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AlphaEclipse 3600 Series A Sign Installation Instructions (9711-8001C)
Computer-to-sign connections
In order to display messages, a sign must be connected to a computer that is running AlphaNET software.
(This computer is referred to as the "messaging computer".)
There are a number of ways to connect the messaging computer to a sign:
•
RS485 wire (page 26) — using RS485 outdoor wire (pn 7124-0203), a sign can be wired to a computer that
could be up to 4000 feet away from the sign.
Ordinary wire, phone wire, CAT 5 wire, and so on should NOT be used in place of Adaptive's
RS485 outdoor wire.
•
Modem (page 27) — by placing a modem inside a sign (factory installed) and attaching another modem to
the messaging computer, messages are sent to a sign through ordinary phone lines.
•
Fiber optic (page 28) — using a fiber optic mini-modem inside a sign (factory installed) and another mini-
modem connected to the messaging computer, a sign can be connected to a computer that could be up to 2
miles away from the sign. Fiber optic cable is immune to electrical interference so the cable can be placed
in the same conduit as the power wires.
•
Wireless transceiver (page 29) — for this option, one wireless transceiver is placed inside the sign (called
the "Receive" unit which is factory installed) and another transceiver (called the "Master") is connected to
the messaging computer. Wireless transceivers can connect to a sign up to 2 miles away. (Actual distance
can vary greatly depending on the local environment, obstructions, electrical interference, and so on.)
Networking
September 28, 2004
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