the centerline is placed at its highest possible position row 8 allowing for one line of 7 dot characters on the top If the top command comes first and not the bottom the centerline s position is determined by the amount of text following the position command Examples e If one 7 dot high line of text is received following a top command the centerline will be fixed at row 8 e If one line of 10 dot characters is received following a top command the centerline will be placed at position 11 e If two lines of 5 dot high characters are received following a top command the centerline is placed at row 12 5 for each line of text plus the 2 blank rows between the lines Two exceptions to the above rules are as follows e The centerline is never placed higher than 8 rows from the top of the sign
134. ual bottom the 21 line and treated the same as in a single line sign Exception conditions e Ifa graphic is received that is larger than what the display can show the top most rows are displayed e Ifa graphic is received that is longer than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e Ifa character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used On a 7000 series or AlphaVision sign the Fill position indicates that you wish to fit as much text on the screen as you can On these signs as opposed to the 4000 series you can select character sets larger than 7 high in the Fill position The sign will start from the top of the screen working down If you select a 15 row character set the sign will fit as many 15 row lines of text on the screen as possible As soon as the sign detects that the next line will not fit it will stop creating the current page and display it The next page will begin with the line that would not have fit If the text does not use up the entire display the sign will center the text vertically splitting the blank space between the top and the bottom Exception conditions e Ifa graphic is received that is taller than seven rows high the top seven rows are displayed e Ifa graphic is received that is wider than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e Ifa graphic is received that is smaller than seven dots tall it
135. uesessescsuesesuusessuscsuueseauesesuecessesensuescasesentesenasenneens 63 Another way to create a TCK saps caciecapetsncsaebiauhsraanbnusasiy avbramciidaeulaeriapetaneiiaheniaatnanaeianmuciaeelad 68 EZLN E E C a EEEE EEE A EI EA A PE E E E E 69 FHV COSC a COUNT TING cicesineri sisien iiri noei REELE E TOA EATA a OE A iA TEE 13 Wat is a counter Tle icsiciseiicsnisurseiinsiavadisunsiisnnnniriinenein oinera aeeiiaii eiia ka avidan idiari edi i 13 Three examples of how to use counter files cccssscssecssssscsssscnsecssscesssessaccsusncesseusscensuseusenenssvensereuuenens 14 Example 1 Using a counter IN A MESSAQE cescccccesssceecceseeececsseeeeccsseececesseeecessaeeesesseeeeeesaneeens 19 Example 2 Using a counter in a message and displaying a target file MESSAGE ccceeeeeee 82 Example 3 Using a counter to display just a target MeSSAQEC cccesccecesseeceesseeesesseeeeeessneeess 91 How to use real time data iN a MOSSAGE ccsscscssssscsccssscssenssscsessscuseesenceessecsanecssueuacusuaeeessecuanessuveneusecuenens 95 String Variables ActiveX real time ata ccceccssccccsssecesseeeesseeeesseececsueecsaeeeseseesersuesecneseceesenss 95 Real time data example ccccccesssccccessceecesseececcsseeececssteceecsuseseessseeesesseesecesaueesecaaeeeccueeseessaeesecsaneesensas 95 Create sign memory configurations USING Site MANaQel ccccccsseccssecesseecsseesseecseeeesseeessesenees
136. use real time data in a message Table 26 Alpha String Update Control Methods amp Properties METHODS Syntax AlphaStringUpdateCtrl Initialize Initialize Remarks syntax Parameters UpdateString Remarks Method must be called prior to calling any other method of this control This method opens a COM port or creates a socket connection to the display AlphaStringUpdateCtrl UpdateString String Label Value Color Flash e String Label String One character only In the previous example the String Label is 1 e Value String This is the value to be passed and displayed e Color integer 1 Red 2 Green 3 Amber e Flash Byte 0 off 1 on This method will pass any value to the designated string The Color parameter will override any color definition set by the message itself The Flash parameter will only work in the Ho d mode PROPERTIES Byte ConnectMode a ee 0 Serial connection 1 TCP IP connection NetworkAddress Values TCP IP address of the network adapter Only applicable to a TCP IP connection Te PEET 0 3001 default SerialBaudRate Values SerialcomPort Type SerialDataBits Type SerialParity Type SerialStopBits alues 110 300 600 1200 4800 9600 14400 19200 28800 38400 56000 115200 128000 256000 Type Byte ie through 16 Byte ee 1 or 2 Type Integer use 2 digits Serial Address ger gits
137. using either a remote control or through the Diagnostics component of the AlphaNET software Addresses should also be assigned before setting up connection devices sites and groups so that messages go to the correct signs For example at the company used in the next sections s tutorial several signs are connected to a network below and each of these signs is given a unique address so a message can be sent to a particular sign Engineering o eer 05 eon Bo A These three signs all have unique addresses 03 04 and 05 so a message can be sent to only one of them t Oe 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites How to change a sign s serial address Changing a Sign s serial address 1 To change the address of a particular sign first make sure that sign is connected to a power supply and is functioning Point the front of the remote control at the sign s infrared receiver For some signs like the 9000 l J window as shown below series AlphaVision AlphaPremiere and AlphaEclipse displays internal DIP switches must be set to change the serial address Point the front of the remote control at the A sign s infrared receiver window 5 2s 4 eS The person using the remote control should be from Remote control 5 to 30 feet from the fron
138. w iae EEEE sites f Groups Message Name Start Day G Engineering Ea Lobby G Manufacturing Double click Shipping Site Editor site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Site Description Site Name Shipping oe Full Golor AGE Capable Compatibility Alpha 1 0 E295 l Use as an Editor transmit site Network Configuration Connection Device WavelWare Pager Wireless Com 1 Phone Humber Cap Code jan O2000 Enable eror checking Cancel Apply Help 18 3 Creating and sending messages If you want to delete a counter file from a sign click Counter File click None and then click OK 3 Creating and sending messages How to edit a counter file Next select the Sign Info tab and attach the counter file you just created to the Shipping site site Editor Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt Address List Joo None f Single Beep f Three Beeps Tune File Custom Tone Counters Autormode T able 2 Automode File Nove fa Tune File Memon Tune File None V Extended Memory Duration Repeat OF Cancel Apply Help After clicking Counter File select the counter file you just edited in this case Shipping ctw Then select OK Open Dee File name Folders OK shipping ctw cc Lalphanet ee oc Es ALPHANET eg 25 Fy 26 Eg 27 Go 29 List files o
139. will be displayed from the bottom of the sign up similar to the 5 dot character set explained above e Ifa character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used AlphaVision Character Matrix sign 5 Appendices This sign works exactly like the three line 7000 series and AlphaVision Full Matrix signs with the following exceptions Exception conditions e fa mode other than Wipe is received it is replaced with Hold e An AlphaVision sign ignores any of the following graphics any character set command except 5 and 7 high normal wide double wide double high true descenders proportional spacing and animations e Ifa character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used 137 Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs Appendix F How text and graphics are displayed on signs Each sign is made up of a display area of columns and rows of LED pixels that can be turned on and off and that can display different colors for color signs Columns and rows make up a sign For example a 4120C or 4120R sign has a total display area of 120 x 16 Columns 120 Rows 16 Table 4 The number of columns and rows in signs Display area col x rows beabrite BelaBrite Minesign Lae fT COXT X sip 215 Series oa or C P OXT x7 02200 lines of 1207 aia ata I 3200 or R 120x7 poole 330C or A 180x7 D
140. window Site Info Sign Info Group Info Advanced Sign Addresses Tone on Receipt B Address List og ea f Single Beep omien Three Beeps C Tune File Counter File None we Cust Tare Automode T able Duration 2 D gt Aubomode File None Repeat fo Tune File Memon E Tune File Nove M Extended Memory Cancel Apply Help Tone on See Sales setup 2 of 4 Site Editor Sign Info window Receipt on page 26 The address of the Shipping sign can be left at its factory Address List default value of 00 00 C Counter File See How to edit a counter file on page 73 Choose an automode table if desired Compatibility on the Site Info tab must be Alpha 2 0 or Alpha 3 0 for Automode Automode Table to be available File See How to create and use a custom automode sequence on page 99 for more information Signs in the address list can play a tune file each time they receive a message To do this select Tone on Tune File Receipt gt Tune File Then browse and select one of the pre programmed tune files Only available on an AlphaPremiere 9000 sign F Duration In seconds the In seconds the length of time each beep will sound of time each beep will sound a An ee number of times the beep or series of beeps will neve sound Used for large file transmissions such as when sending Extended graphics to a display sign Must be selected when
141. y OK Default Connection Device Add Modem on Com 1 Edit Available Connection Devices Remove Local Wired Com 2 Modem on Com 1 z Wavelare Pager wireless Com 1 SEE Make Default iiet Custom Add Connection Device X Select the connection device or connection devices to add Ethernet Adapter Cancel Local wired Com 1 Local wired Com 2 Local wired Com 3 Local wired Com 4 Modem on Com 1 Modem on Com 2 Modem on Com 3 Modem on Com 4 x 2 Installing AlohaNET 3 0 software and setting up sites 19 Step by step tutorial in setting up connection devices sites and groups 13 Once you select OK the following window appears x To finish setting up an Alpha Ethernet Adapter connection create a site using Site Manager To see an example of this see Creating the Sales site a LAN Default Connection Device Modem on Com 1 Available Connection Devices Ethernet Adapter Local Wired Com 2 Modem on Com 1 Waves are Pager Wireless Com 1 Add Edit Remove Rename Make Default Custom example on page 25 OF UHL 14 r you want to change any of the Alpha Ethernet Adapter settings make sure Ethernet Adapter is highlighted as above and then select Edit Use the following window to change the settings and then select OK Table 6 Alpha Ethernet Adapter setup Ethernet Adapter i General Settings comi Data Format rez F willele

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