Specifications

ManualsBrandsAdaptive Micro Systems ManualsAutomotiveAlphaPremiere 9000 Series

Adaptive Micro Systems • 7840 North 86th Street • Milwaukee, WI 53224 USA • 414-357-2020 • 414-357-2029 (fax) • http://www.adaptivedisplays.com

Trademarked names appear throughout this document. Rather than list the names and entities that own the trademarks or insert a trademark symbol with each mention of the trademarked

name, the publisher states that it is using names for editorial purposes and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no intention of improperly using the trademark.

The following are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems: ActiveX, Adaptive, Alpha, AlphaLert, AlphaNET, AlphaNet plus, AlphaEclipse, AlphaPremiere, AlphaTicker, AlphaVision,

AlphaVision InfoTracker, Automode, BetaBrite, BetaBrite Director, BetaBrite Messaging Software, Big Dot, Director, EZ KEY II, EZ95, PagerNET, PPD, PrintPak, Serial Clock, Smart Alec,

Solar, TimeNet.

The distinctive trade dress of this product is a trademark claimed by Adaptive Micro Systems, LLC.

Due to continuing product innovation, specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.

October 8, 2003 9700-0112C

Networking Alpha Signs

http://www.adaptivedisplays.com/support/network

This manual is included with the following Adaptive products:

• Converter Box III—see “Converter Box III (pn 1088-1111)” on page 21.

• Alpha Ethernet Adapter—see “Alpha Ethernet Adapter” on page 25.

• Alpha Ethernet Adapter—see “Alpha Ethernet Adapter II” on page 26.

• MSS100 Micro Serial Server—see “Lantronix MSS100 (pn 1088-4113A)” on page 28.

• MSS485 Micro serial Server—see “Lantronix MSS485 (pn 1088-4112A)” on page 29.

• AlphaPremiere 9000 series signs

This manual applies to these signs This manual does not apply to these signs

200 series AlphaTicker

300 series AlphaEclipse

400 series Alpha Solar

Big Dot AlphaVision InfoTracker

Personal Priority Display

For networking information on these signs, refer to http://www.ams-i.com.

4000 series

7000 series

AlphaPremiere 9000 series

Director

AlphaVision

Serial Clock

Summary of content (82 pages)

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Networking Alpha Signs http://www.adaptivedisplays.com/support/network This manual applies to these signs This manual does not apply to these signs 200 series AlphaTicker 300 series AlphaEclipse 400 series Alpha Solar Big Dot AlphaVision InfoTracker Personal Priority Display 4000 series 7000 series AlphaPremiere 9000 series For networking information on these signs, refer to http://www.ams-i.com.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Contents Network overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Wired network—serial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Wired network—LAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 10-foot computer-to-Converter Box III Type A9 RS232 cable (pn 1088-8634) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 10-foot modem-to-Converter Box III Type B9 RS232 cable (pn 1088-8635). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 1-foot RS485 cable (pn 1088-8636) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Network overview Alpha signs can be networked together in the following ways: • 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. • Wireless—a network in which there is no physical connection between a PC and one or more signs. A wireless network uses transceivers.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Wireless network—transceiver A wireless network is an effective choice when: • the cost of a wired connection is too expensive, • the sign is at a greater distance than is recommended, • you cannot physically run wiring to the sign’s location, or • the signs may frequently change location. Wireless networks allow you to transfer data between PCs and signs that are not physically connected.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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. Alpha sign Mixed network A mixed network involves a combination of two or more network types.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Detailed information To go directly to the type of network you want, use the following: Network type Wired networks Go to page 8 Serial—preliminary information* 8 Serial RS232 (single sign) 10 Serial RS485 (single sign) 10 Serial RS485 (multiple signs) 11 LAN—preliminary information* 12 LAN (single sign) 13 LAN (multiple signs) 14 Modem networks Modem—preliminary information* 16 16 Modem (single sign) 17 Modem (multiple signs) 18 Mi
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Converter Box III wiring When using a Converter Box III, which converts RS232 signal to RS485, a maximum of two sign cables can connect to the back. Therefore, only two “strings” of signs can attach. For more information on the Converter Box III, see“Converter Box III (pn 1088-1111)” on page 21.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) RS232—single sign Use this setup when you want a simple serial (RS232) connection to a PC (one sign to one PC, at a distance of less than 50 feet): 50 feet or less A B C Alpha sign To sign’s RS232 port Item To PC’s RS232 or TTL port Part # PC running messaging software Description A — Ferrite (ferrite end toward sign) 1088-8625 25-foot RS232 cable B 1088-8627 50-foot RS232 cable 4370-0001C RJ11-to-DB25 adapter (for a PC with a 25-pin RS232 po
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 To sign’s RS485 port C B D To PC’s RS232 port Alpha sign B To sign’s RS485 port Alpha sign To sign’s B RS485 port E D C PC running messaging software Set switch to Terminated.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 100BASE-T using MSS100 A B Alpha sign Item Part # Description A — 1088-9120 1088-4113A 1088-4112A The PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) LAN—multiple signs TCP/IP network Use this configuration when connecting signs to a TCP/IP network using unique IP addresses.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Gateway network Use this configuration when connecting one or more signs to a Gateway network: PC running messaging software A B C MSS485-T D LANTRONIX Ethernet LAN (10BASE-T) using TCP/IP protocol E I MSS485-T MSS485-T F LANTRONIX LANTRONIX Alpha sign Alpha sign Alpha sign G Alpha sign H Item — B — C D E F G H I Wired networks Part # A 1088-8002 7122-0283 7122-0284 1088-4112A 1088-4113A 1088-4112A 4331-0602 1088-8636 1088-8624 1088
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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).
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Modem—single sign (RS232) Use this setup when you want to connect a single sign to a modem network: Alpha sign To sign’s RS232 port A B C F D E Item A B Part # PC running messaging software Description — Ferrite (ferrite end toward sign) 1088-8625 25-foot RS232 cable 1088-8627 50-foot RS232 cable 25 pin sub-D/to 6 pos.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Modem—multiple signs (RS485) Use this setup when you want to connect multiple signs to a modem network: To next sign A B Alpha sign Alpha sign J To sign’s RS485 port Item 18 C D E F G H Part # H I PC running messaging software Description A 1088-9107 End-of-line (EOL) terminator B 1086-8636 1-foot RS485 cable C 4331-0602 Modular Network Adapter D 7122-0283 100-foot RS485 shielded plenum cable E 1088-1111 Converter Box III w
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Mixed networks A mixed network is an appropriate choice in many situations.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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: • Converter Box III, which connects a PC’s RS232 port to an RS485 network.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Converter Box III (pn 1088-1111) Description RS485 pinout RS232 pinout 1 23 456 5 43 21 A B C 9 87 6 1 = DCD 2 = RXD 3 = TXD 4 = DTR 5 = Signal GND 6 = DSR 7 = RTS 8 = CTS 9 = not connected Front D 1 = not connected 2 = RS485(+) 3 = SHIELD 4 = not connected 5 = RS485(-) H Back E G F Item Description A RS232 TXD indicator.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Typical use Used to connect a PC’s RS232 port to an RS485 network: A To next sign Alpha sign B C D E Alpha sign G F PC running messaging software Item Description A 1088-9107 End-of-line (EOL) terminator B — Ferrite (ferrite end toward sign) 1088-8624 8-foot RS485 cable 1086-8636 1-foot RS485 cable 4331-0602 Modular Network Adapter 1088-8002 1000-foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 7122-0283 100-foot RS485 shielded plenum cable 71
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 USB-to-DB9 Serial Adapter Typical use Used to connect a PC’s USB port to an RS232 or RS485 network: Single sign connection A B C D Alpha sign To PC’s USB port To sign’s RS232 port PC running messaging software NOTE: RS232 cable connection can not exceed 50 feet in total length.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Multiple sign connection A To sign’s RS485 port D C B Alpha sign Set switch to Terminated. To sign’s RS485 port Alpha sign To sign’s B RS485 port E D C G F Alpha sign To RS485 connector PC running messaging software (See NOTE 1 below) To sign’s RS485 port Alpha sign To sign’s RS485 port A B C D E Alpha sign Item Part # To RS485 connector on Converter Box III. (Set switch to Unterminated.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Alpha Ethernet Adapter Description A D 1 2 3 B C Item A B C D Description DB25 serial port RJ45 TCP/IP port Reset button 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 10BASE-T Ethernet network: Ethernet C B Alpha sign Alpha sign Alpha sign A A (Detail) B C Item A B C Network interfaces Part # 1088-9317 1088-9120 — Description 8-inch Ethernet
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Alpha Ethernet Adapter II Description A C (MAC address label) Right LED (D2) Left LED (D1) RJ45 Ethernet port (front) B Item A B C Description RJ45 Ethernet port RJ11 Serial port When the left LED (D1) is... Off Off Off Off Off Solid amber Blinking amber Solid green Blinking green ...and the right LED (D2) is... Off Solid amber Blinking amber Solid green Blinking green Off Off Off Off ...it means...
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Pinouts RJ45 Ethernet port RJ11 Serial port 8 Some Alpha products have 5 volt jumpers for RJ11 power. Refer to your sign’s installation manual for more information.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Lantronix MSS100 (pn 1088-4113A) Description C 10/100 reset 5VDC A power link 100 B D MSS-100 ok serial LANTRONIX E serial Item A B C D E Description Power connection (5 volt only) Reset button RJ45 TCP/IP port LED diagnostic lights 1. Power 2. Link (network link/connection) 3. 100 4. OK 5.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Lantronix MSS485 (pn 1088-4112A) Description MSS485-T C reset shld txa txb rxb rxa shld 10BASE-T console LANTRONIX serial D power link ok serial Item A B C D B 6vdc A E Description Wiring terminal block Power connection (6 volt only) Reset button RJ45 TCP/IP port LED diagnostic lights 1 = Power 2 = Link (network link/connection) 3 = OK 5 = Serial E Typical use Used to connect to multiple signs using one serial server.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) DIP switch information Revision C13/B or later is needed. Earlier versions may not work correctly. If you experience difficulty, contact your Customer Account Specialist.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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: • physical (type of plug) • electrical (configuration of wiring) • electronic (computer/monitor interface) The following information describes the typical use and pinouts of the most commonly used networking cables and adapters.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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: Alpha sign To sign’s RS232 port To PC’s RS232 port 6-connector RS232 cable (pn 1036-9010) PC running messaging software This cable can replace pn 1088-8625 and pn 1088-9108.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 3-foot 6-conductor cable (pn 1088-8621) Description Left jack RJ12 (male) Right jack RJ12 (male) Typical use Used to connect an IR Message Loader to a sign or to a PC: DATA VALID DATA 1 2 3 MEMORY LOCATION B BAT.LOW MESSAGE LOADER TRANSMIT A Alpha sign To sign’s RS485 port Signs that have internal RS232/RS485 switches (or jumpers) must be set to RS485. See “Appendix D—Setting the RS232/RS485 jumper” on page 53.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 8-foot RS485 cable (pn 1088-8624) Description Right side RJ11 (male) Left side RJ11 (male) Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network: To next sign A E Alpha sign B C D Alpha sign PC running messaging software Item Part # A B C D E Description 1088-1111 Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter: pn 4011-1201 (120 volt) pn 4011-4201 (230 volt) 1088-8624 8-foot RS485 cable 1086
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 To sign’s RS232 port 6-connector RS232 cable (pn 1088-8625) RJ12-to-DB9 connector (pn 1088-9108) or RJ12-to-DB25 connector (pn 4370-0001C) To PC’s RS232 port PC running messagi
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 8-foot RS485 back-to-back cable (pn 1088-8626) Description Right jack RJ11 (male) Left jack RJ11 (male) Typical use Used to connect two signs together into an RS485 network: Alpha 4000/7000 signs (RS485 ports on sign’s back) AlphaPremiere 9000 signs (RS485 ports on sign’s side) RS-485 OUT OR RS-485 IN Alpha sign RS232/Aux RS485 WARNING-NOT A TELEPHONE CONNECTION.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 RS232 port 6-connector RS232 cable (pn 1088-8627) RJ12-to-DB9 connector (pn 1088-9108) or RJ12-to-DB25 connector (pn 4370-0001C) To PC’s RS232 port PC running
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 10-foot computer-to-Converter Box III 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 A E Alpha sign B C D Alpha sign Item A B C D E PC running messaging software Part # Description 1088-1111 Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter: pn 4011-1201 (120 volt) pn 4011-4201 (230 volt)
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 10-foot modem-to-Converter Box III Type B9 RS232 cable (pn 1088-8635) Description Right side DB25 (male) Left side DB9 (male) Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network: E F To next sign Alpha sign To PC’s RS232 port A B D C PC running messaging software Item Part # Description A — B — Receiving modem C 1088-8635 10-foot Modem-to-Converter Box RS232 cable, DB9 to DB25 D 1088-1111 C
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 1-foot RS485 cable (pn 1088-8636) Description Right side RJ11 (male) Left side RJ11 (male) Typical use Used to connect a sign to a Modular Network Adapter as part of an RS485 network: To next sign A E Alpha sign B C D Alpha sign Item A B PC running messaging software Part # Description 1088-1111 Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter: pn 4011-1201 (120 volt) pn 4011-4201 (230 volt) 1088-8624 8-foot RS485 cable 1086-8636
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 End-of-Line (EOL) terminator (pn 1088-9107) Description RJ12 jack (male) Typical use Connects to the RS232 (or TTL) plug of the first or last sign on an RS485 network: A D F Alpha sign B C E Alpha sign PC running messaging software Item A Part # Description 1088-9107 End-of-Line (EOL) terminator 1088-8624 8-foot RS485 cable 1086-8636 1-foot RS485 cable C 4331-0602 Modular Network Adapter D 1088-1111 Converter Box III with a Converte
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) RJ12-to-DB9 adapter (pn 1088-9108) Description Left side RJ12 (female) Right side DB9 (female) Top 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: Alpha sign To sign’s RS232 port 6-connector RS232 cable (pn 1088-8625 or 1088-8627) RJ12-to-DB9 connector (pn 1088-9108) To PC’s RS232 port PC running messaging software Pinouts RJ12 (femal
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 8-inch Ethernet cable (pn 1088-9317) Description Left side RJ11 (male) Right side DB25 (female) Typical use Used to connect a sign to an Alpha Ethernet Adapter on an Ethernet LAN using TCP/IP protocol: PC running messaging software Ethernet LAN using TCP/IP protocol 10BASE-T using Alpha Ethernet Adapter A A Alpha sign C Item A B C B Part # — 1088-9120 1088-9317 Description The PC must be connected to the Ethernet LAN with a network card.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Modular Network Adapter (pn 4331-0602) Description Left side RJ11 (female) Right side Top Typical use Used to connect a PC to a Converter Box III as part of an RS485 network: A E Alpha sign B C D Alpha sign PC running messaging software Item A B C D E Part # Description 1088-1111 Converter Box III with a Converter Box III AC Adapter: pn 4011-1201 (120 volt) pn 4011-4201 (230 volt) 1088-8624 8-foot RS485 cable 1086-8636 1-foot RS485 cab
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 RS232 cable connector (pn 4331-0603) Description Right jack RJ12 (female) Left jack RJ12 (female) Top Typical use Used as part of an RS232 sign network to connect two lengths of 25-foot RS232 cable: This distance should not exceed 50 feet.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) RJ12-to-DB25 adapter (pn 4370-0001C) Description Left side RJ12 (female) Right side DB25 (female) Top 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: Alpha sign To sign’s RS232 port 6-connector RS232 data cable (pn 1088-8625 or pn 1088-8627) RJ12-to-DB25 connector (pn 4370-0001C) To PC’s RS232 port PC running messaging software Pinouts R
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Network messaging software Overview Messaging software is used to create messages on your PC and then send them to Alpha signs.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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. Part # Appendix Document name Description 9701-0202 Messaging Software User Manual Provides step-by-step examples of how to use messaging software.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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/RS485 port and stops the flow of communication.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Appendix C—RS485 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. The echo travels in one direction only. In other words, from RS232 to RS485 only. RS485 echo is best used for modem or wireless applications when the RS232 data source is inside the sign.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 RS485. Some Alpha signs have an RS232/RS485 auto-sensing port that sets the jumper automatically, and not all signs have jumpers. See“Appendix E—Serial and power connections” on page 55 for more information.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Appendix E—Serial and power connections The table below indicates the communication ports available with each Alpha 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Appendix F—Alternate sign connections There are ways to connect signs other than the standard PC-to-sign and sign-to-sign 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/RS485 jumper” on page 53. Also, some signs may need to be terminated depending upon which type of network and the number of signs you are using.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Back-to-back wiring Back-to-back wiring is the easiest way to network two signs together: Alpha sign RS-485 OUT OR RS-485 IN A WARNING-NOT A TELEPHONE CONNECTION. Connect each end of the cable to the RS-485 OUT/RS-485 IN plug on each sign. RS-485 IN OR RS-232 IN NOTE: NEVER connect each end of the cable to the RS485 IN/RS232 IN plugs on each sign as this may damage the signs. RS-485 OUT OR RS-485 IN Alpha sign WARNING-NOT A TELEPHONE CONNECTION.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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 itself 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Network of clocks attached to a PC To PC’s RS232 port A To right port ALPHA PC running messaging software E HOUR MINUTE B C D To right port ALPHA Set switch to Terminated HOUR MINUTE F To right port ALPHA B C G D H HOUR MINUTE To RS485 connector Alpha Serial Clocks (See NOTE below) To right port ALPHA HOUR MINUTE B A C D E To right port ALPHA To RS485 connector on Converter Box III (Set switch to Unterminated.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Network of clocks and signs To PC’s RS232 port A To right phone jack ALPHA PC running messaging software E HOUR MINUTE Alpha Serial Clock B C D To sign’s RS485 port Set switch to Terminated Alpha sign F To right phone jack ALPHA B C G D H HOUR MINUTE Alpha Serial Clock To RS485 connector Optional (See NOTE below) To sign’s RS485 port Alpha sign A To sign’s RS485 port B C D E Alpha sign Item Part # To RS485 connector on Co
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Appendix G—Modular Network Adapter to Converter Box III wiring Special wiring is needed to connect the Modular Network Adapter and the Converter Box III: 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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. To assign an IP address, you will need to know two numbers: • The IP address to be assigned to each serial server, either the Alpha Ethernet Adapter, MSS100, or MSS485. See your IS network administrator for the IP address. • The hardware address of the serial server.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 3. October 8, 2003 Click Setup. “Setup is in process...” appears in the status bar of the Ethernet Adaptor IP Configuration window. NOTE: With MSS adaptors, if the IP address you type in already exists, the status bar will read, “IP address already exists.” In addition, if the adaptor already has an address assigned, the status bar will read, “Setup IP Address failed.” Follow the steps in “Resetting a serial server” on page 63 and run the IP Configuration again. 4.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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 for Windows (version 1.3 or later), AlphaNET for Windows (version 2.0 or later), and Smart Alec (version 3.0 or later) are TCP/IP-compatible. NOTE: AlphaNET version 2.0 is documented here.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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).
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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 connection. In a packet-switching network, the node attached to the device that is receiving the data. device Any hardware component attached to a computer system.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 Converts a single jack into a dual jack to allow two accessories to be connected at the same time. EEPROM 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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).
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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 or Smart Alec software. GUI Graphical User Interface.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) modular network adapter Used at Adaptive to connect a sign to an 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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. OLE Object Linking and Embedding.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) 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.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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. 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.
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October 8, 2003 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) A protocol in the TCP/IP suite that governs character-oriented terminal traffic. Termination Stopping the flow of communication using a special end-of-line (EOL) terminator that plugs into the sign’s RS232/RS485 port. Used when an Alpha sign is at the end of an RS485 network. through hole A hole in the casing of a sign through which wiring is brought to connect a device.
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Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) October 8, 2003 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. wavelength A measure of color saturation in nanometers. See also brightness and luminance. WAWN Wide Area Wireless Network.
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October 8, 2003 82 Networking Alpha Signs (9700-0112C) Glossary