Connecting A Sign To A Personal Computer - Adaptive Micro Systems Alpha Installation And Operation Manual

Connecting a sign to a personal computer

Messages can be programmed using the hand-held remote control,
but a more convenient method is to connect the sign to a personal
computer or a network (for networks, see document Network
Configurations (part number 9708-8046).
Two options for connecting an Alpha® Solar™ sign to a personal computer:
• Data communication through an RS485 converter box interface (see the
illustration on the next page) will allow for a long distance physical
separation of the sign and PC. Separation distance increases in direct
proportion to any decrease in the selected speed of data transmission,
measured in baud rate. 9600/4800/2400 baud rates have separation
distance limits of (respectively) 4,000/8,000/10,000 feet.
• Data communication through an RS232 serial port interface requires a
specially modified data cable (see the illustration on page 15) no longer
than 50 feet. In this configuration, it's not necessary to include a
converter box.
Before starting, make sure you disconnect the power cord to the sign.
Basic sign operation: Connecting a sign to a personal computer
WARNING
Hazardous voltage.
Contact with high voltage may
cause death or serious injury.
Always disconnect power
to sign prior to servicing.
® ™
ALPHA Solar Sign
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