Daktronics Data Manager (DDM) - Manual (Page 7)

Introduction 1
Section 1: Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to assist users with the installation and operation of the Daktronics
Data Manager (DDM) application. The DDM application is a plug-in for Microsoft
® Office Excel ® that
converts data from spreadsheets into formats used by Daktronics display control systems. Once the
data entered in a spreadsheet is outputted as Real Time Data (RTD), it can easily be sent to displays.
The manual is divided into four sections: Introduction, Installation, Operation, and Appendix.
 Introduction covers the basic information about the application and this manual. Take time
to read the entire introduction as it explains concepts and conventions used throughout the
rest of the manual.
 Installation describes the installation procedures of the DDM application.
 Operation details the specific operation and configuration of the DDM application.
 Appendix includes an exercise to help users create a basic DDM spreadsheet.
Daktronics identifies manuals by an ED or DD number located on the cover page of each
manual. Any manuals referenced in this document will be identified by its ED or DD number.
For example, this manual would be referred to as DD1376354.
1.1 System Requirements
The DDM application has the following system requirements:
 Windows XP or higher Operating System
 Microsoft  Excel  2003 Professional or better
 CPU and RAM must at least be equal to minimum requirements of operating system
 Additional serial ports or networking may be needed based on interface requirements
The DDM application will typically be loaded onto a computer system that already contains
other Daktronics software, such as the Daktronics display controllers; however, it may also be
installed on a different computer on the same network.
1.2 Software Conventions
This manual contains the following software conventions and terminology:
Bold Indicates an item that requires direct action, such as clicking, pressing,
selecting or formatting.
Italics Indicates onscreen text or labels that are not clickable.
Bold Italics Used to reference items within the manual, such as figures or sections, as
well as other documents and important notes.
[X] Represents a keyboard key that needs to be pressed.
“Quotes” Text or commands that may be typed; also indicate file or folder names
Click Press and release the left mouse button.
Double-click Press and release the left mouse button twice.
Right-click Press and release the right mouse button.
Select Highlight or mark, such as by placing a check mark  in a nearby box;
clicking will not necessarily perform an action.
> Followed by, as in menu navigation (ex. File > Open).