Overview
The Alpha 320C is a versatile indoor LED message center designed
for light industrial, commercial and office use. It displays text and
graphics in eight colors and three rainbow color combinations. The Alpha
320C is one of the brightest and sharpest indoor displays available.
The Alpha
320C was designed to meet sign requirements set forth in the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). Its 3.1" character size and 20-character
display length are suitable for most ADA sign applications.
The Alpha
320C character size makes it useful as an information or direction
sign in a corridor or at the top or bottom of an escalator in an office
building, manufacturing facility, health facility, school or business
campus, airport or other transportation terminal, distribution operation,
prison, hotel or hospitality complex, convention center or government
office building.
The Alpha
320C is a highly visible sales tool for a large showroom or sales
floor. It is an inexpensive sign solution for an automobile, truck
or motorhome dealer displaying special promotions and new features.
The Alpha
320C can be used to display employee communications that build
company loyalty, boost morale and encourage teamwork. Display the
company stock price, emphasize safety issues, advertise company-wide
events, promote cafeteria specials, announce birthdays and anniversaries,
and publish production goals and attainment. The Alpha 320C
is also ideal for displaying real-time information from a wireless
broadcast service or Internet source.
For applications
that require multiple LED message centers, any number of Alpha
320C displays can be connected together to form an integrated
system, along with a computer, displaying important information instantly
where it is needed.
Messages
can be entered using a remote control keyboard that is as easy to
understand and use as an ordinary calculator. Our unique Automode
and Autocolor programming features eliminate the need to learn complicated
programming procedures. Within seconds, anyone can create attractive
visual messages with attention-getting impact.
Messages
may also be entered using a computer and special messaging software.
Messages
are enhanced by 26 built-in display modes, multiple colors, multiple
text sizes and fonts, preprogrammed animations, user-designed graphics,
day, date, time of day and many other special features.
Alpha 320C Features
- One
Line The Alpha 320C is a one-line model. It displays
text and graphics on one line.
- Multicolor
Text and graphics may be displayed in colors chosen from a
palette of eight colors red, green, amber, yellow, light red,
light green, brown and light brown or in three rainbow color
combinations. Specifying the built-in Autocolor feature automatically
and randomly changes the color of each screen of text.
- 20
Character Display The Alpha 320C displays 20 characters
in all modes except Condensed Rotate mode. In Condensed Rotate mode,
it displays 34 characters.
- 29K
Memory The Alpha 320C will store up to 29,500 bytes
of messages, programming instructions and graphics.
- 2
Character Sizes Characters can be 2.2" (5 pixels) or 3.1"
(7 pixels) high.
- 2
Character Fonts Text can be displayed in two fonts
serif (fancy) or sans serif (block).
- 3
Character Widths Text can be displayed in three widths
normal, wide or double-wide.
- Fixed
or Proportional Text can be displayed using fixed or proportional
spacing.
- 9
Character Styles The two fonts, two character heights,
and three widths can be combined to produce nine character styles:
- 3.1"
Sans Serif Normal
- 3.1"
Sans Serif Wide
- 3.1"
Sans Serif Double-Wide
- 3.1"
Serif Normal
- 3.1"
Serif Wide
- 3.1"
Serif Double-Wide
- 2.2"
Sans Serif Normal
- 2.2"
Sans Serif Wide
- 2.2"
Sans Serif Double-Wide
- Store
81 Messages The Alpha 320C will hold up to 81 messages
files at one time. Each message file can be any size. The Alpha
320C dynamically allocates memory to each message file as needed
up to the total amount of memory available.
- Battery
Backup The Alpha 320C has battery backup for messages.
Messages are retained in memory for up to a month when the Alpha
320C is unplugged.
- Sequence
128 Messages Up to 128 messages files may be run in a sequence.
Messages files may be listed more than once in the sequence.
- Message
Scheduling Each message can display on its own schedule,
automatically turning on and turning off at specified times on specified
days without human or computer intervention. Each message can be programmed
with the day and time to start running and the day and time to stop
running. Daily recurring messages, such as Lunch Time Specials
and Coffee Break Specials or messages coordinated with public
transportation arrival and departure schedules, can turn on and turn
off at the appropriate times each day. Safety-oriented messages, such
as "Lift With Your Legs, Not With Your Back" or "Don't Forget To Wear
Your Safety Goggles" can be scheduled to display at different times,
instead of at the same time, to achieve maximum effect and variety.
- Wireless
Keyboard The Alpha 320C comes with a remote control
keyboard. The remote control keyboard emits infrared light that controls
many Alpha 320C functions. The remote control keyboard can
be used up to 30 feet away from the Alpha 320C. It can be used
to:
- turn
the Alpha 320C on and off
- turn
off and on the programming keys beep feature
- program
messages
- run
messages
- delete
specific messages
- insert
display modes, special effects and features, and international
characters into messages
- compose
dot graphic files and incorporate them into messages
- set
the message file run sequence
- set
the start and stop times and dates for each message file
- set
the time, day and date
- clear
display memory
- password
protect the messages
- change
the serial address of the Alpha 320C
- run
the built-in diagnostic tests
- Password
Protection and Message Locking These features are provided
to prevent unauthorized messages or changes to messages in the Alpha
320C.
- International
Character Set Messages may contain all the upper and lower
case letters (A - Z and a - z), the numbers 0 - 9, and the special
characters:
! @ # $ % & * ( ) _ - + = | \ { } [ ] : ; ? ? < > , . ? /
`
The
following international characters and symbols may also be displayed:
These
characters and symbols allow you to compose messages in more than
one language, in English and in Spanish, for example, so you can
display the messages in an alternating language message sequence.
- 26
Display Modes The Alpha 320C has 26 display modes
that control how the characters of each message enter, display and
exit. Using a variety of display modes in a message gives "eye-appeal"
to the message:
- Automode
Characters enter, display and exit under control of randomly
selected display modes.
- Roll
(Up, Down, Left, Right, In, Out) Characters move onto
the display down from the top (Roll Down), up from the bottom
(Roll Up), from the right end to the left (Roll Left), from the
left end to the right (Roll Right), from the right and left ends
to the center (Roll In), and from the center of the display to
the right and left ends (Roll Out).
- Wipe
(Up, Down, Left, Right, In, Out) Characters are revealed
as each horizontal row or vertical column of pixels is lighted
row by row or column by column from the top row of the
character down (Wipe Down), from the bottom row of the character
up (Wipe Up), from the left column of the message to the right
(Wipe Right), from the right column of the message to the left
(Wipe Left), from the center column of the message to the right
and left columns (Wipe Out), or from the right and left columns
of the message to the center column (Wipe In).
- Scroll
Characters move up onto the display from the bottom, and
any displayed characters move up and off the display.
- Rotate
Characters travel from right to left across the display
in the familiar stock market ticker display mode.
- Condensed
Rotate Characters travel from right to left across
the display in a horizontally-compressed font in the familiar
stock market ticker display mode.
- Hold
Characters display without effects or motion for a specified
length of time. The length of time the message stays on the screen
is determined by the Speed code.
- Flash
All characters blink on and off simultaneously several
times.
- Twinkle
The pixels of the displayed characters oscillate their
intensity.
- Sparkle
New characters appear as their pixels turn on randomly
and pixels in existing characters randomly turn off.
- Snow
Lighted pixels sprinkle down from the top pixel row, building
new characters from the bottom up, like accumulating snow.
- Interlock
The 2nd, 4th, and 6th horizontal rows of pixels in the
characters move rapidly from the left end to the right, while
the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th horizontal rows of pixels move rapidly
from the right end to the left, forming the message on the display.
- Switch
Every other character, i.e., the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th,
etc., moves onto the display from the top down, as the remaining
characters move onto the display from the bottom up, pausing momentarily
to display the message.
- Slide
Characters slide rapidly across the display, one at a time,
from right to left, building the message from left to right.
- Spray
The pixels of characters move across the display from right
to left in a spray effect, forming the characters from left to
right.
- Starburst
Several star-patterns display randomly, then form new characters,
replacing any previously displayed characters.
- 6
Speeds The Alpha 320C has six Speed codes that control
how long characters stay on the display in Hold mode, how long characters
stay on the screen in the various Roll and Wipe modes, Interlock mode,
Switch mode, etc. The fastest speed code is used with Hold mode to
create user-designed animation effects.
- 9
Built-in Animations The Alpha 320C has nine built-in
animations that can be inserted into messages as special effects:
- Cherry
Bomb The fuse on a cherry bomb burns down, and the
bomb explodes with a beep. The beep is an attention-getting Audible
Alert when it is incorporated into a message.
- Don't
Drink and Drive A car collides with a bubbling cocktail
glass, tossing its passenger and displaying the message "Please
Don't Drink and Drive."
- Fireworks
Colorful firework patterns explode and cascade on the display.
- No
Smoking A burning cigarette is extinguished, flipped
with a finger and replaced with the international No Smoking symbol.
- Running
Animal An animal resembling a horse runs across the
display from right to left.
- Slot
Machine A slot machine spins with random outcomes.
- Turbo
Car A car appears and races across the display.
- Thank
You "Thank You" is written in script from left to right.
- Welcome
"Welcome" is written in script from left to right.
- Automatic
Message Centering Messages are automatically centered on
the Alpha 320C display in all display modes, except when the
Fixed Characters code is used. The Fixed Characters code left-justifies
messages, and uses fixed (equal) character spacing from left to right.
The primary use of the Fixed Characters code on the Alpha 320C
is to display similar fields of data on consecutive screens in the
same pixel positions.
- Display
Graphics The Alpha 320C will display user-designed
graphics and logos, up to 7x120 pixels each, with your messages. You
can create and store graphics in the Alpha 320C using the remote
control keyboard, or you can use a computer and special software.
Using a computer, compose or scan bitmap (.bmp) graphics and save
the bitmap files on disk. Then use software, such as AlphaNet
Plus or Smart Alec, to send messages and graphics
to the Alpha 320C.
- Display
Custom Animations The Alpha 320C will display user-designed
animations sequences of user-designed bitmap graphic files.
The animations may play alone, or they may be included with a text
message.
- Real-Time
Clock The Alpha 320C has a built-in, battery backed
up real-time clock. The time and date (day, month, year) can be set
using either the remote control keyboard or using a computer with
software that sends the computer?s time and date to the Alpha 320C.
The day, date and time are retained in Alpha 320C memory for
up to a month when the unit is unplugged.
- 12-
or 24-Hour Time Display The Alpha 320C can display
the time of day in either 12-hour or 24-hour format.
- 5
Counters The Alpha 320C will automatically count
up or down in any increment, updating every minute, hour or day. Up
to five different counters may be active in your messages at the same
time. Counting may begin at any value between 0 and 99999999. Messages
can display the number of days, minutes or hours until a special event;
the number of days or hours since a lost-time accident; or a numeric
value that increments or decrements by the same amount every minute,
hour or day.
- Target
Messages Upon reaching specified Counter "target" values,
specific target messages can be displayed automatically. For example,
a message might display "10 DAYS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT!" and on the
next day automatically display "11 DAYS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT!" followed
by the target message: "A NEW RECORD... CONGRATULATIONS!"
- Computer
Connection The Alpha 320C may be attached to a wide
variety of computers, control equipment and communication devices.
- Supports
Multiple Communications Protocols The Alpha 320C
supports multiple communication protocols. RS232 and RS485 and two
RJ11 attachment ports are standard features. Ethernet and POCSAG attachment
options are also offered. Numerous cable, network, wireless and modem
connectivity options are supported by the Alpha 320C
click here for more information.
- Address
Each Display Each Alpha 320C can be assigned a unique
serial address, so that messages and data may sent by computer or
control devices to different displays on the same cable, wireless
channel, modem phone number or TCP/IP address. 255 serial addresses
are available, and the Alpha 320C serial address may be set
or changed easily with the remote control keyboard or with a computer
and special software without having to open the Alpha 320C
enclosure. The Alpha 320C also has a bank of internal DIP switches
that allow its serial address to be set permanently. This method will
survive lengthy power supply interruptions or other conditions that
could cause a software-set address to reset.
- Message
Verification and Error Checking Built-in features ensure
that messages are received accurately when a computer or control equipment
sends messages or data to the Alpha 320C by cable.
- Priority
Message The Alpha 320C has a 125-byte Priority message
file that can be activated by special programming. When the Priority
message file is activated, all other message files that are currently
running stop being displayed. When the Priority message is terminated,
the other messages resume displaying.
- Audible
Alert A Tone feature may be invoked to beep the Alpha
320C as needed. Several tone control programming options are built-in.
- Program
with both Computer and Keyboard The Alpha 320C may
be programmed by computer and by remote control keyboard without
either the computer or the remote control keyboard disrupting the
messages programmed by the other device. You may define how much of
the storage capacity of the Alpha 320C is reserved for programming
by the remote control keyboard. You can also allow or deny remote
control keyboard access to message files transmitted to the Alpha
320C by computer.
- Non-Blinking
String File Updates The Alpha 320C supports "String
Files" and real-time updating of String Files without blinking the
messages displayed on the sign. String files are memory areas set
aside in sign memory by special programming. One use of String Files
is to store changing data being updated by an external device or computer.
For example, the Alpha 320C could be programmed to display
five (or more) ACD statistics fields for each of ten (or more) ACD
queues. As the real time values change for each of the 50 variables
(5 x 10), the updated values can be transmitted into the Alpha
320C instantly, without causing the Alpha 320C to blink
and without affecting the information currently being displayed. String
Files can also be used to save sign memory. For example, if the same
data is displayed multiple times within a message, the data can be
stored once in a String File and recalled from its String File location
each time it is needed.
- Nested
Commands For programmers writing control sequences using
native sign communication protocol, multiple commands can be repeated
or "nested" within a transmission frame.
- Clear
Memory Easily When debugging and testing software and messages
features, the remote control keyboard can be used to clear the memory
of the sign quickly and conveniently, without opening the Alpha
320C enclosure or taking it down from where it is mounted. Clearing
memory removes all messages, graphic files and the password that have
been programmed into the Alpha 320C.
- Supports
Wireless Applications The Alpha 320C supports POCSAG
or pager transmission format. It can be programmed for wireless applications.
- Wireless
News and Sports Service The Alpha 320C can be equipped
with a wireless broadcast receiver that will display the latest news
headlines, financial market summaries, sports information and scores,
in addition to your own messages. The receiver and news service are
extra charge options.
- Update
Firmware Easily When new features or firmware improvements
for the Alpha 320C are announced by Adaptive Micro Systems,
firmware upgrades may be purchased and easily installed. Alpha
320C firmware is provided on a chip conveniently mounted in a
chip carrier that literally snaps into a socket inside the right end
cap of the Alpha 320C.
- Keyboard
Programming Manual A programming manual describing how
to use the remote control keyboard is provided with the Alpha 320C.
It is well-written, well-organized and easy to use. It includes tutorial
exercises and feature reference tables. A Spanish translation of the
manual is available. Both English
and Spanish manuals
may be downloaded at no charge.
- Technical
Assistance and Support Ongoing limited customer assistance
for installation issues and technical support are provided by Alpha-American
Programmable Signs at no additional charge.
- Programming
Assistance and Training Our experienced instructors and
technicians are available by telephone or on site in your location.
- Internet
Support Both the manufacturer, Adaptive Micro Systems,
and distributor, Alpha-American Programmable Signs, have informative
web sites.
- 110
or 220V The Alpha 320C is completely solid-state.
It has a removable power cord, and it plugs into a standard 120V AC
electrical outlet. For a more attractive installation, if possible,
locate your electrical outlet out of sight behind the Alpha 320C
or above the drop ceiling, if the Alpha 320C is being mounted
near the ceiling.
- Attractive
Enclosure The Alpha 320C has an attractive Eurostyle
case design that will compliment any business environment.
- Mounting
Hardware Each Alpha 320C includes mounting hardware
for wall, counter top and ceiling installations. Back-to-back mounting
hardware for ceiling-mounted configurations is available as an extra
charge option.
- Two
Year Warranty
The Alpha 320C has a one-year USA factory warranty. Alpha-American
Programmable Signs extends the warranty to two years for our customers.
After the two-year warranty expires, the Alpha 320C will be
repaired and returned for a flat rate that includes return shipping
Alpha 320C Specifications
- AMS
Part #: 1043-1112
- Display
Array: 120 pixels wide x 7 pixels high
- Number
of Lines: 1
- Maximum
Character Height: 3.1" (7.6 cm)
- Maximum
Number of Characters on Sign Display: 20 characters in all modes
except Condensed Rotate mode; 34 characters in Condensed Rotate mode.
- Pixel
Size (diameter): 0.276" (.7 cm)
- Pixel
(LED) Colors: Red, Green, Amber, Yellow, Light Red, Light Green,
Brown, Light Brown, Rainbow 1, Rainbow 2 and Mix
- Center-to-Center
Pixel Spacing (Pitch): .45" (1.1 cm)
- Character
Set: Block (sans serif); Decorative (serif); Upper and Lower case;
Normal, Wide and Double-Wide
- Automatic
Centering Messages center in any mode, except when Fixed
Characters is specified. Fixed Characters left justifies messages
in any mode.
- Power:
100 VAC to 240 VAC and 50/60 Hz. 40 watts.
- Power
Cord Length: 10 feet (3 m)
- Keyboard:
Handheld, Eurostyle, Infrared-Wireless, Remote operated
- Case
Material: Molded plastic
- Display
Area Size: 54" L x 3.1" H (137.2 cm L x 7.9 cm H)
- Case
Size: 57.4" L x 3.8" D x 5.5" H (145.8 cm L x 9.7 cm D x 14 cm
H)
- Weight:
12.5 lbs (5.7 kg) including display, power cord, and remote control
keyboard
- Limited
Warranty: Two-year
parts and labor, factory servicing (see comments above).
- Agency
Approvals:
- Listed
to ANSI/UL 1950-Second Edition (US) and CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 950-M89
(Canada)
- Complies
with EN 60950: 1992 (Europe) and AS/NZS 3260-1993 (Australia/New
Zealand)
- FCC
Part 15 Class A
- CE
Marked
- Operating
Temperature: 32? to 120?F, 0? to 49?C
- Humidity
Range: 0% to 95% non-condensing
- Current
Firmware Revision
Related
Accessories and Replacement Parts
- Remote
Control Keyboards
- Alpha
Remote Keyboard (with English labels) with 4 AAA Batteries Included
- Remote
Control Keyboard (with Spanish labels) with 4 AAA Batteries Included
- Infrared
Message Loader with 9V Battery and 3' Cable
- RS232
Connectivity Items
- 25'
RS232 6-conductor Modular Cable with RJ11-06 connectors on each
end
- RS232
Serial Adapter (DB25F to RJ11-06) for 25-pin Serial Ports
- RS232
Serial Adapter (DB9F to RJ11-06) for 9-pin Serial Ports
- RS232
Serial Adapter (DB25M to RJ11-06) for Modem use
- RS232
Serial Adapter (DB25M to DB9F) Gender changer for 9-pin Serial
Port
- RS232
Serial Adapter (DB25F to DB9M) Gender changer for 25-pin Serial
Port
- 25'
RS232 6-conductor Modular Cable with RJ11-06 connectors on each
end
- 50'
RS232 6-conductor Modular Cable with RJ11-06 connectors on each
end
- 6-Conductor
RJ11 Coupler for connecting RS232 Cables together (Maximum 50'
length)
- RS485
Connectivity Items
- RS232
to RS485 Converter Box III with two End of Line Terminators (without
Power Adapter)
- Converter
Box AC Adapter, USA, 10W 120VAC Input 9V Output
- Converter
Box AC Adapter, European, 14W 230VAC Input 9V Output
- Converter
Box AC Adapter, United Kingdom, 14W 240VAC Input 9V Output
- 10'
RS232 Serial Cable, Type A9, DB9F to DB9M for Converter Box to
PC
- 10'
RS232 Serial Cable, Type B9, DB25M to DB9M for Converter Box to
Modem
- 1000'
Spool of Shielded RS485 Network Cable
- 100'
Spool of Shielded RS485 Network Cable
- RS485
Modular Network Adapter Connects RS485 Modular Cable to
Shielded RS485 Network Cable
- 8'
RS485 Cable with Ferrite Core; have RJ11-04 jacks on each end
- 1'
RS485 Cable with Ferrite Core; have RJ11-04 jacks on each end
- 8'
RS485 Cable with three RJ11-04 jacks for back-to-back Alpha sign
configurations
- End
of line Terminator for Converter Box III and Alpha RS232 port
- Network
Repeater Box
- Alpha
Ethernet Adapter Kits and Components
- Alpha
Ethernet Adapter 10 Base T Serial Server
- Alpha
Ethernet Adapter DB25F to RJ11 Connector
- Alpha
Ethernet Adapter Cable
- MSS100
Ethernet Serial Server 10/100 Base
- MSS485
Ethernet Serial Server 10 Base
- Alpha
Discrete Input Interface Kit and Components
- Alpha
Discrete Input Interface CPU Module
- Alpha
Discrete Input Interface Power Supply
- Alpha
Discrete Input Interface Kit (Sink Mode)
- Additional
Input Module (Sink Mode)
- Alpha
Discrete Input Interface Kit (Source Mode)
- Additional
Input Module (Sink Mode)
- Wireless
Broadcast Receiver and News Service
- Firmware
Update
- Back-to-back
Mounting Brackets
- 230
VAC Power with European Line Cord
- 230
VAC Power with United Kingdom Line Cord
- 230
VAC Power with Australian Line Cord
- Packing
Materials Carton and Styrofoam
Related Documentation
Software Available
Technical Support
- Hardware:
- From
Distributor, Alpha-American Programmable Signs
- From
Manufacturer, Adaptive Micro Systems
- Software:
- From
Alpha-American Programmable Signs
- From
Adaptive Micro Systems
- From
other sign software providers
Prices
and Ordering Information
- There
are three ways to obtain prices:
- Call
Alpha-American Programmable Signs at 1-800-223-4636.
- Send
an e-mail
request for prices.
- Use
our Request Form.
- 7.75%
California Sales Tax is added to sales of items delivered in California,
unless other arrangements are made.
- Actual
shipping charges are added to each order.
- There
are five ways to order:
- To
use our on-line e-Commerce system to place your order,
please contact us for a user name and password.
- You
may also submit orders by fax, mail, e-mail, or telephone.
- Various
terms are
available.
Copyright
and Disclaimer Notices
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