Allmand Brothers MB 6200 - Manual (Page 4)

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ALLMAND SOLAR ASSIST MESSAGE BOARD
DESCRIPTION AND FEATURES
The ALLMAND MESSAGE BOARD uses four 12V DC 8D deep cycle batteries, providing a nominal 12V DC to the operating system.
The battery enclosure is lockable, ventilated and designed to protect the batteries from theft or vandalism. The location of the
enclosure allows for easy maintenance or replacement of the battery bank. An electronic control system protects the batteries from
overcharging and gassing. The Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) system protects the battery from excessive discharge which can
result in premature battery failure.
Solar charging is accomplished by a 150w class 12V DC single crystalline photovoltaic array located above the sign panel. This
provides maximum exposure of the array to the sun. The array location minimizes vandalism or theft. The array constantly charges the
batteries when exposed to the sun. A standard
ALLMAND battery charger, specifically designed for this unit, allows the batteries to
be recharged using standard 115V AC line current.
The BRICK Modular Message Sign System provides a flexible, re-configurable message sign system.
Changeable Message Signs (CMS) (also called Variable Message Signs, Electronic Signs, Active Signs, and Dynamic Signs) have
provided useful information for the traveling public for years. Due of the success of CMS, and to ever-increasing traffic demands,
CMS are being used for new applications. Because of size, weight, production lead-time, and cost, traditional CMS cannot be used for
many of these new applications. The
BRICK Modular Message Sign System solves many of the problems that occur with traditional
CMS.
With the BRICK Modular Message Sign System, you can:
• Rapidly re-configure and also re-use signs in ways not previously possible.
• Program a sign on-site via a hand-held controller, a base station computer or notebook.
• Use sign components for a custom job or application.
Individual BRICK Modular Message Sign System
Components
The system contains the following components:
•
From 6 to 12 individual BRICKs that you use to construct the message sign.
• A rail assembly that carries both the 12 Vdc power and the communications data and provides mounting for each BRICK.
• A single-board computer (SBC) that provides control to the BRICK
• A jumper BRICK that transfers power between multiple lines of the signs.
• A trim BRICK that finishes the sign to ensure a neat appearance.
• Hold down locks that secure the BRICK, jumper BRICK, and SBC to the rail.
The following features are optional and provide user interface to the system:
•
A hand-held terminal to use for on-site programming of the sign messages.
• An advanced controller to use for on-site modifications to frames, sequences, and messages.
• Base Station software (able to run on a Pentium PC) that provides the same functions as the hand-held controller,
plus additional functions.
BRICK Display Module
The BRICK display module consists of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that can compose alphanumeric or graphic messages. The front
face of the BRICK is made from a UV-inhibited, polycarbonate material with a LJV, silk-screened mask that provides a high level of
contrast and readability. The body of the BRICK is made from a UV-inhibited, high-impact, ABS thermoplastic material. The BRICK is
environmentally sealed against contaminants, and the electrical component enclosure is completely sealed from the outside environ-
ment. Each
BRICK has its own microprocessor that enables the BRICK to know its addressable location in the sign matrix. This
capability allows BRICKs to be moved anywhere in the sign matrix, without individually addressing each display with dip switches or
special wiring harnesses. The connectors that mate with the rail are on the reverse side of the BRICK. Each BRICK is installed by
pushing the BRICK onto the rail to make the connection. Each BRICK can be removed and replaced without disturbing other modules. A
vandal-resistant, hold-down lock device secures each BRICK onto the rail.
BRICK Configuration Options
The BRICK Modular Message Sign System consists of custornizable, re-configurable messages. The BRICK display modules attach to
a rail (bus bar) system that eliminates the need for wiring, acts as a support for the BRICKs , and carries electrical and communica-
tions signals. You can mount the rail to anything that can support the number of bricks used for the desired configuration.
The BRICK display module is a two-part, sealed thermoplastic box, with a front face made of ultraviolet (UV)-inhibited Lexan Polycar-
bonate. The display module tray holds a printed circuit board made of high-impact co-extruded ABS substrate. The front face of the
sign is silk-screened with an LJV-inhibited mask to provide a high level of contrast and readability. The
BRICK display module is
environmentally sealed against contaminants.