Table of Contents Table of Contents ..........................i Section 1: Introduction ......................... 1 How to Use This Manual ....................... 1 DMS Overview ........................2 Theory of Operation ....................... 2 Vanguard Software ......................2 ® VFC-3000 Controller ......................2 Auxiliary Control Panel (Optional) ................2 Display Peripherals .........................
The VF-2400 series displays are front access. 1.3 Theory of Operation ® Vanguard Software Daktronics Vanguard software allows the DMS operator to check display status and to ® control messages. Refer to the Vanguard Software Help File for information about ®...
Section 2: Components 2.1 Modules A module is a replaceable unit consisting of a display panel with clusters of LEDs, called pixels, and a driver board. The pixels show messages on the display face. Refer to Figure 2. Each module contains drive electronics that receive data packets from the distribution board and light the appropriate pixels at the correct dimming level.
Control Panel The control panel is located on the right side of the display. Figure 4 shows what components make up the control panel. These components use information received from the VFC-3000 controller to operate the display. Figure 4: Control Panel CAN Distribution Board The CAN distribution board receives high-speed serial data from the VFC-3000 controller through a fiber-optic or Cat-5 cable.
CAN I/O Board The CAN I/O board is an input/output interface that also monitors the status of the power supplies, door open sensors, control beacons, fans, and heaters. DC / DC Converter Board The DC / DC converter board converts the 24 VDC output of the power supplies to 9 VDC. The power is then used by the light and temperature sensors, CAN distribution board, CAN I/O board, sensors, and LVDBs within the display.
Bottom Sensor The bottom light sensor is located on the bottom-right of the display. It detects the light intensity below the display. Left-End Sensor (Optional) The left-end sensor measures the internal temperature. The sensor transmits these measurements to the CAN distribution board, and the VFC-3000 controller adjusts LED intensity to protect the LEDs from overheating.
2.10 Beacon(s) (Optional) Beacons are turned on and off independently from the rest of the sign by the CAN I/O board. The CAN I/O board interfaces with the beacon control panel (BCP), located on the rear wall. A power supply and DC relays are located within the BCP. Beacons are used only during certain messages, such as emergencies or warnings, as an extra measure of alert.
Cabinet Heater (Optional) If equipped, the heater fan is located at the bottom of the traffic cabinet. The fan, thermostat, and heater regulate the temperature within the traffic cabinet; ensuring internal components operate at ideal temperatures. UPS (Optional) A UPS contains batteries and an inverter. If the utility AC power fails, the UPS powers the VFC-3000 controller and communication equipment for a limited amount of time.
The eyebolts are designed to carry only the weight of the display cabinet. Do not lift the mounting structure or other additional weight. Do not permanently support the display with the eyebolts. Contact Daktronics with additional questions about display lifting. Figure 5: Correctly Lifting the Display 3.2 Setting the Display on the Ground...
3.4 Traffic Cabinet Mounting Ground Mounting Secure the traffic cabinet to a 24" x 30" 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.
Only qualified individuals may perform electrical work, including verification of ground resistance. Daktronics is not responsible for improper grounding or damage incurred as a result of improper grounding. Grounding methods must meet the provisions of all applicable local and national codes.
Display Termination Power enters the display through the rear wall near the panelboard. To connect power to the display: Locate the A41 panelboard inside the display. Remove the panelboard cover to reveal the panelboard circuit breakers. 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. Electrical Installation...
Medium flat-head screwdriver " nut driver • Cable ties • Ohmmeter • • Clamp-on ground meter 5.2 Module Numbering System Daktronics uses a module numbering system to help with troubleshooting; refer to Figure 6. Figure 6: Module Numbering Maintenance and Troubleshooting...
7-Segment Error Codes A 7-segment indicator appears on the following components; refer to Figure 7. 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.
5.5 VFC-3000 Controller Replacement Turn off the power switch on the VFC-3000 controller face. Label and remove all of the connections from the front and rear of the VFC-3000 controller. Remove the screws securing the VFC-3000 controller to the inside of the display or the traffic cabinet and remove the controller.
Reapply power to the power supplies turned off in Step 1. Test the modules: Display the moving row, moving column, and all on/off test messages. Run the test messages at both 10% and 100% brightness settings. Watch for proper operation of the LED module during each test message. b.
5.9 LVDB Fuse Replacement Note: Only replace fuses with fuses of the same type and rating. Disable the circuit breakers that power the power supplies. Locate the failed fuse by using a multimeter set to ohms to determine “OPEN” across the fuse.
CAN I/O Board (PC3) Replacement Turn off the circuit breakers powering all power supplies. Remove all connections to the CAN I/O board. Remove the screws holding the board in place, and carefully remove the failed CAN I/O board. Position the new board in the enclosure and secure the board using the screws removed in Step 3.
Fan Replacement Turn off the intake fan breaker and unplug any electrical connections. Remove the screws securing the fan capacitor. Disconnect the fan cord from the capacitor. Remove the nuts securing the filter brackets to the fan enclosure. Remove the filter bracket. Remove the screws connecting the fan to the fan enclosure.
Check the connections of the earth ground wires, if accessible. • Earth Ground Resistance At least once per year ensure earth ground resistance meets local and national codes. Note: Ground meters for this test are available for purchase from Daktronics. Display Cabinet At least once per year: •...
Fans At least once per year: • Check that all fans work by turning the thermostat dial clockwise until the fans turn on. After testing, return the thermostat to its original setting. Open the intake fan assembly and clean any dirt and debris off the fan blades. Spin •...
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.
5.15 Maintenance Checklist Refer to the instructions in Section 5.14. One copy of the following table may be filled out for each display. Display Location: Service Interval Dates Performed and Initials Monthly Remote 1 yr. Needed Maintenance Item Diagnostics Secure Connections Earth Ground Resistance Display Cabinet Structural Inspection...
5.16 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 VFC-3000 No power. Check that the traffic cabinet controller does not communicate has power.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution One line of modules does not One or more wires or Repair wires as needed. respond properly. LEDs are terminals in the signal cable garbled, do not change, are too (for this line) is misplaced, bright or too dim, etc.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution Electronically controlled fans or Circuit breaker tripped. Reset breaker. heaters are reported as on, but all Relay is bad. Replace relay. are off. CAN I/O board is bad. Replace failed CAN I/O board. Cooling fans do not run. Circuit breaker tripped in Reset the breaker.
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Problem Observed Possible Cause Solution One or more internal temperature Signal or power wiring is bad. Repair wiring as needed. sensors not reading. One or more wires or terminals are misplaced, or are open or shorted to wires or the frame at one of the temperature sensors or the CAN I/O board.
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.
Department of Transportation, mass transits, airports, 800-833-3157 parking facilities When the new exchange part is received, mail the old part to Daktronics. If the replacement part fixes the problem, send in the problem part which is being replaced. Package the old part in the same shipping materials in which the replacement part arrived.
Repair & Return Program For items not subject to exchange, Daktronics offers a Repair & Return Program. To send a part for repair, follow these steps: Call or fax Daktronics Customer Service: Refer to the appropriate market number in the chart listed on the previous page.
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. CAN Distribution Board: Internal display component that sends and receives signals to and from the VFC-3000 controller.
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Pixel: A group of LEDs that turn on and off to form the characters and graphics making up the message content. Power Supply: Unit that converts incoming AC power to DC power as required by several components within the display. Power Supply Group: 2 power supplies that provide redundant power to multiple modules within its load capacity.