LED Moving Message Sign

Instruction Manual

PDT Salbec House Winders Way Salford M6 6AR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)161 925 7530 Fax: +44 (0)161 925 7531 www.signdata.com

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SECTION1 Unpacking SECTION 2 Initial set up SECTION 3 General Description SECTION 4 Programming Guide Model RC-44A IFR Keyboard (standard) SECTION 5 Message Programming Getting started Changing character colour and size Screen Function Effect Alteration of Message Timer set-up Timer Settings Set Clock, I.D., Baud Rate, Beep and Password SECTION 6 Function description of the command keys B. Description of Special Function Key SECTION 7 Serial Communication Protocol Settings Sending a Page; (Message) Setting a Timer (schedule) Defining a Graphic Character Deleting a Page; (message) Deleting a Timer; (schedule) Deleting a Graphic Character; (Restore to Default) Delete All; (Restore to Default) Direct run page; (Force a particular page to run) APPENDIX I APPENDIX II APPENDIX III APPENDIX IV APPENDIX V

3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 16 16 16 18 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 21 21 22 23 23 24 26 28

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Section1
Unpacking If any of the contents are missing, please contact your supplier. LED moving message sign Power supply (optional) RS232 communication cable (optional) Infra red remote control Mounting brackets User manual

Section 2
Initial set up Choose a suitable location for the sign using the brackets provided, bearing in mind the following: Length of the sign Distance from which it will normally be viewed Location of inputting data and control commands Avoiding high ambient temperatures Avoiding areas with high light levels

Fix the mounting brackets to a suitable wall/surface approximately 700mm (27.5 inches apart) The power and RS232 input connectors are located on the left hand side of the sign when viewed from the front. DO NOT connect anything to the RS232 input, until you are sure the sign is functioning correctly. Remove the 2 large fixing screws from either side of the sign and whilst holding the sign between the mounting brackets, refit the fixing screws through the holes in each bracket. Adjust the angle of the sign for optimum viewing and then tighten the fixing screws to the sign in to position. Securely locate the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in a safe place close to the sign, bearing in mind the length of the fixed DC output lead. Plug the power adaptor in to the mains Plug the connector at the output end of power adaptor to the round opening at the side of the Moving Sign panel. Charge up the memory backup battery in the sign for at least 8 hours initially.

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NOTE: RS232 connector is either RJ11 or 3 pole jack, dependant on model

If the sign fails to operate, please check/try the following before consulting your supplier. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Is there power at the mains outlet Are all the connectors mated correctly Check the fuse in the mains plug or at the fuseboard Disconnect any RS232 connection you have made Remove the power for 30 seconds and try again

Section 3
General Description The Multi colour moving sign is a 16-colour display device, which enables users to create any desired page (message) up to 26 colour combinations. While a single colour moving sign, 2 colour combinations are available for user selection. The moving sign is divided into 3 main modes for Page, Timer and Graphic Image. Page is used to store the prepared message, which will be shown on the screen. The length of each page (message) is not fixed until all the memory space is occupied. Contents of the message and various attractive screen effects can be input by means of the remote control keyboard. There are maximum 26 pages allowed in page mode, which are identified from A to Z. Timer is a user-friendly command for the control of display sequence of the pages (messages), which have been stored in page mode. When the time coincides with the preset reference time in a Timer, the message in this timer will be displayed repeatedly until next timer starts. There are 10 timers A to J for selection. Inside each timer, a maximum of 32 different combinations of pages can be arranged. The moving sign has a Graphic image area where the pre-fixed graphic images are stored. It allows the user to re-edit these image patterns to show special symbols or characters based on their own design. Each graphic image is formed by a 7 x 18 dot matrix and the user can create a maximum of 26 different images in the graphic image area. They are identified from A to Z. When the moving sign is switched on, Timer A (defaulted timer) will be displayed automatically. Occasionally, Page A (defaulted page) will be displayed if Timer A contains no page, if Page A has no edited message, then a preset demo message will be displayed accordingly. On the other hand, if a user wants to call out the demo message directly, he/she only has to run an empty page. Whenever user wants to stop the moving sign from showing a message, press ESC key to exit RUN mode and enter to main operation menu. Relative clock is provided as a standard feature and for the control of timer operation. Any interruption of power source will reset the clock and will require re-initialisation.
* CAUTION This moving sign is NOT designed for outdoor use, but for indoor use only. Issue 2 Page 4 of 31

Section 4
Programming Guide Model RC-44A IFR Keyboard (standard) A. Character Keys Consists of 95 standard alphabet/numeric/symbol characters and 52 European characters Upper Case Lower Case Numeric Symbol European (26) (26) (10) (29) (52) : : : : : AZ az 09 !.

Details of European character set table, please refer to Appendix V B. Command Keys Detailed description of the command keys, please refer to section VI. Note: 1) IFR keyboard must be pointed at the built in Infra red sensor located at the left hand corner of the moving sign. 2) Optimum operating distance should be around 1.5M to 10M. 3) Do not subject the remote keyboard to impact, water or excessive humidity. 4) The remote keyboard operates two R6 (UM/SUM-3 AA) 1.5 volt batteries. If the remote keyboard does not operate or fails to function normally due to weak batteries, new batteries should be fitted.

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Section 5
Message Programming

Getting started

Lets take the first step to have a message Hello. Press the ESC key for main menu, the screen shows: Ed Rn Del Set Remarks: The blinking capital letter is designed for you to choose the corresponding mode. Press the E key for edit mode, the screen shows: Press the P key for page mode, the screen shows: Page Tmr Gfx Page (A Z) (START)
H CAPS E L L O Space

Press the A key for Page A editing , the screen shows: Then type in the message Hello in the following steps:

When the first letter is pressed, the message (Start) disappears and a rainbow capital H appears on the right hand side of the screen, then the small letters ello are shown correspondingly. After the CAPS keys, the screen shows: Hello

Now , we have finished the message and are going to see what will happen when this message is in run mode. Press the ESC key, the screen returns to: Ed Rn Del Set Page Tmr

Press the R key for Run mode, the screen will show: Press the P key, the screen shows: Page (A Z)?

Press the A key, the message Hello in rainbow colour, (defaulted colour) is shifting out from the right edge of the screen continuously. Summarised Sequence: Key ESC E H ESC R P A P CAPS A E L L O Space Meaning Stop run mode Edit page A Message being displayed End Message editing Run Page A

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Changing character colour and size In order to enrich the appearance of messages showing on the screen, the Colour Moving Sign provides you with a selection of colourful characters and different character sizes. (N.B. For details please refer to Appendix I Colour Code Table). Lets have a colourful message Today is a Shny Day in page B Press ESC E P B Keys to begin editing

Before typing any letter we want the word Today in Green colour instead of defaulted colour, therefore Press Size/Colour Size/Colour The screen shows: COLOUR: A

The corresponding colour is shown on screen A represents colour Dim RED, therefore, you may use or And Enter to search for your required colour, or press the corresponding character M Key, to choose Green character, then screen resumes to edit: (START) Type T CAPS O D A Y Space The word Today in Today

Green colour is displayed on the right hand side of the screen Type the word is a in Lime colour by Press Type I Size/Colour S Size/Colour A Space I

The screen resumes edit. the word is a in Lime colour follows the word Today Today is a

Space

Now, the screen will show out the words like this:

After the above exercises have been finished, you may see that the background colour of the screen is always Black. You may change the background colour based on your requirements. (N.B. For details please refer to Appendix I) Now we will programme the message Sunny Day in Red characters with Light Green background and black shadow. Press Size/Colour Size/Colour Background and Black shadow. Press Press Size/Colour D Z To choose colour effect of Red characters with Light Green Size A and Enter

Key for selecting appropriate sizes, screen shows:

Key to select Bold Italic character, or you may press

To choose character fonts, sizes and flashing characters, use the letters A-Z and refer to Appendix II character size table for their meanings.
Type CAPS S CAPS H N Y SPACE CAPS D A Y

the word Shny Day is displayed on the screen in Bold Italic font and Red in colour with Light Green background and black shadow. To run this message: Press ESC R P B To exit page editing session and run page B.

The message Today is a Shny Day in Green, Lime, Red and background colour with different character fonts is shifting out from the right edge across the screen repeatedly.
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Summarised Sequence: Key ESC E P B Size/Colour O D M A I Space Z Y Space Meaning Stop run mode Edit page B Change to Green colour Message being displayed Change to Lime Green colour Message being displayed Change to Red character with Light Green background and Black shadow Select Bold Italic character H CAPS N A Y Y End message editing P B Run page B Message being displayed

Size/Colour T CAPS

Size/Colour I S

Size/Colour Space A

Size/Colour Size/Colour CAPS Space ESC R S

Size/Colour D CAPS D

CAPS

Screen Function Effect In addition to the character size and colour change features, the Colour Moving Sign has many functions available to highlight the message. (N.B. For details please refer to Appendix III Screen Function Table) Lets edit the message Football Game in page C Press ESC E P C Keys to start editing

Now we want the word Football Game to show Orange colour in Bold Character type with Open effect on the screen Press Size/Colour Size/Colour Bold character is selected Then, press Press B FN D To select Orange colour & press Size/Colour B (AUTO):A

select function effect according to table mentioned above, screen will show: (OPEN
L Space

Key, to choose the Open effect and the screen will show:
F CAPS O O T B A L

)
CAPS G

Then type,

CAPS

M ESC

E To end the edit. R P C

Then, press

Lets see the function effect for page C: Press:

The message Football Game is displayed in Orange colour and Bold characters followed by Open function.
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Summarised Sequence: Key ESC E P C Size/Colour B D Meaning Stop Edit page C Select Orange character Select Bold character Select open effect F L M L E END editing P C Run page C CAPS Space O O CAPS T G B CAPS Message being displayed

Size/Colour Size/Colour FN CAPS A A ESC R B

Alteration of Message If correction or alteration of whole page is required, firstly delete the page and replace with a new message using the following command keys: Press Press Press ESC D P , stop the running mode Page Tmr Gfx Page (A-Z, Del)?

, screen will show , screen will show

Note: Del (Delete All) key is used only if the user wants to erase all pages stored in memory. To delete page A Press Press A Y , then screen will show: SURE Y/N?

, to confirm deletion & exit to main menu.

Re-programme message to Page A Press Press Type O G E FN O P L A , then type the word Good Morning with stacking effect and beep sound by

To select stacking effect O D Space M O R N I N G Space and FN

To add in Beep sound ESC , to end the editing

Press

Effect of the correction is: Press

A You will see a rainbow colour phrase Good Morning formed on the screen by
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Stacking effect. After finishing the deletion and correction page, the insertion is applied to the existing page. In this exercise we want to insert the character i to the word Shny and the word for to the end of the page B message, therefore Press Press ESC E , stop running mode P B the screen will show the message of page B, and you should move the cursor by

pressing to pass each character or press to fast forward by 10 characters to the place Where the add in character is to be inserted, then type in the character. Press Size/Colour D , select Bold Italic character and Size/Colour Select Red character with Light Green background and Black shadow Type CAPS I Size/Colour Z

, you will see the word Shiny on the screen. Now you want to insert the word for

to the end of the message by pressing or To the last character, then you will see the word END OF PAGE at the end, start the insertion by pressing Size/Colour Then type Press ESC Size/Colour Space F P O , to change the background colour to black R

, to end the page

Now in the message in Page B, character i is inserted to the word shny and the word for is added at the end of the page. Summarised Sequence Key ESC D Y E FN G O FN ESC R ESC E or Size/Colour
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Meaning Stop P A Select page A for deletion Confirm deletion P L O R O O N D I Space N G M Space To insert beep End editing page A P A To run page A Stop running mode P B Edit page B To move cursor to place where character should be inserted D Select Bold Italic character
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Edit page A Select stacking effect Message to be displayed

Size/Colour CAPS I or Size/Colour Space ESC Timer set-up F

Size/Colour

Select Red Character with Light-Green The character to be inserted To move cursor to the last character of the page

Size/Colour O R

Select background colour to Black Message to be displayed End editing page B

The colour moving sign has 10 timers for the control of display sequence of the pre-edited page (message) according to user requirements. For example: we want the prepared Page A, B & C to be included in Timer A and to be displayed at 9:30 AM every Monday, then Press Press Press ESC E , to begin editing T to select Timer mode, screen will show: and Enter TIMER (A-J)?A to choose other desired Timer, screen will show:

Enter

, to select Timer A, or

WEEKDAY:99 Type 0 1 and Enter , to set display weekday, screen will show: HOUR:99

(N.B.: 99 defaulted on this time set step means Timer executes every day). Type 0 9 and Enter , to set display hour, screen will show: Minute: 99

(N.B.: 99 defaulted on this time set step means Timer executes every hour). Type 3 0 and Enter , to set display minute, screen will show: STEP 00:_ _ _ _

(N.B.: 99 defaulted on this time set step means Timer executes every minute). Press Press Press Press A B to select page A to be stored in Timer A Step 0, screen will show or Enter to choose the following step, screen will show: STEP 00:PG A

STEP 01:_ _ _ _

to select page B to be stored in Timer A Step 1 or C Enter , to confirm the entry and choose the following step.

Then type Press ESC

to select page C to be stored in Timer A Step 2

to end the Timer editing R T A

See the result of Timer A by pressing Press ESC

to end the running mode

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Summarised Sequence Key ESC E Enter 0 0 3 A B C ESC R ESC T A or Enter or Enter 1 9 0 Enter Enter Enter T Meaning Stop run mode To begin Timer set-up Select Timer A To set display weekday To set display hour To set display minute Select Page A to be stored in Timer A Step 0 To choose the succeeding Step Select Page B to be stored in Timer A Step 1 To choose the succeeding Step Select Page C to be stored in Timer A Step 2 To close set-up activity To run Timer A To end run mode

Timer Settings WEEKDAY 99 = every day of the week 00 = Sunday 01 = Monday 02 = Tuesday 03 = Wednesday 04 = Thursday 05 = Friday 06 = Saturday 07 to 98 not accepted 99 = every hour of the day 00 = midnight 01 to 23 the hour; in 24 hour format 24 to 98 not accepted 99 = every minute of the hour 00 to 59 the minute of the hour 60 to 98 not accepted

HOUR

MINUTE

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Set Clock, I.D., Baud Rate, Beep and Password a. Clock Setting: To reset time to your Country requirements: Remarks: Time will be reset to 00:00 Friday 01 Jan, 93., once the unit is powered off. (Relative clock version only) To set date of 4 Jan 2001 and time at Monday 9:00 AM press Press Type Type Type Type Type Type 0 0 0 0 0 0 S ESC , to start the set-up, screen will show: YEAR: 00 MONTH : 00 DATE : 00 WEEKDAY : 00 HOUR : 00 MINUTE : 00 Ed Rn Del set

, screen will ask: 1 1 4 1 9 0 Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter

, to set current year, screen will show: , to set current month, screen will show: , to set current date, screen will show: , to set current weekday, screen will show: , to set current hour, screen will show:

, to set current minute and exit to main menu

(N.B. You may press ESC to bypass the year & month & time setting and escape to hour format setting). The screen will ask you to choose the hour display format by pressing Y or N 24 HOUR? Y/N

If you type N the 12 Hour display will be set and the clock will show 9:00 AM, whenever the time is displayed. b. I.D. Setting: After time clock is set, screen will show ID=01. This setting is only applicable while the sign is connected to PC. Data or message from the computer will be transmitted and received by the sign with relevant I.D. number. Maximum 255 units can be assigned in one system from 01 to FF hexadecimal sequence. c. Baud Rate Setting: It is preset at 300 baud as standard and is applicable in PC communication only. However, if high speed serial interface option is installed, various baud rates at 300, 600, 1200, 4800 and 9600 are available for users selection by pressing or and Enter to confirm option d. Beep On/Off: After the Baud Rate Setting, screen will ask you to set Beep on/off by pressing or and Enter to confirm option e. Password Setting: After the set-up of the Clock and Beep sound, you can set PASSWORD by keying one to four characters numbered from A Z. The screen will show: and Enter PASSWORD? N you can select password Y or N by pressing PASSWORD= or

to confirm for YES, screen will show:

you have to key in 1 to 4

characters at your disposal and then Enter to complete the setting If the password is set, whenever the sign needs to be programmed again, the correct password will be required to be keyed in within 10 secs, and a maximum of 4 attempts will be allowed. If a password is not
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entered, the sign will resume to display page A or the current page message while the Timer is being executed. Note: If a password is set, there will be no response to all keys except On/Off key and ESC key while the sign is in run mode. *Release of Password If the password is forgotten, it can be released by switching the power off and on with ESC Key being pressed simultaneously. The screen will resume to the main menu and the PASSWORD can be read or deleted in the set-up mode. Summarised Sequence Key ESC S 0 0 0 0 0 0 Y or * Enter 1. Pre-fixed Graphic Insertion The colour moving sign has 26 prefixed graphic images to decorate your Page (message). Randomly selected Graphic Images can be selected to be inserted in an existing page or set-up a page to store the graphic image instead of a message. (N.B.: For details please refer to Appendix IV Graphic Images Corresponding Table) When you edit a page, you can search for the graphic images by Pressing ALT CHAR , screen will show: E, U or G? 1 1 4 1 9 0 N Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Enter Meaning Stop run mode To begin clock set-up Set current year Set current month Set current Date Set current weekday Set current hour Set current minute Select display hour format Set I.D. from 01 to FF (only applicable in PC communication Set Baud rate from 300 to 9600 (not shown in standard model & only applicable with High Speed serial interface option) Set Beep on/off & to password setting To select password yes and input any 1 to 4 character code password being set

Press G , select Graphic mode & screen will go to edit message screen, now you may choose the Prefixed graphic by pressing A to Z , the graphic image appears on the screen at the place you are editing. More than one graphic can be edited into one page simultaneously until the memory is full.
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E.g. to insert Graphic A & B in Page D Press Press Type Press F ESC E P B T A D , start edit page D

Size/Colour A N G

,select Bold character size A S Y Space Space

ALT CHAR B ESC

,select graphic image A and insert to this page subsequently,

Press Then press Note:

,screen will display graphic image B ,to end the editing

E means English character mode U means European character mode (refer to Appendix V European character set table) G means Graphic mode

2. Graphic Editing a. Multi Colour Models Further to the programming of pre-fixed graphic images, the Colour Moving Sign allows you to re-edit the graphic images or symbols by yourself based on your own design. You may also insert these images or symbols in any page; the application is the same as in Pre-fixed Graphic Insertion. Create the flexible symbol by: Press Press Type ESC E A ,to begin editing G ,to select graphic mode, screen will show: GFX (A-Z)?

,screen resumes to edit

On the screen, you will see RGYBP which indicates the colour you select for editing graphics. Moreover, you may also see the actual image being created on the screen within a boundary area. In the adjacent side, another boundary having an indicator or dot shows your location and the corresponding colour you selected. Use ,keys to move the dot to draw the image.

During editing, you may see a blinking line in the graphic boundary indicating where you are editing. Press ESC ,to end editing R : Turn on the dot in Red Colour G : Turn on the dot in Green Colour Y : Turn on the dot in Yellow Colour B : Turn on the dot in Blue Colour (Clear the dot) P : Pass the indicator dot to next location

Remarks: The RGYBP means:

b. Single Colour Models On the screen, you will only see RBP which provides same graphic editing function as previous description

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Section 6
Function description of the command keys Key 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. DEL CAPS ON/OFF ALT CHAR SIZE/COLOUR FN Function Colour screen display ON/OFF Select English (default) European character of prefixed graphic Select character size and colour Select screen function effect Select next function, colour, timer or graphic editing Move cursor fast backward by 10 characters or function command Temporarily freeze the running message Move cursor fast forward by 10 characters or function command Select next function, colour, timer or graphic editing Move cursor to left Move cursor to right Press DEL key to delete the unrequired character, function command, or ALL messages Capital lock for changing capital letter (default) to small letter, or vice versa (when pressing CAPS to edit small letter, an indicator will be shown on the right hand corner of the screen). For selection numeric or symbol editing (see example below Exit to main menu from editing or running mode Select automatic display mode being preset with random function effects without programming needed A space inserted Confirm command selection or set clock

14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

FG/SYMBOL ESC AUTO SPACE ENTER

B. Description of Special Function Key 1. ALT CHAR ALT CHAR key is for selection of European character, prefixed Graphic Symbol or resume to English mode. For details please refer to keyboard layout, and graphic images corresponding table. 2. SIZE/COLOUR SIZE/COLOUR key is for selection of character size and colour. Change character size by pressing the key one time, to change character colour press twice.
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3. CAPS CAPS key is for selection of lower or upper case When key is locked, an indicator shows at the right hand corner, means the following words will appear in lower case character. (please refer to sample works in SECTION 5 item 1). It is also applicable for European character. 4. FG/SYMBOL FG/SYMBOL key is for selection of numeric character and symbols. Select numeric characters by pressing the key one time, to select symbol character, press twice. An indicator shown on the right hand corner, means the following typed character is a symbol. It is also applicable when typing European characters. (N.B. when typing numeric or symbol characters, and you want to type in upper or lower case you must press the CAPS key for selection). Example Edit page F type E P E 1 F S 2 ! T ,screen shows: 3 ,screen shows: ; : TEST TEST 123 TEST 123!;:

Type T CAPS Press Fig/Symbol ,type Press Fig/Symbol

,again type

,screen shows:

Now type Okay Press CAPS type O CAPS k a y

Screen shows: 5. AUTO

TEST123!;:Okay

AUTO key is for selection of automatic display mode, in which random function effects have been preset, message will be displayed in different function modes without further programming needed. 6. ON/OFF ON/OFF key is for instant screen display ON/OFF. The time clock and messages are being kept in memory. Please un-plug unit before opening for maintenance or service.

Instant Page (short-cut key) A new and easy-to-use feature is added to existing features to enhance the facilities of all D-Series products. While the sign is running either from power-on, RUN PAGE OR RUN TIMER via the IR keyboard. By pressing the A to Z key of the IR keyboard, the corresponding page will come up instantly. It is a short cut key feature which is equivalent to select the page by pressing the IR keyboard sequence ESC P , then A Z . The RUN PAGE mode is activated instantly even the sign is running in TIMER mode. On the other hand, to recall (re-start) the current TIMER (schedule), this can be accomplished by simply pressing the AUTO key while the sign is running.

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Section 7
Notes on battery backed memory retention Please note that the memory of the sign is retained during power off, by built in 3.6v, 60mA rechargeable battery. In order for the memory to perform reliably you must plug in the sign for at least 8 hours continuously when new to fully charge up the battery. As a further precaution to safe guard the memory you should always unplug the power supply from the sign first and only then unplug the power supply from the mains. The same is true in reverse i.e. you should first plug the power supply in to the mains and only then plug the small power supply connector in to the socket at the side of the sign. Turning sign on and off at the mains may result in spikes and surges which will cause the memory of the sign to be deleted. Loss of memory may also result due to the deterioration of the built in battery after a long period of operation.

Serial Communication Protocol All commands and text that are sent to the sign are printable ASCII characters with the exception of carriage return and line feed, which must terminate each transmission packet. Each sign can have a unique identity number set which will allow messages to be sent to one particular sign connected to a number of other signs in a manner similar to a network. It is recommended that no two signs have the same identity number. A global message can be transmitted that all signs will respond to, regardless of their ID, without acknowledgement. The signs can receive / transmit information along a 3 wire serial link to any computer serial port, there is no hand shaking facility provided and any software used must recognise this; alternatively, appropriate wiring of the serial connectors can avoid any problems this may cause.

Settings To initially set up the sign use the remote control to set up the following: ID, BAUD RATE, BEEP, PASSWORD To set the date and time the following packet should be sent:<T9412256141500>[cr] [1f] Packet start T for Time The year The month The date The day of week The hour The minute The second Packet end Carriage Return Line feed The above example will set the date to 25th December 1994 and the time to 14:15:00 Note the use of the < and > characters surrounding the command. In this instance an ID number must not precede the data packet; this is because, when setting the time and date, all signs would need to be set the same, only the set time command is used in this manner.

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Sending a Page; (Message) To store the text PLEASE GO TO RECEPTION in page A the following packet would be sent :<ID01><PA><SA><FS><CB<>PLEASE><CG>GO<CM>TO<CP>RECEPTION<FP> The signs No. The Page No. Normal Font Shift Left Colour Red 1st Word Colour Yellow nd 2 Word Colour Green 3rd Word Colour Rainbow th 4 Word Pause Instead of the pause command at the end you may prefer to send 13 space characters to give a more finished appearance. The line of text must be terminated with a [cr] [1f] in that order. This is accomplished by pressing the Return or Enter key at the end of the line before saving the text and exiting from the editor. If you had used a text editor to create a DOS file called MESSAGE.TXT on your C drive containing the above example; to transmit the data you would execute the following commands from the DOS prompt: MODE COM1: 96, N, 8, 1 TYPE MESSAGE.TXT>COM1: (sets up the serial port 1) (sends the file to serial port 1)

Once the above text has been received by the sign it will transmit back to the computer the text <ID01> to acknowledge receipt. The message PLEASE GO TO RECEPTION will then start to scroll across the sign, with each word in a different colour, this will continue until another message is sent. Setting a Timer (schedule) Assuming the following pages are set as follows:PAGE COLOUR SIZE FUNCTION MESSAGE

A RAINBOW NORM RANDOM GOOD B ORANGE NORM STACKING MORNING C GREEN NORM OVERLAP EVENING D RED NORM COVER <__> THIS STORE E YELLOW NORM APPEAR OPENS F LIME NORM APPEAR CLOSES G RAINBOW NORM RANDOM SOON H RED NORM TIME/DATE (no message) I RAINBOW NORM AUTO STORE OPEN J RED NORM AUTO STORE CLOSED If they are not, then the following packets will accomplish this:<ID01><PA><SA><CP><FR>GOOD[CR][LF] <ID01><PB><SA><CD><FL>MORNING[CR][LF] <ID01><PC><SA><CM><FK>EVENING[CR][LF] <ID01><PD><SA><CB><FC>THIS STORE[CR][LF] <ID01><PE><SA><SA><CG><FD>OPENS[CR][LF] <ID01><PF><SA><CI><FD>CLOSES[CR][LF]
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<ID01><PG><SA><CP><FR>SOON[CR][LF] <ID01><PH><SA><CB><FT>[CR][LF] <ID01><P1><SA><CP><FA>STOREOPEN[CR][LF] <ID01><PJ><SA><CB><FA>STORECLOSED[CR][LF] You can now create the following messages to appear at the times:FROM 08:55 09:00 17:25 17:30 TO 09:00 17:25 17:30 08:55 MESSAGE GOOD MORNING THIS STORE OPENS SOON (TIME/DATE) STORE OPEN GOOD EVENING THIS STORE CLOSES SOON (TIME/DATE) STORE CLOSED

To accomplish this you will set four timers (A to D):<ID01><TA>*0855ABDEGH[CR][LF] <ID01><TB>*0900I[CR][LF] <ID01><TC>*1725ACDFGH[CR][LF] <ID01><TD>*1730J[CR][LF] The Format of the command is <Idnn><Tn>WHHMMPPP. <IDnn> <Tn> W = weekday nn = the number of the sign (00 = all signs global) n = the letter of the timer (A to J) * = everyday 0 = Sunday 1 = Monday 2 = Tuesday 3 = Wednesday 4 = Thursday 5 = Friday 6 = Saturday HH = ** every hour of the day HH = 00 to 23 hour of the day MM = ** every minute of the hour MM = 00 to 59 minute of the hour P = page entry (up to 32 allowed)

Defining a Graphic Character To define one of the 26 user definable graphic characters you will find it helpful to first produce the design on paper; the matrix below can be photocopied for this purpose.

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As can be seen, this grid is 18 columns long by 7 rows deep. Each box represents one LED in the graphic character. The top left hand box is the first position, then, working from left to right and down, the bottom right hand box is the last position. There are 126 letters, each letter representing the colour of the appropriate box. The format of the command used is: <Idnn><Gn>CCC[cr][1f] <Idnn> <Gn> C times 126 nn = the number of the sign (00 = all signs global) n = the letter of the graphic (A to Z) R = RED G = GREEN Y = YELLOW B = BLACK/OFF Any other character is interpreted as B for black/off

If less than 126 characters are sent, the whole packet will be ignored The following example will produce a graphic block of alternating rows of colour with a central black line. <ID01><GA>RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYY[CR][LF] The next example will produce a graphic block of alternating columns of colour including black. <ID01><GA>RGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRGRGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRGRGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRG RGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRGRGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRBRGYBRGYBRGYBRGYBRBRGYBRGYBRGY BRGYBRGRGYBRG[CR][1F]

Deleting a Page; (message) To delete a page you would send the command:<ID01><DPn>[cr][1f] Where n = A to Z and is the page to be deleted

Deleting a Timer; (schedule) To delete a timer/schedule you would send the command:<ID01><DTn>[cr][1f] Where n = A to Z and is the timer to be deleted Deleting a Graphic Character; (Restore to Default) To delete / restore a graphic character you would send the command:<ID01><DGn>[cr][1f] Where n = A to Z and is the graphic to be deleted / restored Delete All; (Restore to Default) This command will delete all pages, timers and restore all graphics <ID01><D*>[cr][1f]
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Direct run page; (Force a particular page to run) This command will force a sign to start running a particular page. The page must be in the range A to Z and must already had text stored in it. <ID01><RPn>[cr][1f] Where n = A to Z and is the page to be run. Alternatively, n = *, will cause the sign to restart as though it had only just been switched on.

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APPENDIX I A. Corresponding Colour Code Table Multi Colour Models CORRES LETTER A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z COMM <CA> <CB> <CC> <CD> <CE> <CF> <CG> <CH> <CI> <CJ> <CK> <CL> <CM> <CN> <CO> <CP> <CQ> <CR> <CS> <CT> <CU> <CV> <CW> <CX> <CY> <CZ> FOREGOUND COLOUR DIM RED RED BRIGHT RED ORANGE BRIGHT ORANGE LT-YELLOW YELLOW BRIGHTYELLOW LIME DIM LIME BRIGHT LIME BRIGHT GREEN GREEN LT-GREEN LT-YELLOW RAINBOW RED RED GREEN GREEN GREEN RED ORANGE DIM-LIME GREEN RED & Enter BACKGROUND COLOUR BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK GREEN BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK RED GREEN GREEN RED RED GREEN SHADOW COLOUR RED GREEN LT-YELLOW RED LT-YELLOW BLACK BLACK BLACK BLACK SHADOW SWITCH OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF ON ON ON ON OFF OFF ON ON ON ON

Remarks: You may use

To choose the desired colour combination

B. Corresponding Colour Code Table Single Colour Models CORRES LETTER A B FOREGROUND COLOUR RED BLACK BACKGROUND COLOUR BLACK RED & Enter SHADOW COLOUR -

Remarks: You may use

To choose the desired colour combination

APPENDIX II Character Type Table Code A B C D COMM <SA> <SB> <SC> <SD> Character Type Normal Bold Italic Bold Italic Code E F G H COMM <SE> <SF> <SG> <SH> & Enter Character Type Flash Normal Flash Bold Flash Italic Flash Bold Italic To choose the desired colour combination

Remarks: You may use either the corresponding letter or press

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APPENDIX III Screen Function Table CODE +A +B +C +D +E F G H +I +J K L M N O P #Q +R *S T +U V W X Y Z COMM <FA> <FB> <FC> <FD> <FE> <FF> <FG> <FH> <FI> <FJ> <FK> <FL> <FM> <FN> <FO> <FP> <FQ> <FR> <FS> <FT> <FU> <FV> <FW> <FX> <FY> <FZ> EFFECT AUTO OPEN < - - > COVER < - - > APPEAR < - - > CYCLING CLOSE < CLOSE > CLOSE -> <SCROLL UP SCROLL DOWN OVERLAP STACKING COMIC 1 COMIC 2 BEEP PAUSE SLEEP RANDOM SHIFT < - TIME / DATE MAGIC THANK YOU WELCOME SPEED 1 SPEED 2 SPEED 3 MEANING Message displays automatically with different screen effect. Direct press [AUTO] key to call the function effect e.g. [AUTO] ANDREW or [FN] [A] ANDREW [ESC] Open from centre to both ends e.g. [FN][B] BARRY [ESC] New message covers from centre to both ends e.g. [FN] [C] CARROL [ESC] Message displays instantly on screen e.g. [FN] [D] DANIEL [ESC] Multi colour displays automatically in rolling cycle e.g. [FN] [E] ERIC [ESC] Screen closes from right to left e.g. FREDERICK [FN] [F] [ESC] Screen closes from left to right e.g. GEORGE [FN] [G] [ESC] Screen closes from both ends to centre e.g. HERMAN [FN] [H] [ESC] Message scrolls up from bottom e.g. [FN] [I] IVAN [ESC] Message scrolls down from top e.g. [FN] [J] JOSEPH [ESC] Character shifts out in two layers Character formed by piled up single line dots Animated Graphic 1 Animated Graphic 2 Beep sound insert Freeze the moving message e.g. PETER [FN] [P] [ESC] Blank off screen until next timer operates Message is formed by random dots e.g. [FN] [R] ROGER [ESC] Message shifts out from right (Default) e.g. [FN] [S] STEPHEN [ESC] Show current time & date Change message colour each time e.g. [FN] [U] UNCLE [ESC] Canned message default Canned message default Message shifting speed 1 Message shifting speed 2 Message shifting speed 3

Extended screen functions (optional) Temp New year countdown Event countdown Show temperature in degree C or F e.g. using cursor select by pressing At [A] or After [Z] After [Z] After

Count down in Days, Hours, minutes to New Year e.g. using cursor select by pressing At [A] or

Count down in Days, Hours, minutes to the event being set e.g. using cursor select by pressing At FN [A] or [Z]

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1. Events setting In event set mode, screen shows EVENT DAY 01 , type in the due day, select from 01 to 31 and then START , you may start to edit your event

press ENTER Screen shows OF JAN , press particularly by max. 64 char., e.g. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2. Event countdown applying Open a page, press Remarks: FN Key, press

And select <Event> function.

1. Functions marked with + is terminated automatically by another function or when full screen is filled with characters. 2. Length of characters or messages is not limited in these functions marked with * 3. There are totally 26 Screen Function Effects for you to decorate your message. You can use either the Appropriate character for immediate access to the effect or & Enter To choose the desired screen effect by sequence. 4. Some of the extended screen functions must have optional hardware to be installed. e.g. Temp sensor for temp function; real time clock for countdown function #FN Q-SLEEP User may use this function to clear the screen and enter to sleeping status within a specified period without turning OFF the power. It is highly recommended to be used in TIMER mode in order to fulfil the above requirements. a) You may edit the FN Q at the end of a page (message) or you may open a page to store the FN Q only. b) You may store the appropriate page with FN Q in a TIMER. Then the sleep function will be effective when the TIMER is activated. Remarks: i) Before any TIMER is executed, you should randomly run a page. Afterwards, the TIMER will be automatically set ii) The Sleep effect will be terminated when next TIMER is executed or by pressing ESC. For example: We are going to set up a TIMER D, and want to blank off the screen after running this TIMER. Firstly Press Type Press Press Press Type Type Type Press Press E S FN ESC E 0 1 1 E 5 7 5 L R P E E ,to edit Page E E P SPACE SPACE SPACE ,THEN

,to select Sleep function effect

To main menu, then set up TIMER D by: T D Enter Enter Enter ,to select TIMER D, then , to set the TIMER execute weekday , to set the TIMER execute hour , to set the TIMER execute minute

, select page E edit in TIMER D Step 0 Exit to main menu

ESC

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You may see from this exercise that the sleep effect will be executed during TIMER D process at 05:15PM every Friday. APPENDIX IV Graphic Images Corresponding Table Code A B C D E F G H I J K L M Image Pattern Telephone Glasses Tap Rocket Monster Key Shift Helicopter Car Tank House Teapot Knife & Fork Code N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Image Pattern Duck Motorcycle Bicycle Crown Sweet Heart Arrow Arrow Arrow Arrow A Glass of Beer Chair High heeled Shoes Wine Glass

GRAPHIC PATTERNS A Z

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APPENDIX V European Character Set Table A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Upper Case a a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Lower Case

Summary of Serial Communication Commands <Idnn> nn 01 to FF nn - 00 n - A to Z n - A to J n - A to Z n - A to Z n - A to J n - A to Z The hexadecimal number of the sign. This precedes all commands and text With the exception of the set time and date command Global ID No. All signs will respond The page where any following text message should be stored The timer which is to be updated The graphic character which is to be re defined The page / message that is to be deleted The timer that is to be deleted The graphic character that is to be deleted/restored Delete all pages, timers and restore all graphic characters to their
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<Pn> <Tn> <Gn> <DPn> <DTn> <DGn> <D*>

<RPn>

n - A to Z n-*

default settings Cause a sign to run a particular page Restart a sign as from power up

Three types of data packets can be sent to a sign:Messages for storing in pages; these can include function, colour and style commands Direct commands that are acted upon immediately; i.e. are not stored The time command which affects all signs and is not preceded by a sign ID number The following are the formats of each type of data packet:<Idnn><Pn>text and function / colour / size[cr] [1f[ <Idnn>.commands. [cr] [1f] <Tyymmddwhhmmss>[cr] [1f] Serial RS 232 The sign can receive / transmit data at any of the following baud rates:9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600 and 300 In all cases the format is:No Parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit To set up serial port one of a PC, the following command would be issued MODE COM 1 96, N, 8, 1 Typical example for network configuration

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SECTION III Trouble Shooting and Advance Programming Information 1. Cleaning The unit should be cleaned using a mild detergent with a soft cloth. Abrasive and active cleaning agents should not be used. Special care should be taken to ensure that no moisture enters the unit during cleaning. 2. Service Your moving sign has been manufactured using the highest quality materials and methods. There are no user serviceable parts in either the moving sign or the keyboard and no attempt to open these by unqualified personnel should be undertaken. If service on any part of the system is required please return your unit to the authorised repair centre. 3. Trouble Shooting SYMPTOM A The sign does not respond to IFR keyboard Remedial Action 1. Remove any obstructions between keyboard and the IR receiver window of the sign 2. Check and replace batteries. 3. Make sure the ON/OFF function of the sign is at ON position by pressing ON/OFF key. The sign can be reset to ON immediately by switching the power supply on again. SYMPTOM B Garbage or erratic display performance Remedial Action The sign is jammed by interference or held up by improper programming. It can be completely reset or reinitialised by the following procedure:Switching off the power, and then power on again with ESC Key being pressed simultaneously.

This process will clean up all messages and interference in the sign. SYMPTOM C Date and time resets at times causing inaccurate timing and the word checking is displayed frequently. Remedial Action It is caused by fluctuation in power mains or unsecured power connection. 1. Ensure the power connection is fitted firmly in the socket to avoid poor connection 2. If improper or fluctuating voltage occurs, additional voltage regulator may be needed to ensure normal supply. SYMPTOM D Blank display across the screen is noted Remedial Action Switch off the unit and disconnect the power cord from the power source. Check whether the power is missing from the power adaptor. If the cause cannot be identified, consult your dealer. Advanced Programming Computer Controlled Display (for advanced users only) A built in PC Communication Protocol has been included in each sign to be easily upgraded into a computer controlled moving sign for various commercial or industrial display applications. Qualified users who are

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familiar with MS DOS software can write their own communication programme for dedicated display functions. Details of the built in communication protocol can be obtained through your distributor/dealer upon request. In order to cope with the fast growing market demand, general-purpose user-friendly Windows 95/98/NT control software, DSOFT has been developed. Users can order a DSOFT standard package in 3.5 diskette and manual from dealers. In placing orders. User should state clearly the model name, serial number and software version number marked on the back label or it can be read from the sign by pressing ESC , V Keys.

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