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Programming Alpha Signs
Without a Keyboard
Call 1-800-223-4636 to order software and connectivity
items to program Alpha or Betabrite electronic LED signs
without an Alpha or Betabrite Remote Control Programming Keyboard.
While replacement
Alpha Cable Remote Keyboards for
the Alpha 210, 221, 430, 440, 460,
480, 710, 715, and 790i displays
have been unavailable for several years, this does not mean that you
cannot program your Alpha LED electronic sign, if you do not
have a keyboard.
Using software
to program your sign is a much better programming solution than using
either the cable or infrared remote keyboards. Editing messages on a
computer screen is MUCH easier than editing messages on the screen of
the sign and in sign memory.
You can
use AlphaNet software and RS485
or Ethernet connectivity items to program any Alpha sign by computer.
You can also use RS232 connectivity to program many Alpha and
Betabrite electronic LED sign models.
Older Alpha
sign models can use either RS485 connectivity or Ethernet connectivity
items. Current Alpha sign models can use RS232, RS485 or Ethernet
connectivity items.
RS485
Connectivity Option
To program
your Alpha LED electronic sign using a computer, software, and
RS485 connectivity, you will need the following items. Call 1-800-223-4636
for prices:
-
One
(1) RS232 to RS485 Converter Box (part # 1088-1111). This
device is installed near your messaging computer. It converts your
computer's serial output from RS232 to RS485 communications.
-
One
(1) 6-foot RS232 Converter Box Attachment Cable. If your
computer has a 9-pin serial port, order a DB9F serial cable
(part # 1088-8634). If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, order
a DB25F serial cable (part # 1088-8633). This cable attaches
the Converter Box to your computer's serial port. If your computer
doesn't have a serial port, but it has a USB port, you may purchase
a USB to Serial Port adapter at your local computer store (CompUSA,
Fry's, etc.). Then you can use the DB9F serial cable.
-
RS485
Network Cable (part # 7122-0283). This cable is Belden 8761
AWG 22 shielded twisted pair. Many users substitute CAT5. This cable
runs from the Converter Box to an RS485 Network Adapter near each
Alpha sign. It can be up to 4,000 feet long.
-
One
(1) RS485 Network Adapter (part # 4331-0602) for each sign.
This adapter attaches to the RS485 Network Cable and provides a
connection for one RS485 Modular Cable.
-
One
(1) 8-foot RS485 Modular Cable (part # 1088-8624)
or one (1) 1-foot RS485 Modular Cable (part # 1088-8636)
for each sign. One end of this cable attaches to the Alpha
sign RS485 port or to a T-Connector on older Alpha models.
The other end of this cable attaches to an RS485 Network Adapter.
-
Older
Alpha Signs Only: One (1) T-Connector (part # 1088-3004A)
for each sign. This adapter plugs into your Alpha sign's
DIN connector to provide an RS485 cable connection.
-
Replacement
firmware, if needed. See Modified Firmware
below.
- AlphaNet
software to program the Alpha sign.
Ethernet
Connectivity Option
To program
your older Alpha sign using a computer, software, and Ethernet
connectivity, you will need the following items. Call 1-800-223-4636
for prices:
-
One
(1) MSS485 Ethernet Adapter (part # 1088-4112A). This device
is installed near one of your Alpha displays. It converts
your computer's Ethernet data stream into RS485 communications.
-
One
(1) Ethernet Attachment Cable. This cable connects the MSS485
Ethernet Adapter to your local area network.
-
RS485
Network Cable (part # 7122-0283). This cable is Belden 8761
AWG 22 shielded twisted pair. Many users substitute CAT5. This cable
runs from the Converter Box to an RS485 Network Adapter near each
Alpha sign. It can be up to 4,000 feet long.
-
One
(1) RS485 Network Adapter (part # 4331-0602) for each sign.
This adapter attaches to the RS485 Network Cable and provides a
connection for one RS485 Modular Cable.
-
One
(1) 8-foot RS485 Modular Cable (part # 1088-8624)
or one (1) 1-foot RS485 Modular Cable (part # 1088-8636)
for each sign. One end of this cable attaches to the Alpha
sign RS485 port or to a T-Connector on older Alpha models.
The other end of this cable attaches to an RS485 Network Adapter.
-
Older
Alpha Signs Only: One (1) T-Connector (part # 1088-3004A)
for each sign. This adapter plugs into your Alpha sign's
DIN connector to provide an RS485 cable connection.
-
Replacement
firmware, if needed. See Modified Firmware
below.
- AlphaNet
software to program the Alpha sign.
RS232
Connectivity Option
To program
a current Alpha electronic LED sign model using a computer, software,
and RS232 connectivity, you will need the following items. Call 1-800-223-4636
for prices:
-
One
(1) RS232 Modular Adapter. If your computer has a 9-pin serial
port, order a DB9F adapter (part # 1000-0009). If your computer
has a 25-pin serial port, order a DB25F serial cable (part
# 1000-0025).
-
One
(1) RS232 Modular Cable. You may order a 25-foot long cable
(1001-0025) or a 50-foot long cable (part # 1001-0050).
-
Replacement
firmware, if needed. See Modified Firmware
below.
- AlphaNet
software, Alpha Messaging,
or Alpha Remote
Messaging software to program the Alpha sign.
Another
Less Expensive Ethernet Connectivity Option
To program
a current Alpha LED electronic sign model using a computer, software,
and Ethernet connectivity, you will need the following items. Call 1-800-223-4636
for prices:
-
One
(1) Alpha Ethernet Adapter (part # 1088-1114A). This device
connects directly to the Alpha sign. It converts your computer's
Ethernet data stream into RS232 communications.
-
One
(1) Ethernet Attachment Cable. This cable connects the Alpha
Ethernet Adapter to your local area network.
-
Replacement
firmware, if needed. See Modified Firmware
below.
- AlphaNet
software, Alpha Messaging,
or Alpha Remote
Messaging software to program the Alpha sign.
For additional
information on RS232, RS485, or Ethernet connectivity, including layout
schematics, cable and connector diagrams, click here
to download the Networking Alpha Signs
manual.
Modified
Firmware
Some Alpha
signs have modified firmware, so they can be used in special applications,
such as News Ticker, Stock Ticker, Sports Ticker, or Lottery displays,
or as ACD readerboards for specific phone systems. Alpha signs
with modified firmware often will not work with an Alpha programming
keyboard or with Alpha software. If your Alpha sign has
modified firmware, you may order a standard firmware replacement chip
by calling 1-800-223-4636.
Manuals
Related
Links
Ordering Info
- For
prices, please call Alpha-American Programmable Signs at (800) 223-4636
or use our Request Form.
- 7.75%
California Sales Tax is added to sales of items delivered in California,
unless other arrangements are made.
- Shipping
charges are added to each order.
- Submit
orders by fax, mail, e-mail or telephone.
- Various
terms are
available.
Copyright and Disclaimer
Notices
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