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Venus 1500 Radio – Gen 2 Operation Manual ED-13932 Rev 6 28 August 2007 Website: www.daktronics.com Tel: 866-343-3122 Fax: 605-697-4444 331 32nd Ave, PO Box 5128, Brookings SD 57006...
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– graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without written permission of the publisher. ® Venus is a registered trademark of Daktronics, Inc. All others are trademarks of their respective companies.
This manual provides installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting information for Daktronics Venus 1500 Radio, Generation 2. For questions regarding the installation, operation, or service of this system, please refer to the contact information listed on the cover page of this manual.
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J-box/Signal Converter: In the case of Venus 1500-controlled radios, a J-box/signal converter is used to send RS4-22 signal and power to the server radio. The signal converter will be one of two types: one that accepts serial information from a computer via RS-232 and one that accepts RS-232 information and a modem or dial-up input.
Site Selection Due to the uncertainties associated with radio communication, it is recommended that the radios be temporarily installed to check signal strength and consistency of communication. Once the radios have proven reliable in a location, they can be mounted permanently. The performance of high-frequency radios may be diminished by obstructions that impede the signal.
Each product line will have a set of channels on which the radios may operate. The Venus 1500 radio can operate on channels 67-74. The default channel is 67, which corresponds to address 0 on the radio’s hex dial. To change the radio address, refer to Section 3.1.
If a modem is used for signal transmission, the baud rate must also be the same for all the server and client radios in the same network. This parameter will also be unique to each product line. The Venus 1500 radio default configuration is 19200, and has been set prior to shipment.
Section 2: Installation Guidelines Site Survey For maximum performance of the Venus 1500 radio system, survey the installation site and answer the following questions: • Is a direct line-of-sight possible between the server and client radios? • Will the distance between the outdoor radios be less than 1500 feet (450 m), and...
The J-box/signal converter and J-box/modem look very similar. The connection from the J- box to the server radio is the same in both cases and only the input signal to the J-box will vary. Direct Server Installation Reference Drawings: System Riser Diagram; QC Outdoor Radio, Gen 2....... Drawing A-211606 Warning: Cat-5 cable is not recommended in this installation.
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5. Refer to Figure 9 and the included table for connections from the J-box/signal converter to the server radio. Note: When exposed to outdoor conditions, the signal/power cable must be in conduit. Figure 9: Direct Wiring, J-box to Outdoor Server Radio J-Box/Signal Converter to Server Radio J-box/signal converter Cable...
Server Installation via Modem Reference Drawings: System Riser Diagram; Modem/QC Outdoor Radio, Gen 2 ....Drawing A-242383 Warning: Cat-5 cable is not recommended in this installation. The distance that power and signal can travel may vary with the use of Cat-5 cable. If Cat-5 cable is pulled, use one pair for the ground (pin 6) and one pair for the power (pin 1).
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4. Refer to Figure 11 and the table for the connections from the J-box/modem to the server radio. Note: When exposed to outdoor conditions, the signal/power cable must be in conduit. Figure 11: Modem Wiring, J-box to Server Radio J-Box/Modem to Server Radio J-box/Modem Cable Server Radio...
This section includes client radio installation both with and without quick-connects. Note: Daktronics recommends that the client radio be temporarily mounted in the desired location. Once the radio is proven effective in this location, it can be permanently installed.
Display without Quick-connect Option Reference Drawings: System Riser Diagram; Modem/Outdoor Radio, Gen 2 ......Drawing A-148606 System Riser Diagram; Outdoor Radio, Gen 2 ........Drawing A-185325 The client radio is watertight and should not need additional protection from the elements. The cable is also rated for outdoor use and does not have to be routed in conduit. Use Drawings A-148606 and A-185325 for reference.
Figure 14: Connection for G-1000, AF-3010, X-1000 Displays Multi-Client Radio Installations If additional client radio(s) are to be added after a set of radios was previously installed, please note the following conditions: • Each client radio must be in direct line-of-site with the server radio. •...
Indoor Server Radio Installation The indoor server radio uses a different circuit board than the outdoor server or client radios. Additional inputs for RS-232 and RS-422 signal are provided, and LED’s for transmit, receive, in-range, and power are included. Refer to Figure 16. In addition, the indoor server radio is powered with a wall-pack transformer that provides 12 VAC to the radio.
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Direct – RS-232 This system connects the server radio directly to the computer with a serial cable. This cable is a DB9M-DB9F, 10-foot (3 m) serial cable. Refer to Figure 17 for an illustration of the connections. 1. Plug the DB9F into the PC’s RS-232 serial COM port. 2.
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Remote - Modem This system requires a J-box/modem to connect a phone line to the radio. It allows the computer to communicate to the display from a remote location. In addition, the radio may be up to 1000 feet (300 m) away from the J-box/modem. 1.
Indoor Radio Server Board Figure 20 is an example of the internal radio control board found in the indoor server. It has several additional parts not found on the outdoor server or client radios, therefore the boards are not interchangeable. Figure 20: Indoor Server Radio Board Signal Termination between Two Displays Primary - Mirror...
Primary – Primary Signal Termination If the location requires two displays that cannot be mounted back-to-back, two primary displays will need to be installed. In that case, the following connections will need to be made: 1. Open the display and locate the controller for these displays. 2.
The channel address is a parameter that should be the same for all the server and client radios in the same network. The Venus 1500 radio can operate on channels 67-74. The default channel is 67, which corresponds to 0 on the hex dial.
When moving an internal radio board, making a server into a client, or a client into a server, make sure that the jumper is in the correct location for the type of radio. Figure 24: Radio Jumper Location Signal Strength Mode Signal strength mode is shown on all client displays.
Client Cable Connection The cable that connects from the client radio to the top jack of the quick connect on the back of the display is pre-terminated at Daktronics. The cable is connected inside the client radio as shown in Figure 1.
3.2 Troubleshooting This subsection contains some symptoms that may be encountered when using the radios. This list does not include every possible symptom, but does represent common situations that may occur. Symptom/Condition Possible Cause/Remedy No power to the Server Is the cable from the J-box/signal converter connected to the server radio? Does the J-box/signal converter have power? No power to the Client...
4. Put a jumper wire into pins 5 and 6 of the interface board, as shown in Figure 28. Figure 28: Jumper Location for Loop-back Test 5. Conduct the loop-back test using the Venus 1500 software according to the following directions.
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Click Network Configuration and open the direct network by clicking on the [+] in front of Direct Network. Right click on the network to be tested. Click Test. Maintenance and Troubleshooting...
After the test is complete: Remove the wire jumper and make sure terminations are correct. Run the test again without the jumpers and the test should fail. Use Venus 1500 Display Manager to get status to ensure communication now works correctly. Replacement Parts Daktronics recommends keeping replacement parts in a locked cabinet or an enclosure to prevent theft.
Program and a Repair & Return Program. Exchange Program Daktronics unique Exchange Program is a quick service for replacing key parts in need of repair. If a part requires repair or replacement, Daktronics sends the customer a replacement, and the customer sends the defective part to Daktronics. This decreases display downtime.
Repair & Return Program For items not subject to exchange, Daktronics offers a Repair & Return Program. To send a part for repair, follow these steps: 1. Call or fax Daktronics Customer Service: Phone: 866-343-3122 Fax: 605-697-4444 2. Receive a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number before shipping.
Appendix A: Reference Drawings The Daktronics drawing number is located on the bottom right corner of the drawing. Refer to Figure 29 for a sample drawing label with the drawing number circled. The drawings are listed here in numerical order by the last set of digits and grouped together by drawing size, (A, B).
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