Adaptive ALPHA NEMA Series Installation Instructions Manual

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Introduction

These instructions show how to change the serial address and how to mount ALPHA series signs with NEMA Types 2,

4, 4X, and 12 enclosures. Type 2 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against

limited amounts of falling water and dirt. Type 4 enclosures are intended for indoor use primarily to provide a degree of

protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water. Type 4X enclosures are intended for

indoor use primarily to provide a degree of protection against corrosion, windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-

directed water. Type 12 enclosures (in a gasketed, dust free, sealed, spray down resistant case) are intended for indoor use.

Changing the serial address

NOTE: Instructions for Changing the serial address on ALPHA 420 signs are on page 13.

Instructions for Changing the serial address on 2.1" NEMA 2 signs are on page 24.

Instructions for Changing the serial address on 3.2" NEMA 2 signs are on page 29.

NOTE: ALPHA Series 4000 and 7000 signs (in NEMA 2, 4, and 4x enclosures, only) use a jumper connection to select

between RS232 and RS485 serial modes. See inset box "NOTE", below right.

A serial address for an ALPHA sign is a number from 0 to 255 in hexadecimal (00 to FF). A serial address for an

ALPHA sign with Smart Alec option is a number from 000 to 255 in decimal (000 to 255.) The address is used to identify the sign

in a network of signs. All signs leave the factory with a default address of 0 or 000.

To change a sign's serial address, follow these steps:

REMOTE CONTROL

1. Point a hand-held Remote Control (shown at left) at the sign, and press PROGRAM.

ON - OFF

SOUND

PROGRAM

RUN

2. Press BACK until SET SERIAL ADDRESS appears on the sign.

APPEND CURSOR SPECIAL FONT

WIDTH

COLOR

ROLL

WIPE

SCROLL FLASH

HOLD

ROTATE

AUTO

SPEED

TIME

DOT

SELECT

3. Press ADV and SERIAL ADDRESS = 00 will appear.

4. Type in the new serial address using the numbered keys on the Remote Control.

;

SPACE

RETURN

5. Press RUN twice to set the new serial address and return the sign to normal operation.

SHIFT

CAPS

SHIFT

INSERT

BACK

ADV

DELETE

Checkout procedure

After installing a sign according to the following section on "Mounting instructions", make sure the sign is installed

properly by applying power to it. The following information should be displayed on the sign:

•

firmware part number and version letter (e.g., 1018-4403d),

•

model number of the sign (e.g., N024160C),

•

amount of RAM in the sign, (e.g., 256K), and

•

serial address of the sign (a number from 0 to FF or from 000 to 255).

Mounting precautions

NOTE: Only qualified personnel should install the ALPHA NEMA signs.

Before mounting a sign,

remove power from the sign!

NOTE: ALPHA NEMA 2, 4, 4X, and 12 signs are for indoor use only. Do not continuously expose to direct sunlight.

NOTE: Mounting hardware that is used to hang or suspend signs must be capable of supporting at least 4 times the

total weight of any/all signs mounted together.

NOTE: For integrity of the case, do not drill holes in or modify the case.

Revision date: 1/26/01

The following are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems: Adaptive, Alpha, AlphaNet plus, AlphaEclipse, AlphaPremiere, AlphaTicker, AlphaVision, AlphaVision InfoTracker, Automode,

The distinctive trade dress of these products is a trademark claimed by Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc.

BetaBrite, BetaBrite Director, BetaBrite Messaging Software, Big Dot, PPD, Smart Alec, Solar, TimeNet

ALPHA NEMA Series Sign

Installation Instructions

NOTE: When you set up for serial communication some ALPHA signs

require that you physically select a jumper for RS232 or RS485 serial

mode. Refer to "Select serial communication mode" on page 4 and

"Electrical instructions–serial communication" on page 18. NEMA 12

models are directly wired to a terminal block under the power supply

cover as RS485 or as RS232. There is no jumper.

WARNING

Hazardous voltage.

Contact with high voltage may

cause death or serious injury.

Always disconnect power

to sign prior to servicing.

9707-7004G

Table of Contents

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Summary of Contents for Adaptive ALPHA NEMA Series

Page 1 The distinctive trade dress of these products is a trademark claimed by Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc. The following are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems: Adaptive, Alpha, AlphaNet plus, AlphaEclipse, AlphaPremiere, AlphaTicker, AlphaVision, AlphaVision InfoTracker, Automode, BetaBrite, BetaBrite Director, BetaBrite Messaging Software, Big Dot, PPD, Smart Alec, Solar, TimeNet...
Page 2: Temperature Protection In Nema-Rated Enclosures
Temperature protection in NEMA-rated enclosures Some ALPHA signs in NEMA-rated enclosures have automatic temperature controls that help to protect the sign from damage when the internal temperature of the sign is too hot to continue normal operation. • If the internal temperature of the sign reaches a pre-determined “dimming point”, the LED output from the sign is forced into a 50 % reduced power mode, effectively dimming the brightness of LED output by about 50 %.
Page 3: Alpha 4000 Series Nema 2 Models
ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 2 models Mounting instructions Model (weight) Wall Ceiling Counter 1. Remove the mounting shims 1. Attach two wall brackets to a wall the following Slide the mounting approximate distance apart (measured from the from each side of the sign. brackets to the desired center of each bracket): locations.
Page 4 ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 2 models Select serial communication mode Model (weight) NOTE: For more information on connecting ALPHA signs to a PC or to a PC network, refer to document 9708-8046: “Network Configurations” manual Push the tab in the middle of the plastic end-cap to remove the cap.
Page 5: Electrical Instructions
Electrical warning for all NEMA 12 models (ALPHA 4000 series and 420) Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the power wires A readily-accessible disconnect device shall be installed in the fixed wiring supplying power to this equipment. The disconnect device shall have a contact separation of at least 3 mm. This equipment relies on protective devices in the building installation for protection for short circuit and/or overcurrent protection.
Page 6: Alpha 4000 Series Nema 12 Models
ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the power wires, continued WARNING Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injury. Always disconnect power to sign prior to servicing. 1. Remove the power supply cover by unscrewing its 6 screws. Save the screws for a later step.
Page 7 ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the serial wires WARNING Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injury. Always disconnect power to sign prior to servicing. 5. Insert the serial wires through the right conduit on either the top or the bottom of the sign.
Page 8 ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the serial wires, continued 8. Connect the incoming serial wires (RJ11/RJ12 connection for RS232 only) P1 can be used for incoming RS232, although it is not recommended. NOTE: Be sure to place the wires so they will not be caught by screws when replacing the power supply cover, and also so they will not interfere with fan operation.
Page 9 ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 12 models Mounting instructions Model (weight) Wall Ceiling Stacking NOTE: Remove only one end cap at a time. NOTE: Up to 4 signs can be hung together 1. Remove one screw from the vertically (“stacked”). Mounting system top of the end cap.
Page 10 ALPHA 4000 series NEMA 12 models Mounting instructions Model (weight) Wall (continued) Back-to-Back NOTE: Remove only one end cap at a time for each sign. 6. Attach the two remaining wall mounting brackets to a wall so that they align with the brackets on the sign. 1.
Page 11: Alpha 420 Nema 12 Models
ALPHA 420 NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the power wires 1. Refer to the electrical warning on page 5 for information on required short circuit and over-current protective devices, as well as on the required disconnect device that must be installed between the sign and power supply.
Page 12 ALPHA 420 NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the serial wires 7. Insert the serial wires through the right conduit hole on either the top or the bottom of the sign. Insert the serial wires into one of these conduit holes.
Page 13 ALPHA 420 NEMA 12 models Model Electrical instructions (weight) Connecting the serial wires (continued) 9. Connect the incoming serial wires (RJ11/RJ12 connection for RS232 only) P1 can be used for incoming RS232, although it is not recommended. NOTE: Be sure to place the wires so they will not be caught by screws when replacing the power supply cover, and also so they will not interfere with fan operation.
Page 14 ALPHA 420 NEMA 12 models Mounting instructions Model (weight) Wall Ceiling Stacking NOTE: Remove only one end cap at a time. NOTE: Up to 4 signs can be hung together 1. Remove one screw from the vertically (“stacked”). Mounting system top of the end cap.
Page 15 ALPHA 420 NEMA 12 models Mounting instructions Model (weight) Wall (continued) Back-to-Back NOTE: Remove only one end cap at a time for each sign. 6. Attach the two remaining wall mounting brackets to a wall so that they align with the brackets on the sign. 1.
Page 16: Alpha 7000 Series Nema 4 And 4X Models
ALPHA 7000 series NEMA 4 and 4x models Model Mounting instructions (weight) 1. Attach the two sign brackets to a wall, ceiling, or other surface. Be sure to place the brackets so the bracket flanges face appropriately as shown below. Mount the brackets the following distance apart (measured from the center of the mounting holes in each bracket): Mounted so flanges are hidden behind the sign Mounted so flanges show on the sides of the sign...
Page 17 ALPHA 7000 series NEMA 4 and 4x models Model Electrical instructions–power supply (weight) WARNING Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injury. Always disconnect power to sign prior to servicing. 1. Open the front of the sign case by turning the quarter-turn latches to the left with a large screwdriver or a coin. (On the N047120, there are 3 quarter-turn latches;...
Page 18 ALPHA 7000 series NEMA 4 and 4x models Model Electrical instructions–serial communication (weight) 4. If the sign is to be used with serial communications or with an optional Output Control Accessory, remove one or both of the hole plugs from the lowest holes on the right end of the sign case.
Page 19 ALPHA 7000 series NEMA 4 and 4x models Model Electrical instructions (weight) If an optional Output Control Accessory is to be used (for example, an alarm light), feed wiring through the Output Control Accessory opening in the sign case. Strip the wires back 1/4”. Connect wiring for power, load/accessory, and ground as shown below by inserting wires into the terminal block and tightening the top screws clockwise.
Page 20: Wall Mounting Instructions
2.1" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Wall mounting instructions (weight) 1. Note: chain hanging is not recommended. 2. After unpacking the unit, select wall and mounting hardware that is capable of supporting at least four times the weight of the sign, and use 16 bolts to mount the sign.
Page 21: Electrical Installation Instructions
2.1" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (weight) WARNING Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injury. Always disconnect power to sign prior to servicing. WARNING Possible crush hazard. Engage safety bar while access door is opened.
Page 22 2.1" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (continued) (weight) 3. Connect the serial data lines as shown below. NOTE: For further information on connecting a sign to a computer, see the Network Configurations manual (pn 9708-8046). NOTE: Use separate conduits for the signal and power wires.
Page 23 2.1" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (continued) (weight) 4. Connect the sign to a power supply as shown below: N02CM040008 P03TRI (256 lbs, 116 kg) N02CM040012 P03TRI (288 lbs, 130.5 N02CM040016 Run the power wires out P03TRI through this 1-1/8-inch (320 lbs, 145 kg)
Page 24 2.1" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Changing the serial address on 2.1” NEMA 2 signs (weight) 1. Remove power from the sign. 2. Open the sign’s access door as described on page 21. 3. Then set DIP switch S1 to the desired serial address (see below), a number from 0 to 63 in hexadecimal (00 to 3F), in binary representation. (DIP switch 1 = least significant bit, 6 = most significant bit).
Page 25 3.2" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Wall mounting instructions (weight) 1. Note: chain hanging is not recommended. 2. After unpacking the unit, select wall and mounting hardware that is capable of supporting at least four times the weight of the sign, and use 16 bolts to mount the sign.
Page 26 3.2" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (weight) WARNING Hazardous voltage. Contact with high voltage may cause death or serious injury. Always disconnect power to sign prior to servicing. WARNING Possible crush hazard. Engage safety bar while access door is opened.
Page 27 3.2" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (continued) (weight) 3. Connect the serial data lines as shown below: NOTE: For further information on connecting a sign to a computer, see the Network Configurations manual (pn 9708-8046.) NOTE: Use separate conduits for the signal and power wires. Use watertight connectors for the conduit. Power supply Power supply Power supply...
Page 28 3.2" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Electrical installation instructions (continued) (weight) 4. Connect the sign to a power supply as shown below: Power supply Power supply Power supply N02CM040008 P045TRI (380 lbs, 172.5 kg) N02CM040012 P045TRI (430 lbs, 195.2 kg) Run the power supply wires out through this 1-1/8-inch (2.86 cm) opening in the sign.
Page 29 3.2" NEMA 2 character matrix signs Model Changing the serial address on 3.2” NEMA 2 signs (weight) 1. Remove power from the sign. 2. Open the sign’s access door as described in “Electrical installation instructions” on page 26. 3. Then set DIP switch S1 to the desired serial address (see below), a number from 0 to 63, in binary representation. (DIP switch 1 = least significant bit, 6 = most significant bit).