Specifications

Glossary 75
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.
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 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.
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.
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.