Daktronics G-100-7.6-R - Manual (Page 8)

Introduction 1-2
• 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 a 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: RS/232, RS/422, modem and TCP/IP.
1.3.1 RS/232 Network
Reference Drawing: System Riser Diagram; RS/232 ......... Drawing A-91388
RS/232 (EIA/TIA-232-E) is a standard communication interface that employs a
single-ended serial transmission scheme that uses a maximum cable length of 10
meters (30 feet). This interface was designed for computer communication at short
distances. All computers have an RS/232 communications port.
1.3.2 RS/422 Network
Reference Drawing: System Riser Diagram; RS/422 ......... Drawing A-91387
RS/422 (EIA/TIA-422-B) is a standard communication interface that utilizes a
differential balanced transmission scheme which uses a typical maximum cable length
of 1.2 km (approximately 4000 feet). The main advantage to RS/422 over RS/232 is
the longer cable length that is possible. A signal converter is needed to convert the
computer’s RS/232 to RS/422.
1.3.3 Modem Network
Reference Drawing: System Riser Diagram; Modem ......... Drawing A-91386
The modem is a standard communication interface that utilizes standard phone
transmission lines. The phone company assigns each phone line a number that the
modem uses to communicate between the controller and the display.
1.3.4 TCP/IP
Network
Reference Drawing: V1500 System Riser Diagram ........... Drawing A-93904
The TCP/IP protocol is an interface allowing the Ethernet network card (installed in
the operator’s computer) to communicate with the serial server via a Local Area
Network (LAN). Information for the individual displays is distributed from the serial
server’s RS/232 output.