Table of Contents Introduction .........1 Mechanical Installation .....7 How to Use This Manual ......1 Lifting the Display ........7 Theory of Operation ........1 Display Mounting ........7 Vanguard Software .......1 Traffic Cabinet Mounting .......8 ® VFC-3000 Controller/Vanguard Field Ground Mount ........8 ® Controller ..........1 Pole Mount ...........8 Components ........3...
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LED and Electronic Circuitry ....20 Maintenance Checklist ......21 Troubleshooting ........22 Exchange and Repair Programs ..25 Daktronics Part Numbers ......25 Daktronics Exchange and Repair & Return Programs ........25 Exchange Program ......25 Before Contacting Daktronics .....25 Repair & Return Program .....26 Shipping Address ........27 Email ............27...
Daktronics identifies manuals by the ED or DD number located on the cover page of each manual. For example, this manual is referred to as DD3874341.
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Auxiliary Control Panel The auxiliary control panel (ACP) complements the controller by providing a secondary control interface panel at the DMS site. The ACP allows a maintenance technician to perform diagnostics while working in one location without having to access the controller in another location.
Components Modules A module is a replaceable unit consisting of a display panel with clusters of LEDs, called pixels. The pixels display messages on the display. Refer to Figure 2. Each module contains drive electronics that receive data packets from the distribution board and lights the appropriate pixels at the correct dimming level.
Panelboard The panelboard is a circuit breaker box that distributes incoming power to the display components that require AC power. Surge Suppressor The parallel surge suppressor protects the display from current spikes. Relays Relays are solid-state switches in which the electrical current applied across one port or terminal controls electrical currents for another terminal, such as a beacon, heater, or fan.
Traffic Cabinet Cabinet Light The traffic cabinet is equipped with an LED light. The light is located toward the top of the traffic cabinet. The door switch, located at the bottom of the traffic cabinet door opening, activates the light when the cabinet door opens. Door Open Detection (Display with VFC) The door sensor, located at the bottom of the traffic cabinet door opening, can report whether the door(s) are open or shut.
Laptop Interface Enclosure Light (Optional) The LIE may be equipped with a fluorescent light and light switch, located at the top of the LIE. Fold-Down Shelf The LIE has a fold-down shelf that holds a laptop computer. Outlets The GFCI and utility outlets provide a location within the LIE to plug in electrical equipment.
Display Mounting Securely mount each display to a suitable mounting structure provided by others. Daktronics attached aluminum Z-extrusions to the back of the display for mounting. Use all Z-extrusions when mounting the display. Use appropriate hardware to support the weight of the display. Have a qualified engineer inspect the mounting structure.
Traffic Cabinet Mounting Ground Mount Secure the traffic cabinet to a concrete pad using anchor bolts. Daktronics recommends using " stainless steel anchor bolts. When anchoring the traffic cabinet to the concrete pad, make sure the bottom of the cabinet allows for water drainage. Do not seal the cabinet to the concrete pad as this prevents water from draining properly.
Electrical Installation Getting Started Daktronics recommends that a separate circuit be run to the electronic display(s) to isolate it and prevent any issues that could be caused by line voltage fluctuations or high frequency noise on the power line caused by other types of equipment. A separate circuit also makes display maintenance and troubleshooting easier.
Display Termination Power enters the display through the rear wall near the panelboard. To connect power to the display: 1. Locate the A41 panelboard inside the display. 2. Remove the panelboard cover to reveal the panelboard breakers. 3. Route the power cables through the 1 "...
After installing the display and DMS site equipment, test the site according to the field test procedure. This ensures all equipment is installed properly and is operational. If a field test procedure is not available, call Daktronics Transportation Customer Service to obtain a copy.
2. Only qualified service personnel should access internal display electronics. Contact Daktronics Customer Service for training needs. 3. Daktronics engineering staff must approve changes made to the displays. If making modifications, submit detailed drawings to the Daktronics engineering staff for evaluation and approval or the warranty will be void.
7-Segment Error Codes (VFC-3000 Controller) A 7-segment indicator appears on the following components; refer to Figure 8. The 7-segment indicator provides codes to indicate any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error code. If multiple errors are present, the 7-segment will flash the errors individually in succession.
7-Segment Error Codes (Vanguard Field Controller) ® Three 7-segment indicators appear on the following component; refer to Figure 9. The 7-segment indicators provide codes to indicate normal running conditions as well as any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error codes individually in Figure 9: Three 7-Segment Indicators succession.
A single 7-segment indicator appears on the following components; refer to Figure 10. The 7-segment indicator provides codes to indicate any present errors and their cause. When an error occurs, the 7-segment will flash the error code. If multiple errors are present, the 7-segment will flash the errors individually in succession.
6. Plug the 2-pin power connector and 8-pin signal connector into the new module. Note: The connectors only fit together one way; do not force the connection. 7. Reapply power to the power supplies turned off in Step 1. 8. Test the modules: a.
VCB Replacement To replace VCB (PC1): 1. Turn off the circuit breakers powering all power supplies. 2. Remove all connections to the VCB, including incoming signal from the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard Field Controller and outgoing signal to the modules and ® sensors.
Check the connections of the earth ground wires and grounding rod, if accessible. Earth Ground Resistance At least once per year ensure earth ground readings meet local and national codes. Note: Ground meters for this test are available for purchase from Daktronics. Maintenance and Troubleshooting...
Display Cabinet At least once per year: • Check for water stains and other signs of water intrusion in the display cabinet. • Seal any leaks that have developed with a silicone sealant or another suitable sealer. • Check the drainage holes in the bottom of the cabinet for obstructions. Temperature and Light Sensors At least once per year: •...
LED and Electronic Circuitry Test LED and electronic circuitry at intervals determined by customer requirements. Daktronics recommends performing the tests at least monthly. Perform tests on the DMS to check for hardware problems and incorrect variable settings. Note: The following tests display functions, not other DMS equipment hardware.
Maintenance Checklist Refer to the instructions in the Ventilation Fan and Filter Maintenance (p.17), Traffic Cabinet Maintenance (p.18), and Display Maintenance (p.18) sections. One copy of the following table may be filled out for each display. Display Location: Monthly Remote Dates Performed 1 yr.
Troubleshooting For additional assistance, contact Daktronics Transportation Customer Service at the telephone number on the cover page. Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution No LEDs light, and the Check that the traffic cabinet No power. controller does not has power. communicate with the central Controller or modem is bad.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution Power connector unplugged Plug in connector. at module. Address and signal connector Plug in connector. unplugged at module. No LEDs on a module light. Power plug terminals are not Inspect all wires and terminals properly seated, or the wire is for power plug.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution Light sensor assembly is Clear obstruction. obstructed. One or more wires or terminals in the light/temp control cable are misplaced, open or shorted to other wires or the Repair as needed. frame in display, controller, or LED brightness is wrong—entire control cable from display to display is too bright or too dim.
Daktronics offers a unique Exchange Program as 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: Refer to the appropriate market number in the chart listed on the previous page.
Shipping Address Daktronics Customer Service 600 E 54th St N Case #____________ Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Email transportationhelp@daktronics.com Exchange and Repair Programs...
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Glossary Address: Identification number assigned to each sign in a network, set through the front panel interface. The central controller uses the address to differentiate between signs connected on the same network. Signs on the same network cannot have the same address.
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Vanguard Control Board (VCB): Internal display component that sends and receives ® signals to and from the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard Field Controller. It distributes the ® signals received from the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard Field Controller to modules ® throughout the display. All diagnostic data from the sensors and modules transmit through the VCB back to the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard Field Controller.