Indoor
Programmable Electronic Message Center Signs and Software
Overview
The BetaBrite is an indoor LED message center designed for retail,
light industrial, commercial and office use. It displays text and graphics
in eight colors and three rainbow effects. The BetaBrite is one
of the brightest and sharpest indoor displays available.
Use the
BetaBrite to convey information about your business, products,
services and specials to employees, customers, visitors, students,
patients and guests. The BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite
is frequently used as a point of sale display in restaurants, specialty
shops, car washes and retail businesses; in waiting rooms to inform
patients; and in hotels. It is often incorporated into casino gaming
devices, ticket and postage vending machines.
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.
BetaBrite Features
- One
Line The BetaBrite is a one-line model. It displays
text and graphics on one line.
- Multicolor
The BetaBrite is a multicolor model. Text and graphics
may be displayed in colors chosen from a palette of eight colors
red, green, amber, light red, light green, brown, orange and yellow
or in three rainbow color combinations. Specifying the built-in
Autocolor feature automatically and randomly changes the color of
each screen of text
- 13
Character Display The BetaBrite displays 13 characters
in all modes, except Condensed Rotate mode. In Condensed Rotate mode,
it displays 27 characters in ticker style.
- 30K
Memory The BetaBrite will store up to 30,000 bytes
of messages, programming instructions and graphics.
- 2 Character
Sizes Characters can be 1.5" (5 pixels) or 2.1"
(7 pixels) high.
- 2 Character
Fonts Text can be displayed in two fonts serif (fancy)
or sans serif (block).
- 4 Character
Widths Text can be displayed in four widths normal,
wide, double-wide, or wide double-wide in both fonts.
- Shadow
Style Text can be displayed in a 1.5" or 2.1"
serif or sans serif font with a background shadow color. The shadow
color for red or rainbow 1 characters is green. The shadow color for
green, amber, rainbow 2 and mix characters is red.
- Fixed
or Proportional Text can be displayed using fixed or proportional
spacing.
- 24
Character Styles The two fonts, two character heights,
four widths and shadow style can be combined to produce twenty-four
character styles:
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Normal
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Normal with Shadow
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Wide
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Wide with Shadow
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Double-Wide
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide
- 2.1"
Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
- 2.1"
Serif Normal
- 2.1"
Serif Normal with Shadow
- 2.1"
Serif Wide
- 2.1"
Serif Wide with Shadow
- 2.1"
Serif Double-Wide
- 2.1"
Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
- 2.1"
Serif Wide Double-Wide
- 2.1"
Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Normal
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Normal with Shadow
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Wide
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Wide with Shadow
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Double-Wide
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide
- 1.5"
Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
- Store
65 Messages The BetaBrite will hold up to 65 messages
files at one time. Each message file can be any size. The BetaBrite
dynamically allocates memory to each message file as needed up to
the total amount of memory available.
- Battery
Backup The BetaBrite has battery backup for messages.
Messages are retained in memory for up to a month when the BetaBrite
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 BetaBrite comes with a remote control
keyboard. The remote control keyboard emits infrared light that controls
many BetaBrite functions. The remote control keyboard can be
used up to 30 feet away from the BetaBrite. It can be used
to:
- turn
the BetaBrite 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
- 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 BetaBrite.
- 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.
- 24
Special Characters
The BetaBrite has 24 built-in special characters and glyphs
that may be displayed in messages:
- Y Punctuation
Key Symbol
- Carriage
Return Symbol
- Up Arrow
- Down
Arrow
- Left
Arrow
- Right
Arrow
- Pacman
Symbol
- Sailboat
- Baseball
- Telephone
Handset
- Heart
- Car
- Handicap
Wheelchair Symbol
- Rhino
Head
- Mug
- Satellite
Dish
- Copyright
Symbol ©
- Male
Symbol
- Female
Symbol
- Bottle
- Diskette
- Printer
- Musical
Note
- Infinity
Symbol
- 26
Display Modes The BetaBrite has 26 display modes
that control how the characters of each message enter, display and
exit the display screen. Using a variety of display modes in a message
gives "eye-appeal" to the message:
- Automode
Characters enter, display and exit using 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), move into position vertically from the
top and bottom (Roll In), move into position vertically, entering
from the center horizontal row (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 BetaBrite has six Speed codes that control
how long characters stay on the display in Hold and other modes, and
how fast text moves across the display in the two Rotate modes. A
special "no hold" Speed code can be used with Hold mode
to create user-designed animation effects.
- 11
Built-in Animations The BetaBrite has eleven built-in
graphic animations that can be inserted into messages as special effects:
- Cherry
Bomb The fuse on a cherry bomb burns down, and the
bomb explodes.
- 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.
- Fish
Three little fish one red, one yellow and one
green swim from left to right past green underwater vegetation,
then swim right to left, chased by a red shark.
- Slot
Machine A slot machine spins with random outcomes.
- Balloon
About a dozen balloons in different sizes and colors
float up. Ends with exploding effect.
- News
Flash A colorful satellite dish graphic "transmits"
dots upward as the characters, "NEWS FLASH" in red,
green and yellow, wipe right.
- Trumpet
Playing Music A trumpet rolls down onto the screen.
As its valves move up and down, eight red and green notes come
out of the trumpet and move across the screen to the right.
- 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 BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite
is to display similar fields of data on consecutive screens in the
same pixel positions.
- Display
Graphics The BetaBrite will display user-designed
graphics and logos, up to 7x80 pixels each, with your messages. You
can create and store graphics in the BetaBrite 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
for Windows or Smart Alec, to send messages and graphics to the BetaBrite.
- Display
Custom Animations The BetaBrite will display user-designed
animations sequences of user-designed bitmap graphic files.
The animations may play alone, or they may be included with a message.
- No
Battery Backed Up Clock The BetaBrite keeps the
time, but it does not have 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 BetaBrite. The day,
date and time are retained in BetaBrite memory as long as the
BetaBrite is plugged in. Once you unplug the BetaBrite,
the clock, day and date must be reset.
- 12-
or 24-Hour Time Display The BetaBrite can display
the time of day in either 12-hour or 24-hour format.
- Computer
Connection The BetaBrite may be attached to computers,
control equipment and communication devices that communicate using
RS232 protocol. An RS232 attachment port is a standard feature. Ethernet
and POCSAG (pager transmission) attachment options are available.
- 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 BetaBrite by cable.
- Priority
Message The BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite
as needed. Several tone control programming options are built-in.
- Program
with both Computer and Keyboard The BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite
by computer.
- Non-Blinking
String File Updates The BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite could be programmed
to display three (or more) ACD statistics fields for each of ten (or
more) ACD queues. As the real time values change for each of the 30
variables (3 x 10), the updated values can be transmitted into the
BetaBrite instantly, without causing the BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite
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 BetaBrite.
- Supports
Wireless Applications The BetaBrite supports POCSAG
or pager transmission format. It can be programmed for wireless applications.
- Wireless
News and Sports Service The BetaBrite 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 BetaBrite are announced by Adaptive Micro Systems,
firmware upgrades may be purchased and easily installed. BetaBrite
firmware is provided on a chip conveniently mounted in a chip carrier
that literally snaps into a socket inside the enclosure.
- Keyboard
Programming Manual A programming manual describing how
to use the remote control keyboard is provided with the BetaBrite.
It is well-written, well-organized and easy to use. It includes tutorial
exercises and feature reference tables. English,
Spanish and Portuguese
versions of the manual may be downloaded at no charge from our website.
- 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 230V The BetaBrite is completely solid-state.
It has a removable power cord and transformer that plugs into a standard
120V AC electrical outlet. For a more attractive installation, if
possible, locate your electrical outlet out of sight behind the BetaBrite
or above the drop ceiling, if the BetaBrite is being mounted
near the ceiling.
- Attractive
Enclosure The BetaBrite has an attractive Eurostyle
case design that will compliment any business environment.
- Mounting
Hardware Each BetaBrite 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.
- One
Year Warranty The BetaBrite has a one-year USA factory
warranty. After the one-year warranty expires, the BetaBrite
will be repaired and returned for a nominal flat rate.
BetaBrite Specifications
- AMS
Part #: 1036-1111
- Display
Array: 80 pixels wide x 7 pixels high
- Number
of Lines: 1
- Maximum
Character Height: 2.1" (4.3 cm)
- Maximum
Number of 2.1" Characters Displayed at Once: 13 characters
in all modes except Condensed Rotate mode; 27 characters in Condensed
Rotate mode.
- Pixel
Size (diameter): 0.2" (.05 cm)
- Pixel
(LED) Colors: Red, Green, Amber, Light Red, Light Green, Brown,
Orange, Yellow, Rainbow 1, Rainbow 2 and Mix
- Center-to-Center
Pixel Spacing (Pitch): 0.3" (0.8 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:
7 VDC at 3.25A, 50/60 HZ
- Keyboard:
Handheld, Eurostyle, Infrared-Wireless, Remote operated
- Case
Material: Extruded aluminum
- Display
Area Size: 24" L x 2.1" H
- Case
Size: 25.8" L x 2.0" D x 3.8" H
- Display
Weight: 2.55 lbs (1.16 kg) not including power cord or remote
keyboard
- Limited
Warranty: One-year parts and labor, factory servicing
- Agency
Approvals:
- 120
VAC Model: Listed to ANSI/UL 1950-3rd Edition (US) and CAN/CSA-22.2
No. 950-M89 (Canada)
- 230
VAC Models: Complies with EN 60950: 1992 (Europe) and AS/NZS 3260-1993
(Australia/New Zealand)
- FCC
Part 15 Class ACE Marked (optional for 230 VAC model)
- Operating
Temperature: 32º to 120ºF, 0º to 50ºC
- Humidity
Range: 0% to 95% non-condensing
- Current
Firmware Revision
Related Accessories and Replacement Parts
- External
Power Supplies:
- USA,
35W 120VAC Input 7V Output
- Europe,
25W 230VAC Input 7V Output
- Remote
Control Keyboard
- BetaBrite
Infrared Remote Keyboard with 2 AA Batteries Included
- Message
Loader (Serial/Infrared) 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)
- 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
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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