Daktronics S-100/S-200 - Manual (Page 10)

Introduction 1-4
1.2 Safety Precautions
1. Read and understand these instructions before installing.
2. Be sure that the display is properly grounded.
3. Disconnect power before working on the display.
4. Do not modify the displays or attach any panels or coverings to the display without the express
written consent of Daktronics, Inc.
5. Most products are equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact a qualified electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.
1.3 Network Concepts
Reference Drawings:
System Riser Diagram; RS/232................................................................Drawing A-91388
System Riser Diagram; RS/422................................................................Drawing A-91387
System Riser Diagram; Modem ................................................................Drawing A-91386
V1500 System Riser Diagram ...................................................................Drawing A-93904
The concept of using LED displays as a cost effective, high impact method of communication is rapidly
growing throughout many industries and businesses. The reasons for this growth are many, but the
need for additional features and complexity of multiple sign installations has emerged, and the
Daktronics display systems have been designed to meet those needs. The common thread to most
clients
= requests is a means of programming and controlling a group of signs from a central control
point. Daktronics responded by developing a powerful system of interconnecting and controlling signs.
Great care has been taken to design products that will satisfy a wide variety of installations. Some of
the design goals of these systems include the following:
• Easy transfer of messages
• The ability to tell a sign in the network which message it should run
• The ability to determine the status of any sign on the network
• The ability to control multiple sign technologies on the same network
All of the programming features would seem insignificant if the installation of the systems could not be
accomplished with basic tools and without technical difficulty. Daktronics decided to use the very
popular and readily available RJ-11 connector. This connector is also used on modern home and office
telephone equipment.
All that is required for signal installation is standard six (6) conductor modular telephone wire. Tools
required for mounting the display depend on the location and size of the display. For some installations,
it may be possible to buy pre-terminated telephone cables for use with the displays.
There are four (4) network systems available: RS232, RS422, modem and TCP/IP.
RS232 Network
RS232 (EIA/TIA-232-E) is a standard communication interface that employs a single -ended serial
transmission scheme that uses a maximum cable length of 7.62 meters (25 feet). This interface