Installation guide

Theater Installation Guide (97127016B) 14
Electrical and Data Requirements — Sign networking and addressing considerations
Other network topologies, such as the one in the following illustration, are not recommended.
Figure 5: Unacceptable network topology: Star topology (multiple branches)
RS485 Converter Box
The signs communicate on an RS485 network which is the best choice for transferring messages over long
distances. This means that messages sent from the computer must be converted to RS485. The RS485
converter box is used for this purpose. It must be located between the sign computer and the signs. See
Figure 6: "Method 1 — Converter Box located at one end of sign network" and Figure 7: "Method 2 —
Converter Box located in middle of sign network" for examples of where to position the converter box on
the network.
NOTE: See “Converter Box” on page 47 and “RS485 data cable information” on page 48 for more
information RS485 converter boxes and cable specifications.
Figure 6: Method 1 — Converter Box located at one end of sign network
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