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Network Communications Manual

1. RS232 port To right port PC running messaging software To right port Set switch to C _ _ Terminated 12 45 To right port H Alpha Serial Clocks To RS485 connector See NOTE below To right port lt 4 im lt To RS485 N connector on B C D E Converter Box Ill To right port i P Set switch to lt Unterminated Description End of line EOL terminator Must be plugged into the left as you face the back of the 1088 9107 clock RJ11 port Ferrite ferrite end towards clock 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1 foot RS485 cable D 4331 0602 0602 Modular Network Adapter hai 088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port DB25 to DB9 adapter if PC has a 9 pin RS232 port a ae information below the dotted line is the hardware to be added when you want the Converter Box III in the middle of the network In this situation the Converter Box III must be set to Unterminated Appendix 55 Networking Alpha Signs NETWORK OF CLOCKS AND SIGNS RS232 port To right phone
2. PIN 6 Network cables and adapters 41 Networking Alpha Signs RJ12 to DB25 adapter pn 4370 0001C Description Left side Right side RJ12 female DB25 female Typical use Used as part of an RS232 connection between a PC with a DB25 25 pin COM port and a sign so that messages can be sent to the sign from the PC To _ sr e BRAS DARS SE88 AAA OS On PEA sign s 6 connector RS939 SSS RS232 RS232 port PC running port data cable RJ12 to DB25 messaging software pn 1088 8625 or connector pn 1088 8627 PN 4870 0001C Pinouts RJ12 DB25 female ane saa female female female RXD PIN3 PIN2 TXD 1 TXD PIN4 PIN3 RXD PIN4 RTS 1312111098 7654321 PINS CTS GND PIN 1 PIN7 GND OOOO Aee QOOOOOOCCOOCOCO oot 25 24 23 22 21 201918 17 16 15 14 42 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs Network messaging software Overview Messaging software is used to create messages on your PC and then send them to Alpha signs Depending on the software and sign you use different features and functions are available to help you personalize your messages e Text color e Fonts e Modes flashing or rotating text for example e Time and date insertion e Graphics e Animation e Message simulation Alpha Messaging Software Alpha Messaging Software is a software program that controls text on standard Alpha signs The soft
3. Type both the numbers and Enter the new IP address to assign to the server It should notin use by 192 67 12 189 decimal points any other device Enter the new subnet address to assign the server check Noneif you dont mM Mone wantto assign a subnet right now Enter the TFTP loadhostthe server will use to download new firmware This line should be grayed out and the None box checked This line should contain zeros or you can set it as needed for your system o 0 A d Automatically connect and permanently cal assign the IP address to the server LAM Cnc This box should be checked 9 Click OK Appendix 59 Networking Alpha Signs 10 Reboot the serial server if prompted to do so Assign IP Address Status lel Ed EZWWebCon is now ready to assign the ip address Please turn the server on now or if itis already on turn the power off then on D 11 Do one or more of the following If the serial server already has an IP address assigned to it and you re assigning the same one EZWebCon will notify you Click OK to continue Ifthe serial server already has an IP address assigned to it and you re assigning a different one EZWebCon will ask whether you really want to assign the new address Click Yes to continue If the serial server does not have an existing IP address EZWebCon will notify you that it will assign the IP address Click OK to continue UsiNG
4. data block module An LED mounted on a circuit board and epoxied into a block module that contains a specific number of rows and columns of pixels Glossary 85 Networking Alpha Signs datagram Logical grouping of information sent as a network layer The primary bits of information on the Internet data rate The speed at which data bits are transmitted and received usually measured in bits per second See also baud date of manufacture The month day and year the sign is made Adaptive Micro Systems uses a date code of YYMM where April 2001 would read 0104 DC Direct Current A current that flows in one direction only like that of a battery DDE Dynamic Data Exchange A form of communication in OS 2 and Windows software not as advanced as OLE When two or more programs are supporting DDE and running simultaneously they can exchange information and commands density Defined by the pixel diameter and center to center spacing of the character displayed The closer the pixels are to each other the higher the resolution of the character Low resolution characters are designed for distance viewing Also known as resolution destination address Address of a network device that is receiving data For example the address in a message packet identifying which sign is to receive it destination node In the Open Systems Interconnection OSI model the nodes that represent the host computers at each end of a co
5. knockout A portion of the wall of an enclosure that can be removed by a hammer screwdriver or pliers at the time of installation in order to provide a hole for the attachment of an auxiliary device cable or fitting LAN Local Area Network A group of computers and other devices connected by a communications link that allows a device to interact with any other device on that network The devices are in close proximity hence the word local LAN connectivity A LAN connection in which one or more displays signs are linked by Alpha Ethernet Adapters or serial servers Glossary 93 Networking Alpha Signs LAWN Local Area Wireless Network A group of computers and other devices connected by a wireless communications link that allows a device to interact with any other device on that network A transmitter attached to a PC broadcasts data to devices equipped with a data receiver Transmission range is usually limited to a mile hence the word local LED Light Emitting Diode A tiny chip of silicon made to produce light in a variety of colors including red green yellow and blue A semiconductor diode that converts applied voltage to light as is used in digital displays LED display An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display LED sign An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a f
6. male RJ11 RJ11 male to sign to Modular Network Adapter 4 1 RS485 PIN1 S e ____ PIN1 RS485 4 1 PIN 2 Pe PIN2 SHIELD PIN 3 ee PIN3 RS485 PIN 4 ow pin RS485 These are also the wire colors in the Modular Network Adapter 30 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs 25 foot RS232 cable pn 1088 8625 Description Left jack RJ12 male Right jack RJ12 male Typical use Used as part of an RS232 connection between a PC with a DB25 25 pin or DB9 9 pin COM port and a sign so that messages can be sent to the sign from the PC Alpha sign qc oy iin To sign s TO PC S sean aeaa anoa eam RS232 6 connector R 232 RJ12 to DB9 RS232 port cable connector pori PC running messaging pn 1088 8625 or Pn 1088 9108 software 1088 8627 RJ12 to DB25 connector pn 4370 0001C Pinouts RJ12 RJ12 male RJ12 RJ12 male from sign to computer 6 1 GND PIN 1 ue_________ pin 1 GND RS485 PIN 2 elow ______ PIN2 RS485 4 RXD PIN 3 Seen PINS RXD TXD PIN 4 Red PIN4 TXD RS485 PIN5 PIN5 RS485 5V PIN 6 e PING 5V Network cables and adapters 31 Networking Alpha Signs 8 foot RS485 back to back cable pn 1088 8626 Description Left jack RJ11 male Typical use Used to connect two signs together into an RS485 ne
7. E PC running To sign s R8232 To PC s RS232 or messaging port TTL port software Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 1088 8625 25 foot RS232 cable 1088 8627 50 foot RS232 cable 4370 0001C RJ11 to DB25 adapter for a PC with a 25 pin R 232 port 1088 9108 RJ11 to DB9 adapter for a PC with a 9 pin RS232 port Note Part number 1036 9010 a 6 connector RS232 cable can replace pn 1088 8625 and pn 1088 9108 RS 485 single sign Use this setup when you want a simple serial R5232 connection to a PC one sign to one PC ata distance of greater than 50 feet Up to 4000 feet If more ee lt 50teetor less ADAPTIVE s tf RS 232 RS 232 AS 237 TS he FOR INDOOR USE ONLY i Alpha sign T i To D To PC s RS232 PC running port messaging software Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 8 foot RS485 cable ES 1088 8636 1 foot RS485 cable recommended Modular Network Adapter See Appendix G Modular Network Adapter to Converter Box III wiring 4331 0602 on page 57 for specific wiring information DO 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt na 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box Ill to PC RS232 port 6E DB9 to DB25 adapter if PC has a 25 pin RS232 port Wired networks Network
8. male DB25 female Typical use Used to connect a sign to an Alpha Ethernet Adapter on an Ethernet LAN using TCP IP protocol mm PC running messaging software Ethernet LAN using TCP IP protocol 10BASE T using Alpha Ethernet Adapter Description CA i The PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card 1088 9120 Alpha Ethernet Adapter kit Cc 1088 9317 8 inch Ethernet cable Pinouts RJ11 RJ11 DB25 DB25 male male female female PIN ga A O pa Green 6 1 es Blue PIN 3 PIN 6 lt gt PIN11 1312111098 7654321 Pi i lt lt E E OOOOOOO000000 000000000000 29 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 Network cables and adapters 39 Networking Alpha Signs Modular Network Adapter pn 4331 0602 i _ lt _ Top Typical use Used to connect a PC to a Converter Box III as part of an R5485 network Description Left side RJ11 female Alpha sign PC running messaging software Description Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable a 8 rec 1 foot RS485 cable C 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable LF 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III t
9. s RS232 on Deen u PC running F messaging software S Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 25 foot RS232 cable 50 foot RS232 cable RJ11 to DB25 adapter for a PC with a 25 pin RS232 port RJ11 to DB9 adapter for a PC with a 9 pin RS232 port 25 pin sub D to 6 pos RJ11 modem adapter Available from Pacesetter Communications Inc at info pace setter com for more information on their part number 2370 0002 Telephone lines US Robotics 56K Faxmodem Transmitting modem NOTE Part number 1036 9010 a 6 connector RS232 cable can replace pn 1088 8625 and pn 1088 9108 16 Mixed networks Networking Alpha Signs Network interfaces A network interface is used to connect two different types of networks For example the Converter Box III is used to join an RS232 and RS485 network There are two types of network interfaces PC to sign and sign to sign PC to sign interfaces connect a PC to one or more signs PC to sign interfaces include e Converter Box II which connects a PC s RS232 port to an R5485 network e Xircom USB Adapter which connects a PC s USB port to an RS232 or RS485 network Sign to sign interfaces connect a sign to a serial or Ethernet LAN network Sign to network interfaces include e Alpha Ethernet Adapter which connects a sign s RS232 port to a 1OBASE T Ethernet network e Lantronix MSS100 which connects a sign s RS232 port to a LOBASE T or 1OOBASE T Ethernet network e Lantronix
10. Appendix I Setting up messaging software for TCP IP networking on page 70 On some signs an internal jumper must be set to either RS232 or RS485 depending on the cabling the sign is using See Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 jumper on page 49 for more information Also some signs may need to be terminated depending upon which type of network and the number of signs you are using See Appendix B End of line termination on page 46 Wired networks 9 Networking Alpha Signs LAN single sign Use this setup when one sign needs to connect to a LAN _ PC running messaging software Ethernet LAN using TCP IP protocol 10BASE T using Alpha Ethernet Adapter or MSS100 or MS485 A 100BASE T using MSS100 Alpha sign Description OA ee The PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card 1088 9120 Alpha Ethernet Adapter kit 1088 4113A MSS100 Micro Serial Server 1088 4112A MSS485 Micro Serial Server 10 Wired networks Networking Alpha Signs LAN multiple signs TCP IP network Use this configuration when connecting signs to a TCP IP network using unique IP addresses The number of signs on this network is limited by the number of available IP addresses but the potential length of the network is unlimited Perunin Ethernet LAN using TCP IP protocol imi messaging 10BASE T using Alpha Ethernet Adapter or MSS100 or MS4
11. COM PORT TO A SERIAL SERVER WITH REDIRECTOR SOFTWARE 1 Open the Redirector software The main window appears fea RDCfg l ES Port Configuration Advanced Redirect coms To Move Up Com Setup Move Down I Silent Mode Add Add IP Port Settings Status idle 0 Disconnect iE De Remove ik r Close 2 Select the COM port that you want to redirect from the Redirect To drop down menu Appendix T1 Networking Alpha Signs 3 Click Add IP In the IP Service Setup window enter the IP address of the serial server that EZWebCon detected in the Host line In the TCPPort line enter 3001 a valid number used for any serial server Click OK IP Service Setup x Host 192 67 12 189 TCPPott 3001 cot neo 4 Click Save from Redirector s main window 5 When the Config Info window appears click OK and then close Redirector i G Saved service information 6 If prompted reboot the computer You should now be able to access the sign using Alpha Messaging Software or BetaBrite Messaging Software via the network Setting serial servers for Gateway Messaging Software To use Gateway Messaging Software to send messages over a TCP IP network you must use an MSS485 as a local host serial server to send messages all at once to one or more signs each with a remote serial server attached In this mode you set one MSS485 as the local host device W
12. Connect a TCP IP cable to an active port and to the serial server according to the information for your specific serial server in the sign to sign interfaces section beginning on page 22 4 Connect the appropriate power supply to the serial server For an Alpha Ethernet Adapter this will be the sign with its power cable plugged into an outlet For a Lantronix serial server this will be its own power cable 58 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs 5 Check the LED lights on the serial server The power light should be solid green indicating it is properly powered The link light should be solid green indicating a valid network connection The activity light should be blinking green indicating normal operation UsinG EZWEBCON SOFTWARE TO ASSIGN THE IP ADDRESS 6 Open the EZWebCon software The main window appears E EZwWebCon 2 0 1 Bil x File Edit View Action Help ea 0 7 Select Action gt Assign IP Address in the main window 8 The Assign IP Address to Server window appears Complete the information as follows feaAssign IP Address to Server Of x This always begin with To setup your new server you must first give it an IP address so that 00 80 a3 It is also case sensitive Sani can talk to it and must be in lowercase letters Enter the ethernet address should You do not need to type dashes be printed on the unit of the server O0 80 a3 2a 9c 56 vou wish to assign an IF address to
13. Converter Box S Sign Network interfaces Networking Alpha Signs Typical use Used to connect a PC s RS232 port to an R5485 network To next sign Alpha sign f e d sign PC running messaging software Description Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable U 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter OAO 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator 1122 7122 0288 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122 0284 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt GO 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Pee 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Network interfaces 19 Networking Alpha Signs Xircom USB Adapter Description Ls RS232 serial DB9 male connector data out BO USB male connector data in LED indicator light e Red Power on e Green or amber Transmitting data e No light No operation Typical use Used to connect a PC s USB port to an RS232 or RS485 network Single sign connection s Alpha sign oi 2 ma IC aP To sign s o RS232 port ee S por PC running messaging software NOTE RS232 cable connection can not exceed 50 feet in total length ee Cee Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 2
14. EZWEBCON SOFTWARE TO DETECT SERIAL SERVERS AND IP ADDRESSES ON THE NETWORK OPTIONAL 12 Open the EZWebCon software The main window appears E EZwWebCon 2 0 1 ill Es File Edit View Action Help ae 13 Click File gt Browse Network to search for existing servers on the network 60 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs 14 When the Browse Network window appears it will show IP addresses of existing serial servers on the network including the IP address just assigned to this serial server To print press Print Screen on your keyboard and then paste into a drawing or word processing application fe Browse Network x Get More Servers Filter All Servers w 207 67 12 250 gen twtelecom net M55100 207 67 12 222 MSSLITE 207 67 12 57 gen twtelecom net MSS1 207 67 12 58 gen twtelecom net M551 207 67 12 59 gen twtelecom net M5851 207 67 12 54 gen twtelecom net MSSLITE 207 67 12 55 gen twtelecom net MSSLITE 207 67 12 56 gen twtelecom net MSSLITE 207 67 12 223 MSSLITE 207 67 12 224 MSSLITE 207 67 12 254 gen twtelecom net M55485 207 67 12 53 gen twtelecom net M55485 Select all Ok Cancel NOTE If the IP address you just assigned does not appear you can ping the serial server as described in the section for Method 2 DOS ARP command If the IP address still does not appear you must either assign an IP address to the serial server using a different method
15. MS5485 which connects a sign s RS485 port to a LOBASE T Ethernet network Network interfaces 17 Networking Alpha Signs Converter Box Ill pn 1088 1111 Description 18 RS232 pinout 123456 Sly 9876 1 DCD 2 RXD DR TO T a te E mow 1 E not connected D x 2 RS485 5 Signal GND 3 SHIELD 6 DSR 4 not connected 7 RTS RS485 8 CTS ee 9 not connected ge cere Bs MICRO SYSTEMS I Scr INC 5 RS232 TXD indicator When lit indicates that the unit is transmitting data through the RS232 plug and receiving data through one of the RS485 connections RS232 RXD indicator When lit indicates that the unit is receiving data through the RS232 plug and transmitting data through one of the RS485 connections Power indicator When lit indicates that the unit has power RS485 jack Connects a single Alpha sign to the unit For multiple sign networking use the RS485 connector block Set to Unterminated if the Converter Box is in the middle of a string of signs iu C Converter Box S S C S S Sign T E 0 L terminator See Appendix B End of line termination on page 46 for more information on terminating signs RS485 connector block Connects multiple Alpha signs to a network RS232 plug Connects to a PC s RS232 port Power plug Supplies 9 VAC to the unit Termination selector Set to Terminated if the Converter Box is at one end of a string of signs T C
16. RS485 network modules Subassemblies produced to contain a specific number of rows and columns of pixels to simplify the assembly of larger signs and to permit more flexibility in the design and construction of signs moving message display An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display moving message sign An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display multiplexing The most common technique used in indoor displays to get the greatest range of brightness A scheme that allows multiple signals to be transmitted at the same time across one physical channel NAK Negative Acknowledgment An ASCII or EBCDIC code indicating that a message has not been received correctly 96 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs NEMA National Electrical Manufacturing Association Creates standards for enclosures for electrical devices Domestic only For Adaptive users NEMA standards for enclosures protect displays from dirt dust and oil in a factory setting network A collection of interconnected individually controlled devices together with the hardware and software used to connect them network address A unique network layer number that refers to a device residing on a network node An add
17. Smart Alec works with all types of networks and runs in TCP IP network environments on PCs with either a Windows 95 Windows 98 or Windows NT operating system Multiple signs can be connected to the PC or LAN and Smart Alec can send messages to any individual sign or groups of signs Alpha Marquee ActiveX Control The Alpha Marquee ActiveX Control is a development tool that allows programmers to rapidly interface Alpha signs to any application that supports the use of ActiveX controls The control comes complete with everything needed to trigger alarms string messages and display real time information on a static display It communicates to any Alpha sign through a serial or LAN connection 44 Network messaging software Networking Alpha Signs Appendix Appendix A Related documentation The following documentation may be useful with this manual and can be found on Adaptive s Web site at http www ams i com Pages techdoc htm a 9701 0202 Messaging Software User Manual ie Step any ote Examples Of nOW TO Usg messaging Explains how to set up the aluminum Director and 9702 2005 Alpha Director Sign User Manual includes instructions for basic operating procedures and messaging with the Remote Control 9704 0002 Alpha Remote Control Programming ae Ae Control to create and send Describes how to mount the sign set up the electrical 9705 1002C Alpha Solar Series Installation Manual connection and
18. TCP users exist reboot to take effect Local 2 gt gt fj 10 Reboot the serial server by typing i d 0 with spaces between the characters The last character is a Zero oi Telnet 192 67 12 252 Ma x Connect Edt Terminal Help Password aj Local_2 gt change ipaddr 192 67 12 189 Info TCP users exist reboot to take effect Local 2 gt gt id 41nfo Server reset scheduled delay B minute _ al 11 Because the serial server will no longer be at the same address as when you connected to it using Telnet Telnet officially logs you out of that connection of Telnet 192 67 12 189 Of x Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt gt change ipaddr 192 67 12 252 Info TCP users exist reboot to take effect Local 2 gt gt id 41info Server reset scheduled delay A minute Local 2 gt gt LOGOUT Exiting the Lantronix MSSLITE F HIEI 12 You then get this notification Telnet Ea Connection to host lost 13 After clicking OK and after the serial server completes the reboot you can connect to the server You can also exit Telnet and send messages 66 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Method 4 DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP allows a device to use a dynamic IP address assigned at boot time from an available pool of addresses With this method you do not need to set the IP address in the hardware itself The serial server is shipped with DHCP disable
19. a distance of 50 feet and connects only one sign to one computer RS232 RS485 jumper A set of three small prongs inside some signs with a connector that covers only two of the three prongs jumper Determines whether the sign is using RS232 or RS485 communication RS485 Uses parallel communication specifically R5485 protocol Connects multiple signs directly to a computer for distance longer than 50 feet Requires a converter box RTC Real time Clock A memory chip that allows a sign to retain accurate time while not powered Runs from a battery serial An RS232 R5485 or USB connection between a PC and one or more computers in a network serial address An identifier assigned to networks stations and other devices so that each device can be separately designed to receive and reply to messages See also address 100 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs serial number Unique identification number for each sign or other product Usually a consecutive sequence within a given model line server A combination of controller software and mass storage devices that allows computer users to share common files and applications on a network sign An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display Site A collection of one or more signs in AlphaNet plus for Windows software Smart Alec Intelligent me
20. a maximum of two sign cables can connect to the back of it Therefore only two strings of signs can attach For more information on the Converter Box III see Converter Box II pn 1088 1111 on page 18 Alpha sign Alpha sign See NOTE 1 below r To Converter Box IIl RS485 Ei Sign cable 2 TE Alpha sign I Alpha sign Description aa 088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Converter Box III set to Terminated for a single sign cable or Unterminated for two sign cables 1088 1111 Used with a Converter Box III AC Adapter pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt e 8624 8 foot RS485 cable e 8636 1 foot RS485 cable ae 0602 Modular Network Adapter EB 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator NOTE 1 The information below the dotted line is the hardware to be added when you want to connect a second sign cable for additional signs In this situation the Converter Box III must be set to Unterminated NOTE 2 Part number 1088 8002 a 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable can replace pn 1088 8624 or pn 1088 8636 6 Wired networks Networking Alpha Signs RS232 single sign Use this setup when you want a simple serial R5232 connection to a PC one sign to one PC ata distance of less than 50 feet e 50 feet or less gt A B te Alpha sign i D oa it
21. be found in the manuals for the Remote Control and IR Message loader See Appendix A Related documentation on page 45 Description End of line EOL terminator Must be plugged into the RS232 or TTL plug on the first and the last sign Ferrite ferrite end towards sign 8 foot RS485 cable 1 foot RS485 cable 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 1072 1111 Infrared Remote Control keyboard 1071 1113 IR Message Loader 1088 9107 NOTE Be sure to verify whether a jumper needs to be set on the sign you are using See Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 jumper on page 49 52 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Back to back wiring Back to back wiring is the easiest way to network two signs together Appendix N Alpha sign 1 L I RS 485 p i OR L d RS 485 IN l JEC Connect each end of the cable N bn RS 485 IN e to the RS 485 OUT RS 485 IN plug on each sign NOTE NEVER connect each Pani ee ain end of the cable to the RS485 d i IN RS232 IN plugs on each sign as this may damage the signs NG NOT A RS 485 IN RS 232 IN Alpha sign I j tem Pate sip OA 1088 8626 8 foot RS485 back to back cable 53 Networking Alpha Signs Alpha Serial Clocks The Alpha Serial Clock displays the time in either 12 hour or 24 hour mode using a 4 inch LED display It can be used all by i
22. configurations NOTE Be aware that on some signs an internal jumper must be set to either RS232 or RS485 depending on the cabling the sign is using See Appendix D Setting the RS232 R5485 jumper on page 49 Also some signs may need to be terminated depending upon which type of network and the number of signs you are using See Appendix B End_ of line termination on page 46 for additional information Multiple signs without a PC Use this setup when you want to connect multiple signs without using a PC In this situation an infrared Remote Control keyboard or an infrared Message Loader instead of a PC is used to send messages to a sign See Appendix A Related documentation on page 45 for more information on these items Although this configuration is not as flexible or as powerful as using a PC to send and schedule messages the Remote Control or Message Loader is adequate for sending a limited number of messages to a group of signs B To sign s R8485 port Sk To sign s R8485 port X E n lt _ _i i i H B C D To sign s RS485 port cm To use a Remote Control or an IR Message Loader point it at a sign s NOTE To use a Personal Priority Display at the end of a network of infrared receiver window signs see Appendix B End ot Information on how messages are line termination on page 46 sent from one to sign another can
23. connect the sign to a PC Also discusses the basic operation of the sign 9707 1003 IR Message Loader Instructions Explains how to use the infrared message loader to transfer messages between display signs and PCs 9707 7004 ALPHA NEMA Series Sign Installation Instructions Explains how to install Alpha NEMA series signs Explains how to install and use the version 2 0 software for AlphaNet formerly called AlphaNet plus for Windows Lengthy examples show how to set up and send messages to a network of signs 9708 8081 AlphaNet 2 0 User Manual Describes how to use the Smart Alec version 3 0 software 9709 2030 Smart Alec Version 3 0 User Manual Includes basic background plus setting up and managing the system as well as advanced functions 9711 2401B AlphaTicker Installation Instructions Describes how to install and network AlphaTicker signs 9711 4201C AlphaPremiere 9000 Series Installation Manual Explains how to install Series 9000 signs Provides comprehensive setup installation 9711 6009 AlphaEclipse 3500 Series Installation and Service Manual troubleshooting and field repair for AlphaEclipse 3500 Series Outdoor Signs Explains how to install set up and wire the sign and 9711 6501B AlphaEclipse 1500 Series Installation Manual temperature probe Also provides routine service and technical specifications TechMemo l rere l Describes how to network signs to a PC with a USB port 01 0003 Installin
24. edads 13 Modem preliminary information seraccetiacsicncdiuaisntassdesiergaendsnuuyehereaueshiacgandenueasnneaniacinrddvaiandmianteinieaburs 13 IVIOGE MSI NGIESIGM RO 232 a a a a decd fst quadeedabeasede 14 IOC MUNI IE SIGNS HO 4 OO eaa cnc cata a T eed ees eee vataesie a cestive a ahatencebeaor Aatatees 15 Mixed NetWOTKS csxctcet acus cies nnne a o TA 16 NETWORK TCI ACES x nssiastiitanesdicnicanainsiens a aia 1 COME EEPO Morsen agaist haveian ate acca aadincaatcanausiia peat saneaigiet huauaniensaedea niet iaatentaliommarucoieets 18 PC OMNIS BaD O coiteattscitespuctaestastucats sashes stectastitins bal ava iisenatsucattusisian A T 20 7A OV AY NOG ad aT ed ASV Ada DIO Gaerne Renee tre RRO a PR ett ee Ps Pe er ro re eR a PR RS Oe 22 LAME OTVING IMs LO inariana a a mae A 24 Lanon MS 4O Jani a AA S 25 Network cables and adapters ssiessessrrrsserrrrrssrrrrrrrrrserrrrrrssrirrrrrsrerrrrrresens 21 CDV GTC aE veges R A A E A eau 2 ZOTOOL R9232 cable PN 1036 9010 reinen case cod uesnente esoitonperuaphhadaniheileda A 28 STOOR CO NAUCLOr CaDIE PN 1089 902 Trains e ea a a e a 29 8 foot RS485 cable pn 1088 8624 oo ce ccssecesseccsseecsseeeesseeesseecsseeesseeesseeecsaeecsaeeseseeseeeeeeeseeesseeesaes 30 ZO 1OOU ROZOL CADION DI VUGO O02 0 ernn Fabcanave eusediaa S 31 8 foot RS485 back to back cable pn 1088 8626 ccc ceecesscccseecssecsseeseeeesseecseeceessseeseesseessseesees 32 DU OOU ROZoe Cale DIV 1080 902 rari ra cans ate a a A
25. jack PC running Alpha Serial Clock eee To sign s RS485 port Set switch to Alpha sign aA Terminated B Ea To right phone jack H p Alpha Serial Clock To R8485 connector Optional See NOTE below To sign s R8485 Alpha sign lt lt G To RS485 AT To sign s R8485 B Converter Box III OO CNN po z A Set switch to l E l f Unterminated Description End of line EOL terminator Must be plugged into the left as you face the back of the 1088 9107 l clock RJ11 phone jack Ferrite ferrite end towards clock 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1088 8636 1 foot RS485 cable D 4331 0602 0602 Modular Network Adapter aa 088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt at 088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port DB to DB9 adapter if PC has a 9 pin RS232 port B E information below the dotted line is the hardware to be added when you want the Converter Box III in the middle of the network In this situation the Converter Box III must be set to Unterminated 56 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Appendix G Modular Network Adapter to Converter Box III
26. or contact IS personnel with the hardware address on the back of the serial server IS can then use network management software to locate the IP address NOTE It may be a good idea to write the IP address directly on the serial server 15 Click Cancel and close EZWebCon Method 2 DOS ARP command In a DOS window in Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows NT the arp command is a simple way to assign an IP address when none has been previously assigned The arp command is used here in conjunction with the ping command The ping command is used to test the connection with the serial server and to determine whether the new IP address has taken effect NOTE The arp command will not work if any IP address has ever been assigned to the given hardware address The arp command will not replace an existing IP address with another IP address You can use Telnet to change or delete an existing IP address Refer to Method 3 Telnet on page 64 OBTAINING NEW IP ADDRESS ES 1 Obtain a valid IP address for each serial server This is usually assigned by an IS network administrator Appendix 61 Networking Alpha Signs 62 CONNECTING THE SERIAL SERVER TO THE SIGN AND THE NETWORK RS232 cable TCP IP cable i er v O Serial server and specific connections Connect the serial server according to the information for your specific adapter in the sign to sign interfaces section starting on page 22 NOTE Do not connect the power ca
27. screen protocol A set of rules for transmitting data within a network or internetwork Specifies the format timing and sequence in which the network transmits data Common protocols include AFP ALAP RTMP NCP IPX reader board An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display record A collection of related fields such as all the information about one display command repeater Used to boost the electrical signal along very long networks resolution The quality and clarity of text and graphics defined by the pixel diameter and center to center spacing of the character displayed The closer the pixels are to each other the higher the resolution of the character Low resolution characters are designed for distance viewing Also known as density Glossary 99 Networking Alpha Signs rev Revision RF transmitter Radio frequency transmitter Wireless device which sends a message from a network computer and modem to a data receiver routing The transmission of a datagram from one node to another on the same or a different network Refers to the paths that are chosen to transmit an IP datagram from its origin to its destination based on the IP addresses contained in the datagram RS232 Uses serial communication specifically RS232 protocol Connects a sign directly to a computer Limited to
28. sign oa gt a TE S l Alpha sign a PC running messaging software Description Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 7122 0283 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122 0284 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable oo 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Pinouts RJ11 RJ11 male male RJ11 RJ11 to sign to Modular Network Adapter 4 1 Black 4 1 RS485 PIN 1 2 _______ PIN1 RS485 PIN 2 _Red ______ pin 2 SHIELD PIN 3 Steen _ pin3 RS485 PIN 4 low ___ss pin 4 RS485 These are also the wire colors in Modular Network Adapter 36 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs End of Line EOL terminator pn 1088 9107 Description ae RJ12 jack male Typical use Connects to the RS232 or TTL plug of the first or last sign on an RS485 network om A a pen Alpha sign Alpha sign PC running messaging software Description OAO 1088 9107 End of Line EOL terminator e a 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable pC 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter Converter Box III with a Converter
29. signs A modem network uses modems e Mixed a combination of a wired wireless and modem network Wired network serial This configuration is a simple serial connection which means that a sign connects directly to the serial port on a PC through a cable RS232 Alpha sign Wired network LAN There are several ways to connect an Alpha sign to a TCP IP network However in the configuration below signs connect to an Ethernet LAN using an Alpha Ethernet Adapter which helps a PC communicate with the signs attached to that network On some signs this adapter is internal On other signs such as the AlphaPremiere an internal Ethernet adapter called a CoBox is used Signs can also connect to an Ethernet LAN using MSS100 or MSS485 micro serial servers These configurations are documented later in this manual Ethernet Alpha sign Alpha sign E5 H Network overview 1 Networking Alpha Signs Wireless network transceiver A wireless network is an effective choice when e the cost of a wired connection is too expensive e the sign is at a greater distance than is recommended e you cannot physically run wiring to the sign s location or e the signs may frequently change location Wireless networks allow you to transfer data between PCs and signs that are not physically connected A PC communicates with one or more signs through a transceiver transmitter receiver One transceiver at
30. signs in the network using a special feature called RS485 echo N n RS485 Termination ON RS485 Termination OFF RS485 Termination ON i i i End of line EOL Termination by terminator required on this dipswitch required z Wireless transceiver z sign if it S the only sign For more information on RS485 echo see Appendix C RS485 echo on page 48 46 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Stand alone Personal Priority Display Detailed use of the EOL terminator can be found throughout this manual However its use with a Personal Priority Display is documented here because a special duplex adapter is needed to accommodate both the EOL termination and networking functions Adaptive Micro Systems does not carry this adapter To obtain one contact Adaptive for a referral or visit your local Radio Shack A B C D i P IP Displ f Mi ersonal Priority Display To sign s E 4 RS232 RS485 F port Description Duplex adapter B 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator 8 foot RS485 cable 1 foot RS485 cable D 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter EE Ferrite ferrite end towards sign E 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Wall mounted Personal Priority Display i Personal Priority Display E F Description OA Ferrite ferrite end towards sign e poma onsa O Le Duplex adapter Modular Network Ada
31. the arp s n n n n 00 80 a3 x x x command to actually assign the IP address NOTE Once the serial server is initially powered up you have only two minutes to assign it an IP address After two minutes either an alternate method must be used or the serial server must be rebooted by removing and reapplying power to it MS DOS Prompt COWWINDOWS arp s 192 67 12 241 00 30 a3 0f 40 9c Cl WIKDOWS Watch the DOS window with the ping command to determine when communication has been established A Reply from response will appear in the window when this happens Pinging 192 67 12 241 with 32 bytes of data Request timed out Request timed out Request timed out Request timed out Request timed out Request timed out Request timed out Reply from 192 67 12 251 bytes 3 time 5ms TIL 60 Reply from 192 67 12 251 bytes 3 time 5ms TIL 60 Reply from 192 67 12 251 bytes 3 time 6ms TTL 60 Reply from 197 67 127 241 bytes 3 time 5ms TIL 60 Reply from 192 67 12 251 bytes 3 time 5ms TTL 60 Ping statistics for 192 67 12 21 Packets Sent 90 Received 83 Lost 7 C loss Approximate round trip times in milli seconds Minimum Sms Haximum fms Average ims Control C C2 WWIKDOWS gt NOTE The serial server will not save the learned IP address permanently The time it is saved may vary depending on how your network is set up This arp and ping procedure is intended as a temporary measure to allow EZ
32. the IP address For other methods the IP address can be assigned after the serial server hardware is installed To assign an IP address you will need to know two numbers e The IP address to be assigned to each serial server either the Alpha Ethernet Adapter MSS100 or MSS485 The specific address is usually designated by an IS network administrator e The hardware address of the serial server This is found on a label on the back of the server Methods 1 5 for assigning an IP address are listed in order from the most simple and most often used to the least often used Method 6 should only be used when setting the address of an AlphaPremiere 9000 Series sign because a different serial server called a CoBox card sits inside this sign The Cobox card has its own software for assigning IP addresses Method 1 EZWebCon INSTALLING EZWEBCON SOFTWARE You can get the latest version of EZWebCon for your network platform from either the Alpha Ethernet Adapter CD or the Lantronix CD or from the Lantronix Internet site www lantronix com Just download it to an empty directory on your PC The following instructions use version 2 0 1 of EZWebCon which may differ from the version you have 1 Double click ezwebcon exe in the downloaded files 2 The EZWebCon application opens and installs itself on your PC CONNECTING THE SERIAL SERVER TO THE SIGN AND THE NETWORK RS232 cable TCP IP cable Serial Server and Specific connections 3
33. the PC the master transceiver transmits messages to a second transceiver the remote transceiver in or attached to a sign located elsewhere There are two types of wireless networks e LAWN Local Area Wireless Network e WAWN Wide Area Wireless Network Adaptive Micro Systems does not provide wireless messaging hardware or technical communication services for most Alpha indoor signs If you are interested in this type of network we recommend you visit the following Web sites for more information e WaveWare Technologies http www wirelessmessaging com e Reach Wireless http www reachwireless com e Metrocall DirectView http www metrocall com directview Alpha sign Alpha sign Alpha sign Network overview Networking Alpha Signs Modem network This configuration connects signs to a PC through a modem It is used when the signs and the PCs are a great distance from each other ww a it A mixed network involves a combination of two or more network types In the configuration below a PC connects to one sign by a modem and additional signs through a serial cable f 5 Alpha sign Eea T E I Alpha sign Alpha sign J 00000000000 Mixed network Alpha sign Network overview 3 Networking Alpha Signs Detailed information To go directly to the type of network you want use the following Wired networks Serial preliminar
34. wiring Special wiring is needed to connect the Modular Network Adapter and the Converter Box HI Connect RED wire from RS485 cable to YL screw Connect BLACK wire from RS485 cable to BK screw Connect SHIELD wire from RS485 cable to RD screw To next Modular Network Adapter NOTE If the Modular Network Adapter is connected to a if necessary Personal Priority Display PPD sign then connect the two SHIELD wires together from each RS485 cable However do NOT connect these two wires to the SHIELD screw C SHIELD WIRE BLACK WIRE RED WIRE po m On 0 uw NOTA TELEPHONE A CONNECTION RS 485 UNTERMINATED TERMINATED SHIELD WIRE BLACK WIRE RED WIRE Tem Pate Description xe Ferrite ferrite end towards sign 8 foot RS485 cable 1088 8636 1 foot RS485 cable tame 0602 Modular Network Adapter an 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt Appendix O Networking Alpha Signs Appendix H Assigning an IP address to a serial server For messages to be sent to a specific sign on the network each serial server must have a unique IP address associated with it There are several methods for assigning an IP address that can be used depending on various circumstances For some of these methods installation of the serial server hardware must be done while assigning
35. 280 The characters and graphics of a message are formed by turning on or activating specific patterns of pixels within the display array Glossary 87 Networking Alpha Signs DLL Dynamic Link Library An OS 2 and Windows software feature that allows executable code modules to be loaded on demand and linked to run time driver board A circuit board in an LED sign that takes information from the micro board and uses it to turn an LED on or off Display cubes are mounted socketed or soldered on a driver board drop test A test done on each new product to determine whether its packaging material is sufficient for shipping ETL is an example of a company that performs the test duplex adapter Converts a single jack into a dual jack to allow two accessories to be connected at the same time FEPROM Electronic Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory A small device usually found inside the access door of an LED sign containing a program firmware that runs the sign which can be written to over and over again electrical information Input voltage frequency amperage and watts electronic display An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message The following terms are used interchangeably ACD display alphanumeric display auditorium marquee banner banner board communication center communicator digital display digital sign direc
36. 33 10 foot computer to Converter Box III Type A9 RS232 cable pn 1088 8634 0nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnns 34 10 foot modem to Converter Box III Type B9 RS232 cable pn 1088 8635 ou cee eeeeeeseeeneeeeees 39 1 f0ot RS485 cable pn 1088 8636 ccicrsissusissteneivtiusiing aa ek ee e aeaa area NEETA NA 36 ENG Ol Line EGE TermInalor A 1096 9107 ase cet isl satet tates e a velad ectustduniiecteearesenniae 37 RJ 12 to DB9 adapter pn TOSCO 1G wvdiccudesvctecebeteaudaciedetduactinariueaecectescesdhawdadensedaaiudasdueynelantuenmeaieeke de 38 S INCMELMETMELCANIG PA TOSO IS I7 henni n 39 Modular Network Adapter pn 4331 0602 00 ecccccsccesseessseessseeecsseescseescseeseeeeceeesceescsaeeesseesseeeeess 40 MOZO2 Cale connector OMA ao I VOUS 222523 205s 5258 cbuecic basses steered atin aos enka ea febd tees ete 41 RJ12 to DB25 adapter pn 4370 00010 scesctuaseetenanteeesecgrdeennttadeahicttexdank seudonssehiesaatseebinbentlexietolutdentiecsetd 42 Network messaging Software ue ceecceeesesssssessessseceeeeseceeeeeeeesesesseesenananes 43 OVE NIO W oeras a A E A T E A eeateaa ads 43 Alpha Messaging SoftWare sauces durscs bsincatonesacanavosoiacssuacordaansgscassan dian Sathawel a wiriwdsud charvdcdayaidiondveiadabsnuntuagaavaaee 43 PADI eer SOWA eonen bis ocanteuniccbensdudsiacadtamisinnsouc aus nates aapdal TA A 43 Smat Alec SONWANE nee een eRe een PCR eee ne ee ee eee er 44 Alpha Marquee ActiveX Control cece cccesscsssssseeecsese
37. 5 foot RS232 cable 50 foot RS232 cable a 1088 9108 RJ11 to DB9 adapter Zz eee Xircom PortGear USB to DB9 serial adapter NOTE Part number 1036 9010 a 6 connector RS232 cable can replace pn 1088 8625 and pn 1088 9108 20 Network interfaces Networking Alpha Signs Multiple sign connection mn 7 Alpha sign a 4 S i To sign s B C i RS485 port s To sign s Set switch to a Terminated l Alpha sign a j l lt ermina ed i ga C O I a port i A f 7 b To RS485 i m connector PC r messaging software See NOTE 1 below To sign s Alpha sign jE pon m 74 o n _ To RS485 E 7 w N connector on To sign s B Nn C D Converter Box II SS gt cj ai lk RS485 port ae Set switch to Alpha sign L e Unterminated Network interfaces Description A 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator must be plugged into the RS232 or TTL plug on last sign Ferrite ferrite end towards sign 8 foot RS485 cable 1088 8636 j1 foot RS485 cable D 4331 0602 0602 Modular Network Adapter n 088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt ei Xircom PortGear USB to
38. 85 software 100BASE T using MSS100 A Alpha sign Alpha sign Alpha sign Description This PC must be connected to the TCP IP network with a network card 1088 9120 Alpha Ethernet Adapter 1088 4113A MSS100 Micro Serial Server 1088 4112A MSS485 Micro Serial Server Cc 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator if MSS485 is used TCP IP and RS485 network Use this configuration when connecting multiple signs to a TCP IP network using only one IP address One MSS485 Micro Serial Server is used and up to 32 signs can connect to it Total length of the RS485 network is limited to 4 000 feet at 9600 baud or 9 000 feet at 2400 baud except if a repeater box is used Only one IP address is needed but each sign on the RS485 network can have its own serial address so it can be sent messages different from other signs PC running jim messaging software Ethernet LAN 10BASE T using TCP IP protocol Alpha sign Alpha sign Alpha sign Description The PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card fr 4112A MSS485 Micro Serial Server 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 1088 8624 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 8636 1 foot RS485 cable E 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator Wired networks 11 Networking Alpha Signs Gateway network Use this configuration when connecting one or more signs to a Gateway network
39. Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 1088 8002 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable me 0283 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122 0284 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Pinouts PCB iee PIN 6 5V male RJ12 PCB Blue R3 680 ohms PIN1 PIN 6 PIN 3 a PIN 4 R1 120 ohms PIN 4 PIN3 PIN 5 PIN 2 PIN 5 RS485 PIN 6 PIN 1 R2 680 ohms PIN 1 GND PINS 3 4 not connected Network cables and adapters 3 Networking Alpha Signs RJ12 to DB9 adapter pn 1088 9108 Description Left side Right side RJ12 female DB9 female Typical use Used as part of an RS232 connection between a computer with a DB9 9 pin COM port and a sign so that messages can be sent to the sign from the PC M Alpha sign l 1y T gt o To sign s 6 connector RS232 RJ12 to DB9 To PC s RS232 cable connector RS232 PC running messaging port pn 1088 8625 pn 1088 9108 port software or 1088 8627 Pinouts ne RJ12 DB9 female female DB9 female female RXD PIN3 PIN3 TXD 1 6 TXD PIN4 PIN2 RXD PIN7 RTS 5432 1 PINS CTS GND PIN 1 PINS GND PIN6 DSR meni DCD 987 6 PIN4 DTR 38 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs 8 inch Ethernet cable pn 1088 9317 Description Left side Right side RJ11
40. Break Ctrl Local Start Character Hone Backward Hone Terminal Type Hone Characteristics Telnet Pad Autostart Sessions Input Output Flow Ctrl Seconds Since Zeroed Accesses Local Rem Flow Control Violations Bytes Input Input Flow On Off of Local 2 J Current Session Hone DSR DTR CTS RIS CD Hf HSS YH Framing Errors 8 Parity Errors 8 Overrun Errors 8 Bytes Output 181 Output Flow On orf of 8 Bm E 11 Networking Alpha Signs 78 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Glossary AC Alternating Current An electronic current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals usually used for higher voltages ACK Acknowledgment An ASCII or EBCDIC code indicating that a message has been received correctly ActiveX Alpha Marquee ActiveX control is a development tool designed to ease communication with an Alpha Marquee display Product of Adaptive adapter A piece of hardware installed on a computer or electrical component connecting it to other hardware Converts one format to another either physical type of plug electrical configuration of wiring or electronic computer monitor interface address An identifier assigned to networks stations and other devices so that each device can be separately designed to receive and reply to messages See also serial address administrator The person who sets up a server creates user login accounts and passwords cr
41. Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any a Local_2 gt set priui Username gt any Local 2 gt set priv Password al Local 2 gt gt aie 4 Type change flow control none Press Enter of Telnet 192 67 12 236 Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any Local 2 gt set priv Password gt Local gt gt change flow control noneff mim 5 Type change charsize 7 Press Enter Appendix 19 Networking Alpha Signs 6 Type change stopbits 2 Press Enter 7 Type change parity even Press Enter 8 Type change access remote Press Enter oi Telnet 192 67 12 236 Piel FS Connect Edit Terminal Help Local gt gt change access remotelf o Telnet 192 67 12 236 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local_2 gt gt change access remote Local 2 gt gt J 9 Type show port Press Enter to show the current settings of the port 76 of Telnet 192 67 12 236 i fel Fa Connect Edit Terminal Help Local_2 gt gt change access remote QP eras lel Es Local_2 gt gt show porti Connect Edit Terminal Help Local gt gt show port aj Port 1 Username Port_1 Physical Port 1 Local Hode Char ize Stop Bits T2 Baud Rate 9668 Flow Ctrl Hone Session Limit 4 Parity Even Hodem Control Hone a Access Remote Break Ctrl Local Local Switch None Start Character None Forward None Backward None Port name Port_1 Terminal Type None Characteristics Telnet Pad Session
42. D RS485 PIN5 ae PIN5 RS485 5V PIN 6 ue PING 5V Network cables and adapters 33 Networking Alpha Signs 10 foot computer to Converter Box Ill Type A9 RS232 cable pn 1088 8634 Description Left side DB9 male Right side DB9 female Typical use Used to connect a computer to a Converter Box III as part of an RS485 network To next sign i Alpha sign Alpha sign PC running messaging software Description Converter Box III with a Converter Box II AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 1 1088 8624 8624 8 foot RS485 cable a 8636 1 foot RS485 cable Ka 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122 7122 0283 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Eea 7122 0284 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable H 1088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Pinouts DB9 DB9 DB9 male to Converter Box III female to computer DB9 male female DCD PIN 1 PIN1 DCD RXD PIN 2 PIN2 RXD 1234 5 TXD PIN 3 PIN3 TXD 943 2 1 DTR PIN 4 PIN4 DTR GND PIN 5 M PIN5 GND DSR PIN 6 MR PIN6 DSR RTS PIN 7 PIN7 RTS CTS PIN amp PIN8 CTS RI PIN 9 _ PINO RI 34 Network cables and adapters Net
43. DB9 serial adapter NOTE 1 The information below the dotted line is the hardware to be added when you want the Converter Box III in the middle of the network In this situation the Converter Box III must be set to Unterminated NOTE 2 The internal jumper in some Alpha signs must be set to RS485 See Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 jumper on page 49 21 Networking Alpha Signs Alpha Ethernet Adapter Description LED diagnostic lights 1 ACT activity 2 LNK network line connection 3 PWR power Typical use Used to connect a sign s RS232 port to a LOBASE T Ethernet network Ethernet l Alpha sign f E es e _ _ _ Alpha sign I Alpha sign 2 e EE A A B c a tm Pate n OOOO OA O 1088 9317 8 inch Ethernet cable RJ11 to DB25 female OB 1088 9120 Alpha Ethernet Adapter Kit Lee TCP IP cable 10BASE T only Detail 99 Network interfaces Networking Alpha Signs Additional information The Alpha Ethernet Adapter works with the following signs e 215C 215R e 220C all shipped after February 1 2000 e 300C series e 4000C 4000R series using RS232 jumper and jack e 7000C series using RS232 jumper and jack e Alpha Big Dot e AlphaVision FS e BetaBrite one line displays P1026 P1036 and P1040 including 213C and BetaBrite Window Display e BetaBrite Director all shipped after July 1 2000 e Personal Pr
44. FUTS First Unit to Ship Gateway Product name for an Adaptive interface from a PLC to a sign graphic On a sign a picture consisting of a pattern of pixels often displayed in one position such as a company logo or an identifiable product for example a car light or shoe Displays a single bitmapped image Group One or more sites in AlphaNet plus for Windows or Smart Alec software GUI Graphical User Interface A program interface that takes advantage of the computer s graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use hazardous locations Locations that contain enough hazardous materials to create an explosion according to National Electrical Manufacturer s Association NEMA standard Glossary 91 Networking Alpha Signs indoor character size 2 and 4 high characters are commonly used in most interior applications In warehouses or manufacturing environments where signs are to be viewed from greater distances 4 or 7 characters work best indoor locations Areas protected from exposure to the elements Viewing distances are generally shorter industry automation Any type of machine process in which a controller PLC contains data that will be used on an EMC or electronic display infrared A form of radiation with a wavelength between 750 and 100 000 nanometers which is above that of visible light and below that of microwaves Infrared sensors are used in night vision goggles and
45. IP suite that governs character oriented terminal traffic through hole Hole in the casing of a sign through which wiring is brought to connect a device ticker An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message Primarily used to display financial data See also electronic display topology The physical design or layout of network components cables stations gateways and hubs Three basic interconnection topologies are star ring and bus networks The flow of data differs in each topology transparent A description of a function that operates without being evident to the user or software application tri color Capable of red green and amber colors 102 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs trigger Cause or initiate an action tune file Pre programmed sounds file that can be attached to a message and sent to a sign equipped with speakers in AlphaNet plus for Windows software UL Underwriters Laboratory Creates testing standards for safety electrical shock fire hazards and so on Domestic and International A product tested for safety by UL has a UL label update Change to new values UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply A device that contains a battery and some circuitry to supply a computer with power for a limited time if there is an interruption in the outlet power variable Represents real time data
46. Networking Alpha Signs For the most recent update of this manual go to http www adaptivedisplays com support network This manual eee eee to these signs This manual does NOT apply to these signs 900 series o Aphaik S see the AlphaTicker LED Sign Installation Instructions manual pn 9711 2401 300 series AlphaEclipse see the AlphaEclipse 3500 Series Sign Installation and Service Manual pn 9711 6009 A00 series Alpha Solar see the Alpha Solar Operation and Installation Manual pn 9705 1002 Big Dot AlphaVision InfoTracker i see the AlphaVision InfoTracker LED Sign Installation Instructions pn 9711 2202 Personal Priority Display 4000 series 7000 series Director AlphaVision Serial Clock This manual ships automatically with the following e Converter Box II see Converter Box III pn 1088 1111 on page 18 e Alpha Ethernet Adapter see Alpha Ethernet Adapter on page 22 e MSS100 Micro Serial Server see Lantronix MSS100 pn 1088 4113A on page 24 e MSS485 Micro serial Server see Lantronix MSS485 pn 1088 4112A on page 25 e AlphaPremiere 9000 series signs Revision date 3 1 2002 ADAM TIVE 9700 0112 NOTE Due to continuing product innovation specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice Copyright 1998 2002 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc All rights reserved Adaptive Micro Systems 7840 North 86th Street M
47. PC running ma Messaging software Alpha sign Alpha sign Oe This PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card Alpha Gateway II interface varies according to the specific industrial network Input 9600 baud 8 bits No parity 1 stop bit Flow Control None Output 9600 baud 7 bits Even parity 2 stop bits Flow Control None 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 1 n 088 4112A MSS485 Micro Serial Server set as local host server 1 foot RS485 cable 1088 8624 8 foot RS232 cable 1088 9120 12 Wired networks Networking Alpha Signs Modem networks Modem Preliminary information In a modem network messages are sent from the PC to a modem called the transmitting modem over telephone wires to another modem called the receiving modem and then to a sign A US Robotics 56K modem is used for the receiving modem and must be configured before it can be used to send data to a sign The transmitting modem is the responsibility of the sign owner the same brand is recommended If you are using a US Robotics 56K modem for the receiving or transmitting modem or both the dip switches on them should be set as follows Receiving modem Transmitting modem You will need to send commands to the receiving modem from either the modem s software here it is US Robotics Control Center software or Microsoft s HyperTerminal software AT amp HO
48. WebCon to communicate with the serial server or allow an administrator to Telnet into the serial server Once logged in the administrator can enter the Change IP address command to make the address permanent See also Reserving an IP address on page 67 for instructions on determining and reserving an IP address 63 Networking Alpha Signs Method 3 Telnet Telnet is used to program a hardware device for parameters such as baud rate stop bits parity and particularly IP address Telnet can be used to reassign an IP address directly when it has already been assigned an address by other means CONNECTING THE SERIAL SERVER TO THE SIGN AND THE NETWORK RS232 cable TCP IP cable Serial server and Specific connections 1 Connect the serial server according to the information for your specific adapter in the sign to sign interfaces section starting on page 22 2 Connect the appropriate power supply to the serial server For an Alpha Ethernet Adapter this will be the sign For a Lantronix serial server this will be its own power cable 3 Check the LED lights on the serial server The power light should be solid green indicating it is properly powered The link light should be solid green indicating a valid network connection The activity light should be blinking green indicating normal operation STARTING TELNET Telnet is fully functional on all PCs To use Telnet click Start gt Run and type Te
49. amp RI amp BIANG amp YO amp WO This special AT command must be set modem Loads Profile Writes this into current Disables Modem __ Connection setup to Fixed serial NVRAM PPA flow ignores speed Profile in when control RTS 9600 baud nonvolatile modem is memory powered NVRAM on port rate Refer to TechMemo 01 0011 Modem Setup for Alpha signs for additional information on configuring your modem Also since the commands necessary to change the modem s settings vary between modems the modem s operations manual should always be consulted On some signs an internal jumper must be set to either RS232 or RS485 depending on the cabling the sign is using See Appendix D Setting the RS232 R5485 jumper on page 49 Also some signs may need to be terminated depending upon which type of network and the number of signs you are using See Appendix B End of line termination on page 46 for additional information Modem networks 13 Networking Alpha Signs Modem single sign RS 232 Use this setup when you want to connect a single sign to a modem network SSS Alpha sign T 4 n j iS TEE To sign s RS232 port A B C D F m T Ty ToD i im Kp PC running E messaging software D Ferrite ferrite end toward sign 1088 8625 25 foot RS232 cable 1088 8627 50 foot RS232 cab
50. ble to the sign at this time SETTING UP DOS COMMANDS FOR ASSIGNING AN IP ADDRESS Open a DOS window on the PC by selecting Start gt Programs gt MS DOS Prompt MS DOS Prompt C2 WIKDOWS gt a Type ping t n n n n where n n n n is the IP address to be assigned to the serial server and press Enter NOTE This will continuously ping this IP address allowing you to monitor exactly when communication to the device is established You can stop the execution of this ping command by pressing Ctrl C Open another DOS window by selecting Start gt Programs gt MS DOS Prompt a second time Type arp s n n n n 00 80 a3 x x x where n n n n is the IP address of the serial server and 00 80 a3 x x x is the hardware address of serial server but do not press Enter You must first complete the next step to power up the unit This arp command will be executed in step 9 APPLYING POWER TO THE SERIAL SERVER AND TO THE SIGN Connect the appropriate power supply to the serial server For an Alpha Ethernet Adapter this will be the sign with its power cable plugged into an outlet For a Lantronix serial server this will be its own power cable Wait 30 seconds or until the activity light turns off and on only every two seconds Both the sign and the serial server are now powered up and connected to the network Appendix 10 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs ASSIGNING THE IP ADDRESS Press Enter at the DOS window with
51. communication across a network EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory A small device usually found inside the access door of an LED sign containing a program firmware that runs the sign ERP Enterprise Resource Planning A billion dollar sales industry of which Oracle is its largest company for systems designed to coordinate database management for sales forecasts order management purchasing product scheduling inventory management and other functions required to complete the manufacturing of a product ESD Electrostatic Discharge Discharge of stored static electricity that can damage electronic equipment and impair electrical circuitry resulting in complete or intermittent failures Ethernet Links devices such as a group of display signs on a network Baseband LAN specification invented by Xerox Corporation and developed jointly by Xerox Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation Ethernet networks use CSMA CD and run over a variety of cable types at 10 Mbps megabits per second Newer versions of Ethernet such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet support data transfer rates of 100 Mbps and 1 gigabit 1 000 megabits per second respectively Glossary 89 Networking Alpha Signs Ethernet adapter Device used to convert TCP IP protocol to RS232 485 Ethernet connectivity An ethernet connection between a computer and a company s local area network supported by TCP IP ETL Edison Testing Laboratori
52. d However if DHCP ever becomes enabled such as after resetting the server and if your network uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP then when the serial server is re connected to the network and powered up DHCP will automatically assign a dynamic IP address to the serial server If you want to accept this assigned IP address and don t need to reassign another chosen address you will still need to review the instructions below to determine and reserve an IP address RESERVING AN IP ADDRESS To allow you to send messages to the correct IP address a system network administrator must use the DHCP Manager or similar application to locate the serial server by its hardware address The dynamic IP address is associated with the hardware address This identification process can be involved on large networks A system network administrator can use the system networking DHCP Manager application to set the dynamically assigned address to a permanent lease This will reserve the IP address as a static address for the particular hardware address If you do not reserve the IP address periodically DHCP will automatically reassign a new dynamic and typically different IP address to the serial server The result is that messages will not be delivered to the serial server RESETTING DHCP TO DISABLED 1 Follow steps 1 through 8 in Method 3 Telnet to start Telnet 2 Type change dhcp disabled to disable DHCP 3 Select Exit from the Conn
53. e None Dedicated Service Hostlist Characteristics Telnet Pad Autostart Sessions i Current Session Hone Input Output Flow Ctrl HZH DSRZDTRZ CTSZRTS7ZCD HZHZHZYZH Seconds Since zeroed 976 Framing Errors a Accesses Local Rem H 6 Parity Errors Flow Control Violations 6 Overrun Errors Bytes Input Bytes Output 181 Input Flow On Off Hs Output Flow On Off af Local 2 gt gt fj Pim ES Appendix Networking Alpha Signs SETTING UP SERIAL SERVERS TO ACT AS REMOTE DEVICES You must program all serial servers with IP addresses before setting them up in remote mode The firmware version of any serial server must be B3 5 905 dated 990518 or higher 1 Select Start gt Run Type Telnet n n n n where n n n n is the assigned IP address for a remote serial server Click OK Run H EI Type the name of a program folder or document and Windows will open it for you Oper telnet 192 67 12 236 r Cancel Browse 2 Type a user name and press Enter It doesn t matter what you type here except that it must be different from that used by any other Telnet user on the network of Telnet 192 67 12 236 Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any Bl Local 2 gt Jj Alt 3 Type set priv Press Enter Then type the password Press Enter again The default password is system oi Telnet 192 67 12 236 Connect Edit Terminal Help o Telnet 192 67 12 236
54. e card type material of which micro boards and driver boards are made PING Packet Internet Grouper A program used to test the reachability of destinations by sending an Internet Control Message Protocol ICMP echo request and waiting for a reply pitch The distance from the center of one pixel to the center of the next adjacent pixel Also known as center to center spacing pixel Picture element The smallest element or spot that a screen or sign can display pixel diameter Determines the size of a pixel A pixel can be as small as a single 1 diameter LED PLC Programmable Logic Controller Used in industrial environments to continually turn off various devices without fail using programmed logic for example traffic lights PN Part Number A unique number assigned to each product document brochure and so on and to many components 98 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs polling Any procedure that sequentially and periodically contacts terminals in a network port a The hardware that allows a component to communicate with a peripheral such as a parallel port b The logical point of contact between a LAN driver and a protocol that is bound to it c A unique server input output address assigned to a local area network driver in NetWare software programming The process of composing messages and graphics and specifying the display modes fonts colors and location of text and graphics on the display
55. eates groups sets security and maintains the server Alpha protocol The proprietary internal instruction language used by Alpha AlphaVision BetaBrite AlphaEclipse and Solar signs Also known as EZ95 AMS Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Glossary 19 Networking Alpha Signs AMS E Adaptive Micro Systems Europe AMS I Adaptive Micro Systems International Refers to Milwaukee location AMS M Adaptive Micro Systems Malaysia animation A sequence of graphics designed to be shown together to give the illusion of motion such as a walking shoe a moving boat or a light turning off and on ANSI American National Standards Institute A nonprofit organization in the United States that defines standards in many industries For example how safety symbols appear in documentation It is supported by over 1 000 trade organizations professional societies and companies and affiliated with the Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony CCITT and the International Standards Organization ISO apparatus A complex device or machine consisting of the enclosure the enclosed equipment and the protruding accessories designed for a specific purpose AppleTalk The Apple Computer suite of protocols that allows the hardware and software on an AppleTalk network to interact and route data AppleTalk network A collection of connected individually controlled computers p
56. ect menu to exit Telnet Appendix 67 Networking Alpha Signs Method 5 HyperTerminal HyperTerminal may be used when you cannot access the serial server from the network In this case you will need to program the device directly using HyperTerminal and a null DB25F or DB9F to DB25F serial cable not supplied from the PC to the server For an Alpha Ethernet Adapter however you will need to split out two wires to connect the MSS device to an external power supply You will also need to use communication settings of 9600 baud 8N1 and flow control set to either XON XOFF or HARDWARE For assistance call Technical Support at Adaptive Micro Systems NOTE HyperTerminal is fully functional on all PCs but you may need to install it with the Add Remove Programs icon in the Control Panel Method 6 Setting an AlphaPremiere 9000 Series sign IP address Before you begin using an AlphaPremiere sign on an Ethernet network you must assign it a unique TCP IP address The Alpha Ethernet option inside the sign is shipped with a default address of 010 11 11 1 The following instructions use version 2 0 of the DST configuration utility which may differ from the version you have 1 Write down the 6 digit Ethernet address found on the Ethernet option label on the back of the AOL O sign CO E1 i11AA T Ethernet MICRO ETHERNET 36 address Ethernet pea esa File View Toole Help SE EA Assign IP Addre
57. electronic computer monitor interface The following information describes the typical use and pinouts of the most commonly used networking cables and adapters Network cables and adapters 2 Networking Alpha Signs 25 foot RS232 cable pn 1036 9010 Description Right plug DB9 female Left jack RJ12 male Typical use Used as part of an RS232 connection between a PC with a DB9 9 pin COM port and a sign so that messages can be sent to the sign from the PC E E ea l Aipha cer T lt q SY Sees To sign s 6 connector RS232 cable To PC s RS232 pn 1036 9010 RS939 PC running messaging port port software This cable can replace pn 1088 8625 and pn 1088 9108 Pinouts RJ12 DB9 male female Eo 54321 RJ12 DB9 male female RXD PIN3 I PIN3 TXD 987 6 TXD PIN 4 PIN2 RXD PIN7 RTS Pin signal Pin signal m PINS CIS 1 Signal GND GND PIN 1 ie a 1 DCD 2 not connected 2 RXD PINT DCD 3 RXD PIN DTR 3 TXD 4 TXD 4 DTR 5 not connected D Signal GND 6 not connected 6 DSR 7 RTS 8 CTS 9 not connected 28 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs 3 foot 6 conductor cable pn 1088 8621 Description Left jack Right jack RJ12 male RJ12 male Typical use Used to connect an IR Message Loader to a sign or to a PC IR Message Loader to Alpha sign EE a A TE m a Alpha sign To sign s RS485 Signs that have internal RS232 RS485 port switches or jumpers mus
58. eron e a RJ45 TCP IP port LED diagnostic lights 1 Power 2 Link network link connection 3 OK 5 Serial Typical use Used to connect to multiple signs using one serial server Ethernet E The sign s serial RS485 address will allow you to talk to one Sign at a time instead of broadcast D E A a SST A es Alpha sign T Alpha sign T I Alpha sign T SS a C E 7 7 Detail A B he A XINOYLNVI Description 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1088 8636 1 foot RS485 cable Tars e ere oaro e ena iso s Rovere vam Sn a Network interfaces 20 Networking Alpha Signs 26 Additional information 6V 7A G _ tennant lath tt 2906592 Ethernet Addresses a 00 00 a3 1d 19 c0 ev isi Q Ooatmannee oer Revision C13 B or later is needed Earlier versions may not work correctly If you experience difficulty contact your Customer Account Specialist DIP switches with RS485 termination m AARRE oon 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 23 On On On 2 wire RS485 45 On Off 9 wire RS485 termination Network interfaces Networking Alpha Signs Network cables and adapters Overview Networking hardware is not possible without cables and adapters Cables or wires connect pieces of a network together Adapters convert one format to another e physical type of plug e electrical configuration of wiring e
59. es An agency that tests and certifies conformity to both domestic and international electrical standards A product tested for safety by ETL has an ETL label FCC Federal Communications Commission Regulates radio frequency emissions from an interaction between electrical and communication devices Domestic only field One item of information about something such as a name action or destination for a command firmware Name used to describe the program stored on a chip May be referred to as the operating system but the terms are not always synonymous flash A method of updating a fixed EPROM by sending the new firmware program from a PC to the EPROM Eliminates the need to physically replace firmware chips flick Multiple bitmapped images displayed one after another to give the illusion of movement flush mounting A construction that has a minimal front projection when set into a recessed opening and secured to a flat surface 90 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs Frame Relay A method of communication that can go from ISDN speed to T1 speed in increments It has a flat rate billing instead of a per time usage It connects by using the telephone company s network See also ISDN and T1 front end A software application that requests services from a device such as a server or software program See also back end FM Full Matrix Displays characters and graphics with no empty spaces between blocks of LEDs
60. ess Enter o Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any Local 2 gt set priv Password Local gt gt change flow control nonef al Type change charsize 7 Press Enter Type change stopbits 2 Press Enter Type change parity even Press Enter Type change access local Press Enter Type change dedicated hostlist Press Enter 73 Networking Alpha Signs 10 Type host add tcp n n n n 3001T where n n n n is the IP address of a serial server to be used in remote mode Press Enter Do this for each remote serial server to receive messages from the local MSS485 of Telnet 192 67 12 125 mija E Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 3 gt gt change charsize 7 al Local 3 gt gt change stopbits 2 Local 3 gt gt change parity even Local gt gt change access local oe Telnet 192 67 12 125 iil Es Local 2 gt gt change dedicated hostlist Cuaieel Sth Wenicel Wie Local 2 gt gt host add tcp 192 67 12 402 30011 Local 3 gt gt change stopbits 2 Local 33 gt change parity even Local 2 gt gt change access local Local 2 gt gt change dedicated hostlist Local 2 gt gt host add tcp 192 67 12 482 73661T There is a maximum of twelve 12 IP addresses that Local 2 gt gt host add ae 192 67 12 463 30017 can receive messages from a local MSS485 However if a remote serial server is an MSS485 there can be multiple signs receiving messages throug
61. g a USB to DB9 adapter to connect a sign to a PC using the Xircom USB adapter TechMemo Describes how to set up the transmitting and receiving 01 0011 modem Soup TOTA pnag modems to Alpha signs Appendix 45 Networking Alpha Signs Appendix B End of line termination When an Alpha sign is at the end of an RS485 network a special end of line EOL terminator is required for the first and last sign The EOL terminator plugs into the sign s RS232 TTL port and stops the flow of communication On an RS485 network the PC that sends messages to the networked signs is wired directly to one of the signs using a Converter Box III which converts the computer s RS232 signals to RS485 signals In this case the Converter Box III must be terminated instead of the first sign in the network To terminate a Converter Box III set the switch on the back of the unit to Terminated es nuit set to Terminated RS485 Termination ON RS485 Termination OFF RS485 Termination OFF RS485 Termination ON Converter Box III pn 1088 1111 ee oes fo OE Middle sign s sign s Lastsign sign End of line EOL End of line EOL terminator required on this terminal or ale sign if it is the only sign Sometimes the PC that sends messages to the networked signs is not directly connected to any of the signs Instead the PC sends messages to a modem or wireless transceiver attached to the signs The messages are then relayed to the other
62. g messages with Alpha Messaging Software or BetaBrite Messaging Software over a TCP IP network to one or more signs Lantronix Redirector software is used to redirect messages normally sent through a PC COM port to a sign Redirector associates the PC COM port with a network IP address for a serial server The serial server in turn is connected to the sign and sends the message on to the sign In other words Redirector intercepts messages going to the COM port and sends them over the network to the serial server s serial port and to the sign NOTE The COM port you choose cannot be in use by any other device For example an internal modem To determine which ports are in use click Start gt Settings gt Control Panel and select System Click the Device Manager tab In the Ports directory determine the COM ports currently in use Redirector allows up to 40 logical COM ports to be redirected You can redirect any except those currently in use However Alpha Messaging Software and BetaBrite Messaging software only recognize COM ports 1 through 4 The following instructions use version 2 1 1 of the Redirector software which may differ from the version you have INSTALLING REDIRECTOR You can get the latest version of Redirector for your network platform from either the Alpha Ethernet Adapter CD or the Lantronix CD or from the Lantronix Internet site www lantronix com Just download it to an empty folder on your PC DIRECTING A
63. h that serial Server 11 Type change autostart enable Press Enter EIE 12 Type show hostlist Press Enter This will show the list of the remote serial server IP addresses you entered of Telnet 192 67 12 125 ME E Connect Edt Terminal Help Local 2 gt gt change access local Local 2 gt gt change dedicated hostlist Local 2 gt gt host add tcp 192 67 12 48272 o Telnet 192 67 12 125 Ol x Local 2 gt gt host add tcp 192 67 12 48373 Local 2 gt gt change autostart enable o Ce une Local 2 gt gt show hostlist J Local 2 gt gt change autostart enable Local 2 gt gt show hostlist 1 TELNET lt 192 7 12 402 13001T gt 2 TELNET lt 192 67 12 403 30801T gt Local 2 gt gt fj mim 4 13 Type show port Press Enter This will show the current settings of the port Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt gt change autostart enable Local 2 gt gt show hostlist 1 TELNET lt 192 67 12 462 23661T gt 2 TELNET lt 192 67 12 4869 23661T gt Local gt gt show porti PT 74 of Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt gt show port Port 1 Username Port_1 Physical Port 1 Idle Char ize Stop Bits ff Baud Rate 9666 Flow Ctrl Hone Session Limit 4 Parity Even Hodem Control None Access Local Break Ctrl Local Local Switch Hone Start Character Hone Forward Hone Backward Hone Port name Port_1 Terminal Typ
64. hen setting up the MS5485 you assign it a fixed list of up to 12 IP addresses of serial servers You set up each receiving serial server as a remote device Then you can use the local host device to send messages at one time to all the remote devices in the fixed list Setting up the MSS485 to act as a local device You must program the MS5485 devices with IP addresses before setting them up The firmware version of the MSS485 must be B3 5 905 dated 990518 or higher 1 Select Start gt Run Type Telnet n 1 n n where n n n n is the assigned IP address for the MS5485 Click OK Run H E Type the name of a program folder or document and Windows will open it for you telnet 192 67 12 12 g Cancel Browse 12 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs 2 Type a user name and press Enter It doesn t matter what you type here except that it must be 3 4 Appendix different from that used by any other Telnet user on the network o Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edt Terminal Help Username anyi mml Type set priv Press Enter Then type the password Press Enter again The default password is system of Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any o Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local gt set privff Username any Local 2 gt set priv Password gt Local 2 gt gt Jj 4l Type change flow control none Pr
65. ilwaukee WI 53224 USA 414 357 2020 414 357 2029 fax http www adaptivedisplays com The following are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems Adaptive Alpha AlphaNET Activex AlphaEclipse AlphaPremiere AlphaTicker AlphaVision AlphaVision InfoTracker Automode Director Serial Clock Big Dot PPD Smart Alec and Solar The distinctive trade dress of this product is a trademark claimed by Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Contents STV OKO VSI VIGWY escheat uracil ariel atelSrcteceltaedalea dilan dl ta Ie cele Daloasduslatnteaiall cds 1 Wired DEIWOIK SOrlA laasia a a a a aaa 1 WV IS CTC TY OK aU FIN esaa a a A A dcnsadoetn demesne 1 Wireless netwOrk tranSCelVel cccccccccsssccceessceecesseececesseeceesaeeececsueesecssseeecessaeeeseseeesecsaaeeeceseteeeersaneeses 2 VIGGO GW OLN ssion aaea aA AE 3 MEEO TEIWWOK arnan aa a A 3 Detaled iNO MaU eaaa acininaatoe atc iciece aneaateniiea da wna giemawbatecee tiderameaadind eee 4 Wired DEIWOTKS oreiro n a a a teeta 5 Serial preliminary IMOTMATION ninaa a a G 5 FO COC SIMOIG SIO isuria aaa a a a 7 FD OOS IMIG SGI lis diane devia vavanieastoistduchantacincnsumonetetssma vovictinietunissaiuieduniuauasaidasnbustews uanaveacunnciadebcuaton 7 FOF ODUM DIC SIGNS ain Qasisisinaiiesndiasl aint bstisitaawtuiidjuthods oeae eaii a aii iaoa 8 LAIN Di Cl IMANY MTOR ALON oiana a a aaa 9 LIN SS IOC SIO iraia a a a aa 10 LAN MUDIO SIONE ina a a a A 11 Moden NetWOTKS rserssneriaei a a O ase
66. inated 8 Wired networks Networking Alpha Signs LAN Preliminary information The Alpha Ethernet Adapter Lantronix MSS100 and Lantronix MSS485 serial servers are used to connect Alpha signs to an existing TCP IP network Serial servers convert data from TCP IP to serial format and allow you to communicate with Alpha signs across the room or around the world An Alpha Ethernet Adapter can be mounted on the back of a sign They draw their power from the sign itself and no separate power supply is needed The Alpha Ethernet Adapter and the MSS485 serial server work on a L1OBASE T TCP IP network and the MSS100 works on a 1OBASE T or a 100BASE T network For additional information on serial servers see Network interfaces starting on page 17 NOTE Some signs have an internal Alpha Ethernet Adapter Other signs such as the AlphaPremiere have an internal Ethernet adapter called a CoBox There are three steps to networking Alpha signs on a TCP IP network 1 A unique IP address must be assigned to each serial server prior to setting up the network hardware in order for messages to be sent to a specific sign on the network See Appendix H Assigning an IP address to a serial server on page 58 2 Set up the networking hardware using one of the configurations on the following pages 3 Tasks specific to the messaging software you are using need to be performed once the network hardware has been set up See
67. ing Alpha Signs RS485 multiple signs Use this setup when you want to connect a PC to more than one sign two or more signs to one PC A i To sign s B To PC s LJ i Alpha sign i j a RS485 i Terminated software l Alpha sign 4 SSS SSS E F AL sign s lt oC D lt J Alpha sign 1 A Ye 4 amp k Mar ii a zi Pam eel i a l To ho A Gg H connector i 2 See NOTE below To sign s RS485 port en _ P lt To RS485 ra i connector on To sign s B i C D lt E Converter Box IIl RS485 port ce _ E p Set switch to Alpha sign lt Unterminated Description A 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator Ferrite ferrite end towards sign 8 foot RS485 cable Ss foot RS485 cable Modular Network Adapter eH 088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt G amp H 088 8634 Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port OHJ DB25 to DB9 adapter if PC has a 9 pin RS232 port NOTE The information below the dotted line is the hardware to be added when you want the Converter Box III in the middle of the network In this situation the Converter Box III must be set to Unterm
68. iority Display PPD The Alpha Ethernet Adapter does not work with the following signs e 210C e 220C all shipped prior to February 1 2000 e 420 e 790i e AlphaEclipse e AlphaPremiere e AlphaVision CM FM 1 4 2 1 e AlphaVision Video Screen VS e AlphaVision InfoTracker IT works with MSS485 only e AlphaTicker works with MSS485 only e BetaBrite Director all shipped before July 1 2000 e Solar For the most recent update refer to TechMemo 99 0002 Valid Adaptive signs for the ALPHA Ethernet Adapter Network interfaces 23 Networking Alpha Signs Lantronix MSS100 pn 1088 4113A Description ol serial serial E LED diagnostic lights 1 Power 2 Link network link connection 3 100 4 0K 5 Serial DB25 serial port for RS232 connections Typical use Used to connect a sign s RS232 port to a 1OBASE T or 1OOBASE T Ethernet network Ethernet Alpha sign Alpha sign L Detail XINOYULNVT em at erp 8 Lesa 50 foot RS232 cable B 4370 00010 DB25 to RJ11 adapter pe 1088 4113A MSS100 Micro Serial Server OD ie Power cable connects to the power 5 volt only EE S TCP IP cable connects to 10BASE T or 100BASE T TCP IP 24 Network interfaces Networking Alpha Signs Lantronix MSS485 pn 1088 4112A Description A haai B _ C g D X g es O ia 8 o
69. ixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display line position Where a message appears on a sign Includes top bottom middle and fill loopback A diagnostic test in which a signal is transmitted across a medium while the sending device waits for its return luminance A measure of brightness in millicandela mcd See also brightness and wavelength marquee An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display medium Physical environments through which transmission signals pass 94 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs MES Manufacturing Execution Systems The software that sits between ERP systems and the machines on the factory floor It tracks and pulls together information in real time about the key areas of production materials equipment personnel work instructions specifications and facility conditions It is the software that feeds the databases used to make decisions in the ERP systems message A unique unified set of information that can be saved or sent to a sign Includes text graphics formatting animation time date temperature and so on message center An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display message dis
70. le US Robotics 56K Faxmodem Transmitting modem 25 pin sub D to 6 pos RJ11 modem adapter Visit Pacesetter Communications Inc at info pace setter com for more information on their part number 2370 0002 14 Modem networks Networking Alpha Signs Modem multiple signs R8485 Use this setup when you want to connect multiple signs to a modem network To next sign Alpha sign J PC running To sign s messagin RS485 port C D E F G H H nee ree etn 1088 9107 End of line EOL terminator OBO 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter bD 7122 0283 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt E adeno Conerer Boxed DONOR soe R noin eoe lemon J Belkin F2L088 06 6 foot Belkin Pro Series AT Serial Modem cable DB9 to DB25 Modem networks 15 Networking Alpha Signs Mixed networks A mixed network is an appropriate choice in many situations A typical configuration in which a PC with two COM ports connects to one sign by a modem and additional signs through a serial cable appears below To PC s RS232 or A TTL port Alpha sign lt q m Hf E mal KC BC i Alpha sign lt q ow Hf To sign
71. lnet A generic window for Telnet will appear You can also open a Telnet window for a specific serial server by clicking Start gt Run and typing Telnet n n n n where n n n n is the currently assigned IP address of the serial server CHANGING AN IP ADDRESS 4 Note Skip this step if you opened a Telnet window for a specific serial server From the Connect menu select Remote System and then in the Connect window type the IP address of the serial server in the Host Name line Use telnet for the Port and vt100 for the TermType Host Name ERA Papers ki Port telnet TermType Fao O ceneri 64 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs 5 Type a user name and press Enter It doesn t matter what you type here except that it must be different from that used by any other Telnet user on the network of Telnet 192 67 12 252 Connect Edit Terminal Help Lantronix MSSLITE Version U3 5 8 9968118 Type HELP at the Local 2 gt prompt for assistance Username gt oi Telnet 192 67 12 252 Connect Edit Terminal Help Lantronix HMSSLITE Version U3 5 8 9968118 Type HELP at the Local 2 gt prompt for assistance Username any Local 2 gt Jj 6 The show server command can provide confirmation that you ve accessed the correct serial server and also provide statistics about that serial server oi Telnet 192 67 12 252 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt sh
72. nnection In a packet switching network the node attached to the device that is receiving the data 86 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs device Any hardware component attached to a computer system device driver The software or firmware that translates operating system requests into a format that is recognizable by specific hardware such as an adapter DHCP Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol A method of automatically assigning a TCP IP address to a client digital display An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display digital sign An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display DIP switches Switches are housed in a rectangular box on a circuit board and control specific features to whichever device they belong The switches are binary either on or off and are often used in place of groups of jumpers display An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display display array Rows and columns The number of dots or pixels vertically and horizontally in a sign For example 16 x 80 means that the sign has 16 dots vertically and 80 dots horizontally for a total of 1
73. ns only use plenum cable On some signs an internal jumper must be set to either RS232 or RS485 depending on the cabling the sign is using see Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS5485 jumper on page 49 for additional information Also some signs may need to be terminated depending upon which type of network and the number of signs you are using see Appendix B End of line termination on page 46 for additional information Maximum drops In an RS485 network the maximum number of connections or taps to a network is 32 Taps are also called network drops and they can include PCs signs servers and so on If more than 32 taps are required use an RS485 repeater box which boosts the electrical signal NOTE Star networks in which a PC is central to all signs on a network in a star pattern are not recommended Cable length In an RS485 network signs should connect to Modular Network Adapters similar to phone jacks with a recommended adapter to cable length of 1 foot This length provides optimum hardware operation and data transmission integrity However the 8 foot length will work for most installations and can still be used 1 foot maximum recommended RS485 G G O Drop 1 Drop 2 Drop 3 Drop 4 Drop 5 i A 32 drops maximum Alpha sign Wired networks s Networking Alpha Signs Converter Box Ill wiring When using a Converter Box IIL which converts RS232 signal to RS485
74. o PC RS232 port Pinouts RJ11 female 1 4 Black terminal R8485 RS485 Yellow terminal Red terminal SHIELD Green terminal l l NOTE Connecting the SHIELD depends on the sign to which you are connecting it In Pin Signal other words if a Modular Network Adapter is connected to an Alpha Personal Priority Display sign then connect the two SHIELD wires together from each 1 RS485 RS485 cable However do NOT connect the connected SHIELD wires to the Red 9 SHIELD terminal 3 Not connected Green terminal 4 RS485 40 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs RS 232 cable connector pn 4331 0603 Used as part of an RS232 sign network to connect two lengths of 25 foot RS232 cable Description Left jack RJ12 female Right jack RJ12 female Typical use This distance should NOT exceed 50 feet i Alpha sign 1 ina i EapAR RARR 0008 100 aaa GEN To 25 foot RS232 RS232 25 foot RS232 RJ12 to DB9 To PC s PC running sign s cable cable cable connector RS232 messaging software RS232 pn 1088 8625 connector pn 1088 8625 pn 1088 9108 port port pn 4331 or 0603 RJ12 to DB25 connector pn 4370 0001C Pinouts RJ12 female RJ12 RJ12 female female 1 6 PIN 1 _ PIN 1 PIN 2 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 3 PIN 4 _ PIN 4 PIN 5 _ PINS PIN 6
75. on using the bits of a transmitted message and the resulting value The value is transmitted with the message and the receiving device recalculates the checksum then compares it to the received value to detect transmission errors Glossary 83 Networking Alpha Signs chip A small device found on the microboard of an LED sign Contains a program RAM or EPROM for example that runs the sign circuit Any path that can carry an electrical current client Software program or node that requests services from a server clusters Multiple LEDs assembled in groups that together form one bright pixel point when lit The LEDs are connected to a molded cup which is then filled with clear epoxy to hold the LED in place Clusters may contain one color LED or in a multi color application a combination of different colors CM Character Matrix Displays characters only not graphics in discrete blocks of LEDs coaxial cable A type of cable that uses two conductors a central solid wire core surrounded by insulation and surrounding that a braided wire conductor sheath code Specific firmware or software containing instructions for a computer or sign 84 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs color Adds interest and contrast over a monochrome red only sign For simple informational signs red is often sufficient The green and amber colors are considered softer colors and may be more appropriate for some environments Color
76. or Windows version 1 3 or later AlphaNET 2 0 for Windows and Smart Alec version 3 0 or later are TCP IP compatible Creating the device in the software You must create a device that will use a serial server and TCP IP and set the port number to 3001 The AlphaNET 2 0 screen for TCP IP will look like this Ethernet Adapter General Settings COM Pott Modem Data Format D Wireless Wireless Settings Pager Header Pager Trailer Po This must be checked Baud Rate M TCP IP IP Port This must be 3001 Modem Settings Modem Init String fo Packet Size Cancel Help Packet Delay For Smart Alec 3 0 the screen looks like this Add ALPHA 5A Device Name TCP IP device i 3 Description Sends megs via LON This must be terminal server ree since Smart Alec refers to any a serial server as terminal Interface Name Terminal Server ki Firmware alpha Additional Properties Type the IP address of the terminal server fi 32 67 120 402 2001 Fort Humber This must be 3001 Authorization Level E E Advanced Apply Cancel After setting up a TCP IP device and a sign using that device you can send messages to this sign as you normally would 70 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Installing and selecting Redirector settings Lantronix Redirector software is needed for sendin
77. ow server HSSLITE Version U3 5 8 996118 Hardware Addr 86 8 8 a3 2a 9c 5 Ident String Micro Serial Server Inactive Timer min 30 Password Limit 3 Queue Limit 32 TCP IP Address 192 67 212 252 Hameserver 192 67 12 4 TCP IP Gateway 192 67 12 22 Domain Hame ams i com DHCP Server Hone Load Address 686 686 66 66 66 66 Characteristics Incoming Logins Local 2 gt Jj Telnet le Ea Uptime 1 11 23 Hame Nodenum HSS 2A9CS6 0 Serial Delay msec 30 Session Limit 4 Hode Host Limits 56 26 Subnet Mask 255 255 255 0 Backup Nameserver undefined Backup Gateway undefined Daytime Queries Disabled TCP Keepalives Enabled Lease Time 6 68 Prompt Local_ n4P gt No Passwords Required Ee 7 Type set priv Press Enter and then type the password Press Enter again The default password is system of Telnet 192 67 12 252 mol Connect Edit Terminal Local 2 gt set priv Password fj al Appendix Help 65 Networking Alpha Signs 8 You now have access to the Super User level of authority This is required to set the IP address oi Telnet 192 67 12 252 Connect Edt Terminal Help Local_2 gt set priv Password Local 2 gt gt Jj 9 To assign anew IP address type change ipaddr n n n n where n n n n is the new IP address of Telnet 192 67 12 252 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt gt change ipaddr 192 67 12 189 Info
78. play An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display micro board The circuit board in an LED sign that controls the events in a sign such as which dots turn on Sends information to the driver boards Also known as controller board or micro controller board model number Type of sign size and color capability modem Translates digital signals to analog and back again for transmission through telephone wires wireless transmitters wireless paging services or fiber optic cables A contraction of modulate and demodulate Glossary 95 Networking Alpha Signs modem connectivity A modem connection between the modem on a sending computer and a modem in or near a sign When a message is sent the software automatically dials the phone number of the modem in the sign The telephone line can be a line provided by the phone company or an extension on an internal phone system A modem connection is generally used when it is easier to get a phone line to the sign location than it is to pull a serial cable Modem connectivity is also used when programming needs to be done remotely modes Special effects that change the way text appears on a sign For example messages can move left or right or the top line remains fixed while the bottom line moves modular network adapter Used at Adaptive to connect a sign to an
79. pter End of line EOL terminator 4331 0602 E 1088 9107 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Appendix 47 Networking Alpha Signs Appendix C RS 485 echo When RS485 echo is on data coming into a sign via RS232 is sent back out the sign controller board s RS485 terminals This allows information coming into one sign to be forwarded to other signs RS485 echo is best used for modem or wireless applications when the RS232 data source is inside the sign However a typical configuration is as follows RS232 RS485 RS485 echo ON RS485 echo OFF RS485 echo OFF This sign is set up to echo the incoming RS232 signal to the other signs via RS485 NOTE R5485 echo is currently available on the AlphaPremiere 9000 series and aluminum Director signs 48 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 jumper Typically if only one sign will be connected to a PC the sign s jumper is set to RS232 When connecting multiple signs each sign s jumper should be set to R5485 Some Alpha signs have an RS232 RS485 auto sensing port that sets the jumper for you automatically and not all signs have jumpers See Appendix E Serial and power connections on page 51 for more information NOTE Make sure the power to the sign is off before changing the position of the jumper Hazardous voltage Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injur
80. ressable entity on a network The node acquires a unique 8 bit node number dynamically when it connects to the network It tries that address and node number again when it next connects to the network If the previous number is already in use it tries again until a unique node address is found node address A number acquired dynamically by each node when it connects to a network A device s node address is combined with the network number to form its unique network address non ventilated Provides no intentional circulation of external air through the enclosure octet A group of 8 binary digits operated on as a unit Also called a byte or a character ODBC Open Database Connectivity A Microsoft standard that allows databases created by various relational and non relational database programs such as dBase Access FoxPro and Oracle to be accessed by a common interface oil resistant gaskets Gaskets made of material that is resistant to oil or oil fumes Glossary 97 Networking Alpha Signs OLE Object Linking and Embedding The interface that embeds an object created by one application into a document created by another performs drag and drop transfers within or between applications and so on Any changes to the original object are automatically reflected in the document where it is embedded outdoor locations Areas exposed to the elements Viewing distances are generally longer PCB Printed Circuit Board Th
81. rinters and other devices together with the hardware and AppleTalk software used to link them application A software program with which a user can create authorize or change data Can generally be accessed from a menu or toolbar 80 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs AR Access Rate Actual data access rate measured in bits per second ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange A set of characters using an 8 bit code for data transfer adopted by ANSI to ensure compatibility among data devices back end A device such as a server or software program that provides services to a front end a software application See also front end baseband Characteristic of a network technology where only one carrier frequency is used like Ethernet battery backup Battery backed up memory If a sign is turned off unplugged or power is inadvertently lost the messages graphics and time settings stored in the sign s memory are not lost When the sign is plugged in again the messages graphics and time that were in memory are still available Some signs use a battery some use a capacitor baud The speed at which data bits are transmitted and received usually measured in bits per second For example 9600 baud is equal to 9600 bits per second binary A numbering system comprised of bits strings of ones and zeros See also bit bit Binary digit used in the binary numbering system Can be 0 or 1 boo
82. ropean The agency that sets the standards LED signs must meet if they are to be sold in Europe International only center to center spacing The distance from the center of one pixel to the center of the next adjacent pixel Useful in determining character height Also known as pitch character Any letter number punctuation mark or other symbol used in text A typical character is 7 pixels high by 5 pixels wide plus the spaces between characters and lines character height LED character height usually expressed in pixels For example 8 high character height to pitch relationship Character height rows times the pitch equals the height of the characters For example for an Alpha 215 sign 7 rows times 0 3 inches is equal to 2 1 inches characters per line Determined by the number of pixels across the sign and by the size of the character A normal character is 5 pixels wide with one pixel space separating characters Thus an 80 column sign can display 13 characters 80 6 13 3 TIP As you plan your sign requirements write down the messages you intend to display on the sign Count the characters in the words that you use most often How many words you want to see at once determines the number of characters per line required by your application If a word will not fit on the line the word displays one character at a time or it starts a new line depending on the display mode being used checksum A numeric computati
83. s a Current Session Hone Input Output Flow Ctrl HZH DSRZDTRZ CTSZRTSZCD HZHZHZYZH Seconds Since zeroed 364 Framing Errors a Accesses Local Rem 1 8 Parity Errors Flow Control Violations a Overrun Errors a Bytes Input A Bytes Output 181 Input Flow OnOff Hf Output Flow On Off Hs aa 29 gt 4 10 Repeat step 1 through 9 for all serial servers to be used in remote mode RESETTING AND CHECKING ALL DEVICE S Remove power from all the remote serial servers and re apply power Remove power from all the local MSS485 devices and re apply power Select Start gt Run Type Telnet n n n n where n n n n is the assigned IP address for the local MSS485 devices Click OK Enter a user name and password Appendix Networking Alpha Signs 5 Type show port Press Enter This will show the current settings of the port The Sessions number indicates how many remote serial servers you set up for the local MSS485 to send messages A Telnet 192 67 12 125 iofs Connect Edit Terminal Help Username any Local 2 gt set priv Password gt Local 2 gt gt show port st Appendix a of Telnet 192 67 12 125 Connect Edit Terminal Help Local 2 gt show port Port 1 Username Port_1 Char Size Stop Bits Flow Ctrl Parity Access Local Switch Forward Port name Dedicated Service C Hostlist Physical Port 1 Local Mode Baud Rate 9668 Session Limit 4 Hodem Control Hone
84. sensors Infrared light can be used to send signals wirelessly back and forth between computing devices integrated circuit A small device that performs various electronic tasks Also known as a chip Internet The collection of networks and gateways that use the TCP IP suite of protocols Written in lowercase it is an abbreviation for internetwork Internet address A 32 bit address assigned to hosts using TCP IP IP Internet Protocol A TCP IP protocol that provides datagram delivery of messages IP address A 32 bit address assigned to hosts using TCP IP 9 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs ISA Industry Standard Architecture Expansion slots and the associated circuits Transfers 16 bits of data at a time between the add in board plugged into the slot and the computer ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network An international communications standard for sending voice video and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires at 64 Kbps 64 000 bits per second per line ISO International Standards Organization An international organization that establishes global standards for communication and information exchange as well as for many other fields of commercial activity jumper An electrical switch consisting of a number of pins and a connector that can be attached to the pins in a variety of ways Different circuits are created by attaching the connector to different pins Can also be a wire
85. sign where the sign should be terminated whether the sign has a jumper or terminal block and where the power connection is located Detailed information can be found in the manual for each sign type on Adaptive s Web site at http www ams i com Pages techdoc htm Jumper Terminal block RS232 RS485 rsag5 RS232 R 485 5 autosensing X x x Back of sign Underneath bottom NOTE 2 AlphaPremiere Series 9000 signs are terminated by dipswitch settings Additionally they have an RS232 only port and an RS485 only port if a standard configuration is used and an Ethernet only port and an RS 485 only port if an Ethernet configuration is used No 15C or R 215 Series 300 Series NO NO O 30C 400 Series 420C or R 080C 4000 Series 4160C or R 200C or R 240C or R 080C 120C 7000 Seri eries 760C 200C X 0806 9120C ee note 2 below S ee See note 2 below AlphaPremiere ro7eoG See note 2 below 9000 Series 9200C See note 2 below 9240C See note 2 below OO NO op as N N NNA A gt gt h NO O O O n JI i 5 D s O P gt lt gt lt O cD Big Dot Serial Clock AlphaVision Director NOTE 1 The shaded areas above indicate where the end of line EOL terminati Wood Aluminum Appendix 51 Networking Alpha Signs Appendix F Alternate sign connections There are ways to connects signs other than the standard PC to sign and sign to sign
86. signs can be 3 color red amber and green 9 color additional shades of red amber and green 256 color usually RGB or CMYK 262 000 or 4 000 000 for full color displays Some signs allow you to set the color of the background or the foreground In a red only sign model this would allow red text on a black background or black text on a red background In a multi color sign you could have a variety of text colors and a variety of background colors Note Certain colors and color combinations are more readable and visible than others The elaborate combinations generally work better at night In bright sunlight bright colors on a black background are the easiest to read COM port An abbreviation for communications port A data pathway generally referred to as a serial port that connects to a communication device controller board The circuit board in an LED sign that controls the entire sign such as which dots turn on Sends information to the driver boards Also known as micro board or micro controller board converter box Changes RS232 signals into RS485 signals CPU Central Processing Unit The brains of a computer designed to run a group of instructions such as adding numbers together gathering information from memory and so on CSA Canadian Standards Association The agency that tests LED signs among other things to make sure they are safe for use An LED sign cannot be shipped to Canada without a CSA label
87. ss Target Enter F Address to assign decimal dot notation 10 67 12 21 Enter the Hardware or Ethernet Address fe g O0 20 44 1 4 01 18 00 20 4a 54 08 c8 Set IP Address 68 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Enter a unique IP address in the Enter IP address to assign line Enter the 6 digit Ethernet address you wrote down in step 1 in the Enter the Hardware or Ethernet Address line and click Set IP Address Select Tools gt Ping Device Re enter the sign s IP address in the Enter IP Address line and click Ping to verify the IP address you just assigned works If a reply from the sign is not received repeat steps 1 4 Resetting a serial server There may be times when you need to reset the serial server to its default factory settings These default settings include setting DHCP to enabled 1 Appendix Remove power from the adapter either the cable to the sign Alpha Ethernet Adapter or its power cable MSS100 or MSS485 Using the point of a pen or a similar object press and hold the reset button on the serial server and then reapply power to the sign Continue to hold the reset button for 20 seconds after reapplying power 69 Networking Alpha Signs Appendix I Setting up messaging software for TCP IP networking A serial server receives a message from one PC over a network and sends it on to a sign This is in conjunction with any software that can use the TCP IP protocol AlphaNET plus f
88. ssaging system that delivers messages and real time data from a variety of information systems to a variety of communication devices snippet A block of text that is saved for repeated use in AlphaNet plus for Windows software storage capacity Ranges from 7 000 to 1 000 000 characters and more for message storage capacity graphics require more depending on the sign and the application string file A sequence of data values usually bytes that represent variables These variables may be updated independently of the rest of the message without affecting the rest of what is being displayed on the sign surface mounting Secured to and projected from a flat surface Describes how components are mounted soldered to a PCB printed circuit board Glossary 101 Networking Alpha Signs T1 A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1 544 Mbps bits per second A T1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels each of which supports 64 Kbps Each 64 Kbps channel can be configured to carry voice or data traffic TCP Transmission Control Protocol The major transport protocol in the Internet suite of protocols providing reliable connection oriented full duplex streams Uses IP for delivery TCP IP Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol A set of rules originally developed by the Department of Defense to link dissimilar computers across many kinds of networks Telnet A protocol in the TCP
89. ssesesseesscsesseseueessesssseeseseusaeessseeeseesusseseseneesss 44 FEN 0 O11 010 aE E rt ON BPR PEE PE ROTO 45 Appendix A Reldted documental onn a aaah niaadancotssaayiaiaghetihecaer tay N 45 Appendix B End O IMG COTM Ma TOM oisinkin a a a a aa anea 46 PAD DOOD GOA OO E Onan AN osiaeeanabantas 48 Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 JUMPEL ccc scccesssssessssesessseeessseeessseessseeeesseueusssesessnsenenenenss 49 Appendix E Serial and power CONNECTIONS w s ccccdsccsvcicasassiscssasccsassnvarsuasivesseevessvasansinsvevecauadbiaueveincndaucens 5 Appendix F Alternate sign Connections ssrin pnidini n aaa aa an aAA enaa 52 Appendix G Modular Network Adapter to Converter Box I wiring ss cc 57 Appendix H Assigning an IP address to a serial SCIVel cccsccccccsscccesssseeeeessteecesseeeecesateesesseteseraees 58 Appendix Setting up messaging software for TCP IP networking 70 GS Sy engra aen NE EE E ENES 19 Networking Alpha Signs Network overview Alpha signs can be networked together in the following ways e Wired a network in which there is a physical connection such as with cables and servers between a PC and one or more signs A wired network is either serial or LAN e Wireless a network in which there is no physical connection between a PC and one or more signs A wireless network uses transceivers e Modem a network in which there is a telephone line connection between a PC and one or more
90. t To plug in turn on or otherwise start a computer sign or machine Glossary 81 Networking Alpha Signs boot code Firmware used for power up on a display sign s controller board bridge A device that connects two or more physical networks forwarding frames between networks based on information in the datalink header Because a bridge operates at the datalink layer it is transparent to the network layer protocols brightness The output intensity of an LED measured in millicandela mcd The higher the number the brighter the intensity See also luminance and wavelength broadcast A transmission method by which all devices nodes on a network receive a copy of any message that is designed for broadcast For example when a message is broadcast each sign on that network displays the message browser A GUI based software application used to access hypertext documents and other services on the World Wide Web or Internet See also GUI buffer Stores chunks of data in transit until they can be processed byte Made up of 8 bits See also bit cable connectivity A cable connection between the serial port of a computer and a sign This is the simplest type of connection Also referred to as a wired or serial connection cabling The wiring that connects pieces of a network together R5232 and R5485 are types of cabling used with Adaptive displays 82 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs CE Compliance Eu
91. t be set to RS485 See Appendix D Setting the RS232 RS485 jumper on page 49 IR Message Loader to PC B C MNI ae PC running messaging software port Es 1071 1113 IR Message Loader B 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable ce 1088 9108 RJ11 to DB9 connector Pinouts RJ12 RJ12 male RJ12 RJ12 male to IR Message Loader to Alpha sign or computer 6 1 GND PIN 1 aae eS PN GND 6 1 RS485 PIN 2 Black pin 2 RS485 RXD PIN 3 ted_______ pin 3 RXD TXD PIN 4 Steen_________ ping TXD RS485 PIN 5 _ o PIN5 RS485 5V PIN6 gt e PIN6 5V Network cables and adapters 29 Networking Alpha Signs 8 foot RS485 cable pn 1088 8624 Description Left side RJ11 male Right side RJ11 male Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network To next sign PC running messaging software a ooo oo e O Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 7122 0283 100 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122 0284 100 foot RS485 outdoor shielded plenum cable E 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable Type A9 RS232 cable connects Converter Box III to PC RS232 port Pinouts RJ11 RJ11
92. that can change such as temperature or interest rates Variables can be embedded in messages and refreshed when the value changes and can also be used to trigger commands for certain events to start or stop ventilated Provides circulation of external air through the enclosure to remove excess heat fumes and vapors viewing distance For 20 20 vision 1 of character height can be read at 50 feet For 20 40 vision 1 of character height can be read at 40 feet WAN Wide Area Network Computers that are networked together over a wide geographic area sharing information over telephone lines and radio waves Glossary 103 Networking Alpha Signs wavelength A measure of color saturation in nanometers See also brightness and luminance WAWN Wide Area Wireless Network A group of computers that are connected wirelessly over a wide geographic area A transmitter attached to a PC broadcasts data to devices equipped with a data receiver wireless connectivity A wireless connection in which a transmitter is attached to a PC and each sign is equipped with a wireless receiver This allows text and graphics to be sent wirelessly to the sign workstation A computer node through which a user can access a server or other nodes 104 Glossary
93. tional marquee display display board electronic banner electronic display EMC electronic message center electronic sign graphic display hall marquee LED display LED sign light board marquee message board message center message display moving message display moving message sign news ticker price changer programmable sign reader board salescaster scanvertiser sign silent radio silent salesman stock ticker ticker ticket marquee time temperature display and zipper electronic sign An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display 88 Glossary Networking Alpha Signs EMC Electronic Message Center An electronic sign that combines text and graphics to convey a fixed or changeable moving or unmoving advertising or locational message See also electronic display enclosure A case that provides protection to someone against contact with the enclosed equipment and to protect the enclosed equipment from the elements NEMA standards allow for many different types of enclosures indoor and outdoor end node The machine or unit node that serves as an originator or final destination of network traffic but does not relay traffic originated by other nodes end of line terminator Used to define the start and end of a network Helps control electrical interference on the network and provide stable
94. tself or networked with other Alpha clocks or signs In a network a clock behaves like an Alpha sign in that it is used to synchronize all other clocks In this case the time is synchronized instead of a message Also just like an Alpha sign a clock must be terminated when it is the last device on a network Used by itself an Alpha Serial Clock should be set to Master Mode In a network composed of all Alpha Serial Clocks one clock should be set to Master Mode and the other clocks set to Slave Mode Ina network with a PC that is connected to Alpha clocks and signs all the clocks should be set to Slave Mode For more information on using the Alpha Serial Clock see ALPHA Serial Clock for Networked amp Synchronized Timing Applications pn 9703 3006 NETWORK OF ALL CLOCKS To right port C B C D To right port lt a i cco To right port To right port E Description End of line EOL terminator Must be plugged into the left as you face the back of the clock RJ11 port Ferrite ferrite end towards clock 1088 9107 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1088 8636 1 foot RS485 cable D 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter a 1088 8002 1000 foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 54 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs NETWORK OF CLOCKS ATTACHED TO A PC
95. twork Alpha 4000 7000 signs RS485 ports on sign s back i Alpha sign i Alpha sign RS 485 OUT OR RS 485 IN WARNING NO WARI TELE 10 NE TA CONNEC l RS 485 IN ai RS 232 IN Pinouts RJ11 male RJ11 4 1 RS485 PIN 1 Sack pjo Red PIN 3 Green RS485 PIN 4 ellow _ 32 Right jack RJ11 male AlphaPremiere 9000 signs RS485 ports on sign s side al RS232 Aux RS485 I al RS232 Aux RS485 B RJ11 male RJ11 4 1 PIN 1 RS485 PIN 2 PIN 3 PIN 4 RS485 Network cables and adapters Networking Alpha Signs 50 foot RS232 cable pn 1088 8627 Description Left jack RJ12 male Right jack RJ12 male Typical use Used as part of an RS232 connection between a PC with a DB25 25 pin or DB9 9 pin COM port and a sign so that messages can be sent to the sign from the computer Alpha sign To sign s 6 connector RS232 RJ12 to DB9 To PC s En RS232 cable connector RS232 PC running messaging port pn 1088 8625 pn 1088 9108 port software or or 1088 8627 RU12 to DB25 connector pn 4370 0001C Pinouts RJ12 RJ12 male RJ12 RJ12 male from sign to computer 6 1 GND PIN 1 Slug PIN1 GND 6 1 RS485 PIN 2 Yellow PIN 2 RS485 RXD PIN 3 Green PIN3 RXD TXD PIN 4 Red PIN 4 TX
96. ware includes a Configuration Utility as well as allows you to preview the text of your message on a sign You can also specify message attributes such as presentation styles and idle time insert the time and date into a message and select from available display animations Alpha Messaging Software works with serial networks and can send messages to a single Alpha sign AlphaNET Software AlphaNET 2 0 is a full featured software program that controls text and graphics on standard Alpha signs The software includes a Message Editor and a Site Editor and full message simulation allows you to preview a message as it will appear on a sign prior to sending it Image editing software is also included with AlphaNET 2 0 to help you create and edit graphics and animations AlphaNET 2 0 software works with serial modem and LAN networks and can send messages to any individual sign or group of signs Network messaging software 43 Networking Alpha Signs Smart Alec Software Smart Alec is an extensive software system which can acquire real time data from manufacturing warehousing or other data collection software systems as well as manual input Smart Alec prioritizes schedules and delivers this information to Alpha signs E mail systems and alphanumeric pagers The program includes a Message Manager Command Manager Variable Rule Manager and other system managers as well as various start up and advanced utilities
97. working Alpha Signs 10 foot modem to Converter Box Ill Type B9 RS232 cable pn 1088 8635 Description Left side DB9 male Right side DB25 male Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network F E To next sign To PC s A RS232 port OO000000000 PC running messaging software a o e Transmitting modem S Reeeting node OC 1088 8635 10 foot Modem to Converter Box RS232 cable DB9 to DB25 Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter 1088 1111 pn 4011 1201 120 volt pn 4011 4201 230 volt PE 4331 0602 Modular Network Adapter 1088 8624 8 foot RS485 cable 1086 8636 1 foot RS485 cable Pinouts DB9 DB25 DB9 male to Converter Box III male to modem DB25 male DCD PIN PIN8 DCD male RXD PIN 2 PIN2 _ RXD 12345 TXD PIN 3 _ PIN3 TXD 123 45 678 9 10 111213 DTR PIN4 PIN 20 DTR Trege A PIN7 GND OOOOQOOQOOOOCOO OO not connecte OOOO RTS PIN 7 not connected Sie 000620220E PIN 9 not connected Network cables and adapters 35 Networking Alpha Signs 1 foot RS485 cable pn 1088 8636 Description Left side Right side RJ11 male RJ11 male Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network To next sign EE i Alpha
98. y Always disconnect power to unit prior to servicing RS232 RS485 jumper jumper position position Director sign Remove the plastic lens Eup ea Oi from the front of the sign LD by pulling it up Then set the RS232 RS485 jumper Remove the sign s cap by removing these two screws NOTE This information applies to the wood Director only You do not have to set the jumper in the aluminum Director as it is set automatically When the jumper is on the left two pins the Sign is set to R8232 When the jumper is on the right two pins the sign is set to RS485 Appendix 49 Networking Alpha Signs Signs with a terminal block A terminal block is a group of one or more individual terminals consisting of electrical connectors Many functions can be wired to the terminal block such as power distribution or grounding On some Alpha signs serial connections are directly wired to a terminal block as either RS232 or RS485 so there is no jumper to be set Each sign s installation manual provides detailed instructions Appendix E Serial and power connections on page 51 provides information on which signs have terminal blocks To make a connection insert a wire under the Terminals appropriate screw and then tighten the screw 50 Appendix Networking Alpha Signs Appendix E Serial and power connections The table below indicates the communication ports available with each Alpha
99. y information Serial RS232 single sign Serial RS485 single sign Serial RS485 multiple signs LAN preliminary information LAN single sign LAN multiple signs Modem networks Modem preliminary information Modem single sign Modem multiple signs Mixed networks oo oo http www wirelessmessaging com or Wireless networks transceiver http www reachwireless com or http www metrocall com directview Contains information you need to know prior to setting up that type of network 4 Network overview Networking Alpha Signs Wired networks Serial preliminary information With serial connections either RS232 or RS485 cable is used Selecting which cable to use depends on the distance from the PC to the sign Distance from PC to sign Recommended cable Less than 50 feet RS232 cable Greater than 50 feet but less than 4000 RS485 cable Additional hardware is needed to accommodate the longer distance All cables should be kept as short as possible to reduce interference and quicken the process of sending the data NOTE Because it will not create toxic fumes plenum cable pn 1088 8002 and pn 7122 0283 should be used anytime there is either a potential for fire or where cabling is run near common ventilation such as in the ceiling near cold air returns or as local electrical codes require Do not use standard cable in these cases pn 1088 8624 and pn 1088 8636 RS485 connectio

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